A Year of Transition and Growth at FFA
This year marks an extraordinary chapter for FFA, one defined by leadership transitions, professional achievements, and the continued strength of a team committed to designing places that support communities across the Pacific Northwest. As we move into our next era as a minority- and women-owned firm, we celebrate the people who shape this practice every day.
A New Leadership Model and a Historic Milestone
FFA is proud to announce that Richard Grace and Christine Rumi have assumed majority shareholder roles, marking an important milestone in our 70-year history. With this transition, Christine becomes the new President of FFA, bringing her steadfast leadership, client-centered focus, and commitment to mentorship to the forefront of firm operations. Together, Richard and Christine represent a thoughtful evolution of FFA’s leadership model, one grounded in shared values and a vision for an equitable, resilient, and community-focused future.
Honoring Troy Ainsworth’s Legacy
Last fall, we gathered to celebrate the remarkable career of Troy Ainsworth, who has now retired after several decades of dedicated service to FFA and our clients. Troy’s work shaped many of FFA’s most beloved civic and community spaces, and his influence extends far beyond project boundaries, into the culture of collaboration and care he helped cultivate. Late last year, the Daily Journal of Commerce honored Troy with its Icon Award, a fitting recognition of his lasting impact on the region’s built environment and on all of us who have worked alongside him.
Celebrating Professional Achievements
We also congratulate two team members, Karin Wohlert and Kathleen Strigle, on achieving architectural licensure in 2025. This milestone reflects years of rigorous training, dedication to the profession, and commitment to serving communities through design. We’re proud to support their continued growth as architects at FFA.
Advancing Leadership from Within
This year, we also recognize three emerging leaders within the firm by naming them Associates:
Davis Carlisle, whose project leadership and technical rigor has strengthened teams across multiple areas of the practice. Internally to FFA, Davis is a contributing member of the Sustainability and BIM Committees, an advocate for project and employee wellness and our AIA 2030 commitment, and provides firmwide Revit advancement and education. His recent portfolio at FFA includes work with Trimet on its pilot program for a new bus bench design systemwide, the Portland Parks & Recreation Mt Scott Community Center, and, currently, serving as FFA’s Project Architect for the Chemeketa Community College Building 7 Renovation.
Carolyn Nguyen’s thoughtful design approach and ability to build trust with clients elevates every team she joins. Carolyn joined FFA in 2021 and has since supported teams for the Santa Barbara Police Headquarters replacement project, the Corvallis Parks Maintenance and Operations Facility, and the Forest Grove City Hall Renovation and Expansion. Within the firm, she enthusiastically supports the Sustainability, Equity, and Community Engagement Committees, including co-leading wellness initiatives and planning community-volunteering efforts firmwide.
Kathleen Strigle is newly licensed and already a key contributor to our project delivery and firmwide equity efforts. She is currently dedicated to the firm’s first affordable housing project, a collaborative development for Edlen & Co. and Bienestar in McMinnville, Oregon. Kathleen is a versatile, technically skilled architect with experience in a range of public market sector projects. She is passionate about creating quality designs tailored to user needs and incorporating sustainable practices.
Their growing leadership reflects the depth of talent within FFA and our commitment to fostering growth across every career stage.
Welcoming New Team Members
Our practice continued to grow in 2025, strengthened by the expertise and perspectives of talented new colleagues across architecture, interiors, finance, and administrative support:
Leah Wheeler, Finance Director
Patty Crouse, Interior Designer
Amanda Leggett, Accounting
Nick Hodge, Designer
Jeanne Jameson, Architect
Drew Jepson, Architect
Each brings a unique background and passion for community-centered design. We are thrilled to welcome them into the FFA team.
Celebrating Years of Service
Finally, we extend heartfelt congratulations to Hai Chi Luc on his 30-year anniversary with FFA. Hai’s steady presence, technical expertise, and care for his colleagues have shaped three decades of meaningful work within the firm. His contributions, seen and unseen, continue to strengthen our ability to deliver thoughtful, high-quality architecture to communities across the region.
At FFA, our people define who we are. This year’s transitions and celebrations remind us that our strength lies in shared leadership, collective care for one another, and a deep commitment to designing places that reflect and uplift the communities we serve. As we look ahead to our eighth decade in business, we do so with gratitude, optimism, and excitement for the work still to come.