Larry reads A LOT – mostly self-help books about business trends, developing leadership skills, and the importance of positive thinking. That particular journey started with Norman Vincent Peal’s “The Power of Positive Thinking.” Lately, it’s been Earl Nightingale’s “The Strangest Secret.” Yet, the most important book to Larry is “The Living Bible” (TLB) that James and Betty Joe Johnson of Mentone, Alabama presented to him as a college graduation gift.
Passionate about: His life’s calling is Architecture, Excellent Architecture and the work of RIM. His goal is to see RIM achieve its potential and become an Enduring, Great Company!
Larry founded RIM Architects in 1986 and remains President/CEO of the firm. His design philosophy continues to be at the heart of all of RIM’s projects. It involves a deep commitment to and respect of the client and the project, and the development of an architectural response that is aesthetically interesting and unique, functionally appropriate and technically enduring in its respective climate.
While headquartered in Anchorage, Larry loves to travel and visit RIM’s offices in San Francisco, Honolulu and Hagatna, Guam. He thrives on the face-to-face interaction with his partners and staff members, and absorbing the rich and diverse culture in each of RIM’s locations.
More Passions: Flying N4764Q, his ivory, copper and green Cessna 185. “Face time” with his grandson, Bowman. Playing guitar for Bowman’s dancing practice! Time at the Creek with wife, Barbara, and Grandmother, our Kids and guests. Time at the Girdwood Cabin, by the crackling fire, in the hot tub, and – oh yes – skiing!
Keywords: Family, Work, Balance, Fun, Relationships
Favorite Quote (changes frequently): “A man is what he thinks about all day long.” – Ralph Waldo Emerson
Favorite Salmon Recipe: Fresh salmon, caught by LC or as last resort, from 10th and M, Add garlic teriyaki sauce, then sprinkle with McCormick’s Montreal Steak Seasoning, lemon pepper, and last but not least, dill weed. Cook on a “hot” grill, skin side down until you can see the juices come to the surface. Do not flip over! Slide the meat off the skin with a big spatula and serve NOW with the rest of the meal. Corn on the cob is hard to beat! Asparagus! Oh – and onions, and peppers are all great grilled along with the fish as long as all comes off at the same time.
Larry has a Bachelor of Architecture degree with Honors from Auburn University. He is a registered architect in Alaska, California, Guam, Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands, Georgia, Alabama, Hawaii, Washington, Arizona, Idaho, Nevada, Texas, Utah, Montana, Wyoming, Colorado, South Carolina, and North Dakota.
Tim Armour is defined by his determination to uphold RIM Architects position as a leading design firm in Guam and Micronesia. He leads our local resources, which includes architects, intern architects, construction administrators, finance, human resources, marketing, risk management, technology support and development into a results-oriented firm. He focuses on strategic practices and policies, and supports it with professional development, maintaining our pool of talent and expertise to serve our clients effectively across our markets.
Areas of Expertise: contracts, risk management, business administration, sustainable design, construction administration.
Passionate About: watching an idea go from blank piece of paper and turn into a successful building.
Interests: painting, photography, mountain biking, cycling.
Keywords: Optimist, Charitable, Unflappable.
“Every great example of creativity, whether it is a novel, a painting, or a building, starts out with a blank piece of paper, a number 2 pencil and a good idea.”
Tim has a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Painting and Photography from Pratt Institute.
Scott’s attention to detail and love of northern climates has carried into his professional work with more than 31 years of experience in the architectural field. He has become one of Alaska’s top roofing specialists, teaching the northern design climate class at the University of Alaska to up and coming young designers. He carries this peculiar love of retaining snow loads into every design he completes.
Scott is RIM’s guru for anything pertaining to renovation work and has a passion for technically sound solutions and design. Specifications, renovations, code upgrades, and operations and maintenance work are his specialties. Scott is on the board of directors for the local chapter of Construction Specifications Institute as well as being a Certified Construction Specifier.
Scott is also an instructor for the Certified Document Technician course for the Construction Specifications Institute. In addition, Scott is an instructor for the roofing design portion of the Northern Design Course at the University of Alaska, Anchorage.
Areas of Expertise: Northern Design, Roofing and Exterior Envelope Design, Code and ADA Analysis, Construction Specifications, Extreme multi-tasking on numerous active projects.
Passionate About: Client Service, Technically Complete Design, Teaching, Family, and Rough Framing
Interests: Fishing, Golf, Hockey, Sharing Quality time with his Granddaughters, Home Improvements, Boy Scouts of America
Keywords: Technical, Detailed, Trustworthy, Humorous, Down-to-earth, Overachiever (look at the list to the right of his name), Minnesotan, Perfectionist
Favorite Architect: Richard Meiers
Favorite Quote: “Less is More” – Mies van der Rohe
Scott has both a Bachelor of Science in Architecture as well as a Bachelor of Architecture degree from North Dakota State University. He is a licensed architect in Alaska.
James spends most of his free time reading non-fiction and do-it-yourself guides or assisting his family in the pursuit of excellence in Alaska’s winter playground, where climate and lifestyle are intertwined. He is an advocate for making Alaska a great place to work and play. To further those goals, he serves as a director on the boards of the Anchorage Downtown Partnership and the Kincaid Project Group, the former dedicated to assuring the vitality of Anchorage’s urban core; the latter dedicated to developing our parkland into world-class sports venues. He volunteers time and support for organizations such as Alaska Biathlon, the Nordic Ski Association of Anchorage, and also just completed 10 years of service on Anchorage’s Urban Design Commission.
Employee #2. Soon after Larry formed the firm in 1986, he hired James to assist with some fast track work with the Anchorage School District. James has witnessed unprecedented change in the industry since he first entered the workforce in the early 1980s: most firms were still practicing as architecture had been performed for hundreds of years – technology meant a typewriter for specifications, and pencils or pens drawing on paper or linen. He has witnessed the transition from ink pen to overlay transparencies, to primitive cadd workstation, to the rise of the PC for word processing and two dimensional drawing, into fully object-based Building Information Modeling (BIM). In spite of this tremendous evolution and personal reliance on technology, he still believes and advocates for human creativity and imagination as the best tools for solving the difficult challenges of our day.
James has been instrumental in raising RIM Architect’s profile nationally, as a specialist in Visitor Services planning and facility design. He has been managing RIM’s contracts with the National Park Service for more than a decade. As Principal-in-Charge, he has been responsible for the successful completion of hundreds of projects including master planning and design of new facilities in remote and wilderness areas, mainly utilizing the integrated project delivery methodology. His sensitivity to regionally-responsive design with minimal negative environmental impact positioned RIM to be at the forefront of the sustainability movement, resulting in designs for a number of firsts: the first LEED Silver project in Alaska, the first LEED Platinum project in the National Park Service nationwide, and the first private-sector LEED Silver and LEED Gold projects. He championed a corporate policy on sustainable behavior and practice, which has been embraced throughout RIM as a cornerstone of our core values.
Keywords: Family – Alaskan – Inquisitive – Design
Favorite Quote: “A doctor can bury his mistakes but an architect can only advise his clients to plant vines.” – Frank Lloyd Wright
James earned his Bachelor of Architecture with Honors and Master of Architecture degrees from Montana State University. He is a registered architect in Alaska.
Michelle is defined by her focus on excellent architecture and project management. Her disciplined nature and attention to detail has been a cornerstone in managing RIM’s San Francisco office. Her personal time is filled with teaching Yoga and Pilates while raising two beautiful daughters. Her Hybrid Ford Escape has become a Softball Mom’s taxi!
Areas of expertise: quality control, sustainable design, client relations and design-build.
Passion: traveling to other countries. She hopes to get back to Bali one day for more scuba diving.
Interests: yoga, pilates, cycling, good food and wine.
Keywords: Active, Adaptable, Empathetic and Relatable
“Works Hard – Plays Harder”
Michelle has a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University. She is a registered architect in California, Nevada and Guam.
Dave is defined by his ability to see the “big picture” and to share it with every team member. He is a visionary leader – yet he likes to get down into the trenches with the team and be a part of the action. Dave’s career with RIM Architects has given him the opportunity to live in Guam, Hawaii and now back home in Alaska. His passion for RIM to be a global company as well as his eye for hospitality design has taken him to some exotic locations in Asia and the South Pacific.
Areas of expertise: Dave has an eye for urban planning, multi-family housing and hospitality design. His personable nature and magnetism makes for fun and successful charrettes with multiple stakeholders.
Passionate about: his family, health, finances and keeping everyone happy and engaged.
Interests: skiing, cycling, triathlon, traveling and Karaoke.
Keywords: Futuristic, Strategic, Responsible, Passionate
“An opportunist that participates in the call for action.”
Dave has a Bachelor of Architecture (Design) from Texas Tech University. He is a registered architect in Alaska, Hawaii, Guam, Saipan, Texas, Missouri, Illinois, Idaho, and Kansas.
Eric has had a key role in establishing RIM’s presence in the Pacific Rim. His 34 years of experience includes 25 years with RIM as a managing principal spearheading the opening and strategic development of the firm’s offices in Guam, California and Hawai`i. Eric easily adapts to whatever situation he is in – he takes great pleasure in providing creative solutions to challenging and multifaceted projects.
Areas of Expertise: As an experienced Managing Principal, Eric is highly proficient at all the major aspects of Architecture, including design, project management, finance, business development. He is especially involved in working with clients to give their projects vision, ensuring that projects have creative design solutions and are organized for successful project delivery.
Passionate About: Creative design, Retail design, working with clients to achieve design solutions that exceed their expectations and grow their businesses.
Interests: hiking
Keywords: creative, lateral thinker, leader
Eric holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Nebraska. He joined RIM in 1986, and is a registered architect in Alaska, Guam, Saipan, Wyoming, California and Hawai`i.
Phill is a champion of collaborative design process and team building. He is a mentor to design leaders in our Guam office. His understanding of building systems and construction technologies in tropical environment fuel his ability to apply comprehensive quality assurance in the overall project in this region.
His expertise in design-build projects and Department of Defense requirements has been a driving force behind the development and excellent reputation of our firm in this market. His vast portfolio includes award winning projects completed for various US military installations and Federal Government Agencies in Guam, Micronesia, Japan, and Korea.
Areas of Expertise: construction documents, codes, design-build, DoD requirements
Passionate About: family, hui aikane golf club (active participant in the yearly club fundraising effort for Shriners Hospitals for Children), us green building council, american institute of architects (guam chapter – secretary)
Interests: golf, sports, traveling, Reese’s Peanut Butter Cup
Keywords: anchor, stalwart, trustworthy, man of few words
“A building is a huge investment – my job is to make sure my team goes beyond the expectations of the most exalting clients.”
Phill graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture. He is a registered architect in Guam.
Hello Guten Tag Hallo Ciao G’day
After growing up and attending school in Kentucky, and prior to beginning her second and current tenure in Alaska in 2003, Krista studied architecture in Germany, Austria, and Italy and lived/worked in Oregon and Australia. In addition to her love of new and foreign places, she is highly curious and thrives on creating something from nothing – be it ideas gathered daily through reading; the freedom of expression through sewing or sketching; or the pleasure of creating the right organization of people to share in the discovery of design that fosters learning, productivity, and wellbeing.
Krista believes that architects can be excellent community advocates; architecture can teach and empower people’s lives. She spends considerable time promoting the importance of continued learning to RIM staff and her community. In addition to the quiet joy of watching her toddler navigate the printed word, she serves on the Board of Directors of thread, an early learning, early education advocacy group. Her love for the process of architectural education inspired her to serve as Alaska’s State Intern Development Program Coordinator for NCARB from 2005-2011. She is currently starting her third term and has served on three national accreditation visiting teams to schools of architecture in Florida, Tennessee, and California for the National Architectural Accreditation Board as a representative of the American Institute of Architects.
Krista serves as RIM Alaska’s Human Resources Principal, focusing on firm resource management, staff performance, and is responsible for recruiting new architectural talent. She also strategizes cross-location work share opportunities between all RIM locations.
Keywords: expressive humble empowering curious
Favorite Quote: from Robert Browning’s “Pippa’s Song”–.”…the year’s in the spring, the day’s in the morn; mornings at seven, the hillside’s dew pearled; the lark’s on the wing, the snail’s on the thorn, God’s in His Heaven, and all’s right with the World”.
Krista has a Master of Architecture from the University of New South Wales, Australia, a Bachelor of Architecture with High Distinction from the University of Kentucky, and a Bachelor of Arts with Distinction in Art History from the University of Kentucky. She is licensed to practice architecture in Oregon and Alaska.
Brent’s responsibilities involves all areas of project management including client relationships, team leadership, concept design, design development, construction documents, consultant coordination, master planning, and accessibility/code assessments. He is a strong advocate of partnering among developers, designers, engineers, and contractors, using his time tested organizational skills to build proactive cooperation achieving effective results. Through his skilled project management experience, he effectively merges the multiple components of design and delivery to successfully convert a client’s vision into a reality.
His 29 years of experience in architectural design and management is concentrated in detail-oriented settings of retail and mixed-use design. His portfolio includes design and coordination of retail stores in DFS Guam and Saipan, which include brands like Cartier, Ferragamo, Chanel, Gucci and Louis Vuitton. Prior to his return to RIM Architects, he managed the design documents and construction administration of the first LEED certified (Silver) winery in Central California.
Areas of Expertise: codes, accessibility, problem solving, team building
Passionate About: his wife and daughters, the Dodgers
Interests: trail running, snorkeling, travelling, baseball
Keywords: Passionate, Optimistic, Tenacious, Influential
“Achieving the impossible by every honorable means.”
Brent holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University. He was an integral member of the Guam team from 1995 – 2001 and returned in 2009, when he jumped immediately back into his position as one of our firm’s leaders. Brent is a registered architect in Guam, California and the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas Islands.
Chris draws on her background in interior design to develop brand strategies, create budget conscious design solutions, and translate client requirements into highly functional and aesthetically pleasing environments. She uses her travel opportunities to observe social, economic, and design trends which fuel her creative drive and inspire her team. She brings a high level of attention, optimism, and expertise to her client relationships.
In her 30 years of experience in architecture and interior design, she has created design solutions for commercial, retail, restaurant, hotel, residential, and urban planning projects. Her portfolio includes design work for clients such as the Westin, Hilton, Marriott, NTT DoCoMo, and DFS, the US Military, and the Government of Guam. Her urban planning experience includes her role as project team leader for the Hagåtña Masterplan, a road map for the revitalization of Guam’s Capital City.
Areas of Expertise: master of colors and materials, client relations, getting it done on a limited budget
Passionate About: her family, color, good design, mountains
Interests: art in all forms, travelling, art history, hiking, kayaking, good food
Keywords: Imaginative, Listener, Synthesizer, Modern
“I can’t decide which I love more – the work that I do, or the people with whom I work.”
Chris studied at the University of Texas at Austin where she received her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a Master Degree in Architecture. She is a registered architect in Guam.
Matthew has been working as an architect in the state of Alaska for over 30 years and is a participant in RIM’s vision for the future. He has been a Principal within RIM since 2000. He loves creating wonderful spaces that have developed from a specific need, idea, feeling or belief. “I enjoy seeing my clients grow and thrive in their new environments.”
Matt has gained extensive experience in cold climate and arctic region architecture. He has an aptitude for inventive and resourceful buildings ranging from hospitals, libraries, cultural centers, schools, resorts and residential projects.
Matt is all about his family (at home and at work). He loves playing hockey with his kids, cross-country skiing on the river near his house, and playing classical guitar.
Key words: family, architecture, confident, leader, mentor, compassionate and playful.
Matt received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Nebraska with additional Graduate Studies from the University of Alaska. He is a registered architect in Alaska.