Rhode Partners Announces Expansion to Include Equity Partners
October 21, 2022
Rhode Partners is pleased to announce the expansion of its leadership team with the appointment of its first two equity partners. Bobby Tait, AIA and Kate Meehan will form a new management team, alongside the firm’s Founder/Director Brett Rhode AIA, who established the firm in 2007. These appointments draw exclusively from the firm’s current staff, emphasizing its commitment to nurturing its team and acknowledging the proven track record of these key staff members.
Bobby Tait, AIA will take on the role of Director. Having been with the firm almost since its founding, Tait has been instrumental to the design of many of the firm’s most notable projects, including The Independent, Muze, Torre, and Villas on Rio.
Kate Meehan will continue in her the role of Director of Operations. Meehan brings over two decades of firm management to Rhode Partners, where she’s assisted in contract management as well as the development of its corporate culture.
Brett Rhode remarks that “expanding from a sole proprietorship to a firm with partners is an exciting development that marks the next phase of Rhode Partners. The firm has expanded significantly over the past fifteen years and this new management will ensure that it can continue to grow. I hope to see it continue to shape not only the Austin skyline but also cities across the globe. “
This is part of a long-term strategy to introduce more staff into equity positions at various levels. In addition to adding Tait and Meehan as Owners, Rhode Partners has named three Senior Associates, Nikki Morgenthaler, AIA, Kate Schneider, IIDA, and Alexer Taganas, AIA; and four Associates, Rob Brolin, AIA, Wes Haynie, AIA, Suhash Patel, AIA, and Natalie Andrus, in recognition of their contributions to the firm.
Kate Schneider, IIDA, joined Rhode Partners after several years at Page. She brings a depth of experience in interior spaces in the luxury high rise, student housing and hospitality sectors.
Alexer Taganas, AIA, brings a deep knowledge and commitment to design to everything he does. His Rhode Partners projects include The Loren at Ladybird Lake and the Loren at Turtle Cove in Turks & Caicos.
Rob Brolin, AIA, is a welcome addition to Rhode Partners, having worked on high rise residential projects for Pappageorge Haymes Partners in Chicago for over a decade.
Wes Haynie, AIA, brings a background in exacting architectural fabrication that shows in his work. His deep knowledge of construction methods and eye for what works make him an exceptional project leader. Wes’ projects for Rhode Partners include The Linden and Lumen on 9th in Columbus, Ohio.
Suhash Patel, AIA, leads Rhode Partners’ exploration of advanced design technologies. He is also a lecturer at the University of Texas School of Architecture in Austin, Texas.
Natalie Andrus brings years of experience in high-end winery and hospitality design to Rhode Partners. As a project leader, her infectious positivity keeps even the most challenging projects moving forward. Projects with Rhode Partners include market rate apartments and meticulously designed micro units in the Austin area.
