Andy Eckert Promoted to Ghafari’s Director of Mixed Use + Residential Architecture
GRAND RAPIDS, MI – Global architecture, engineering, and consulting services firm Ghafari Associates (Ghafari) is excited to announce the promotion of Andy Eckert, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, ALA to Director of Mixed Use + Residential Architecture.
“I look forward to continuing to grow in this position, both within our firm and as an external resource, sharing the possibilities for mixed-use and residential architecture within the Grand Rapids community and out in the world,” says Eckert. “I want to continue to be known as a ‘developer’s architect’ and use my understanding of the industry to provide designs that meet every stakeholder’s need.”
Eckert previously served as Ghafari’s Architectural Manager in Grand Rapids following the firm’s 2018 merger with Grand Rapids-based Concept Design Group. Throughout an architectural career of more than 25 years, he has demonstrated his passions for mixed use design and regional development through area projects like the Vista Multi Family Development in Brighton; Arena Place, Venue Tower, and The Warner Building in Grand Rapids; and the Shaw Walker development in Muskegon. His experience ranges from complex high-rises, mixed-use urban sites, mid-neighborhood infill, to greenfield multiple building apartments sites. In response to the current housing shortage, he works with developers and clients to mitigate need but also to create instant community with careful thought to amenities and shared spaces.
“Andy has been instrumental in attracting and maintaining relationships with both clients and developers,” says Ghafari Executive Vice President Tom Tooley. “He truly understands how to work with the many entities who have a stake in mixed-use and multifamily projects, and his promotion is a direct response to the demands of the market.”
Eckert earned a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in architecture from Lawrence Technological University. A registered architect in 14 states, he holds affiliations with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Association of Licensed Architects, and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and is also a LEED Accredited Professional through the U.S. Green Building Council. He has previously served as the President of the AIA’s Grand Rapids chapter.
