Mike Sparkman, AIA
Principal / Owner
experience
Mike is owner and President of alt32 Architecture|Design, and is a registered architect in multiple states. His academic background and interest in teaching have inspired him to maintain a collaborative, studio environment at alt32, where the staff are encouraged to share knowledge and creativity with their peers.
His experiences at the University of Kentucky and Cornell University influenced Mike‘s passion for the intellectual components of architecture: He believes that great designs emerge by combining architectural history, and research. He believes that communication between the architect and the client fuels the design process and is essential to a project’s success. In order to fully understand and respond to the client’s need for design solutions, the architect must be attentive, exploratory, and must challenge convention.
notable projects
Magoffin County New High School and Athletic Fields - Salyersville, KY
120,000 sf New Facility
Magoffin County Disaster Relief Efforts - Salyersville, KY
District-wide (189,000 affected sf) post-tornado reconstruction/renovation New and existing property rehabilitation
Warren County Schools - Bowling Greeen, KY
Various projects including North Warren Elementary, Warren Central, and Warren East High Schools
Jonabell Farm Equine Development - Lexington, KY
Wayne County Middle School - Monticello, KY450-student facility – Campus planning and building design
Southern Elementary School - Georgetown, KY
500-student facility - Addition / Renovation
Magoffin County Northside Elementary - Salyersville, KY
800-student facility - New Elementary School
Tollesboro Elementary School - Tollesboro, KY
350-student facility - Addition / Renovation
Magoffin County H.S. Addition / Renovation - Salyersville, KY
700-student facility - Addition / Renovation
HBEER - Houseboats to Energy Efficient Modular Classrooms Prototype Design for 4,000 sf High Performance Modular ClassroomsFunded by UK College of Design and the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corporation
Education
Master of Architecture
College of Architecture Art & Planning
Cornell University, 1998
Bachelor of Architecture
College of Architecture
University of Kentucky, 1993
work history
April 2012 to Present
Founder, Owner, and President,
alt32 Architecture | Design
Lexington, Kentucky
October 2000 to April 2012
Lucas/Schwering Architects
Lexington, Kentucky
February 1999 to February 2000
Brian Healy Architects
Boston, Massachusetts
April 1998 to February 1999
Bruner/Cott and Associates
Cambridge, Massachusetts
January 1997 to April 1998
Wallace Floyd Associates
Boston, Massachusetts
Professional affiliations
AIA Kentucky Board Member 2008 - 2010
AIA East KY Chapter, President, 2009
Presenter – “High Performance Sustainable Schools” March 2010 - Scott County KY
University of Kentucky College of Design
Architecture Director Search Committee - 2016
Guest Juror - ongoing
Admissions & Scholarship Committee - 2012-2016
External Review Committee - 2012
Lexington Catholic High School Facilities Committee 2012 - Present
Board Member – Kentucky Construction Industry
Health Trust 2017 – Ongoing
Basketball Coach – YMCA Summer Youth League
A4LE - Member - 2017
Tim lucas, aia
business development, quality manager
experience
A lifelong Kentuckian, Mr. Lucas graduated from Boone County High School in 1969 and from the University of Kentucky in 1974. He studied in Venice, Italy as part of the University’s European Study Program, and received the Finch-Heery Design Award in 1972.
Mr. Lucas was the interim director of the Department of Architectural Technology at the Lexington Technical Institute and taught Architectural History, drawing, technical courses. At the former Lexington Community College he served as instructor for various courses.
In 1979, Mr. Lucas earned his Kentucky Architectural registration and has practiced with architectural firms in Cincinnati, Ohio, Northern and Central Kentucky. In 1989 Mr. `Lucas joined long-time friend and professional colleague L. E. Schwering to form Lucas/Schwering Architects. This firm would become alt32 Architects in 2012
In 2003 Tim left private practice to become the Branch Manager for Planning for the Kentucky Department of Education.
In 2014 he retired from KDE to form Lucas P-12 Educational Planning working with private clients and school districts throughout the Commonwealth.
He currently assists alt32 Architects in project development and coordination with KDE
Mr. Lucas continues his work in education as an adjunct professor at the University of Kentucky, College of Design, School of Architecture where he teaches graduate level Professional Practice.
notable projects
Danville Independent Schools | Danville, KY | Renovations and Additions
Bate Middle School, Tolliver Elementary, Hoggset Elementary,
Danville Jennie Rogers Elementary, Danville High School
Boyle County Schools | Danville, KY | Renovations and Additions
Boyle County High School, Boyle County Middle School,
Boyle County Perryville Elementary, Boyle County Junction City
Washington County Schools | Springfield, KY | Renovations and Additions
Washington Count Elementary, Washington County High School
North Washington County Elementary
Wayne County Schools | Monticello, KY | Renovations and Additions
Wayne County Middle School, Wayne County Walker Elementary
Monroe County Schools | Tompkinsville, KY | Renovation and Additions
Monroe County High School, Tompkinsville Elementary,
Gamaliel Elementary
education
Bachelor of Architecture
College of Architecture
University of Kentucky, 1974
1972 - Finch Henry Design Award
Professional RegistrationKentucky - Architect #2202
work history
January, 2010 to present
Adjunct Professor
University of Kentucky, College of Design
June, 2014 to present
Architect
alt32 Architecture and Design
Lexington, KY
June, 2014 to present
Educational Planner
Lucas P-12 Educational Planning
Midway, KY
November, 2003 to May, 2014
Educational Planner
Kentucky Department of Education-
District Facilities Branch
Frankfort, KY
May 1, 1989 to November, 2003
Principal and co-founder –
Lucas/Schwering Architects
Lexington, KY
Work History prior to May 1989
Available on request
professional affiliations
AIA Kentucky Member-at-large 1979 - 2015
University of Kentucky College of Design
Guest Juror - ongoing
victor smith, Assoc. AIA
architectural designer / project manager
experience
Mr. Smith is a 1994 graduate of Mayfield High School in Las Cruces, NM; and has attained bachelor’s degrees in economics and finance from Manhattanville College (1999) and architecture from the University of Kentucky (2014). Mr. Smith completed his Master’s in Architecture through the College of Design at University of Kentucky (2015).
Prior to embarking on a career in architecture Mr. Smith worked in financial services in Greenwich, Connecticut and Santa Fe, New Mexico where he filled various roles included Operations Manager, and Head Trader and was an equity stake holder.
Mr. Smith’s extra-curricular research at University of Kentucky allowed him to be involved in the qualitative and quantitative aspects of transportation demand management. He implemented an expansion to UK’s bike share program that reduced the parking load for on-campus residents by over 160 permits per year.
notable projects
Warren County Schools - Bowling Greeen, KY
Warren East High School Athletic Complex
Ashland KCTCS - Ashland, KY
Ashland Community and Technical College -- Renovation
Fleming County Schools - Flemingsburg, KY
Fleming County High School -- Renovation
Russell Independent School - Russellville, KY
Russell Independent School Board Office -- New Construction
West Main Crafting, Co. - Lexington, KY
3,200 sf Restaurant - Renovation
Adair County H.S. Re-Roof
McCreary County H.S. Track and Field
Breathitt County Facility Plan
studio / research
2014, Prof. Michael Jacobs
University of Kentucky Bicycle Center: an ambitious project to explore the possibility of creating a hub for cycling at the University of Kentucky that would tie together the existing bicycle library with the campus need for a recreational center on the north campus that would cater to students, staff and faculty.
2015 Prof. Martin Summers
Bourbon Trail Gateway: by examing aspects of tourism and authenticity in the concept of “craft bourbon” this project attempted to provide a toursim hub in Lexington, Kentucky catered to key aspects of bourbon toursim.
Education
Master of Architecture
College of Design
Univerisity of Kentucky, 2015
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, 2014
Bachelor of Arts, Finance
Manhattanville College, 1999
work history
November 2015 - present
Pre-professional intern
alt32 Architecture and Design
Lexington, Kentucky
July 2014 – December 2015
Graduate Assistant
Parking and Transportation Services
Program Director
Wildcat Wheels Bicycle Library
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
July 2003 - June 2005
Head Trader, Partner
Beekman Capital Management
Santa Fe, New Mexico
January 1999 – May 2003
Operations Manager
Simms Capital Management
Greenwich, Connecticut
Professional Affiliations
AIA Kentucky Member-at-large 2016
A4LE Memeber - 2017
chris wilson, assoc. aia
architectural designer / project manager
experience
Mr. Wilson is a 2010 graduate of Saint Albans High School in Saint Albans, WV; and has attained bachelor’s degrees in architecture from the University of Kentucky (2014). Mr. Wilson completed his Master’s in Architecture through the College of Design at University of Kentucky (2016).
Before joining Alt32, Mr. Wilson helped to develop appropriate design strategies for clients, and contribute to sustainable design and construction for various architecture firms throughout West Virginia that primarily focused on educational facilities dedicated to exploring multiple models of curriculum delivery for students.
Mr. Wilson’s work experience at University of Kentucky allowed him to aide in the research, development and application of economical, sustainable technologies in architectural design and fabrication.
notable projects
Lewis County New Central Elementary School - Vanceburg, Kentucky
65,000 sf New Facility
West Main Crafting Co. - Lexington, Kentucky
3,200 sf Restaurant - Renovation
2014, University of Kentucky - Prof. Greg Luhan
HBEER Projects: Houseboats to Energy Efficient Residencies
Prototype Design for:
- 4,000 sf High Performance Modular Classrooms
- 3,600 sf Modular Restaurant
- 2,000 sf Net-Zero Ready Modular Clinic
- 2,000 sf Net-Zero Ready Office
- 800 - 2200 sf Residential Prototypes
Funded by UK College of Design & the Kentucky Highlands Investment Corp.
studio / research
2013, Prof, Gary Rohrbacher
Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant Reclamation: this project re-imagined the future use of the Department of Energy’s Paducah Gaseous Diffusion Plant, while also developing an aggressive strategy for the remediation of on-site nuclear waste to provide a sustainable outcome.
2015, Prof. Michael Jacobs + Bruce Swetnam
New College of Design Facility: sponsered by the Student Sustainability Council, this project developed options to consolidate, expand, renovate, or relocate the UK/CoD and to consider opportunities for future growth of new academic programs and support facilities while integrating sustainable technology into the built environment.
2016, Prof. Michael Jacobs
Multi-Platform BIM Modeling: a software investigation of the limitations of current architectural design tools, focusing on parametrically driven programs with a goal of developing a cloud based, cohesive software language in order to promote a more accurate and efficient workflow across multiple disciplines in the construction industry.
education
Master of Architecture
College of Design
Univerisity of Kentucky, 2016
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, 2014
work history
August 2016 - Present
Project Manager
alt32 Architecture | Design
Lexington, Kentucky
August 2014 - June 2016
Research Assistant
Greg Luhan Studio
College of Design
University of Kentucky
Lexington, Kentucky
May 2014 – August 2014
Architectural Intern
ZMM Architects and Engineers
Charleston, West Virginia
May 2011 - June 2014
Architectural Intern
NVisions Architects
Saint Albans, West Virginia
Professional Affiliations
U.S. Green Building Council Associate
AIA Kentucky Member-at-Large 2016
A4LE Memeber - 2017
joe cavallo, assoc. aia
architectural designer / project manager
experience
Mr. Cavallo is a transplant from the Chicago area. After graduating from Montini Catholic High School in 2009, he left for the University of Kentucky to pursue his education. During his time at UK, he studied abroad in the Netherlands under Siebe Bakker, an expert in concrete construction and material science. He received his Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture in 2013.
Following his graduation, Mr. Cavallo began his career as a design professional in Illinois where he gained valuable experience designing offices, schools, and educational facilities. He returned to Lexington in 2015 to work at alt32 and attend graduate school. He earned his Master’s degree in Architecture in May of 2017. We are happy to say he has chosen to continue lending his talents and expertise to our projects.
Notable projects
Warren County Schools - Bowling Greeen, KY
Warren East High School Athletic Complex
Russell Independent Schools Renovation - Russell, KY
Addition to Central Office
University of Kentucky - Lexington, KY
Dickey Hall Facilities modeling translation
West Main Crafting Company - Lexington, KY
3,200 sf Restaurant Renovation.
Lewis County Schools - Vanceburg, KY
New Elementary School
Studio / research
Prof. Rives Rash: Belleview Wildlife Marina. This project was anexperiment regarding the reclamation of compromised sand mines for recreational and environmental benefit. The water of the Ohio River, if ever it infiltrated an operational sand mine, would contaminate the deposits and render the facility useless. Our task, as a studio, was to transform the defunct mine and dedicate it to improving the surrounding community. The final product was a recreational boating complex and wildlife preserve.
Prof. Anne Filson: Louisville Center for Advanced Manufacturing. Studio
Collaborated with local developers and Louisville’s Office of Urban Development to formulate feasible pro formas and facility plans for a career center to serve the local population and to catalyze future economic activity. The final concept was a shared career training facility primarily leased for courses required by GE and Amazon employee programs. Proximity of the center the to people in Louisville improved its accessibilty and long-term impact in boosting commerce in the area.
Prof. Gary Rohrbacher: Atomic Cities Research Group.
An ongoing research endeavor in ollaboration with the U.S. Department of Energy and University of Kentucky College of Design. The team sought to analyze and prototype technologies and concepts to fprogress efforts to remediate and repurpose federal sites contaminated by nuclear activity.
education
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, 2013
Master’s Degree in Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, 2017
work history
August, 2015 to present
Designer / Project Manager
alt32 Architects Lexington, KY
August, 2013 to July, 2015
Designer
DLA Architects ltd. Itasca, IL
Summers 2007-2009
Filing Clerk and Office Assistant
Resurrection Hospital Chicago, IL
professional affiliations
AIA Kentucky Member-at-Large 2017
A4LE Member - 2017
andrew meyer
architectural designer
experience
In 2008, Mr. Meyer graduated from Saint Xavier High School in Louisville, KY and graduated from the University of Kentucky, College of Design in 2016 with his Bachelor of Arts, in Architecture. He is currently enrolled at the College of Design pursuing his Master’s of Architecture.
While in school, Mr. Meyer had the opportunity to focus on a vast range of projects that led to an interest in the human experience with architecture and how parts and pieces come together across multiple scales. Mr. Meyer was able to participate in the Practice Previews program at the College of Design that sent him to intern at Reiser-Umemoto in New York City in the Spring of 2016. Mr. Meyer is now a working at alt32 Architecture / Design as a design Intern.
notable projects
Breathitt County Schools - Jackson, KY
District Facility Plan
Fleming County Schools - Flemingsburg, KY
Fleming County High School -- Renovation
Lewis County Schools - Vanceburg, Kentucky
New Central Elementary School
studio / research
2013, Prof. Michael Mead
Primitive Dwelling: the project began with a unique exercise to help to develop a knowledge of how structure works using the human body as the departure point and tying the same concepts in to a larger scale later in the semester
2014, Prof. Marty Summers
Louisville Children’s Museum: asking questions of what makes a children’s museum different than a typical museum led to design decisions that called for a better understanding of new technology and digital tools.
2016, Prof. Anne Filson
Paristown Pointe Masterplan: a studio wide effort pushed to masterplan a 12 acre plot owned by the Louisville government. Out of the masterplan, multi-family apartments became the focus later in the semester.
education
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, 2016
Master’s Degree in Architecture
College of Design
University of Kentucky, (in progress)
work history
November 2016- present
Graduate Intern + Designer
alt32 Architecture and Design
Lexington, Kentucky
March 2016
Externship, Practice Preview
Reiser-Umemoto, RUR Architecture DPC
New York City, New York
May 2013 – August 2014
Summer Internship
Potter and Associates, Architects
Louisville, KY
Professional affiliations
AIA Kentucky Member-at-Large 2017