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  Judith A. P. James, IIDA
Alex J. Kramer
Jeff Taylor

Principal Officers/Interior Designers
 

There are very few people who could form a more natural team than us: Judy, Alex, and Jeff. In addition to working together for 10 years, we each have a proven track record working collaboratively with our clients. Together we founded Arris, a Design Studio, Inc. in 2003. At Arris, Principals are involved in all projects from beginning to end, leading a cohesive team. We assure you dedication and focus with personal pride and ownership of your project and its success.

     

  Judith A. P. James, IIDA
Principal Officer
     

Judy is a graduate of the Maryland Institute College of Art, with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design and is NCIDQ Certified. With nineteen years of experience in all phases of design, Judy focuses on strategic planning, programming, space planning, furniture and specification standards, finish selection, and systems furniture analysis.

Judy’s experience encompasses a broad spectrum of project types, from Corporate Offices and Healthcare to Restaurants and Retail.

As Principal Officer, Judy works closely with the client and is responsible for the interpretation and documentation of their needs from functional as well as aesthetic perspectives. Her attention to detail and excellent follow-through ensures successful project completions and ultimate client satisfaction. Prior to co-founding Arris, Judy was an Associate and the Operations Manager for the Mid-Atlantic Region for a national firm.

Judy enjoys time with her two young daughters, gardening, and listening to Blues in her free time.

     

  Alex J. Kramer
Principal Officer
     
Alex Kramer, a graduate of The Maryland Institute College of Art with a Bachelors of Fine Arts in Interior Design with over nineteen years of diverse professional experience, is responsible for the overall quality, budgeting and scheduling of the projects he directs. His experience, knowledge, and management skills make him a vital team leader on projects, focusing on the big picture as well as the detail.

Alex’s career emphasis has been in the Master and Strategic Planning of all sizes and types of projects, totaling over 10 million square feet. His experience encompasses all phases of the design process from programming and space planning to design development, furniture and finish selection, construction documents and construction administration and installation coordination.

Prior to starting Arris, Alex spent 14 years with a national interior architecture and design firm where he served in many capacities from Project Director for large national clients to Managing Director of the Mid- Atlantic region.

Alex enjoys home improvements, landscaping and travel every time he gets the chance.

     

  Jeff Taylor
Principal Officer
     
Jeff is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design. During the fifteen years Jeff has been in the design profession, he has been responsible for both project management and implementation of design ideas from programming through construction documentation and administration in the corporate and hospitality industries.

Jeff is experienced in all phases of the design process including field surveys, programming, space planning, construction documents and administration and permit procurement. He has worked on a wide range of projects including corporate headquarters, healthcare, Sensitive Compartmented Information Facilities (SCIF), retail and tenant layouts.

Jeff plays a prominent role in the production and coordination of construction documents. His technical experience is supported by an extensive working knowledge of AutoCAD. Jeff maintains close and consistent contact with his clients throughout their projects, and remains an informed and active team member from the first programming study to the final inspection. Jeff prides himself in “getting in the clients head” and on solving problems before they happen.

When Jeff is not working, he can usually be found coaching sports for one of his three kids, and grooming his lawn.

     

  Shelly J. Appet
Interior Designer
     
Shelly is a graduate of George Washington University(Mount Vernon College), with a Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design. With seven years in the interior design field, Shelly has focused her experience on corporate, financial and healthcare clients. Shelly’s knowledge and experience allows her to contribute to the successful implementation of all phases of interior design projects, contributing to the mutual success of her clients and Arris, a Design Studio, Inc.

Shelly is the cultural one, she enjoys the Theater, Opera, Symphony, and fine dining.

     

  Marci Porritt Augustin
Project Manager
     

Marci Augustin, a graduate of The Savannah College of Art & Design with a Bachelor of Fine Art, Interior Design has nine years of experience in all phases of the interior design process, and offers a refined expertise in Project Management and Move Management.

During the last few years, Marci’s career has been focused on large project management and move coordination projects in this region including The World Bank, Sylvan Learning Systems, Northrop Grumman, and St. Paul Travelers Insurance Company. Whether the project is large or small, Marci’s focus on customer service, dedication, and attention to details facilitates a successful project.

Marci enjoys kayaking, white water rafting, camping, playing with her dogs, and renovating her house.

     

  Will Baukhages, R.A.
Project Architect
     
Will Baukhages is a graduate of the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and is a Registered Architect in the State of Maryland. Having worked in the architectural field for more than thirty-five years, Will has extensive experience designing office space, hospitality projects, healthcare and institutional facilities, as well as all types of residential projects. His expertise in all aspects of the design process has greatly contributed to the success of many designed environments. Will’s eighteen years of prior experience as a Principal and Owner of a successful architecture/interiors practice compliment his design and technical expertise and provide leadership and the spirit of teamwork. His talents contribute to the success of Arris, a Design Studio, Inc.

When Will is not working, no snow is on the ground, it is daylight, and the temperature is above freezing, he can always be found on the golf course.

     

  Janice Beiter
Project Manager, Senior Project Designer
     

Janice Beiter is a graduate of the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design. She has over twenty years in the interior design field. Janice has extensive experience in the design of office space and facilities project management. She has developed an expertise in the planning and implementation of field office projects for national firms, developing long term relationships with Real Estate and Facilities staff. Her knowledge in all phases of facilities projects, from initial concepts through implementation, compliment her strong communication and teamwork skills.

Besides keeping up with her teenage daughter, Janice enjoys boating and golfing as her leisure activities of choice.

     

  Steve Wherley
Senior Technical Coordinator

     
Steve Wherley is a graduate of Oklahoma State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies. Steve has twenty-two years of experience in all phases of the architectural design process, and brings to projects his expertise in CAD documentation and precise detailing. He has performed in several project roles, including CAD management, contract documentation, contract administration and project management. He is especially skilled in AutoCAD, pioneering new avenues in it’s use to enhance the firm's services. Steve also performs the very important role of quality control, checking drawings and other documentation prior to their release. He coordinates structural, civil, food service, mechanical and electrical consultants; contact with various building review boards; and the development of standard tenant construction details and material specifications. As Senior Technical Coordinator, Steve works closely with the project management team and designated client contacts to ensure the highest quality of design.

Steve enjoys biking, biking and biking, did we mention biking?