Member News
Brian J. Mac Opens New Office in Waterbury
Positively moving forward requires a thoughtful reflection of the past.
My time as principal architect and design director at Birdseye began in June of 1996 and ended in November of 2025, for 29 years and 6 months. I designed 100’s of projects at Birdseye; received countless design accolades, was elevated to Fellow in the American Institute of Architects, inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame, widely published, initiated and designed a fellowship at Birdseye, exhibited at the Venice architecture and Art biennale 2018,2019, 2024 and 2025, lectured on design and process, was featured in a design podcast and had monographs published. Big thanks to those who worked beside me in the studio and all the consultants who contributed their top-shelf work.
I am indebted to the craftspeople at Birdseye and alike. I learned about their process and how to work with the makers, and I gained in-depth knowledge of general contracting…it is not easy. I appreciated the patience and skill they needed to support and build an idea that I passionately possessed. A big thank you to Birdseye founders, John Seibert and Jim Converse, for allowing me the space to learn and the autonomy I deserved to thrive in the architecture space I so love.
Equally important, my sincere thanks to all the clients I worked with while at Birdseye, who gave me the opportunity and pleasure of designing their homes, studios, and cultural spaces. Your trust and willingness to explore and take chances with me allowed for capital “A” architecture to be realized. Because of your bravery and fortitude, they reflect hopefulness in creativity, collaboration, and a unique vision, in our time, space, and existence.
Begin the begin…Brian J Mac, Architect, launches his new office with a renewed sense of creativity and miles to go. The design studio will focus on residential design, cultural projects, and most anything creatively interesting. Brian welcomed the talented architectural designer, David Kenyon, to BJMA in January 2026.
802-318-3897
Tom Karlhuber and Cam Featherstonhaugh Named Associate Principals at TruexCullins
TruexCullins is excited to announce the promotions of Tom Karlhuber, AIA, and Cam Featherstonhaugh, FCSI, AIA, to the role of Associate Principal.
Through their leadership, Tom and Cam have contributed significantly to the growth and success of the firm. They both champion design quality, technical rigor, and strong client relationships, and they understand how design can support and strengthen the communities it serves.
Tom Karlhuber, AIA
Tom Karlhuber joined TruexCullins in 2017 and brings more than two decades of architectural experience to his new role. Prior to joining the firm, Tom worked with Safdie Architects and Ann Beha Architects (now Annum), experiences that helped shape his strong design sensibility and thoughtful approach to complex projects.
Tom holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Master of Architecture from the Harvard University Graduate School of Design. His ability to work across scales and typologies reflects a deep understanding of how architecture shapes both individual experience and broader community life.
At TruexCullins, Tom brings clarity and creativity to higher education projects as well as mixed-use, cultural, and community spaces. He has been instrumental in the expansion of the University of Vermont’s athletic facilities, including Varsity Athletics and the new Recreation and Wellness Center. Currently, Tom is supporting large-scale hospitality and mixed-use developments such as the five-star Orchards Resort in Southern Vermont and the multi-billion-dollar Killington Six Peaks Village.
Outside the studio, Tom is actively engaged in civic life, serving on the Shelburne Planning Commission and the Shelburne Museum Barnstormers Steering Committee. His promotion to Associate Principal reflects his design excellence, leadership, and commitment to the values that define TruexCullins.
Cam Featherstonhaugh, FCSI, AIA
Cam Featherstonhaugh has been with TruexCullins since 2013 and has played a central role in the growth and leadership of the firm’s K–12 Education Studio. Cam brings deep expertise in net-zero architecture, campus facility planning, building science, and educational design.
Currently, Cam is working with school districts throughout the state, helping them plan for the future while navigating a complex and evolving education construction and funding landscape. His ability to guide clients through regulatory requirements, funding processes, and long-term capital planning has made him a trusted advisor.
Earlier this year, Cam was named a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), a recognition of his leadership in CSI, technical expertise, collaborative spirit, and dedication to advancing construction industry standards. Through his work with CSI, Cam has helped shape national conversations around equity in school design, net-zero building strategies, and the future of the profession.
Cam is a lifelong Vermonter, with a Master of Architecture degree from Norwich University. He is currently a member of the Norwich University School of Architecture and Art Board of Fellows and the CSI Foundation Board of Trustees, as well as other community groups around Vermont.
Black River Design Announces Retirement of John Hemmelgarn
With heartfelt admiration, we announce that after nearly 40 years at Black River Design, Architects, John Hemmelgarn has retired.
John first joined the Black River Design team in 1985 as a student intern from the University of Cincinnati and upon graduation, returned as a full-time staff member. John became a partner in 1999. His leadership has helped create impactful educational and gathering spaces for countless communities across Vermont.
From the Waterford Elementary School addition in 1986 to the upcoming expansion of the Dorothy Alling Memorial Library in Williston, John has made the design and construction process accessible and enjoyable for his clients. His collaborative spirit has extended to the many consultants and contractors he has worked with and often befriended over the years.
“I derive tremendous satisfaction from using my facilitation skills to improve learning environments for students, faculty, and staff. I have never gotten tired of that, usually having more energy at the end of a meeting than at the beginning. I suspect I have been to more Board meetings than most Board members."
Having recently visited Antarctica, John plans to continue traveling as he works toward exploring all seven continents. He also looks forward to volunteering his time and talents in the years ahead. Please join us in congratulating John on an incredible career and wishing him the very best in this next chapter.
