O’Brien Atkins is pleased to announce the following promotions to Associate. 

John B. Jarvis, AIA, LEED AP BD+C and NC, Senior Architect

John is a Senior Architect who has been with O’Brien Atkins for 6 years. His past professional design experience includes work with firms in Buffalo, NY, and Richmond, VA. John is an expert with architectural design technology and has contributed significantly to enhancing the firm’s project graphics and representations. In addition, his role as Senior Architect entails project organization and coordination, while contributing his design skills. Recent project experience includes the Durham Police Headquarters and the Karlin Parmer RTP Development conceptual planning and amenities park design and documentation.

James M. McKnight, IT Manager

James joined O’Brien Atkins in 1999 and serves as IT Manager with the prime responsibility to maintain and upgrade the IT network | server, hardware, software and training, always understanding that if the production technology and hardware go down, it harms the firm’s delivery capabilities. He is on call 24/7, is vigilant to not only counter security threats but to ensure the daily work flow remains uninterrupted.  He educates staff on security pitfalls and is on call to assist and solve a variety of computer-related issues as they arise.  James manages all of this with a positive attitude and patience while always being willing to assist with other administrative support tasks that need doing.

Thomas W. O’Brien, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Architect

Tommy joined O’Brien Atkins in 2006 after living in Atlanta and working for architectural firms there. He serves as a Senior Architect responsible for project coordination, facilitation and documentation. His significant projects include the NC National Guard Headquarters and State EOC, the UNC Greensboro School of Education, Honda Aero and Honda Power Equipment manufacturing expansions, a year on loan to a Saudi Arabia firm in Dammam, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, and currently, a major manufacturing project for a confidential client.

Tran T. Ton, PE, LEED AP BD+C, Senior Mechanical Engineer

Tran joined O’Brien Atkins in 2010 and has 17+ years experience as a designer in laboratory, pharmaceutical, industrial and commercial HVAC, piping and plumbing systems design. He has designed mechanical systems for numerous high technology facilities in educational, research and development, production and quality assurance environments.  A Vietnamese immigrant who spoke no English on his arrival, Tran earned a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering, Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from NC State University.  His current projects include the new Student Center at NC Central University and the Catawba County Jail Expansion.