People

Zach Benedict has dedicated his career to understanding the connection between people and places. As the firm’s president, he oversees MKM’s strategic operation and continued dedication to successfully serving clients throughout the Midwest. With an extensive background in urban sociology, he has been instrumental in developing the firm’s approach to healthy placemaking. Through these efforts, he has lectured internationally on a variety of topics that focus on encouraging communities to reevaluate the importance of inclusive civic space. While designing numerous projects ranging from rural hospitals to public libraries, Zach’s passion for MKM’s research-focused process has helped solidify the firm’s dedication to developing meaningful and disruptive design innovations with clients across the care continuum.

Joe Boersema’s professional practice has an emphasis on technical and institutional projects. His advanced knowledge of healthcare design enhances his ability to produce detailed documents and specifications for some of the firm’s most complicated projects.

Joe has extensive and advanced training on Building Information Modeling (BIM) and has worked on various project types including hospitals, medical office facilities, and long-term care facilities. He has experience in all phases of project development and possesses a clear understanding of the numerous codes and requirements that govern the firm’s acute care work.

Rachel holds a Master of Healthcare Administration from The University of Saint Francis and is also a graduate of Purdue West Lafayette, Purdue Fort Wayne, and Indiana University Fort Wayne. She has over a decade of combined experience as a healthcare professional and business development consultant, with a deep understanding of the healthcare industry and a strong connection to the mission of MKM. She is deeply rooted in community engagement and volunteerism, currently serving on the Alumni Board for both Purdue Fort Wayne and Indiana University Fort Wayne and is involved in several local charities. She enjoys making connections to enhance the health and well-being of the clients and communities the firm partners with.

Taf’s architectural interests stem from a desire to understand how communities interact with the natural and built environment and how it affects the well-being of the individuals within them. He has worked on a wide range of healthcare project types and offers a deep understanding of FGI and Life Safety (NFPA 101) compliance, promoting the health and safety of individuals while supporting standards of care. With advanced knowledge of Building Information Modeling (BIM), Taf also assists with the management of the firm’s BIM project standards and Revit library.

Barb’s role at the firm emphasizes the technical side of acute care facility design, which includes a broad understanding of Indiana State Department of Health (ISDH) and Life Safety Code (NFPA 101), supporting multiple healthcare systems in managing their life safety protocols. She assists in managing complex projects and works closely with consultants to ensure efficiency and accuracy. Her project responsibilities range from document management and field work to architectural design, construction supervision, and performance of safety needs assessments. Prior to her career in architecture, she spent fifteen years in information systems management.

Corey’s professional practice is focused on improving processes and operations in healthcare environments. As a Lean Six-Sigma Green Belt, his studies have expanded to encompass the process improvement of care delivery through the full spectrum of the care continuum and the environments in which they occur.

Corey has had an active role managing a variety of the firm’s healthcare facility projects throughout the Midwest, which range from primary care to ambulatory surgery centers. His responsibilities include planning, project management, team leadership, architectural design, visualization, and construction administration.

Emily joined the firm as a graduate architect, completing three internships with MKM prior to joining the team. She provides support for a variety of project types, developing design concepts from schematic design to construction administration. Her responsibilities include creating 3D models and renderings, field verification, and construction drawings.

Meg has dedicated her expertise to long-term care, senior living and behavioral health environments, designing projects of varying sizes and complexity. Her commitment to environments for aging adults is reflected in not only her architectural work, but in her community service as a member of several AIA Design for Aging National committees through the years.

Meg’s ability to interact with clients on the responsibility of design in relation to quality of life has made her a trusted and valued member of the communities she serves. She has spoken nationally on the importance of architectural design and the practice of creating supportive senior living environments.

Traci has over a decade of experience in architecture and design, supporting various project types, including residential, educational, historic preservation, and projects to support community health and well-being. Her experience in systems, standards, and project management provides valuable support for the design team and project partners.

Jonah Garoutte serves as a connection between the project team and stakeholders to ensure solutions that align with the mission & vision of our clients. He is typically involved throughout the entire life of the project, providing support through every step of the process; from the first meetings through project closeout & follow up. With over 20 years of experience, he has led a wide range of project types within MKM’s core markets. In addition to a thorough understanding of the design & construction process, he also brings an extensive knowledge of construction drawings & technologies that ensure efficiency in workflow throughout each project.

Lauren joined MKM with over eight years of background in the construction industry. Her experience spans business development and marketing, to contract management and employee relations, directly impacting the firm’s daily operations and staff support. Lauren supports the team with facilities management, staff development, network organization and standardization, among a myriad of other crucial functions that support the firm.

Adam joined the firm as a graduate architect, providing support for a variety of project types, developing design concepts from schematic design to construction administration. His responsibilities include creating 3D models and renderings, field verification, and construction drawings.

A founding principal of MKM, Dodd Kattman has helped lead the firm’s evolution into a nationally respected design firm dedicated to enhancing the health and well-being of our communities. Overseeing MKM’s long-term care work, Dodd offers more than 35 years of senior living experience, dedicating his time to the design, research, and the publishing of work that elevates the expectations of supportive environments for older adults. Dodd has given numerous conference presentations on senior living and long-term care and advocates for elderly populations, encouraging care providers and government agencies to adopt strategies that encourage seniors to live in connected, intergenerational communities.

Ben’s architectural background stems from an appreciation of the built environment and its power to transform the lives of those who inhabit them. He appreciates the healing nature that both healthcare and community health design can contribute to communities. With an interest in the methodology and psychology of well-being, Ben manages numerous community health projects and has been recognized for his expertise in the design of public libraries. As a skilled graphic designer and illustrator, Ben’s artistic background allows him to communicate ideas to clients, as well as create cohesive and visually legible documents for contractor use. Ben manages projects from early programming, through construction document production, and into construction administration.

Andy McLeod’s expertise in designing environments for ageing and his experience leading senior design efforts support MKM’s mission to enhance community health and well-being.

He is instrumental to MKM’s expansion into Michigan. He has exceptional industry knowledge and experience and allows the firm to better serve its growing number of clients throughout the Midwest.

Andy earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Lawrence Technological University and his Master of Architecture at the University of Michigan. He serves as an advisor on the Strategic Planning and Operations Committees of Friendship Village of Kalamazoo. He also served on the board of directors from 2016-2020, including as Board Chair.

Andrew’s professional practice is focused on the evolution of healthcare and community health. As a proven leader of complex projects, he is skilled at guiding multidisciplinary stakeholders by integrating design, technology, functionality, and patient experience within healthcare environments. He enjoys working with clinical teams to optimize workflows and improve overall health and well-being.

Board certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA), he has experience in all aspects of the care continuum. He strives to bring fresh ideas, expand critical thinking, and convey an innovative perspective to his clients and the communities the firm serves.

Within the firm, Andrew mentors the AXP cohort of Graduate Architects preparing for licensure.

Tony’s interest in the built environment began at an early age with a focus on the construction industry. After years of hands-on experience at an early age, in a variety of skilled construction trades, he pursued a degree in computer aided drafting which started him on the path which led him to where is today. He brings to the team over 30 years of industry experience, with extensive knowledge of building design, from conceptualization through construction. He enjoys the process of discovery and finding solutions to successfully execute a project to best serve the end users.

For over 35 years, Jerry has intensely focused on healthcare facility design and planning, leading the firm’s design team on many of our most complex clinical projects. Through efficient communication and comprehensive design documentation, these multi-phased projects have dramatically changed the way our clients deliver services to the community, while proceeding on schedule. Overseeing the firm’s acute care work, he dedicates time to researching topics that help organizations draw the important distinction between “outputs” and “outcomes,” paying specific attention to how design decisions can positively impact clinical results.

Jordan’s professional practice experience has an emphasis on community health and multifamily housing projects. His knowledge of the construction industry enhances his ability to produce detailed documents and specifications while he manages the majority of the firm’s design/build relationships. He has experience in all phases of project development including schematic design, design development, construction documents, and construction administration. Additionally, Jordan manages the firm’s internal quality control process.

Sue has over thirty years of design work within the architectural profession. With experience on a full range of projects including all aspects of healthcare, her creative use of design elements and ability to effectively collaborate with clients play a vital role in how she approaches her design work. By leading the interior design, space planning, furniture, signage, and artwork selection for numerous facilities, she brings her experience in providing inviting, safe, and durable designs to every project.

Tyler is an experienced medical planner, designing healthcare environments for more than 10 years. Throughout his career, he has collaborated with dozens of hospital networks nationwide, bringing his expertise to a diverse range of projects. As an outspoken advocate for applied research and evidence-based design, Tyler works closely with healthcare stakeholders and end-users to uncover new workflow efficiencies to ensure the best possible outcome for patients. His dedication to improving hospital environments and their respective communities has made him a trusted partner within the industry.

Matt’s professional practice has a strong emphasis on managing healthcare projects for large institutional clients. He has a reputation for successfully planning, designing, and executing right-sized solutions that benefit client goals while enhancing the patient experience. His ability to skillfully facilitate interdisciplinary design teams and engage diverse user groups has provided invaluable service to our clients.

With his attention to detail and ability to coordinate complex design strategies for various healthcare systems, Matt assists in leading the firm’s healthcare market, serving clients across the Midwest. More importantly, his dedication to providing resilient and sustainable solutions has allowed him to become a trusted partner to the firm’s many long-standing repeat clients.

With nearly a decade of experience in helping to lead acute care interior design efforts, Stephanie supports projects for several large healthcare systems. Her designs create standardized finishes to ensure balanced aesthetics, cohesive brand identity, safety, and durability. She is CHID certified through the American Academy of Healthcare Interior Designers, indicating a high level of comprehension in the application of current healthcare codes and protocols to enhance the health and safety of patients, residents, family members, and healthcare providers.

Allie supports the firm’s project development through research and presentation strategy. Her educational background spans from architecture and planning to storytelling and communication. She is driven to reveal the connections between placemaking and well-being and the potential impact design decisions may have on the people they serve.

Melissa is a curious problem solver with a passion for design. She enjoys the project discovery process and strategizing design components to provide the best outcomes, which meet the client’s needs and provide support to the end user. With over 10 years of experience, Melissa has had supporting and leadership roles on a variety of project types, with a focus on multifamily residential spaces.

Megan oversees all business systems for the firm, including investment, personnel, and operational strategies. She leads the firm’s finances, contract management, information technology, and day-to-day business activities. Megan received her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Trine University. She is a Fort Wayne native and active community member volunteering for numerous organizations. Megan is a 2019 Leadership Fort Wayne graduate.