Design Collective Appoints Fred Marino New President and CEO

Design Collective, one of Maryland’s largest and most successful architectural design firms, recognized for design excellence and a multidisciplinary approach to design, announced that Fred S. Marino, AIA, has been named President and CEO, effective January 1, 2014.

Firm Founder, Dennis Jankiewicz, AIA, is stepping down as President after 35 years of firm and industry leadership. During his tenure as President, Dennis not only raised the profile of the firm but elevated the firm to national prominence as an industry leader in the design and construction of student housing, mixed-use and multi-family development.

Similarly, Fred has grown with the firm for over 25 years, starting as a project architect/manager and elevating to Principal, to lead some of the firm’s most notable projects for commercial, educational and research institutions throughout the Mid-Atlantic region and in North Carolina. Fred has also been leading the firm’s integration of building information modeling (BIM) technologies within the practice.

Design Collective prides itself on its principal-led project management and client service which has allowed the firm to distinguish itself from its competition and successfully groom the next generation of leaders from within the firm. Design Collective has consistently produced some of Maryland’s most recognized design leaders, innovators and architectural professionals.

Dennis stated “I'm not only confident in Fred’s ability to manage the firm but in his ability to lead, shape and inspire our architects, planners, landscape architects and interior designers.” He added “As my responsibilities wind down and transition to Fred, I know that the firm is in the best of hands to take on new challenges, build on our growth sectors and cultivate successful designers and business professionals.”

“I’m honored and privileged to have gleaned so much from my experience at Design Collective and particularly from Dennis, my partners and colleagues at the firm.” said Fred. “I look forward to passing my education on to our staff to build on our momentum, successes and vision for the firm. We will continue our track-record for producing Maryland’s top designers, thought leaders and innovators with a balanced approach toward creative solutions, technical pragmatism and design excellence.”

Dennis will remain the CEO Emeritus and Chairman of the Firm’s Board of Directors. Dennis will also continue to be active in support of his alma mater, the University of Maryland, College Park, its School of Architecture and School of Real Estate, as well as several local charities, including the Community Foundation of Howard County.