Core States Group Restructures Architecture Department and Names New Directors

Core States Group recently announced the implementation of a new operational structure in their architectural division, developing teams around their primary markets and a newly developed emerging accounts team.

“To best support our clients’ development goals, market-based teams and a separate emerging accounts group is the best path forward. This structure will allow us to better assist all accounts; newer and growing, while maintaining our industry leading service to some of the largest programs and brands in the country,” said David Dugan, President, Core States Group.

To support this structure, Core States Group created four Director of Architecture positions to lead the following groups: financial, retail/convenience, restaurants, and emerging accounts. The following individuals have been selected to fill each role:

James Lalli, AIA, LEED AP, Director of Architecture - Financial, joined Core States Group in 2011 and has over 25 years of experience in the financial industry working with Fortune 500 and regional companies including JPMorgan Chase and TD Bank. He will lead the design of all financial/banking projects.

Catherine Pafford, Director of Architecture - Retail/Convenience, joined Core States Group in 2016 and will lead the design of all retail and convenience store projects. Core States Group’s retail portfolio includes Primark, Best Buy, Torrid, and At Home to name a few.

Ruben Alonso, Director of Architecture - Restaurants, joined Core States Group in 2014 and will lead the design of quick serve, fast casual, and fine dining restaurants. He played a key role in one of our fastest growing quick serve programs, McDonald’s, leading a team of designers in the Midwest. 

Andy Lee, Director of Architecture - Emerging Accounts, joined Core States Group in 2011 and has since been the go-to for architectural clients and has helped manage international accounts. Lee previously served as the Director of Account Management where he acted as a point-person to ensure all of Core States Group’s projects were on track. In his new role, Lee will be tasked with the growth and support of new and regionally based accounts.

“The Core States Group culture promotes internal growth and we are fortunate that each of the new positions were filled by team members who exemplify our core values,” said Dugan.