text: We are excited to announce three new associates at IKM Architecture, Cat Wick, Ben Clements, and Dan Polak. We are proud to recognize these individuals for their leadership, dedication, and contributions in advancing the firm. Read on to learn more about their personal experiences and path to this professional milestone.
  Catherine (Cat) has over 12 years of experience in the design industry, with a focus on healthcare. Her passion for healthcare design is evident in her sensitivity to client, staff, and patient needs. She demonstrates a detailed understanding of the technical complexities inherent in healthcare planning, as well as in existing operating campuses. By earning the EDAC credential, Cat proves her commitment to healthcare design as a learning process that contributes to a wider body of knowledge. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and has participated in several LEED-registered projects that have achieved Certified, Silver, and Gold certifications. Cat was also recently voted onto the AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors for a three-year term beginning in 2024.
  – Cat Wick“It’s an honor to be elevated to Associate with my friends and colleagues Ben and Dan. My time at IKM has shaped who I am as an architect and I look forward to this next chapter working to guide the direction of the firm. I’m thrilled to be a part of the exciting future of IKM!”
  Ben has 16 years of architectural experience, specializing in a range of projects, including K-12 and higher education with a focus on health, wellness, and athletics. Apart from excelling in his project teams, he plays a significant role in IKM’s recruitment efforts and assists with all employee onboarding. Ben serves as an excellent mentor to our younger architectural and design staff and is the go-to resource when our team seeks to utilize our in-house maker space.
  – Ben Clements“I am so honored to be joining the associate level with my colleagues and embrace the new challenges and opportunities that come with that role, especially with expanding my focus on designing educational and active spaces. From day one, IKM has been a place that has allowed me to grow into the architect I am today through encouragement and advocacy, and I am excited to continuing to pay that culture forward to others in my new role.”
  Dan is a Senior Project Manager with 20 years of experience working on healthcare, civic, and education projects. He is an active member of the local design community and volunteers with the ACE Program to mentor students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering professions. Recently, Dan led an incredible effort to revise IKM’s internal project process, creating a user-friendly resource guide that all positions at our firm can utilize. His passion for design excellence shows in the excitement he brings to each project and his overall approach to management.
  – Dan Polak“I am excited to continue my professional path as an Associate at IKM. The past few years at IKM have made it clear this is the place I belong. I look forward to continuing my relationships within the firm, growing them outside of it, and challenging IKM with different and fresh perspectives. As the first associate in Cleveland, my focus will be to help expand our presence in Ohio as well as other internal process initiatives.”
  Join us in congratulating Cat, Ben, and Dan, and learn more about the rest of our incredible team on our people page.