Steven Gray

Des Moines, Iowa, April 20, 2015 – After 37+ years working devotedly at SVPA Architects Inc, President Steven E. Gray, AIA, retired on March 31, 2015. Mr. Gray joined SVPA Architects in 1977, and soon became a Stockholder in 1982, which represented the second generation of ownership. During his time at SVPA, Mr. Gray led teams of architects, interior designers, graphic designers and architectural technicians in a variety of project types. His leadership, perspective, enthusiasm, and presence will be greatly missed; Mr. Gray was a true mentor to his colleagues and peers. He earned his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. QUOTE FROM STEVE: "I have had the privilege of being associated with SVPA Architects for nearly four decades and it has been a most rewarding experience. What I will miss most in retirement is the SVPA Team members I have worked with over the years and equally important are the clients and business partners who granted me the opportunity to be their architect on their projects. I leave SVPA knowing what an outstanding professional group remains in place to maintain exceptional architectural performance for every client now and in the future." Mr. Gray became President of SVPA Architects in March 2005. Prior to that, he was Senior Vice President/Secretary. With Mr. Gray’s retirement, SVPA Architects Inc. also announces the promotion of Vice President/CFO Vitus Bering, AIA, as the new President of SVPA Architects Inc. Since joining SVPA in 1998, Mr. Bering has been influential in representing the next generation of SVPA’s leadership. QUOTE FROM VITUS: "It has been a pleasure to work with Steve over the past seventeen years and I wish him the very best in his retirement. Steve has been an outstanding leader with a very thoughtful and caring approach to every aspect of his work with the SVPA Team and the numerous clients we have served. I am honored to be assuming the role of President, and look forward to continuing the strong tradition of excellent service and teamwork here at SVPA." About SVPA Architects Inc. In 1953, Robert E. Savage, AIA and Stanley C. Ver Ploeg, AIA, PE founded the company on the belief that architecture must respond to the needs of its users. SVPA Architects Inc. has established a reputation of excellence in architecture, interior design, master planning, site analysis, and graphic design. The SVPA team of creative professionals is committed to providing outstanding product delivery to each and every client they serve. Savage-Ver Ploeg & Associates, Inc. started in 1953, and has been doing business as SVPA Architects Inc. since 2001.