After 40 years of expanding its staff and client base, Studio GWA is pleased to announce two new partners to the firm: Aaron Holverson, Senior Project Architect, and Ashley Sarver, Senior Urban Planner.
Aaron’s architectural experience spans all phases of a project from design to construction. He holds a Master of Architecture in Traditional Architecture and Urbanism from Judson University. Since 2017, Aaron has managed a number of significant projects including the Hotel Kaskaskia (LaSalle, Illinois), Hotel Keefer (Hillsdale, Michigan), and Company 251 (Aurora, Illinois). In each of these projects, Aaron has paired his knowledge of traditional architecture and construction with his solution-finding abilities in a way that adds value to his clients’ projects. He is a licensed architect and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU).
Ashley specializes in corridor planning and development services including Historic Tax Credit consulting and financial feasibility analyses for her clients. She holds a Master of Urban Planning and Policy from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Since 2015, Ashley has played a key role in some of Studio GWA’s most notable adaptive reuse projects including the Hobbs and International Harvester Buildings (Aurora, Illinois), Varsity Theater (Champaign, Illinois), and riverfront redevelopment efforts in Sterling, Illinois. Her expertise in historic research, tax credit applications, and financial pro-forma modeling has been invaluable during the redevelopment process for the Hobbs and International Harvester buildings in particular. She is a member of the American Planning Association (APA), the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU), and the Urban Land Institute.
Aaron and Ashley are each deeply involved in volunteering and advocacy efforts that enrich their communities. Aaron participates regularly as a guest critic at design reviews with School of Architecture at Judson University and is a member of the Historic Preservation Commission in Monroe, Wisconsin. Ashley is the president of I Bike Rockford, a volunteer-driven group that aims to improve bicycling conditions for people in the Rockford region. She is also a board member of the Natural Land Institute and a member of the Region 1 Planning Council Environmental Committee. Both participate in volunteering opportunities annually with a number of local groups including Transform Rockford, Rockford Sharefest, and Alignment Rockford.
“Jennifer and I are extremely pleased to announce Aaron and Ashley as partners on the Studio GWA team,” Gary said. “Their contributions have been immense in advancing our skill sets, capacity, and imaginative thinking.”
“The addition of Aaron and Ashley as partners is such a natural fit for our team,” Jennifer said. Their passion for our firm has elevated our work environment and raised the bar on our projects.”
“I’m proud to a be a part of a team that puts collaboration and passion at the center of every project,” Aaron said. “It has been an honor to put our expertise to work on some of Rockford’s most recognizable projects, and I’m excited to continue that work throughout the Midwest.”
“I am excited to join a group of people whom I consider to be my friends as well as my mentors in the leadership of Studio GWA,” Ashley Sarver said. “Gary and Jen have built a place where team members are empowered to lead. It’s a privilege to build upon their efforts and continue the fun and rewarding work we do as a team.”
