Billie Thorne, William Cox and Jeffrey Beindorf Promoted to Principals and Studio Directors

ATLANTA, March 19 /PRNewswire/ -- CMMI (Culpepper, McAuliffe and Meaders, Inc.) today announced the promotion of three associates to principals and studio directors. In their new positions, Billie P. Thorne, ASID, William E. Cox, AIA, LEED AP, and Jeffrey C. Beindorf each will lead a studio in the firm's distinctive offering of architecture, interior design, and renovation design services.

"As our firm prepares to celebrate its 20th anniversary and enter its third decade of design and architectural innovation, we are delighted to elevate these three talented individuals to become principals and studio directors," says Robert Smith, AIA, LEED AP, Managing Principal of CMMI. "The promotions reflect the ongoing growth of CMMI's practice, and our desire to continue serving a wide variety of sophisticated hospitality clients," Smith adds. These three new studios complement the firm's existing studios, led by CMMI founders, James F. Culpepper, AIA, James R. McAuliffe, AIA and Robert E. Meaders, AIA, ASID.

Billie Thorne, ASID

Ms. Thorne joined CMMI in 1991. She focuses on interior design for upscale hotel renovations and new properties. The execution of such projects as the award-winning Las Olas WaterGarden in Ft. Lauderdale demonstrates her success in exceeding client expectations. "Great design begins with a clear and shared vision," says Ms. Thorne. "By helping our clients visualize and communicate their expectations, we can then exercise our creativity to it fullest insuring every detail is exceptional and the end result is spectacular."

She credits her love of hospitality industry design to her childhood experiences with her Dad who was in the industry. Ms. Thorne fondly remembers the excitement and energy in a new hotel opening, when chandeliers were yet to be hung and things were in chaos. "Watching that last-minute excitement and seeing the hotel take shape in a matter of hours convinced me that I wanted to be a part of that energy," explains Ms. Thorne. In 1989, Ms. Thorne earned her Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Texas in Austin. She is a member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and is NCIDQ Certified.

William Cox, AIA, AP LEED

Mr. Cox joined CMMI in 1994. He focuses on base building architecture, interior architecture, and space planning for upscale hospitality, mixed-use, senior living, and multi-family projects. Mr. Cox believes, "properly designed buildings can improve the lives and experiences of the people who interact with them." His recent work on The Heldrich and Hyatt Regency DFW showcases that interplay.

Mr. Cox received his Master of Architecture degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology in 1992, and is an active member of both the Urban Land Institute (ULI) and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). From 2003 through 2006, he served on the Board of Directors for AIA Georgia.

Jeffrey Beindorf, ALLIED ASID

Mr. Beindorf joined CMMI in 2002. He focuses on interior design for upscale hotels and international projects. Prior to joining CMMI, he spent 15 years practicing in Europe and the Middle East. "Working in that environment gives you a broader, more global view of design and a sensitivity to how people of varied cultures use spaces," explains Mr. Beindorf. He brings this global awareness to bear on his current projects, The Regent at One Bal Harbour and Hyatt Regency Trinidad.

Mr. Beindorf earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati in 1985, and he is an allied member of the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID).

About CMMI

CMMI is an innovative design firm, celebrating 20 years of architectural and interior design excellence. CMMI provides programming, architecture, interior design, wayfinding and sustainable 'green' design services in the U.S. and internationally. Since 1987, the firm has been commissioned for more than 400 projects in the public and private sectors, including hotels, condominiums, conference centers, lodges and visitors' centers. As specialists in hospitality design, CMMI offers broad experience with a variety of delivery approaches and construction techniques. The firm's partners win frequent awards and recognition from ASID, ULI, ACI, Hospitality Design, Lodging Hospitality and The Atlanta Business Chronicle. For more information, please visit: www.cmmi-redlines.com.

Source: CMMI

CONTACT: Peggy McCue, Director of Marketing of CMMI, ,
; or Gayle MacIntyre of Global Ink Communications,
, , for CMMI

Web site: http://www.cmmi-redlines.com/