Faculty and Administration

Taryn Underwood Risley graduated Magna Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture in 2015. After graduating Ranken, she received her Master of Architecture degree from Southern Illinois University of Carbondale in 2017. Taryn is a licensed Remote Pilot for unmanned aircraft (drones) and certified in CM-BIM (construction management in building information modeling), and Autodesk Revit. She now holds the position of Architect II, at FGM Architects, a firm places a high value on understanding and responding to the multi-layered contexts of our clients’ projects, on collaborating to craft artful forms and spaces, and on how the architecture can creatively serve the gamut of causes and activities of the occupants.

Kevin Meyer, AIA, NCARB, Managing Director at FGM, explains Taryn joined FGM Architects during the heart of the pandemic, but despite remote work conditions she already feels like an irreplaceable asset to the team. She brought her immense knowledge of BIM, but has already proved that she is loaded with potential in other area as well. Taryn is organized, self-motivating, and dedicated. Whether it is jumping into contract documents or space planning early in design, Taryn jumps in and consistently exceeds expectations. I am anxious for what her future holds and I hope I am around to witness it. I cannot say enough complimentary things about Taryn. Since her start at FGMA, Taryn has never failed to impress me. She is hard-working, detail-oriented, and truly understands the fast-paced schedule of the commercial world. I am truly overwhelmed by her computer skills; she is not only advanced within most programs, but she also delivers a beautiful graphic presentation to all of her work. I also admire her attention to the details. Taryn has been a great addition to FGMA and I know she will continue to grow and make us better. Taryn is not afraid to dive-in and get it done.  With minor direction toward the end goal, she can turn that into a usable end product, and do it very proficiently and accurately.  She is a highly adept problem solver and learns extremely quickly. While analytical problem solving is a great strength of hers, she also approaches every challenge with an artistic viewpoint.   She is an excellent artist, skilled in both drawing and painting.  Taryn is always willing to share her knowledge and teach fellow coworkers as well. She possesses a rare combination of exceptional software skills, artistic vision, and eagerness to learn the craft of architecture that make her a remarkably valuable resource.  She has been a great fit at FGM, and I look forward to watching her progression at this amazing firm.”

Missy Borchardt, former Architecture Department Chair and instructor, says “Taryn had a strong work ethic, an eye for design, and was a strong role model for many.”

Taryn was granted several scholarships which fostered her success. Ranken scholarships included: the Anheuser-Busch InBev Scholarship, the BKD Scholarship, the Frederick Eiseman Scholarship, the Home Builders Association Scholarship, and a STEM Scholarship. She often spoke at Ranken-sponsored events to express her gratitude to those scholarship sponsors. Taryn also enjoyed representing Ranken during open houses and College community events.

Taryn was heavily invested in the Ranken community. She explains, “I was the Head Resident Assistant of Walker Hall Dormitory, Ranken Bookstore Associate, President of Student Ambassadors, President of Phi Theta Kappa, and President of the Student Government Association.” Above all, Taryn says “Ranken taught me two valuable things; the importance of networking and the tremendous value a technical degree has. I have been able to hold different positions within the field of architecture, ranging from drafting to Building Information Modeling (BIM) and even Virtual Design and Construction (VDC). In each of these positions, I have been able to gain beneficial experience that has helped me thrive as a future licensed architect.”

Of her many memories, Taryn recalls her late nights in the Architecture studio working on models with her peers. Kasey Risley, Taryn’s husband, graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ranken’s Information Technology program in 2015. He is currently an Infrastructure Engineer for Connectria, a global technology solutions provider.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.fgmarchitects.com/

Jequetta Smith Chestnut graduated with an Associate of Science in Architectural Technology in 2017. She is currently a piping designer for Roeslein and Associates, an engineering firm that provides complete solutions for project implementation by emphasizing a modular engineering strategy early in the project-planning process. Before joining Roeslein, Jequetta worked as an Architectural Associate for ArcVision, Inc.

Michael Walker, Architecture instructor,  tells us “JQ (Jequetta) was a great student who had such a wonderful and positive energy. She was always excited to learn as much as she could and would often enlighten me to the many things she knew and would learn. I have a good feeling that her passion, strong will, and optimism will take her far in life.”

Jequetta explains, “I had a summer internship that turned into my first job as a BIM (building information modeling) technician with Archimages, Inc. I connected with the firm at a Ranken Job fair. My Ranken education set me up for a career filled with success. I have had three different positions since graduating, and I was recruited for each one because of my Ranken degree. My husband, Derek Chestnut, attended Ranken’s Electrical System Design program. The institution means a lot to us, it completely changed our lives.”

One of Jequetta’s favorite Ranken memories was when she volunteered for a Summer Adventure Academy, a weeklong hands-on camp, for high schoolers. She worked with campers in the welding department and thought it was such a great program to expose kids to Ranken and the trades.  Jequetta served as a Student Ambassador while at Ranken and also held the positions of Secretary and later Vice President for Ranken’s Phi Theta Kappa Chapter.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://roeslein.com/

Brandon Wheeler concedes, “Ranken Technical College introduced me to what it is to be a professional and provided me with the tools and knowledge needed to achieve a prominent status. This has had a profound impact on my life, empowering me with the ability to deal with all types of individuals and make a good, lasting impression.” His fondest memory of Ranken is the first time he brought his newborn baby girl to the College for all the staff to see. “Everyone was so happy to meet her!” he says.

Brandon successfully completed dual associates degrees, first Architectural Technology in May 2020, followed by Information Technology in May 2021. Duke Miller, Information Technology instructor, tells us “Brandon was a very positive and attentive student. I recall him always being willing to help other students. Brandon wasn’t one of those students who just sat in the back of the classroom, he was appropriately social and made sure everyone was happy.”

Brandon is employed by Core & Main as a Level II Technician. In the short time he has been there, “Brandon hit the ground running, taking only a couple days of on-the-job training to get acclimated, which normally takes two or three weeks,” says Zak Sheffield, Information Technology Manager at Core & Main. “Brandon’s job is one that’s not easily mastered. He supports our leadership team, and the position is very demanding. Brandon has a great personality and technical training to match; he checked all the boxes for us.”

Core & Main, headquartered in St. Louis, was founded in 1874. This company is a leading distributor of water, sewer, storm drain and fire protection products in the United States. Their seasoned staff serves plumbers, pipefitters, fire protection contractors, and the irrigation market, ready to answer their questions regarding local specifications.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://coreandmain.com/

“Matthew Turk was always willing to help other students and his instructors as well. He worked as the department tutor, arriving very early every morning, and prepared to work,” says Kelley Raftery, Architecture Department Chair and instructor. “He displayed leadership skills and a willingness to teach others when needed. Matt was trustworthy and reliable.”

Matt graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology in May 2018. Since that time, he held the position of Intern Architect/ASBIM for Hollerbach Designs and is currently employed as a Production Revit Technician for TBE Architects. TBE (Thalden Boyd Emery) Architects is an architectural firm based out of St. Louis, Missouri, specializing in design for the hospitality and gaming industries since 1971. TBE has completed more than 400 hotel and 300 casino design projects throughout North America.

Matt tells us, “Ranken opened many doors within my field. I’ve been through several positions and received many inquiries due to my degree from Ranken. My favorite memory from my time spent at Ranken is late night projects in the studio with several other students.”

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.linkedin.com/in/tbe-architects-795452115/
http://tbearchitects.com

Anthony Zinser graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology from Ranken Technical College in 2015. He describes his collegiate life with pride, “Ranken drove me in pursuit of my career and education. I always had a good work ethic before I started school at Ranken, but Ranken reinforced that attribute.” He recalls, “Some of my favorite memories of my time spent on campus are staying up late with my classmates in the architecture studio working on projects and our models.” Anthony was honored to serve as the Vice President of Phi Theta Kappa.

Anthony interned for Hilbolt Curtainwall Incorporated, a nonresidential building construction company in St. Louis, for a semester and then joined them full time after completing his degree. He worked for them about five years. He is currently a BIM (building information modeling) Design Technician at Archimages, Inc. Jim Huber, Principal at Archimages, tells us “Anthony Zinser has been a great addition to our team.”

Missy Borchardt, former Architecture Department Chair and instructor, commented “Anthony always came to class with a good attitude and ready to learn. He would take on additional projects that would stretch his ability.” David Graf, another Architecture instructor, tells us “Anthony was a good student. He was enthusiastic about architecture and always got along well with his fellow classmates.”

Anthony’s great grandfather, John Joseph Bryne, attended Ranken’s plumbing program in 1957.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://archimages-stl.com/

Nour Fuqa began her collegiate journey in the Architectural Engineering program at Birzeit University in Palestine. When she and her family moved to the United States in 2016, Nour wanted to continue her studies. “Ranken was recommended by a friend who is a Ranken alumna,” she said. “Besides being a good program, the hire rate for graduation is extremely high from Ranken.” Nour graduated Magna Cum Laude from Ranken Technical College with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture in 2019. She has recently been awarded a Director’s Scholarship from Washington University in St. Louis to pursue her master’s degree in architecture.

Nour is an architectural assistant for HT Design, LLC in St. Louis. Duane Thompson, Principal, HT Design, appreciates having Nour on his team. “During this challenging last year, Miss Fuqa has been a great team member and reliable asset,” he said. “She has shown great capacity for putting together construction drawing sets including researching code standards and zoning requirements. Miss Fuqa is exceptionally creative. She communicates well and has the confidence to articulate design vision to our clients. I am excited to see Miss Fuqa continue to sharpen her skillset as a young, up and coming designer.”

One of her favorite instructors at Ranken was Elizabeth Proost, who shared, “Nour was an introspective student who exhibited a true desire to produce quality design. She always challenged herself to thoroughly investigate the design prompt, was open to suggestion, and offered a refreshing approach to problem solving. In the studio environment, Nour was well liked, and her voice gave depth to the studio.”

Nour recalls her favorite memory of Ranken being Portfolio Day where she got the chance to connect and network with new people and professionals in the field. “Through the studio classes, Ranken prepared me to expedite project phases from concept design through construction documentation,” said Nour. She is very excited to begin the next step in her life, pursuing her graduate degree at Washington University in St. Louis.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Stephen “Andrew” Taylor graduated in May 2018 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architectural Technology. He served an internship at Frontenac Engineering Group after completion of the first year of his program, then began working at Crown C. Supply during the summer after his second year. Andrew is currently a Draftsman and Taper System Estimator @ Crown Supply where he is appreciated for his contributions.

Dave Kelly, Assistant Branch Manager at Crown Supply, explains “Andrew is very skilled in Auto-Cad and Revit, and most of his work at this location is with Auto-Cad. He is organized and understands prioritizing work on deadlines. He was able to hit the ground running after his time interning with us prior to accepting a full-time position.  Andrew understands workflow and adjusts ‘on the fly’ to changes based on customer requests. He is a dedicated worker, is on time, and works extra time as needed to fulfill needs during peak times. Andrew is willing to perform any task working toward the success of the team.”

Elizabeth Proost, Architecture instructor, tells us “Andrew Taylor was a resourceful and creative student with an eye towards detail. His unique approach to problem solving was influenced by his curiosity about the world around him. He was well-liked by his fellow students and was instrumental in the refurbishment of the significant ‘Falling Water’ model on display in the architecture department.”

Andrew speaks to the impact his Ranken education has had on his career. “I am more knowledgeable with the programs I use and understanding of the layout of the building plans,” he says. Of his favorite memories while attending Ranken, Andrew enjoyed the unique opportunities available to architecture students. He reflects, “Every couple of years, [classes] travelled overseas and were able to visit the buildings we studied in class, like the Cathédrale Notre-Dame de Paris.” Andrew was the President of Phi Theta Kappa in 2018.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://crowncsupply.com/

Deanna Landreth Law graduated March 2017 with a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Technology. She is now an Architectural Technician for Archimages. Archimages Inc. is an award-winning leader in the Architectural, Engineering, and Design Industry in the Midwest. Jim Huber, Principal at Archimages, explains “Deanna was well prepared to step in and immediately be productive on our projects. As with anyone, there is a learning curve regarding the way we like to do things and our drawing standards, but she enthusiastically picked that up rather quickly. Our culture centers around teams that work together to create a common goal. She has fit into that culture rather easily and continues to learn and expand her work skills on a daily basis. She is a very important part of our team.”

Deanna tells us, “Ranken has taught me that showing up ready, in uniform or proper attire, and being ready is half the battle. It really builds a lot of respect. Deanna was Student Ambassador President, Head Resident Assistant, Student Government President, Phi Theta Kappa President, and Student Worker in various departments; she was an active member of the Ranken community. She adds, “Some of my favorite memories are staying up late working on models in the [Architecture] studio perfecting every little detail of a project.” Deanna also completed an internship at The Korte Company, a design-build construction firm, during her junior year. Her cousin, Matthew Omans, is also a Ranken alum.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://archimages-stl.com/

Miguel Anthony “Tony” Raya graduated with an Associate Degree in Architectural Drafting in May 1991. He worked as an architectural technologist for The Korte Company following graduation. In August 2000, Tony joined HOK Architects’ St. Louis Studio as a Senior Project Architect. HOK is a global design, architecture, engineering, and planning firm. In 2020, the Saint Louis Business Journal named HOK both the area’s largest architecture firm and largest interior design firm. HOK announced July 19, 2021, that Tony Raya had been promoted to Technical Principal.

Dennis Nieweg, former Ranken architecture instructor, recollects “Tony was an outstanding student who set a great example for his fellow students. He handled adversity well and worked with and encouraged his classmates to work hard and do their best as well. It is very helpful for a teacher to have a student like Tony who sets their standards high and promotes great work ethics that classmates can look up to and follow.”

Tony tells us, “[Ranken] provided me with the skills to begin my career and journey.” His most notable memory is graduation.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
https://www.hok.com/news/2021-07/hok-expands-leadership-team-in-st-louis/
https://www.hok.com/studios/st-louis/

Kody Zedolek graduated in May 2019 with a Bachelor of Science from Ranken’s Architectural Technology program. Kody’s course of study included intensive building design projects, and he remembers the atmosphere of mutual support, recalling “nights spent working in the studio to meet deadlines with my friends. Architecture students can accomplish anything, given [enough] pizza, energy drinks, and a projector to watch The Godfather on.”

“He was always eager to do more than the basic requirements of a project,” says Architecture Department Chair Kelley Raftery. “Kody was a team leader and respected by his classmates.” Kody started to apply his skills in real-world settings almost immediately. Working for Ranken’s Buildings & Grounds department from his second semester, he later participated in a three-semester internship with HOK, the prestigious global architectural design firm based in St. Louis.

After graduation, Kody became part of the Architectural Staff at The Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), a subsidiary of leading constructor Clayco. Vance Stutz, a Principal with Clayco, tells us that “Kody has been a wonderful addition to our design practice and . . .creates an awesome work environment with his positive and humble personality.” Furthermore, Vance sees that “Kody has helped create awareness throughout the firm of what great talented students Ranken is developing in our own backyard. In the past two years, we have hired six individuals from Ranken’s architectural program.” Among the many key projects, Kody has contributed to at LJC is an engine plant for Blue Origin – the rocket company initiated by Amazon founder Jeff Bezos.

“My education at Ranken, both in the classroom and as a student worker, prepared me for the fast-paced and ever-changing field of Architecture at an affordable cost,” Kody says. His younger brother, Tanner, is currently enrolled in Ranken’s Electrical Systems Design Technology degree program.

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/
http://www.claycorp.com/
https://theljc.com/

With an education from Ranken and a degree in Architectural Technology, Earnestina Fields was able to teach her coworkers a thing or two.

“Ranken has prepared me for the software I use in my field,” Earnestina says. “It also allowed me to bring in skills that my coworkers didn’t know, and I was able to teach them new things.”
Fields is now a drafting technician at Wallace Architects, where her boss speaks highly of Fields’ work ethic.

“Earnie has been a great addition to our drafting team since she started with Wallace Architects,” said Mike Kleffner, Project Manager and Co-founder of Wallace Architects. “She finishes her work with high quality and precision, time and time again, and is able to work on several different types of projects simultaneously without missing a beat. We are lucky to have her as part of our team and grateful for her solid drafting education that she received at Ranken.”

In addition to receiving her education from Ranken, Fields also made a meaningful connection to the St. Louis campus. In June of 2019, she married her sweetheart and fellow Ranken student Andrew Fields right on campus.

“All four years were great,” she says. “But my favorite memory was marrying my now husband on the St. Louis campus where we met.”

https://www.facebook.com/wallacearchitects
https://wallacearchitects.com/

Meet Ashley Hammock, a 2018 Architecture Technology graduate, Magna Cum Laude, now employed at Jeff Day & Associates here in St. Louis.

When asked about the impact an education at Ranken Technical College has had on her life and professional development, Ashley says, “It has given me an edge over interns from other institutions that mainly focus on the design side of architecture, rather than the structure we learn at Ranken.”

Ashley says her fondest memory of Ranken was her first: attending the Shadow-A-Tech program, where she got her first glimpse at life as a student. Ranken is also where she met her now fiancé, a fellow Ranken graduate.

https://www.facebook.com/JEFF-DAY-ARCHITECT-44036946402

www.jeffdayhomes.com

Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Cody Henderson graduated Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree in 2006. He says, “Ranken gave me the tools so I could make an immediate impact . . . my first day on the job, I was able to dive into construction details with the knowledge to bring designs to life and make a lasting impression on the principals of the firm. Ranken fueled my curiosity for building technology which I constantly build upon to this day.” Kelley Raftery, Architecture Department Chair, says “Cody was without a doubt, a great student. More importantly, he has stayed connected with Ranken: taking students on job site visits, participating in project reviews, and serving on our advisory board for several years. I am excited to see where his career takes him because he is a rising star.”

Cody, Director of Science & Education for Feeler S. Architects (FAS), became president of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), St. Louis chapter in 2020. On March 10, he won the 2021 AIA Young Architects Award, an award honoring individuals demonstrating exceptional leadership who make significant contributions to the architecture profession early in their careers.

Client Matthew Conlon, Director for Capital Projects at Washington University in St. Louis, wrote, “Cody is very detail oriented and customer focused. He works diligently with the research scientists on the design of their laboratories, asking probing questions, defining and documenting their needs, and in some cases, educating the researcher on improved laboratory layout and functionality.”

Cody recalls, “As a junior we had a group project to design what would eventually become Walker Hall. Our team took over one of the projectors in the department for our group meetings and made design changes ‘on the fly’. We signed our drawings with the firm name ‘Team Projector.’”

Photos taken pre-pandemic. 1) 2021 AIA Showcase, 2) Cody volunteering for Habitat for Humanity, 3) Cody presenting to Ranken Summer Adventure Academy students

https://www.aia.org/showcases/6357065-cody-henderson-aia
Feeler, S. Architects (fsastl.com)
Learn more at https://ranken.edu/find-your-career-path/

Charles has embraced a variety of roles since graduating from Ranken. He started working as a drafter and did that for seven years. He has sold lumber, worked for Miceli Custom Homes as a Construction Superintendent and later promoted to VP of Construction building subdivisions and apartments. Charles also worked for Fred Weber building bridges and roads, and the Missouri Housing Development Commission as an inspector before retiring in 2017. Retirement did not last long as he went back to work for MODOT as a construction technician. He plans to retire again at the end of March. Charles has been married for 31 years, has three kids and 8 grand kids ranging in age from 3 to 22 years old. His Nephew Matt Sadler is an evening Automotive teacher at Ranken and his brother in law Jim Sadler also graduated from Ranken in Automotive. Charles remembers taking classes with his friend Rob Wirth and doing custodial work for the school in the evenings. “Ranken helped me hone my drafting skills which I still use in my leather business making belts, purses, and other products. It also helped prepare me for the workplace as it was more like going to a job because we were always designing and drawing something,” he recalls.