BWA announces appointments
Bergman Walls & Associates has announced the addition of four new team members, including Vice President of Architecture and Design Frederick Robertus and designers Ben Yi Xu, Heather Chapa and Jisoo Kim.
The expansion follows the passing of BWA Co-Founder and Chairman, Joel Bergman, and illustrates the firm’s commitment to providing clients with the highest level of individualised design services.
With the addition of a new Vice President, the BWA leadership team has more than 150 years of combined experience in designing hospitality, dining, retail and entertainment projects worldwide.
“The addition to our team is part of a strategic shift my brother George and I had previously developed with guidance from our father prior to his passing,” explains Leonard Bergman, president and CEO of BWA. “The new team members were meticulously selected as their talents will offer a fresh and innovative perspective to our design approach and allow BWA to continue to be a leader in the fields of architecture and interiors.”
Bringing more than 20 years of experience in architectural interior design, Robertus’ passion lies in creating inviting, comfortable and functional spaces that exemplify the basic principles of design. With a portfolio that includes numerous luxury hospitality projects throughout Asia and the United States, which complements BWA’s international reach, Robertus uses a detailed approach to design, incorporating historical, cultural and geographical components.
Robertus comments: “Design is my passion and I approach each project with intelligence and sensitivity to detail, incorporating an innate sense of scale, proportion, balance and rhythm to achieve my client’s desired outcome. I want to apply these attributes, as well as my previous experience, to my work at BWA and inspire my colleagues to create captivating spaces.”
Designer Yi Xu joins the team with a Master of Interior Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. As a LEED green associate designer, Yi Xu’s belief that sustainability is a core element of design aligns with BWA’s commitment to improve the environment through the practice of sustainable design. Yi Xu brings with him several years of design experience, having previously worked on commercial interior projects for both the healthcare and hospitality industries.
BWA also welcomes Chapa as an interior designer, bringing with her a Master in Interior Design Research and more than 14 years of experience in the specialisation of holistic design. Utilising scientific methods developed whilst researching for her thesis, Chapa creates designs that best meet clients’ intended outcomes and bottom line.
Kim, a recent graduate of Rhode Island School of Design, joins BWA as an interior designer. In addition to a Master of Design degree, Kim also holds a background in fine arts, having studied at University of Southern California, bringing a dynamic skill set and perspective to BWA.
