Steven Pate, FALA,
President
Steve Pate has been an energetic leader as President of RuckPate since 1996. Possessing 34 years of experience managing full-service design teams, Steve continues to work actively on projects that range from educational building design to corporate offices and municipal facilities. This work ethic is part of his relentless pursuit of quality and superior client service.
On behalf of RuckPate's clients, Steve's overall role as President extends to ensuring that projects receive the appropriate level of commitment and resources to maintain the high level of quality and value for which RuckPate has become known.
Steve is also responsible for the creation of the firm's customized cost management systems, and trains our project managers in its effective use.
As a result of his leadership in the field of architecture, Steve has given numerous presentations on topics ranging from designing for the future and project management to the actual process of architectural design and its successful implementation. Steve also serves on the Board of Directors for the Association of Licensed Architects, an international organization dedicated to furthering the profession of architecture through continuing education and addressing critical issues in the built environment industry.
Education
University of Illinois, Chicago—Bachelor of Architecture
Registration
Licensed Architect
Professional Memberships
- Association of Licensed Architects
Past-President, Board of Directors - Illinois Association of School Boards
- Illinois Association of School Administrators
- Illinois Association of School Business Officials
- The Association for Project Managers
Presentations
- "From the Ground Up", New William J. Attea Middle School
Open House and Seminar, 16 April 2003 - "QBS for Architectural Services", IASB/IASA/IASBO
Joint Annual Conference, 17 November 2000 - Session No.2—Construction Management", IASB/IASA/IASBO
Joint Annual Conference, 20 November 1999 - "Educational Environments of the Future",
IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference,
23 November 1996
John Maurer, ALA,
Executive Vice President
John Maurer is RuckPate's foremost Planner and Designer. Possessing a wealth of national experience on most building types, he provides guidance on all of the firm's projects during the crucial design stages. John has attained a national reputation for designs that are innovative, stimulating and responsive to clients' needs, particularly in the education and religious building sectors.
Since joining RuckPate in 1987, John has helped develop and refine the firm's design philosophy. While not subscribing to any specific style or form, John ensures that RuckPate's body of work consistently draws inspiration from the unique needs and personality of each client. He stresses the importance of community involvement in the planning process in order to keep aesthetics in balance with functional spaces. John also views RuckPate as a steward of client resources, and is dedicated to achieving the best possible solutions based on available funding. The end results are environments that are efficient, flexible, and in harmony with their surroundings.
In John's role as Lead Planner and Designer, he is committed to fostering talent within the firm, and he continues to run in-house charrettes, mentor staff and teach by example when serving clients. He has said that RuckPate's most successful projects are all the culmination of successful teamwork and mutual respect among everyone involved.
Education
Texas Tech University—Bachelor of Architecture
Registration
Licensed Architect
Professional Memberships
- National Trust for Historic Preservation
- Council of Educational Facility Planners International
- Association of Licensed Architects
Presentations
- "Evangelical Worship and Church Architecture",
Judson College, 12 October 2001 - "Here Comes the Wrecking Ball—Does Our Old Church Have
to Go?" Form/Reform: The National Conference of
Environment and Art for Catholic Worship, 30 June 2001 - "Designing Interior Spaces for Learning", IASB/IASA/IASBO
Joint Annual Conference, 20 Novemer 1999 - "Educational Environments of the Future",
IASB/IASA/IASBO Joint Annual Conference,
23 November 1996
Frederick Schuster, AIA,
Vice President
Fred Schuster is well-respected throughout the Northern Illinois region for his extensive knowledge in all aspects of architectural design and construction. A LEED Accredited Professional, he currently serves as Principal-Project Manager on many of RuckPate's complex and challenging projects, including schools, religious facilities and libraries. Fred has always been and continues to be committed to building teamwork among clients, architects and builders, and has helped to develop a strong client following since joining the firm in 1987.
Fred is RuckPate's leading authority on construction systems, building codes, life safety and accessibility codes. His dedication and technical expertise have earned his work national recognition, particularly in the educational and religious domains. Fred has also made significant contributions toward mentoring architectural staff during his tenure at RuckPate. His guidance on the practical application of architectural design as it relates to its many components—feasibility, cost vs. budget, scheduling, and materials—has been invaluable toward both achieving long-term client goals and educating architects for the future.
Fred has established the high technical standards for our construction drawings and specifications. He also possesses a broad knowledge of communication technology, from design and implementation of LAN networking for school and business environments, to the application of CAD for design and construction document preparation.
Education
Carnegie-Mellon University—Bachelor of Architecture
Registration
Licensed Architect
LEED-Accredited Professional
Professional Memberships
- American Institute of Architects
- Construction Specification Institute
Presentations
- "Building Teamwork", Illinois Association of School Business
Officials 53rd Annual Conference and Exhibition,
May 12-14, 2003
