As the son, grandson and father of General Contractors, Jay has a lifetime of experience in the construction industry. He has professional skills in most of the trades on the jobsite, specializing in carpentry, as well as over 12 years as a commercial construction Superintendent and Project Manager. Jay has been working with Blitch Knevel Architects since 2002, and holds a Certified Construction Contract Administrator certification from the Construction Specification Institute. His depth of knowledge and experience equip him to manage the construction of any project, from pre-bid through final completion and warranty. When he’s out of the office, Jay enjoys a variety of outdoor activities and spending time with his 6 children and 19 grandchildren.
Education
University of Southwest Louisiana, Engineering/Geology
CERTIFICATIONS
Construction Specifications Institute – Certified Construction Contract Administrator
OSHA – 30 Hour Certification
NOTABLE PROJECTS
RSD Drew Elementary Renovation
Abney Elementary School- New Cafetorium
St. Mary’s Dominican High School
St. Martin’s Episcopal School Master Plan, Idea Lab Expansion
St. Paul’s Episcopal School Addition
East St. Tammany Events Center/Northshore Harbor Center
Melissa divides her time between marketing and project administration for Blitch Knevel’s variety of projects and design pursuits. She designs proposals and assists with various advertising campaigns on the marketing end, while also supporting the architects as a project administrator throughout all phases of the project. While most of her career was spent as an educator, she is thrilled to have shifted into the field of architecture.
Education
Christian Brothers University, Master of Education
Southeastern Louisiana University, Bachelor of Arts Education
Caroline is a recent LSU School of Architecture graduate who joined the Blitch Knevel team in the summer of 2022. Her previous internship at a Baton Rouge based design-build firm gave her a wealth of experience in terms of seeing a project from conception to fulfillment in both the commercial and residential realms. Hailing originally from Madisonville, Caroline is excited to be involved in the betterment of spaces in and around her community through working and gaining expertise on a variety of projects in all different phases. Additionally, Caroline has a special interest in social media management and graphic design and has been managing the firm’s social media presence since the fall of 2022.
Education
Louisiana State University, Bachelor of Architecture, 2022
Allison Chalmers has 16 years of experience as an Interior Designer and is responsible for Blitch Knevel Architects’ interior design services. Her involvement begins in the programming phase and continues throughout construction administration for each project, including FF&E procurement. Mrs. Chalmers has experience in healthcare, education, corporate, and senior living and hospitality facilities.
Education
Louisiana Tech University, Bachelor of Interior Design, 2005
President’s List, Dean’s List, Director’s List
Robert S. Allbritton has 8 years of experience as a design professional in the architectural field. He started his career producing construction documentation for refurbishment projects to churches and schools before moving on to producing documents for large-scale healthcare renovations and additions for hospitals across the North Louisiana region. His professional experience has given him a firm belief in providing the client with a seamless design process and a successful construction project, while creating spaces that accomplish their goals and enrich the users’ experience of the built environment.
Education
University of Louisiana at Lafayette, Master of Architecture
Registration
Louisiana #9217
Notable Projects
Saint John’s on the Lake Continuing Care Retirement Community
Wynhoven / St. Andrew’s Senior Living Expansion
Abney Elementary School Gym & Classroom Addition
Alexander Ridge Senior Living Community – Conceptual Design
Linear Elementary Refurbishment*
Caddo Middle Career Technical School Roof Repairs*
Woodlawn Leadership Academy Roofing Phase III*
Broadmoor Baptist Church Indoor Playland + Gym Refurbishment*
CHI St. Luke’s Memorial*
Rural Health Clinic
Medical Arts Pavilion – Suite Renovations
Christus Health at Highland Medical Office Building*
While specializing in Healthcare Architecture, Vanessa has managed projects ranging from Veteran’s Affairs Medical Center to Hospital Neonatal Intensive Care Units. Her experience with General Practice Healthcare construction has allowed her to establish a solid base in the Healthcare Guidelines and practices. Previous experience in high-end hospitality has helped shape her appreciation of gracious and welcoming architecture, while allowing her knowledge of building codes and regulatory practices to progress. She is responsible for coordination of projects from Schematic Design Phase through Construction Administration. Vanessa directs the firms continuing education program, researching and organizing subjects for office wide staff development.
Education
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Bachelor of Architecture
Tulane University, New Orleans, LA, Masters of Architecture
Registration
Louisiana #7797
Certifications
CSI-CDT, Construction Specifications Institute
Notable Projects
Ritz Carlton Renovations & Upgrades, New Orleans
Maison Orleans Renovations & Upgrades
Courtyard by Marriott Conversion, New Orleans
Wynhoven / St. Andrew’s Senior Living Expansion
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport
Main Tower Renovations and Expansion
Neonatal Intensive Care Unit
Interventional Radiology
Emergency Generator Building
Nursery & Post-Partum Upgrades
MRI Replacement
Intensive Care Unit
Veterans Affairs Gulf Coast Veterans Health Care System, Biloxi, MS
Renovations to Building 1
Med/Surg Patient Rooms
Dental Clinic
Water Intrusion Repairs
LSU-Health Care Services Division – Charity Hospital Cleanout, New Orleans, LA
Ken Knevel has more than 35 years of diverse experience in design, technology and management, with a special emphasis on the execution of complex projects. Mr. Knevel works closely with clients and construction teams to ensure successful completion of projects.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, 1974, University of Notre Dame
Registration
Licensed in Louisiana, Indiana
Notable Projects
Louisiana State University Academic Medical Center
University Hospital Interim Medical Center of Louisiana
East Jefferson General Hospital Intensive Care Unit
East Jefferson General Hospital Medical Office Building and Parking Garage
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Medical Office Building
Lambeth House Continuing Care Retirement Community
Slidell Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building
Slidell Memorial Hospital Radiation Therapy Facility
Riverside Medical Office Building
VA Medical Center NHCU/Parking Garage
Xavier University – University Student Center
Xavier University – St. Martin DePorres Residence Hall
With more than 40 years of experience in architecture, Ron Blitch is responsible for the firm’s primary concept design and design development coordination. His hands-on participation in the entire design process results in creative solutions for the firm’s clients. Mr. Blitch is a nationally respected authority in Healthcare and Senior Living design, and has won numerous awards for his innovative designs of educational, healthcare, senior living and religious facilities.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture, 1976, University of Notre Dame,
Magna Cum Laude
Recipient of Henry Adams Award for Architectural Education
Certifications
Certified Healthcare Architect – FACHA
Elected Fellow – ACHA
Fellow, American Institute of Architects
Registrations
Licensed in Louisiana, Mississippi, Alabama, Texas, Florida, Indiana and Pennsylvania
Professional Boards
NCARB – President 2012, 1st Vice President 2011, 2nd Vice President 2010
NCARB – Committee on Examination 2003-2007, Chair 2008, 2009, 2010
NAAB Accreditation Team, 2009-2012
Regional Chairs Committee, 2010
Committee on Procedures and Documents, 2010
ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) Assistant Chair 2003-2005
ARE (Architectural Registration Exam) Committee, 1998-2005
Coordinator – Construction Documents & Services, 2000-2002
State of Louisiana – State Board of Architectural Examiners 1993-2000, Second Term 2008-2014
President, 2000
Architects/Engineers Joint Committee, 1993-2000
American Institute of Architects
Board of Directors, Academy of Architecture for Health, 1995-97
Vice President for Design 1995-2000
Chairman, Design for Aging Committee, 1991-2002
Design for Aging Center, Founding Chairman
Notable Projects
East Jefferson General Hospital Intensive Care Unit
East Jefferson General Hospital Medical Office Building and Parking Garage
Louisiana State University Academic Medical Center
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Clinical Services Addition
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Emergency Department
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport Medical Office Building
Memorial Hospital at Gulfport OR Renovation
New Orleans Regional PET Scanner & Gamma Knife Center
Pendleton Memorial Methodist Hospital
Slidell Memorial Hospital Medical Office Building
VA Medical Center NHCU/Parking Garage
McGill-Toolen Catholic High School Science and Technology Center
New Campus for Holy Cross School
University Hospital Interim Medical Center of Louisiana at New Orleans
University of New Orleans Student Housing
Xavier University – University Student Center
Xavier University College of Pharmacy Addition/Renovation
Lafitte Senior Housing
Lambeth House Continuing Care Retirement Community
Malta Square Senior Living Community
Our Lady of Wisdom Skilled Nursing Facility
Providence Community Housing
St. Anna’s Senior Residence
St. Margaret’s Daughters Home
Willwoods Community (Assisted Living Facilities)
Corpus Christi Catholic Church (Community Center and Church Expansion)