COLUMBIA, South Carolina, March 21, 2024 – (www.ssoe.com), an internationally ranked architecture and engineering firm, is proud to announce that employees Girmay Berhie, RA, LEED AP BD+C, Architect; Linda Boylan, AIA, LEED AP, Senior Architect; and Adriane McGillis, AIA, Senior Architect, were honored in the 2024 SAY IT LOUD – South Carolina Exhibition from Beyond the Built Environment, which celebrates the contributions of diverse designers and advocates for equitable built environments and communities. Since January 2017, SAY IT LOUD exhibitions have been viewed by an estimated 55,000 visitors. From inception, multiple online publications (such as Forbes, Curbed, and The Architects Newspaper) have helped promote the exhibitions further expanding their impact.
Berhie was honored for his contributions to the profession as well as his work as the project architect for the featured project, Saluda Elementary School, which is in the Saluda County School District. The facility is being designed to be a “Smart Design Solution” that will meet life safety, security, energy, and code requirements while being completed within the stipulated budget. The school, which enrolls 100% economically disadvantaged students, includes collaborative spaces for all grade levels and is designed around a very efficient Main Street concept. The building is laid out very simply utilizing right angles to allow for economic construction and ease of long-term maintenance. Read more about Berhie and the featured project here.
Berhie has well-rounded expertise encompassing architectural design, master planning, research, and publication relating to sustainable practices and methodologies such as spatial configuration studies. His work spans educational spaces, healthcare, and commercial facilities. Through his published research papers and conference presentations, Berhie has contributed to the broader discussion on incorporating the principles of sustainability into architectural and urban design.
Boylan was honored for her contributions to the profession and featured project, Career and Advanced Technology Education Center (C.A.T.E. Center) in the Jasper County School District, where she served as project architect. This $6.8 million, 25,000 SF state-of-the-art flagship facility was built as an addition to the existing Ridgeland-Hardeeville High School. The facility offers a unique program that introduces students to profitable trades and skills that will enhance their future, with the flexibility to grow with the region’s changing workforce needs to accommodate the evolving programs. Read more about Boylan and the featured project here.
A Registered Architect with more than 35 years of experience, Boylan is an expert at providing programming, master planning, design, and construction administration on the most complex of projects. She leads multidisciplinary teams supporting the design of facilities in various market sectors, including K-12, and is a valuable member of SSOE’s South Carolina team. Boylan is certified by the NCARB as a Broadly Experienced Architect in addition to being LEED AP.
McGillis was honored for her contributions to the profession and featured project CaroMont Health’s Freestanding Emergency Care Department where she served as project manager. SSOE designed this 38,000 SF emergency care complex blending modernity with textile mill aesthetics. It offers rapid patient care with six rapid medical evaluation rooms, a results lounge, 12 treatment rooms, and two trauma rooms. The facility has a diagnostic imaging suite and lab, dual-entry patient rooms, and staff-friendly features like natural light, efficient layouts, and a breakroom with an outdoor patio. It serves a rural community, reducing travel time to Charlotte. The facility opened in spring 2015. Read more about McGillis and the featured project here.
McGillis is a skilled architect with 20 years of experience in designing higher education facilities in the southeastern U.S. She has a love for the arts and a deep admiration of the sciences which is infused in her passion for design. While identifying as white, McGillis is very proud of both her Scottish and Native American heritage. Adriane was close to her paternal grandfather who was Chippewa and served as Chairman of the Little Shell. She is a registered member of the tribe.
About the SAY IT LOUD Exhibitions:
Submissions are encouraged to reflect a broad and inclusive definition of design excellence. Each entry is judged for the success with which it has met its individual requirements. Submissions must exhibit design achievement that demonstrates exemplary skill and creativity in the resolution and integration of formal, functional, and technical requirements, including ecological stewardship and social responsibility. Submissions should also reflect a strong sense of place, history, and purpose.
