GWWO Promotes Chris Elcock, Lisa Andrews & Brian Eschman

Chris Elcock joined GWWO in 1997 and quickly became a pivotal member of the team. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Howard University and a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of the West Indies. His nearly 30-year career has focused on the design of cultural and educational projects with an emphasis on performing arts, interpretive, recreation, and elementary education facilities. His work with the firm has been significant for its careful balance of inspiration and practicality. Among other notable projects, he led the award-winning design of the Harriet Tubman Underground Railroad Visitor Center, the St. Mary’s College Nancy R. & Norton T. Dodge Performing Arts Center & Learning Commons, and the Benfield Elementary School renovation and addition. Chris directs the firm's recruitment, orientation, and talent retention programs with an eye to shaping the best and brightest future architects and designers.

In addition to his contributions within the firm, Chris is a passionate advocate for the Maryland architecture community and beyond. He is a member of the AIA Documents Committee, a nationwide group of professionals tasked with drafting and revising the AIA standard contracts used throughout the building industry. At the state level, he serves as a grant reviewer for the Maryland African American Heritage Preservation Program and was a founding member of the Maryland Coast Smart Council, charged with establishing criteria for the siting and design of structures located within the state’s coastal areas to address threats of sea-level rise and coastal action. At the community level, Chris has been involved with the Baltimore Chapter of the AIA as an instructor in the ART program that helps young architects study to become licensed and he is a member of the advisory board for Great Talk, Inc., a non-profit dedicated to fostering intellectual discourse on topics outside of traditional media.

We look forward to this next chapter as Chris joins the other principals of the firm to help shepherd GWWO in new and exciting directions.

Lisa Andrews joined GWWO in 2001, was named an Associate in 2003, and became a Senior Associate in 2011. She prides herself on building trust and collaborating with clients to lead them through all aspects of the creative process, from early visioning to project completion. Lisa has extensive project management experience overseeing multidiscipline teams in the successful execution of challenging, multi-faceted projects. Within the office, she enjoys mentoring and providing guidance on best practices for innovative and thoughtful design solutions.

Lisa led the project teams for many of GWWO’s high profile projects, including the comprehensive design of the new Ralph C. Wilson Jr. Welcome Center in an environmentally complex site at Niagara Falls State Park; a new facility for the Irvine Nature Center that incorporates numerous innovations in sustainability; and the Cade Museum for Creativity & Invention, which features integrative technology with eye-catching architectural elements seamlessly sited in a functional park setting. In addition to these, she has played a pivotal role in the design and project management of numerous renovation and restoration projects for the National Park Service and the Smithsonian Institution.

Lisa serves as an in-house resource on sustainability and historic preservation and plays an active role in the office’s GWWOrks philanthropic committee. She is a member of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional. Lisa holds Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and Master of Architecture degrees, both from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Brian Eschman joined the firm in 2006, was named an Associate in 2013, and a Senior Associate in 2020. Brian is a technically-strong and client-focused architect who is also an active, thoughtful mentor. He is skilled at guiding large, multidiscipline teams through challenging renovation, addition, and new construction projects. His creative thinking helps clients achieve their project goals while remaining on-time and within budget. His involvement in GWWO’s construction committee further informs his work and benefits the firm’s clients.

Brian has built a diverse portfolio of educational, community, and government projects over his career. Today, his work focuses on the leadership and management of GWWO’s educational projects team. Notable projects that he has overseen include the new 354,000-SF LEED Silver certified Severna Park High School that includes flexible learning spaces to accommodate a variety of learning and instructional styles; the new 600 student Two Rivers Elementary School; and the new 1,400 student Northern High School that integrated design strategies and technologies for 21st century learning. His commitment to understanding the needs of students, educators, and administrators, while maintaining a keen focus on the practical side of design ensures successful spaces for all users.

Brian is a member of the AIA and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture degree, both from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.