McKinley Architecture and Engineering Experiencing Growth and Expansion

Wheeling, WV – McKinley Architecture and Engineering continues to build momentum by announcing that two new major projects have been awarded to the firm in addition to multiple regional projects added this year. To support this growth, the team has grown by more than 30% and added new roles to help channel our experience and innovation to deliver on our commitments to our clients.

McKinley Architecture and Engineering was recently awarded the Fayette County WV Meadow Bridge PK-12 School which expands our work in southern West Virginia and, closer to home for most of our design team, the Weirton WV Park Drive Development Project. “We are proud to be awarded both of these major projects that will each have a significant impact on their communities” said Ernie Dellatorre, President of McKinley Architecture and Engineering.

The new Meadow Bridge PreK thru 12 will replace the High School that was constructed in 1924. The new school will be designed to current safety and educational standards that will offer the Meadow Bridge students new opportunities with a state-of-the-art facility that will exceed today’s standards. “It is very rewarding to see the look on students’ faces when they first enter a new school,” said Dellatorre.

Regarding the Weirton project, Dellatorre added, “One of the most exciting aspects of our work is to be part of privately-funded economic development in West Virginia. The initial phase of the 72-acre mixed use development will include restaurants, retail and residential space. An outdoor public green space could potentially include areas for entertainment. We’re thankful the private sector sees opportunity in our home state, is willing to make significant investments, and relies on the McKinley team’s experience and innovation to deliver on time and under budget.”

McKinley’s investment in people is displayed in recent new hires: Thomas Wippenbeck, with 20+ years of architectural experience, was hired as Regional Manager of Architectural Services in the Wexford PA office; and Steven Sweeney, with 20+ years of architectural and construction background, was hired as Senior Architect in the Wheeling office. Wheeling resident Davey Ullom was educated at Fairmont State University and hired as an engineering designer.

Another example of McKinley’s expansion was through the Generation West Virginia’s Impact Fellowship program. McKinley has hired two recent graduates of Syracuse University’s architectural program to work in the firm’s Wheeling office. Mikayla Starr, with an undergraduate degree, and Dallin Evans, with a master’s degree, who have each relocated with their families to Wheeling.

Generation West Virginia (GWV) is the statewide organization dedicated to attracting, retaining, and advancing young talent in the Mountain State. “We are excited to be a part of the wonderful program,” commented Ernie Dellatorre. “It is important that we retain talented and passionate young people in our state.” With the Fellowship Program, each of the interns will volunteer time one day a week in the community.

To solidify our dedication to clients, the company hired Wheeling native Sean Doyle in the newly created role of Project and Client Relationship Manager. Sean completed his undergraduate degree at Cornell University and obtained his master’s at Wheeling Jesuit University. Doyle has an extensive background in strategic planning and systems analysis. In this role, Doyle will be responsible for overseeing client relationships for all facets of projects. “Sean is an outstanding addition to our team”, commented Dellatorre, “His broad and deep experience and history of client interaction is an asset to our growing firm.”

McKinley Architecture and Engineering is a multi-discipline, full-service firm providing architectural, engineering, design and construction administration services. For more than 65 years, McKinley has become a well-known name in the region evolving into the leading architectural and engineering firm in WV.