In the News

At O’Connell Robertson, we take immense pride in recognizing the achievements of our outstanding professionals who continuously strive to elevate the client experience. The following promoted leaders have not only showcased their dedication and creativity but have also contributed significantly to enhancing the lives of those who engage with our designs.

These promotions reflect the firm’s commitment to fostering career growth and expertise development within our diverse and dynamic work environment. The impact of these individuals’ varied talents extends beyond the walls of our offices in Austin, Houston, and San Antonio, shaping the future of the company. Their unique strengths and contributions are not only supporting our clients’ missions, but also leaving a lasting imprint on the overall culture and operations of the firm.

As we celebrate these well-deserved promotions, we look forward to the continued success and innovation that these leaders will bring to O’Connell Robertson.

Thursten Simonsen, PE, LEED AP O+M

Thursten is a Mechanical Engineer with over 25 years of experience. His interests include energy efficiency and conservation (AEE Certified Energy Auditor), sustainable facilities, high performance buildings, and facility planning, maintenance and management. As an Engineering Project Manager, and with his combination of LEED and ASHRAE High-Performance Building Design Professional (HBDP) credentials, he brings energy efficiency and sustainability expertise to each project while ensuring the client’s functional and programmatic goals are met. He enjoys working within highly collaborative project teams at O’Connell Robertson facilitated through the integration of MEP Engineering, Architecture, and Interiors within a single firm. He received his Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The University of Texas at Austin and his MBA from The University of Texas at San Antonio.

Spencer Burglin

Spencer is an Interior Architectural Designer with 8 years of experience. Truly passionate about challenging the limits of design, he is always thinking about innovative ways to express concepts through design exploration and strategizing best practices for client success. Spencer is driven by engaging environments where the best design solutions are collaboratively developed. He is responsible for the functionality, safety and beauty of educational, healthcare, and corporate spaces we design. He feels fortunate to be part of such a dynamic team environment, learning and growing with his peers Spencer received a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture from Colorado State University.

Nicole Nations, RA

Nicole has more than 5 years of experience dedicated to educational architecture. Her extensive skillset covers all aspects of project management, from initial pre-programming to construction administration responsibilities. She is deeply committed to improving the industry through the power of collaboration, knowledge sharing and innovation. Coming from a family of educators, learning has been a life-long passion and pursuit for her. Fostering strong teamwork to achieve exceptional outcomes is what drives Nicole. She first started as an intern at O’Connell Robertson and has grown within the firm over the last 5 years. Nicole has enjoyed having the opportunity to work on impactful spaces that support the community and working the many welcoming and talented professionals at O’Connell Robertson. She received her Bachelor of Architecture, Master of Architecture and Master of Business Administration from Texas Tech University.

Will Sevedge

Will showcases over 9 years of experience, currently holding the position of the Firm’s BIM Manager, focusing on the implementation and management of BIM processes. He brings a unique perspective from his time as a US Army Infantry Soldier and pursued studies in Architectural Design and Engineering at Long Beach City College. His responsibilities encompass the development of standards, training, software management, quality control, project support, data management, research, and regulatory compliance.

Rachel Toronjo

Rachel is a quality-driven professional with 16 years of experience and a proven knowledge of space design, project coordination, and cross-functional team building and leadership. She leverages these skills as a Project Manager for both educational and healthcare projects at O’Connell Robertson. Having previously worked at Central Health and Texas State University, Rachel brings a unique perspective to our team and shares insight from a former client’s point of view. Previously, she was an owner and designer at her own landscaping firm where she honed many of the detail-oriented, customer service and design skills she utilizes today. Rachel is a graduate of Texas State University where she achieved her Bachelor of Arts, History degree.

Behzad Yaghmaei, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP BD&C

Behzad has more than 5 years’ experience leading the architectural efforts on projects of various sizes and types in Texas and around the nation. He is a graduate of Texas A&M University, where he received his Masters in Architecture. He has a passion for design excellence and creative problem-solving with a unique ability to facilitate a design process that helps the owner to explore what their needs are while keeping projects on schedule and budget. Specializing in healthcare system and design, Behzad achieved EDAC certification, and practices evidence-based-design principles to design patient centric environments which enhance patients, their families and staffs experience and satisfaction.