Growth in architecture and design practices often depends on leadership capacity, client relationships and the ability to manage increasingly diverse project portfolios. The Beck Group has expanded its leadership structure in Austin by elevating two architecture leaders to Principal as the practice continues developing its presence in Central Texas.
Jacqueline Dudley, AIA, Architecture Practice Leader, and Andy Kennedy, AIA, Design Director, were promoted to Principal. Both assumed their current leadership positions in early 2025.
Dudley has experience across hospitality, higher education, workplace and commercial projects. Her portfolio includes the Texas Bankers Association, Omni Barton Creek Resort & Spa and Duke University's Wallace Wade Stadium renovation.
Kennedy's work includes RiverSouth, 600 West 5th Street and the Dell Jewish Community Center, as well as hospitality projects for Omni Hotels & Resorts. His portfolio covers workplace, hospitality and community-oriented design.
The two roles provide separate areas of responsibility within the practice. Dudley focuses on team development, client relationships and business growth, while Kennedy oversees design and the creative direction of the Austin studio.
The Austin practice works across several building sectors, reflecting the range of development activity in the Central Texas market. Its work includes office, hospitality, higher education and community facilities.
RiverSouth, a Class AA office development designed and built by The Beck Group, received a National Award of Excellence from the Design-Build Institute of America in 2023.
Leadership development is also part of the practice's staffing strategy. Dudley has worked on team development and mentoring, while Kennedy has focused on supporting architects and designers through design development and project execution.
For owners and developers, architecture leadership changes can affect how firms structure client management, design oversight and project delivery as local practices expand. The Beck Group's promotions add two Principals with experience across multiple building sectors to its Austin leadership team.
The move also reflects the importance of maintaining experienced design and client leadership in markets with active commercial, hospitality, institutional and community development work.
Source: The Beck Group.
