Chris Engel was appointed to the board of directors in 2018 and was selected to serve as board chairman in 2019. He has more than 25 years of professional experience and has been with the firm since 2003. As Executive Vice President of Architecture, he manages the firm’s entire architectural practice, which includes oversight of more than 100 employees in offices throughout Alabama, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina and Tennessee. Chris’ leadership extends beyond GMC to various roles in the community. He spent part of his early career teaching and mentoring architecture students at Auburn University and with its Center for Architecture and Urban Studies in Birmingham. He has also been named one of Birmingham Business Journal’s Top 40 Under 40, and is a graduate of Leadership Birmingham. While his experience covers projects of every type, he has developed a knack for historic renovation, planning and sustainable building technology. His passion for historic renovation has resulted in several award-winning projects, including the Birmingham Museum of Folk Art, Martin Biscuit Building and Young & Vann Building, all recipients of the Birmingham Historical Society Preservation Award. Others recognized in his design portfolio include the Renaissance Birmingham Ross Bridge Golf Resort & Spa by Marriott, AIA Alabama Council Honor Award; GMC's Birmingham Office, Alabama Associated General Contractors of America Design Award; The Grand Hotel Marriott Resort, Golf Club & Spa in Point Clear, South-Central Design and Construction Award of Merit and ABC Alabama Chapter Excellence in Construction Award; and the Robotics Education & Training Center, Alabama AIA Honor Award.