529 Greenwood Avenue S.E.
East Grand Rapids, Michigan
Phone (616) 451-3346
A Woman-Owned Small Business
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MCSA Group, Inc. Professional Team

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Tiffany A. Smith, RLA
President
Landscape Architect

Melinda R. Whitten, RLA
Principal
Landscape Architect

Jolanta Stecka, RA
Principal
Architect

Kathleen G. Waters, RA
Principal
Architect

Michael C. Smith
Founder

Judy A. Smith
Chief Financial Officer Emeritus

Abby Dussault
Associate
Landscape Architect

Julie Estes
Administrative Manager

Now Hiring - Senior Level Project Architect

Company Overview:
Join a well-established architectural firm dedicated to serving public entities at municipal through federal levels, as well as specializing in affordable housing projects. Our firm prides itself on delivering comprehensive architectural services, ensuring quality from client acquisition through construction administration.

Key Responsibilities:
- Develop and implement marketing strategies to attract and retain clients.
- Prepare detailed proposals and presentations for potential projects.
- Lead the schematic design and design development phases of projects.
- Collaborate with consultants and other stakeholders throughout the project lifecycle.
- Oversee full design and construction services to ensure project completion on time and within budget.

Required Skills and Qualifications:
- Registered Architect in the State of Michigan
- Minimum of 10 years of experience in project management within the architecture industry.
- Strong understanding of construction processes and architectural design principles.
- Proficient in project management software and architectural design tools.
- Excellent communication and leadership skills, with the ability to manage cross-functional teams.

For an opportunity to join a team that creates spaces that matter, please submit your resume and portfolio to tas@mcsagroup.com. MCSA Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, individual creative workspace, a dog friendly environment, and a $1,000 signing bonus after successful completion of 60 days of employment.

Now Hiring - Landscape Architect

MCSA Group, Now Hiring - Landscape Architect MCSA Group, Inc., located in charming East Grand Rapids, is seeking to fulfill a full-time Landscape Architect position to join our dedicated team. MCSA Group offers unlimited opportunities to be involved in all aspects of design and project coordination in a creative, supportive working environment.

We are a highly regarded, award-winning landscape architectural and architectural firm that provides services for park and recreation projects, downtown planning and streetscapes, sports and recreation facilities, site and recreation master planning, and an extensive variety of other exciting site design projects.

As our firm continues to grow, we are on the lookout for the next great designer. We are a collaborative group of landscape architects and architects that approach projects with unique expertise and diverse perspectives and a shared goal to create amazing designs.

Qualified applicants must have experience and professional skills in preparing site plans, construction documents, master plans, and presentation graphics. Applicants must be experienced with AutoCAD, Adobe Creative Suite, Sketch-Up and MS Office with a bachelor’s degree in Landscape Architecture from an accredited University.

For an opportunity to join a team that creates spaces that matter, please submit your resume and portfolio to tas@mcsagroup.com. MCSA Group offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, individual creative workspace, a dog friendly environment, and a $1,000 signing bonus after successful completion of 60 days of employment.

KATHLEEN G. WATERS, R.A., LEED® AP
PRINCIPAL and VICE PRESIDENT

Registration:

Registered Architect, State of Michigan, 2005
Registered Architect, State of Illinois, 2015
Certificate from National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, 2005
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, 2007

Education:

Arizona State University, Master of Architecture, 1997
Michigan State University, Bachelor of Science in Engineering Arts, 1989

Professional Experience:

MCSA Group, Inc. 2006 to date
The Design Forum, Grand Rapids, MI 1999 – 2006
Arrington Watkins Architects, Arizona 1997 – 1999
Ameritech, Michigan 1989 – 1994

Kathleen has been a key professional with the MCSA Group for 19 years and is responsible for the high standard, comprehensiveness and consistency of our Architectural plans. Kathleen is the lead project manager on numerous projects including services for Public Housing Commissions throughout Michigan. She is a problem solver, solution evolver of the highest professional level. Kathleen shares her love of running with her husband, son and daughter exploring new and special environments.

TIFFANY A. SMITH, RLA, CPSI
PRINCIPAL and PRESIDENT

Registration:

Registered Landscape Architect – State of Michigan

Education:

Michigan State University, B.S.L.A., 2001
Certified Playground Safety Inspector, CPSI

Professional Experience:

M. C. Smith Associates and Architectural Group, 2001 to date
Adjunct Professor at Lawrence Technological University
Eagle Point Software, 2001
Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Operations Services Bureau –Engineering Division 2000-2001
Michigan State University Landscape Architecture Teaching Assistant 2000
Michigan Department of Natural Resources – Park and Recreation Bureau – Planning Division 1998-2000
Michigan State University AutoCAD Teaching Assistant 1997
M. C. Smith Associates 1990-1998 (Summers)

Professional and Civic Activities:

Member - American Society of Landscape Architects
Member - Sigma Lambda Alpha Fraternity – Michigan Chapter of Landscape Architecture Honorary Fraternity

Tiffany started with the MCSA Group in 1990 as a high school intern and is now the President and a primary project manager. Tiffany is involved in all aspects of our professional practice from design through project administration. She is an expert estimator appreciated by clients and staff alike for her infectious enthusiasm. Tiffany enjoys traveling, working on her wooded property in Ada and entertaining. She has 2 Cavalier King Charles Spaniels; and 4 Siamese cats.

JOLANTA STECKA, R.A., LEED® AP, CQCM
PRINCIPAL and VICE PRESIDENT

Registration:

Registered Architect – State of Michigan, 1992
Registered Professional Engineer – Nordrein-Westfallen, West Germany, 1983
Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED®) Accredited Professional, U.S. Green Building Council, 2009
Certified Construction Quality Control Manager, Army Corp of Engineers accredited

Education:

Technical University of Wroclaw, Poland - Master of Architecture and Industrial Form Design, 1980

Professional Experience:

MCSA Group, Inc. 1986 to date
GMB Architects and Engineers, Holland, MI 1984 – 1986
Member of the Krall Design Group, West Germany 1982
WUHTEH Construction and Design Office, Poland 1980 – 1981

Jolanta has been with MCSA Group for 39 years and our Architectural projects are a direct reflection of her design talents. Along with Jolanta’s superb Architectural design skills, she often is the primary project administrator on multi-million dollar government projects. Jolanta enjoys spending time with her daughter in Grand Rapids and daughter in Hawaii. She is an avid reader of hard cover books, a cyclist, a creator of unique fabric texture fashions and a repurposer of cast off treasures.

MELINDA R. WHITTEN
PRINCIPAL AND VICE PRESIDENT

Registration:

Registered Landscape Architect – State of Michigan

Education:

Michigan State University – Bachelor of Landscape Architecture

Professional Experience:

MCSA Group, Inc, 2015 to date
H+L Architecture, Landscape Architect, Denver, Colorado, 2006-2014
Vignette Studio, Landscape Designer, Denver, Colorado, 2005-2006
Michigan State University Engineering & Architecture Services 2003-2005

Professional and Civic Activities:

Member - Sigma Lambda Alpha Fraternity – Michigan Chapter of Landscape Architecture Honorary Fraternity
Chicago Botanical Gardens Healthcare Garden Design Certification

Melinda returned to Grand Rapids from Denver 10 years ago and today is a Principal and Vice President in the MCSA Group, Inc. Melinda is a consummate Landscape Architect: She is a great designer, prepares complete and perfectly detailed construction plans; illustrates the most outstanding Master Plans and can always develop solutions in the most professional manner. Melinda enjoys sailing, cycling and skiing but, most of all, spending time with her husband, daughter and son.

JUDY A. SMITH
CHIEF FINANCIAL OFFICER
BUSINESS MANAGER
SECRETARY and TREASURER

Education:

Grand Rapids Junior College, Associates Degree - 1970

Professional Experience:

MCSA Group, Inc. - 1977 to date
Metro Data Institute, Instructor, Louisville, Kentucky, 1974 – 1977
Tuffs University, Instructor, Boston, Massachusetts, 1972 – 1974

Judy was there at the beginning of the MCSA Group and provided comprehensive business and financial management for over 40 years. Her diligence and skills are a key factor in the success of MCSA Group. She has done everything from employee benefits to payroll, and accounts payables to business filings. Judy is an avid gardener starting 100’s of vegetables and flowers in her greenhouse. She is a gourmet cook and reads numerous cooking magazines when not caring for her beloved 5 Cavalier King Charles spaniels and 2 Maine Coon cats.

MICHAEL C. SMITH
FOUNDER

Registration:

Registered Landscape Architect - State of Michigan

Education:

Harvard University, Graduate School of Design, M.L.A. - 1974
Michigan State University, B.S.L.A. - 1972

Professional Experience:

MCSA Group, Inc. - 1977 to date
Miller, Wihry & Lee, Inc., Firm Senior Associate and Director of Landscape Architecture, Louisville, Kentucky, 1974 – 1977
Sasaki, Dawson, DeMay Associates, Inc., Watertown Mass., 1972 – 1974
Grand Rapids Park Department Design Office, Summers - 1971 & 1972
Grand Rapids Planning Department, Summer - 1970

Professional Activities and Awards:

Member - Michigan Recreation and Park Association
Numerous MRPA Design Awards
Kenowa Hills High School First Distinguished Alumni Award 2006
Michigan State University Alumni Award
Rotary International Paul Harris Fellow

Michael started our firm in 1977. He has never wavered from his conviction that good design is not based upon whimsy but is the result of the careful evaluation and synthesis of geometric options in an intelligent and creative manner. With Michael’s creative direction, the MCSA Group’s projects have enriched lives of millions of people with their contribution to the built environment. Michael is also an avid gardener working with Judy in their greenhouse and gardens. He reads constantly, catches lots of trout and anything that will bite in the surf in Florida. Of daughters Tiffany and Ashley, he can’t be prouder.

ABBY DUSSAULT
ASSOCIATE LANDSCAPE ARCHITECT

Education:

Utah State University, Bachelor in Landscape Architecture
Minor in Sustainable Systems

Professional Experience

MCSA Group, Inc., Landscape Architect, East Grand Rapids, MI - January 2024 to date
Place Landscape Architects, Landscape Designer, Driggs, ID - June 2022 - October 2023
Southview Design, Design Internship, Mendota Heights, MN - May 2021 - July 2021
Castle Pines Golf Club, Landscape Maintenance Specialist, Castle Rock CO - Summer 2019/2020
Member - American Society of Landscape Architects

Abby came to Grand Rapids from Denver, Colorado. She is proficient with various computer programs and is passionate about creating visually appealing landscape designs with sustainability in mind. Most of her family is from the Midwest, so she enjoys being close to family and exploring the area. Abby enjoys playing tennis, hiking, horseback riding, and playing board games.

JULIE ESTES
ADMINISTRATIVE MANAGER

Education:

Western Michigan University, BSBA 1991

Professional Experience

MCSA Group, Inc. 2020 to date
Wolverine World Wide, Inc. 1997-2018
Grand Rapids Educational Center 1995-1997

Julie has been with MCSA Group for over 5 years and is responsible for managing social media, invoicing and accounts receivables, along with managing all office administrative functions. Julie enjoys relaxing on the lake, golfing and spending time with her family.