Clockwise, from top left: Arnold Boyle, Can Wang, Xiaonan Chen and Edward Fitzpatrick
By Joshua Burd
Walters Homes has hired three new employees within its custom architectural services division, in an effort to meet the demands of its residential pipeline.
The Barnegat-based design-build firm on Monday announced the addition of Edward Fitzpatrick as project manager, Xiaonan Chen as junior architect and Can Wang as junior architect. They join the ranks of the business unit known as Walters Architecture LLC.
“Expanding our architectural team will allow us to keep up with the increased demand for design services as clients are opting for a more customized approach when building a new home,” said Arnold Boyle, head of Walters Architecture. “Whether it’s cutting-edge or traditional beach house design, we can integrate the features that clients are requesting to enhance their lifestyle and meet their specific needs.”
As project manager, Fitzpatrick oversees residential projects from the initial design concept to finished product, Walters said in a news release. The Lacey Township resident, who has more than 10 years of coastal design and construction experience, previously worked as a designer and project manager at two architectural firms on Long Beach Island.
Fitzpatrick received his master’s from the University of Miami School Of Architecture.
“Working with the Walters team is an exciting opportunity to explore new ideas in the coastal market,” Fitzpatrick said. “Also impressive is the firm’s move toward new technology such as the use of Building Information Modeling. This is a new 3D design platform that benefits the design and construction team because it allows us to work more efficiently as well as collaborate with clients who can instantly visualize their future home.”
As junior architects, Chen and Wang will also use Building Information Modeling to prepare and modify architectural documents under supervision, the news release said. Their duties will include developing solutions to technical and design problems, preparing 2D and 3D design materials for clients and project teams, researching products and assisting with material selection.
Prior to joining Walters, Chen spent a year as a student intern working with two architectural firms in Tokyo, the firm said. The Manahawkin resident, who earned a master’s in design from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design, also volunteered with Rebuilding Together Philadelphia, a home repair program for low-income homeowners.
Wang previously interned with StudioTEKA in New York, where she applied her technology and design skills to develop digital models and animate renderings. She also received her master’s in design from the University of Pennsylvania School of Design.