ARLINGTON, Texas --- Ascension Group Architects, an award-winning firm known for designing hospitals and other health care facilities nationwide, recently promoted three of its longtime executives. Casey Carlton and David Watkins were named associate principals, and Jeff Sudman was named an associate.Associate principals are new for the Arlington, Texas-based firm. The leadership level reflects the growth of Ascension Group, which launched in 2001.
Carlton, who joined Ascension nine years ago, was a project manager responsible for design, production and construction administration of a wide range of project types and sizes. His notable projects include the design of Abilene Regional Medical Center’s Women’s Center and ARMC’s Outpatient Center expansion and renovation, the designs of several Promise Hospitals and the design of Kindred Rehabilitation Hospital of Northeast Houston.
“Carlton’s skill set is diverse and well-rounded within the spectrum of health care,” said Rod Booze, CEO and managing principal of Ascension Group. “He is a prolific project executive and project manager.
“A myriad of clients embrace him and share their project opportunities, and Ascension Group is pleased to welcome Carlton into the partnership.”
Carlton earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington, and he’s an Alpha Rho Chi Award recipient. Carlton resides in Fort Worth.
Watkins, who joined Ascension seven years ago, is experienced in construction management and developed more than eight replacement hospitals. He leads renovations of numerous hospitals across the country.
Watkins possesses a strong background in building-code requirements, life-safety analysis and accessibility compliance. He is a registered accessibility specialist in Texas, allowing him to perform accessibility-plan reviews and site inspections.
“Watkins is a productive and successful operations manager, responsible for all production and project management,” Booze said. “Watkins is one of the strongest technical architects in our profession, and he possesses a tremendous amount of operational knowledge.
“Watkins brings a wealth of health care expertise to Ascension Group’s executive team.”
Watkins earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Texas Tech University in Lubbock. He resides in Arlington.
Sudman joined Ascension Group 13 years ago. His experience includes project management, space planning and programming, design-development coordination and construction-document development and construction administration. Sudman, who has been in the industry since 1992, worked his way up from CAD draftsman to project manager, and then to associate.
“Sudman continues to perform as a high-level designer, project manager and development specialist,” Booze said. “He has significant freestanding hospital experience with new campus developments exceeding $150 million.
“He recently completed several hospital-campus developments in Arizona, Colorado and Texas. Ascension Group recognizes Sudman for his significant accomplishments.”
Sudman earned a master’s degree in architecture from UTA. Sudman resides in Keller.
In addition to Booze, Ascension’s principals include David Tooley and Erick Westerholm.