ABOUT US
Experience? We Are Experts!
Philip Leinbach has provided Forensic Investigation, Consultation and Expert Witness Services on 20 cases/claims over the past 12 years. Our expertise lies in establishing design team negligence and breach of the standard of care on large competitively bid construction projects. This knowledge and experience translates into a stronger understanding of how contract documents should be compiled. We understand which provisions are enforceable and the best methods for administering those provisions. At AEM Architects, we know how to control change orders and avoid litigation!
Leadership & Collaboration
Today AEM is in its third generation of ownership. Our professionals have worked side-by-side for over 25 years. We recognize that to cultivate long term client relationships, a design firm must exhibit organizational stability, competent leadership and a commitment to exceeding the expectations of each and every project stakeholder. We foster a collaborative, inclusive atmosphere at all times. We establish a Lead Professional from the start of every project. That person remains with the project through each and every phase until completion and post-occupancy follow up. We do not departmentalize our practice. Each client receives the personal attention of the designated professional from start to finish. Cultivating that one-to-one relationship with our clients is the essence of our practice.
Philosophy Based on Integrity
While our active practice has brought us projects beyond our local market, our greatest activity has been for services within our own communities where we are established and well-known. Working locally requires a high level of service and integrity to maintain the reputation and stability of the firm. The relationship with many of our clients spans 15 years or more, through multiple projects and changing client leadership. Our office philosophy centers on providing architecture that is uniquely designed, environmentally sustainable, and exceptionally well-documented to meet the program and budget requirements of each individual project. We recognize that all projects have budgets. Our goal is to provide our clients with the greatest programmatic and operational value for every construction dollar they spend. We stand behind our work and are proud of it. More importantly, we are dedicated to making sure that our clients are proud of our work too.
Emphasis on Construction
Too many architects approach construction phase duties as secondary in importance to the design phase. Not surprisingly, many architects are weak in their construction phase skills. We are different. We recognize that a great design is worthless if it is constructed poorly or isn’t finished on time or on budget. The reputation of an architect is built on the finished project. We employ team-building attitudes and techniques for the purpose of establishing a cohesive team among all project stakeholders (Client, Construction Representative, Contractors, etc.). During construction, everyone shares a common goal: to complete the project efficiently and effectively. As Architects, it our responsibility to be active, visible, accessible and responsive. By creating, facilitating, and participating in the communication lines among the individuals representing the contractors, we have a better chance of blending personalities and fostering an environment that gets the Owner the project they paid for ... on time and on budget.
44+
Years of Experience
500+
Successful Projects
300+
Satisfied Clients
History
History
AEM Architects was founded in 1974 by the merger and incorporation of two of the leading architectural firms practicing in Berks County: Elmer H. Adams & Associates (founded in 1932) and Carl A. Eisenhower (founded in 1936). Along with Marlan Meckley, a member of Carl Eisenhower’s practice since 1958, they founded Adams, Eisenhower & Meckley, Inc. using AEM Architects as their trade name.
With the retirements of Carl Eisenhower in 1978 and Elmer Adams in 1985, Marlan Meckley assumed complete ownership and management of the firm. Under his direction, the firm embraced the technology of computer aided drafting and expanded its focus in the educational and health care markets.
In 2000, Philip Leinbach (joined AEM in 1991) and Peter Meckley (joined AEM Architects in 1991) became shareholders and assumed complete management and direction of the firm.
In 2006, the firm officially changed its corporate name to AEM Architects, Inc.