Ratcliff Adds Mary McGrath as Director of Civic Architecture; McGrath's Portfolio Includes More Than 40 West Coast Fire Stations

Business Wire, April 21, 2005

EMERYVILLE, Calif. -- Ratcliff, in its 99th year and a recipient of the 2005 American Institute of Architects -- California Council Firm of the Year award, announced that it has created a new Civic Architecture practice area with Mary McGrath, AIA, NCARB, LEED(R) as its Director.

"Mary brings a wealth of expertise in the design of civic projects to Ratcliff," said Christopher P. Ratcliff, AIA, NCARB, LEED, president. "Her experience is a perfect complement to our emphasis on partnering with local communities to design vital facilities that enhance the lives of the citizenry."

McGrath is among the preeminent specialists in fire station design, with more than 40 facilities on the West Coast to her credit while employed at RRM Design Group. These include local projects such as the Main Fire Station for the City of Milpitas, Alameda County Fire Station No. 16, Moraga/Orinda Fire District Station No. 44, and Fire Station No. 2/Training Facility in Santa Clara. Additionally, she participated in the design of the Avila Beach Front Street Enhancement Plan for the Port of San Luis Obispo. McGrath's design expertise also includes academic projects, such as a new elementary school in Cambria, Calif., and ADA entry projects for California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo.

McGrath joined Ratcliff after serving as principal at RRM Design Group in San Luis Obispo, Calif. She is an editorial advisory board member for the International Association of Fire Chiefs Foundation and has made numerous presentations to local and national trade organizations on the topic of fire station design. McGrath received her bachelor's degree in architecture and environmental design from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in 1978.

Headquartered in Emeryville, California, Ratcliff is a third-generation architectural, consulting and interiors firm. With a staff of 70 design professionals, Ratcliff offers a broad range of services for health care, higher education, and civic clients throughout the Western United States. Visit www.ratcliffarch.com for more information.