Roland G. Lemke, AIA, LEED AP
Design Principal
My design process is fueled by a significant amount of discovery. Long before I start developing concepts, I immerse myself in the world of the client — listening and learning from them to better understand their vision and needs. This understanding allows me to balance their programmatic needs with a strong architectural idea that creates a sense of clarity and understanding for those using the building. This clarity is apparent at all levels: from the context in which the building sits to the functionality of the interior spaces.
Roland Lemke serves as one of our key design principals, and is a subject matter expert within our national education practice. His creative vision and leadership energize project teams across the firm. He has partnered with some of the country’s most esteemed colleges and universities throughout his nearly three decades in the industry. Noted projects include the University of Florida J. Wayne Reitz Student Union expansion and renovation project, and the new library at the University of Virginia College at Wise, both of which Roland is proud to say were elevated by CannonDesign’s approach.
His team’s leadership and strategy is all-encompassing. “We are very excited about working with our higher education clients and discovering what each institution is trying to achieve with their stakeholders,” says Roland.
In addition to acting as a firm-wide design leader, Roland is the office practice leader for our Washington, DC office — strengthening our presence in the city and fostering new community and client relationships. An expert at creating facilities for sports, recreation, and student and residential life, his passion shines when the interactions of design, program and campus community become a reality.
One of Roland’s most celebrated traits is his authentic desire to listen first, and then to translate his observations into dynamic possibilities. He finds great strength and creative inspiration in taking long walks around the monuments in Washington, D.C. or hiking along the Potomac River – both are activities that center and focus him.
