At BRP Architects, our Thanksgiving tradition is gathering as a firm for a Thanksgiving luncheon. Our team, alongside guests, gather and enjoy the spirit of togetherness at one of our favorite restaurants in Springfield, Missouri. This year, we celebrated the holiday at Springfield Brewing Co.
However, Thanksgiving is more than just a holiday; it’s a reminder to pause, reflect, and express gratitude for the abundance in our lives. As a company, we remain thankful for the talented team that brings creativity to life, for the support of our clients and partners, and for the chance to shape spaces that inspire.
This year, we asked each of our employees what they were thankful for. Here’s what they said:
Nick Rispoli: “I would say that I am thankful for friends and family who made me the best I can be!”
Mike Harned: “I am thankful for family, friends, and to all our veterans”
Gerri Kielhofner: “I am thankful for everyone at BRP – they’re my family! We care for each other and take care of each other! I am thankful for our new office! I am thankful to be healthy!”
Benjamin Van Eps: “I am thankful for many things surrounding my life! I am grateful to live in not only an awesome city, Springfield, but in a country with peace and security. I am thankful for our freedom of movement and ability to visit loved ones this season.”
Glenn Illert: “I am thankful to get to work with such a good group of talented professionals.”
Christopher Swan: “I am thankful for my friends, family, and clients. Surrounding ourselves with great people makes life richer.”
Jon Gruett: “There’s a lot to be thankful for, but I’d say I’m super thankful and grateful for the new office! There was a lot of work and planning that went into the office move that many (like myself) had little knowledge of or involvement in other than the move itself. I really appreciate all the hard work and sacrifice from the managing partners and the up-front team who made it all possible and gave us all a great environment to call home! I know Angie has put a ton of time in for us all and I’m very thankful we have her watching out for all of us!”
Morgan Mateja: “I am thankful for my supportive friends, loving family, such a welcoming work environment and my two pups for being my lifelines.”
Angie Way: “I am very thankful for my patient and supportive family & friends but even more thankful that God loves us and gives us hope.”
George Mandrik: “I am thankful for my family, healthy children, dynamic office group, and a fantastic new office space.”
Amber Summers: “I am thankful for great friends, family, and my cats for keeping me sane. I am also thankful for my space heater for making sure my feet stay warm all day.”
Brian Vanne: “This year I’m thankful for old friends and new family: for the old, mentors and family that continue to make big impacts in the lives around them; for the new, both a new niece and a new dog and the challenges that they bring to keep things interesting.”
Casey Murrow: “I am thankful for the relationships I have made this year, and always that I am blessed to be in a position where I can have a roof over my head and clothes on my back.”
Jacob Nentrup: “I am thankful for my friends, my dogs, and my airpods.”
Nick Banner: ”This year I am super thankful for my new puppy/ best buddy, Tennessee (Tenn). (When he’s not chewing on my hand!)”
Nicole Falconer: ”I’m thankful for my family, friends, and awesome coworkers and for the nugget ice machine in our new office!”
Samantha Hite: "I am thankful for the friends and family I have that helped me grow, achieve, and believe in myself! Now that I am working at BRP, my family is growing bigger, and I am thankful for the opportunity to grow and learn with such talented people!"
Stacey Richardson: “I am thankful for the people in my life. Friends, family, coworkers, I am surrounded by amazing people that I am grateful for.”
Taylor Greene: “I am thankful for getting to work in an amazing office with amazing people. I am also thankful for my roommates who have been lifelong friends and great company.”
William Miranda: ”I am thankful for the friendships BRP Architects has allowed me to cultivate during my internship. At the same time, I am truly grateful for the experience I’ve acquired and the understanding and encouragement from all my peers through my development.”
Danny Leon: “I am thankful for my family and friends. I am also thankful for the BRP team and their invaluable support during my internship as a student.”