MEET THE TEAM
Andrew Wright
CEO
Andrew Wright is the president of Wright Architects, PLLC (since 1986) based in Kingston, NY. Prior to opening his own firms, he worked for Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago, IL; Ittner & Bowersox in St. Louis, MO; and Hellmuth, Obata and Kassabaum in New York City.
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He obtained a master's in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, Missouri and an undergraduate degree in architecture from Iowa State University. He is certified with the National Architecture Registration Boards (NCARB) and is authorized to work in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, U.S. Virgin Islands, Texas, and Illinois. In addition to his architectural license, he is certified as a Sustainable Building Advisor (CSBA).
Among his many awards and accolades are:
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Friends of the Upper East Side Historic Districts Award 2010 (Restoration of Historic Façade)
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Architecture Award, 1992, Orange County Association of Realtors (New Residence)
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Winner of the Harvard and Reynolds Competition, AIA Regional Design Award, Agriculture School Washington University Works.
Sonia Lemus-Wright
President
Sonia Lemus-Wright is President and a Green/Sustainable Design Expert at Wright Companies.
Born in El Salvador, Sonia studied architecture at Mariano Gálvez University of Guatemala and completed her degree at the New York Institute of Technology in New York City.
Sonia holds a Master of Business Administration in Sustainability and a Real Estate Investment Graduate Certificate. She has merged her experience in architecture and sustainability with the world of finance. She founded The Upward Mobility United Foundation (TUMU, INC), a nonprofit organization with the objective to incentivize upward mobility.
Sonia finds pride and joy in her work. She implemented her design and construction skills in projects ranging from small additions to multi-million dollar projects in New York City. She also feels fortunate to have managed large sustainable projects that included geothermal and solar PV energies coupled with energy efficient strategies.
Sonia has an entrepreneurial spirit and is committed to local communities. She is the co-founder of Mi Casita Daycare, a group family daycare serving mostly the Hispanic community. She serves as the Treasurer for KThunder FC, a nonprofit soccer organization that focuses on giving young players more competitive opportunities at little or no cost.
Jose Eduardo Lemus
CFO
Jose Lemus has over a decade of experience in the banking industry where he held several positions and managed different markets through Ulster, Dutchess and Orange Counties.
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Jose also worked closely with the communities to achieve lending opportunities for housing. His knowledge of the banking industry makes him a significant asset to assemble the best financial opportunities for Wright Companies. He studied business administration at SUNY Ulster and holds a certification of Accredited Banking Professionals. Jose is also a recipient of the Ulster County Hispanic Heritage Award given to individuals for their outstanding commitment and dedication to the diverse community in Ulster County.
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Jose is the co-founder of KThunder FC, an organization that provides better soccer opportunities at a low cost for the local youth. He also serves as a head coach. His dedication to the community and its youth has been essential for his development as a professional.
Joanne Kalb
Office Manager
Joanne Kalb joined the Wright Architects team in September 2018. She is originally from New York City where she studied Accounting & Finance and was employed for many years in the Fashion Industry. She has extensive experience in manufacturing, automotive and resort administration. She handles the day to day operation of the office and all financial aspects of Wright Architects and Wright Builders.
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Since moving upstate she has taken an active role in the community and is a member of her town planning board, the local fire company and is a dedicated Rotarian.
Ion Trifan
Operations Manager
Ion joined the team in April 2018. He graduated from the University of Architecture and Urban Planning "I.N. Mincu" in Bucharest Romania in March of 2015. He worked in Brussels, Belgium after Graduation for SNCDA and Renovvital for approximately 1-1/2 years. Then, he moved to New York City and worked there for a year before he joined Wright Architects.
Joe Hildenbrand
Buildings Superintendent
Joe Hildenbrand joined the Wright Architects team in November 2009. He has an Associate’s Degree from Duchess Community College and is a Veteran of the U.S. Marine Corp where he was honorably discharges as a Staff Sargent. We were fortunate to acquire his management skills that he cultivated from his years at the Kingston Housing Authority. He was Foreman in charge of scheduled maintenance and overseeing all maintenance personnel.
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He is a valuable asset to the firm in the day to day maintenance and management of our numerous properties. Joe was born in Catskill NY, and now resides in Lake Katrine, NY.