Cuningham Appoints Three Team Members to Office Director Roles
As market sectors shift, businesses are changing how they think, operate, and engage with their trusted partners. To better anticipate our clients’ evolving needs and drive innovation through stronger cross-office and cross-discipline collaboration, Cuningham is strategically investing in our offices and market sectors by establishing new Office Director and Market Sector Leader roles. These senior leadership positions will deepen our understanding of the complex communities we serve and deliver even greater value to our partners through place-based knowledge and market sector specific expertise.
As part of these ongoing investments, Cuningham is excited to announce the appointment of three team members to Office Director positions: Bradley Stech, AIA, DBIA, WELL AP, LEED AP in San Diego, Craig St. Clair, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP in Minneapolis, and Elena Gonova, NCIDQ, RID, LEED AP ID+C in Las Vegas. They will join existing office leaders in Phoenix and Orlando, a significant step toward completing Cuningham’s new office leadership structure.
“The Office Director and Market Sector Leader investments mark a pivotal step forward in Cuningham’s growth,” CEO Nathan Harris says. “These roles allow us to become even more deeply rooted in our local communities while leveraging firmwide market sector expertise to deliver transformative, high-impact design solutions that are responsive to our business partners’ priorities and operational needs. It’s a strategic investment in both people and place.”
The appointments of these individuals reflect their deep understanding of our offices’ unique geographical regions and local markets, along with their proven ability to cultivate meaningful partnerships within their communities. As Office Directors, they will work in tandem with Cuningham’s Market Sector Leaders to translate local knowledge into broader firmwide value, bridging place-based insight with deep technical and market sector expertise. As more Market Sector Leader hires and Office Director appointments are made, we will continue to share updates.
Learn more about each Office Director below:
Bradley Stech
Associate Principal | Office Director - San Diego
Brad Stech is a results-driven leader with over 22 years of architectural and project management experience, specializing in healthcare design. He brings a wealth of expertise with a focus on delivering high-quality, user-centric spaces. His approach is rooted in a deep understanding of clients' needs, working closely with them to ensure the spaces they occupy foster optimal outcomes for patients, caregivers, and all stakeholders involved. His ability to translate complex healthcare requirements into thoughtful, sustainable design solutions is a key driver behind Cuningham’s success. His leadership fosters collaboration and empowers his teams to push the boundaries of what’s possible in healthcare design.
Craig St. Clair
Associate Principal | Office Director - Minneapolis
Craig is a seasoned architect with over 23 years of experience delivering thoughtful, technically rigorous projects across mixed-use, commercial, residential, retail, and themed entertainment sectors. At Cuningham, Craig leads with a balance of technical expertise and relational strength—coordinating across disciplines, developing robust construction documents, and building lasting trust with clients and consultants. Craig is a steady and collaborative presence, guiding teams with clarity and purpose. His leadership reflects a deep commitment to quality, mentorship, and the kind of cross-functional collaboration that strengthens both Cuningham’s projects and people.
Elena Gonova
Senior Associate | Office Director - Las Vegas
With over 19 years of experience, Elena is a dynamic design leader known for blending imaginative storytelling with technical precision to create immersive, experience-driven interiors. Specializing in entertainment, hospitality, and gaming environments, she brings a holistic approach to design that carefully balances brand cohesion, spatial flow, and user experience. A natural mentor and team collaborator, Elena is deeply committed to nurturing strong client partnerships and guiding design teams toward creative, high-performing solutions. Her leadership fosters environments where innovation and excellence flourish—grounded in a deep understanding of storytelling and the power of place.
More about the roles
Office Directors guide the strategy, operations, and performance of the firm’s seven U.S. offices, with the goal of strengthening local business development and deepening community ties. Market Leaders drive the strategic execution of expanding Cuningham’s presence in its core markets and are responsible for developing new business opportunities and client relationships both regionally and nationally.
Together, these roles form the foundation of a more connected, responsive, and forward-looking Cuningham—one better equipped to meet the evolving needs of our business partners and the communities we serve.