Who We Are
Courage is Fear
It would be misleading for us, as the founders of Triple C – The A&E Group, to write a success story that boasts of “our” great achievements. Our small business is not, and never will be, about the two of us. Though we have had the privilege of starting Triple C – The A&E Group, it will easily outlive us. In order to emphasize the point that many factors and characters have played key roles in Triple C’s success, the title of our story, “Courage Is Fear,” is intentionally tweaked. The full title reveals the truth about the source of our courage, which, unlik...
Read MoreIt would be misleading for us, as the founders of Triple C – The A&E Group, to write a success story that boasts of “our” great achievements. Our small business is not, and never will be, about the two of us. Though we have had the privilege of starting Triple C – The A&E Group, it will easily outlive us. In order to emphasize the point that many factors and characters have played key roles in Triple C’s success, the title of our story, “Courage Is Fear,” is intentionally tweaked. The full title reveals the truth about the source of our courage, which, unlike us, is worth boasting about: “Courage is fear . . . that has said its prayers” (silent film star, Dorothy Bernard). That daily exchange of fear for courage has been the first ingredient in our recipe for success.
The second ingredient in our recipe for success has been the purposes that have driven us to persist. We are purposed to be a small business that, like many others that have gone before us, exemplifies priorities founded upon principles. One such value-based priority is a phrase that inspires us to work ever harder in order to serve our fellow veterans who have served our nation. . . “to care for him who shall have borne the battle” (President Abraham Lincoln).
Triple C is also engaged in helping to fulfill George Washington’s wish, as expressed to his troops as he bade them an emotional farewell at the end of the Revolutionary War, “I most devoutly wish that your latter days may be as prosperous and happy as your former ones have been glorious and honorable.” Whether it’s designing for the VA a Rehabilitation & Prosthetics Center or a Gait Lab for research and development, or providing Environmental Health and Safety services for the DoD, or any of its other opportunities to serve Veterans, Triple C – The A&E Group aims to make the latter days of our noble Veterans as prosperous and happy as their former ones have been glorious and honorable.
Only priorities grounded in values are able to sustain the endurance that it takes to succeed. Armed with value-driven priorities and prayerful courage, Triple C is successfully contributing to the mission of its diverse Clients.
David & Michele Potter, Founders
Our Ongoing Purpose
- Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned: Purposed to employ Vets and “to care for him who shall have borne the battle."
- Triple C’s Due Diligence: To have a thorough understanding from the Client’s eyes and a mutually developed team approach.
- Triple C’s Mission: To be the Client’s solution.
- Triple C’s Priority: Full and open communication to ensure complete adherence to all Client standards.
- Triple C’s Commitment: To remain responsive throughout the construction stage.
- Triple C’s Code of Conduct: Ever an ethical, diligent, and grateful servant.
Our Team

David Potter, PE, PLS
President
The President of Triple C has experience that runs the gamut from designing local, county, and state roadways and interstate freeways (one scenic roadway, in an environmentally sensitive area, won the 1992 Award of Merit in the Federal Highway Administration Biennial Awards Program for Design) to designing Veterans Administration facilities and Housing & Urban Development projects; from designing site civil on a Social Security Administration facility to designing commercial and residential projects (with all the attendant entitlements involved in each of the planning, design, and inspection stages); from serving as an Assistant City Engineer to Regional Manager for several large corporations to President of Triple C. It is perhaps in this capacity, as President of Triple C, that the culmination of such diverse experience is brought to bear in the actualization of the motto that he took great pains to write for the continual guidance of his Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned & HUBZone small business: “Our reasonable service – to provide you with exemplary service.”
Education:
MBA, University of Phoenix, 1990
BSCE, Oregon State University, 1980
Professional Registrations:
Civil Engineer:
Arizona
California
Colorado
Montana
Nevada
Wyoming
New Mexico
Professional Land Surveyor:
California
Oregon

Mathew Perkins, AIA, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP BD+C
Vice President/Architect/Senior Project Manager
Learn MoreMathew Perkins, AIA, NCARB, PMP, LEED AP BD+C
Vice President/Architect/Senior Project Manager
At the “top of his class” when it comes to exuberance for architecture, knowledge, and productivity, Mr. Perkins has worked as a Project Manager, a Designer, and an Architect for countless Federal projects, including projects for the NPS, VA, DoD, DOE, USACE, and DHS. With his enjoyment of interfacing with clients/users and with his passion to be a problem solver, his ability to build strong, productive relationships has resulted in successful, award-winning projects that are sustainably designed.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
University of Arizona, 1998
Professional Registrations:
Architect, AZ, FL, NM, MD
National Council of Architectural
Registration Board
Project Management Professional
US National Registration No. 1557067
LEED AP Building Design + Construction
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Member, 2003-Present
Project Management Institute (PMI)
Member, 2012-Present

Kevin Luke, PE
Engineering Group Leader/Asst. Project Manager
Mr. Luke, who serves as a Mechanical Engineer and the Engineering Department Quality Manager for Triple C, brings an indomitable spirit of innovation, fascination, and mechanical genius to every project that he tackles. Prior to joining Triple C, Mr. Luke accrued ten years of experience as a Project Engineer and Principal Investigator, performing research and development grants for the United States Department of Agriculture and the National Science Foundation through the Small Business Innovation Research program. In that capacity, he was responsible for the research, development, and field testing of novel solar and wind power equipment.
In his role within the Triple C family, Mr. Luke specializes in mechanical, electrical, and technological designs for VA medical facilities. Representative experience includes the following: central plant and infrastructure improvements, photovoltaic systems, a campus-wide emergency call box network, and control systems for domestic water distribution. Mr. Luke’s work on central plant and infrastructure improvements incorporates LIDAR with site surveys on as-built existing structures and mechanical systems in order to increase utility capacity and efficiency for existing facilities. Purposed to provide best value to the project owner, he develops integrated BIM models for mechanical systems.
Education:
Bachelor of Science, Mechanical Engineering, University of Wyoming, 2005
Bachelor of Science, Mathematics, University of Wyoming, 2005
Professional Registrations:
Professional Engineer, Wyoming

Kelly Struble
Civil Design Manager
Prior to joining Triple C, Mr. Kelly Struble spent 15 years in the Las Vegas, Nevada, private development sector holding such positions as Project Manager and Lead Designer. Mr. Struble has years of experience in the role of firm liaison purposed to accomplish the effective and productive inter-working of clients and municipal entities, while overseeing projects, budgets, employees, and quality assurance. For example, his experience includes the successful coordination of plan approval spanning 10 different jurisdictions across multiple states. Mr. Struble has also enjoyed working in the role of Hydrology Technician, providing hydrologic studies and hydraulic analyses for many projects.
Adept at AutoCAD, Mr. Struble is known for having implemented design standards that have effectively reduced costs by streamlining production standards. As a result of his experience and expertise in AutoCAD civil design, he had the privilege of conducting a seminar in Mexico City, Mexico, on the strategies and processes of “American Civil Design.”
Education:
Community College of Southern Nevada; Las Vegas, NV General Studies, A.S. Degree 2001
Proficiencies:
AutoCAD
Civil 3D
HEC-1
HEC-Ras
Flowmaster
WSPG
WaterCAD
MS Project

Nicole Blanchard
Assistant Quality Manager/Interior Design Department Quality Manager/Interior Designer
Learn MoreNicole Blanchard
Assistant Quality Manager/Interior Design Department Quality Manager/Interior Designer
Ms. Blanchard has been responsible for planning, designing, and specifications and coordination support for over 10 years. She is experienced in the federal, healthcare, civic and higher education markets. During her years in the industry, Ms. Blanchard has designed furniture solutions, planned spatial layouts for systems and furniture, created specifications, and tailored and monitored the budgeting process. She has both led and assisted project teams by utilizing her drafting skills, creating three-dimensional drawings to enhance the owner’s understanding, generating material specifications, and designing concept boards for presentations. Ms. Blanchard enjoys the problem-solving aspect of design as it motivates and challenges her to create spaces that are highly functioning and aesthetically pleasing for involved end-users.
Education:
Southwest University of Visual Arts, Tucson, AZ; Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design
Proficiencies:
Revit/ CAD
Construction Documents
Project Administration
Furniture specifications/ planning

Kristy McDermott, NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C
Interior Designer
As a NCIDQ licensed and a LEED accredited professional, Ms. Kristy McDermott has over 10 years’ experience as an Interior Designer specializing in commercial design. She has been responsible for all project aspects, including plans, specifications, design, and implementation. Keenly aware of the unique needs and solutions of each facility, Ms. McDermott has enjoyed utilizing her skills on numerous, varied projects for multiple governmental agencies – projects ranging from the healthcare sector to emergency communications. Much to her delight, she creates timeless, functional, maintainable spaces that exceed client expectations.
Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design (Graduated with Honors), Southwest University of Visual Arts, 2006
Certifications:
NCIDQ, LEED AP ID+C
Proficiencies:
AutoCAD, Revit, Project Management

Shannon Pollard Maden, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Architect/Project Manager
Ms. Maden is a team player with a complete Architectural skillset, including Project Management expertise leading internal and external teams through Design and Documentation. She is experienced with historical building renovations and has served as project architect for multiple LEED Gold projects. She is an excellent collaborator and consensus builder with a passion for listening to building users and determining how the project can achieve their vision and enhance daily use of space.
With a portfolio across many U.S. states and internationally, Ms. Maden’s client focus has brought her multi-industry client’s quality, efficient, and purposed designs, always adhering to their goals.
Education:
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Oklahoma State University, 1994
Professional Registrations:
Registered Architect: Kansas
LEED AP Building Design + Construction
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
United States Green Building Council

Monica Rios, NCIDQ
Interior Designer
Ms. Rios is an interior designer with over a decade of experience in government, healthcare, and commercial design. She has been responsible for preparing finishes and furniture performance specification packages. Also, she has created rendering models and designed environments for various unique projects. By staying up-to-date on current regulations, trends, technology, and research, Ms. Rios provides the latest knowledge and techniques that produce the optimum environments which facilitate cultural changes and support person-centered care models. Through the collaborative relationship that she builds and maintains with each client, based on the client’s specific vision and needs she utilizes her skills and experience to improve the quality of life and the outcomes for the valued patients and their families, as well as for the dedicated staff who serve them. Ms. Rios offers a balance of creativity, collaboration, and futuristic thinking along with a structured, organized, and detailed mentality, enabling her to deliver focused development, follow-through, and completion to each aspect of the design phase.
Education:
The Southwest University of Visual Arts
Bachelor of Arts, 2006
Professional Registrations:
LEED Green Associate
Profession Affiliations:
International Interior Designer Association [IIDA]
Society of American Military Engineers [SAME], Young Member
Society of American Military Engineers [SAME], Southern Arizona Post President, 2017-2018
Awards:
Dilkon Judicial Courts, Navajo Nation; Dilkon, Arizona – ASID Merit Design Award, 2010
Proficiencies:
Autodesk Revit, AutoCAD,
Digital renderings in 3D Max
Adobe Photoshop, Illustrator, and InDesign
Website design, graphic design, branding, and visioning

Lauren Bell, NCIDQ, IIDA
Senior Interior Designer
Lauren Bell is a NCIDQ licensed Interior Designer and has been practicing interior design for the past nine years. Her goal for each project is to build relationships with her clients and to design a space that is both useful and aesthetically pleasing for them and all end users. She approaches interior design with a passion for creating a space that a client can only dream of, so she focuses on making those dreams and ideas come to life with functionality, durability, and aesthetics in mind.
Lauren’s project experience includes healthcare, municipal, government, community, education, worship, industrial and retail facilities. Lauren specializes in space planning, construction documents, specification writing, 3D renderings, and coordinating with consultants, furniture dealers, and product reps to meet project objectives. She is actively involved in the interior design and documentation effort for both renovated and new facilities. This includes project management and collaborating on all phases of the design and on-site construction administration.
Education:
Texas State University – San Marcos
Bachelor of Science in Family Consumer Sciences
– Major in Interior Design
– Minor in Engineering Technology
Certifications
National Council for Interior Design Qualifications
Texas Board of Architectural Examiners
Professional Associations
International Interior Designer Association (IIDA)
Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID)

Chad Raynes, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
CPS Manager
Mr. Raynes has established himself as a well-rounded architect, working throughout his career in many different areas of practice – from educational facilities to office buildings, and from hospitality to healthcare. He has a passion for building and has a background that includes direct involvement in construction. This expertise ensures that his clients receive realistic designs and construction documents that achieve their project goals and fit within their project’s constraints. He has worked as the architect of record for projects big and small – all of which were given his white-glove treatment. From programing through construction Mr. Raynes is always looking for ways to improve project outcomes and is instrumental in successfully problem-solving unique project needs throughout the lifecycle of the project.
Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Kentucky, 2006, Departmental Honors in Architecture
Professional Registrations:
Architect: KY, FL, TN, GA, NC
National Council of Architectural Registration Board
LEED AP Building Design + Construction
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Member, 2010-Present
Proficiencies:
Revit
3D Modeling
Digital Rendering
Construction Documents
Construction Administration

Sidney McDonald
Proposal Manager
Sidney McDonald brings her passion for clients and curiosity for learning into her role at Triple C as Proposal Manager. Her focus is on Triple C’s current and prospective client’s needs and communicating how the experienced and diverse Triple C team contributes to her client’s goal achievement. She also serves as the Triple C Human Resources Manager, ensuring that Triple C is staffed with the best experts in each required discipline and that they are also afforded opportunities to grow in their profession.
Mrs. McDonald is also in alignment with Triple C’s commitment to our nation’s veterans and their caregivers. In developing Triple C proposals and responses to client needs, Sidney works with the Triple C leadership team to ensure that the most qualified personnel are assigned to each project, which will ultimately lead to improved veteran services.
Prior to her tenure at Triple C, Mrs. McDonald served as a consultant to many A/E/C firms to improve their organization’s systems and processes, and to enrich their skills and talents, leading to increased organizational teamwork and greater achievement. With this foundation, as the Proposal Manager for Triple C, Sidney is purposed to understand the client behind each proposal and to clearly convey the integrity and competence of the Triple C team, leading to greater client satisfaction.
Education:
Grand Canyon University, Psychology, Business Studies
Publications:
The Leadership Compass, 2013
Customer Focus for Leaders and Managers, 2010
Time Management for Leaders and Managers, 2010
Multiple white papers on business development and leadership topics

Nick Harper
Mechanical Designer
Mr. Harper has had the opportunity to experience success in a variety of projects early in his career – from simple design projects to complex, flagship design opportunities; touching multiple industries – hospitals, hospitality, distribution centers, and restaurants.
Nick’s attention to detail, delivery of on-time quality design solutions, and his commitment to his projects, reinforce his client’s confidence in his mechanical and plumbing design solutions. His drive, energy, and communication skills come through on each of the projects he touches, with his goal of designing solutions that make life easier and improve conditions.
In addition to his mechanical discipline Nick is an active construction administration team member that supports the owner through completion of construction. Mr. Harper goes the extra mile in his efforts to respond to client and contractor needs while providing the best solutions possible.
Education:
BS – Mechanical Engineering – Texas A&M University, Dwight Look School of Engineering, 2020

Nate Wicklund, EIT
Electrical Designer
As part of the MEP team at Triple C, Nate provides the design and support needed to achieve each client goal. His commitment to the client and the team drives his project successes while furthering his electrical design experience.
In addition to Mr. Wicklund’s design and coordination responsibilities, he supports both the survey and LIDAR teams, and the construction administration teams. His attention to detail and responsiveness ensure that the project team has everything needed to fulfill each project goal, from project start to construction.
Education:
BS – Electrical Engineering – North Dakota State University, 2022

Thomas Giannopoulos
Learn MoreThomas Giannopoulos
Mr. Giannopoulos is an expert in architectural drafting and coordination. His technical skills have differentiated his career. He is well-rounded and is proficient in training novices and experts in Revit and in all architectural design phases. He is always looking for ways to improve the approach to a successful project through the latest advances in technology, such as virtual reality, renderings, and animation. Mr. Giannopoulos has an established reputation as a team player and always delivers for his clients. He is adept at interfacing with clients and his personality lends itself to a passion for architectural design that motivates the entire team and demonstrates he listens well to his clients and their project requirements.
Education:
Technological Institution of Crete, B.S. Civil & Structural Engineering, 2007 – 2013
Proficiencies:
Revit/BIM
AutoCAD, ArchiCAD/Sketch Up
Lumion – Renderings/Animation, Virtual Reality
Construction Documentation
Conceptual Designing

Mark Riffle
Quality Manager
In his role as Mechanical Designer, Mr. Riffle ensures that Triple C projects are well-coordinated and as a result, achieve project milestone dates. The level of detail Mark gives to his projects ensures that the design accuracy owners seek is always delivered.
As a self-driven professional, Mark is readily on the lookout to assist his teammates when needed and for his next learning moment in the built environment. He is passionate about working in the 3D environment, designing each minute component, and assisting its growth into the larger completed design that when eventually built, provides the right solutions to benefit veterans and other federal agencies.
Mr. Riffle’s MEP experience includes multi-million design projects in healthcare, education, technology, and religious design sectors. He is also part of the construction administration team, working to ensure RFI’s are processed in a timely and accurate manner.
Education:
Masters of Science – Marshall University Graduate College, Huntington, WV 2012
Bachelors of Science – Marshall University, Huntington, WV 2012

Gina Fantoni, AIA
Project Architect
As an experienced and award winning project architect, Ms. Fantoni looks for opportunities to use her skills to solve real problems and contribute to making life better for her clients. Gina is always seeking to understand her client’s design needs and her end-user’s goals, realizing that effective communication is essential to a well-designed project that will benefit many for years to come.
Ms. Fantoni’s wide-ranging project experience includes healthcare design and planning, industrial and commercial architecture, and sustainable design and construction, in both public and private sectors. One of the many strengths Gina brings to each project is the ability to keep projects moving forward. Her ability to bring people together by creative collaboration ensures that any design conflicts are understood and solved, bringing the right solution to the client and end users – all with an energetic and positive attitude.
Education:
Master of Architecture, Summa cum Laude, Norwich University
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies – Norwich University
Registered Architect: Texas
Professional Affiliations:
American Institute of Architects (AIA)
Member, 2019-Present
Proficiencies: Revit, Enscape, 3D Modeling, Rendering

Anthony A. Inlong
MEP Designer
Mr. Inlong’s design passion and breadth of experience, across multiple disciplines, comes through to his clients and colleagues. He began his career in 2006, working in multiple building types including: Medical facilities such as hospitals, pharmaceuticals labs and pharmacies, warehouses, data centers, telecommunication cell towers and indoor Das’s system, distribution centers, high rise buildings for corporate and condos.
His certifications in Revit MEP and AutoCAD are an efficiency asset on all projects he designs. As a committed and flexible team player, Mr. Inlong’s attention to detail is always seen as an asset to a successful project. Working hand-in-hand with engineers and project managers to deliver their client’s design documents on time and according to their projects requirements while following standard and codes.
Anthony’s experience spans the development of multi discipline MEP plans in 3D and 2D that includes electrical high voltage design, low voltage design such as physical security, nurse call, PA systems, Audio Visual, fire protection, and telecommunication, also worked in mechanical, piping, and plumbing design.
Education:
Associates of Applied Science in Drafting and Design – Collin College
Bachelor of Science in Engineering – University of Texas in Dallas, in progress
RCDD Certification, in progress
Proficiencies:
Certified Revit MEP
Certified AutoCAD
Naviswork
Revizto

Ariah Orr
Architectural Designer
Ms. Orr has a passion for creating meaningful spaces and understands the importance of working with clients to create designs that can be enjoyed and functional for all. She approaches each project with unwavering dedication to excellence in design along with meticulous attention to detail, finding the best possible design solutions within given projects’ limits, from project inception to completion.
Ariah invigorates every project with a strong technical and client-focused skillset, with quality assurance at the forefront. Her collaborative nature ensures that exemplary products and service are standard in all deliverables and her project leadership ensures that all codes, standards, and project requirements are met. Ms. Orr’s experience spans a wide variety of projects including healthcare, commercial, industrial, multi-family, and mixed-use spaces.
Education:
Bachelor of Design in Architecture
Minor in Landscape Design & Planning
University of Minnesota – Twin Cities
Proficiencies:
Revit
3D Modeling
Digital Rendering
Construction Documents
Construction Administration

Luke Fauver
LIDAR Surveyor
As LIDAR Surveyor for Triple C, Mr. Fauver brings a high level of detail, client focus, and leadership to the position. He works closely with Triple C architects, engineers, and clients to ensure that existing conditions are accurately and thoroughly represented. In his role to conduct a comprehensive, 360-degree analysis of site conditions, he converts reality into functional data efficiently by coordinating real time via Bluebeam Revu© with the Triple C team in the office to ensure that all information is gathered before leaving a site, thereby saving Triple C client’s time.
In addition to Mr. Fauver’s integral role at Triple C, he is a Sergeant in the U.S. Army Reserves, as a Combat Engineer; where he provides field engineering, construction, and inspections in combat situations.
Education:
Boise State University, Boise, ID; Criminal Justice Administration
U.S. Army – Multiple training in engineering topics
U.S. Army Distributed Leadership Course
Certifications:
Combat Life Saver
Anti-Terrorism
Operational Security 101(OPSEC)

Scott Hopkins
IT Manager
Mr. Scott Hopkins, who serves as Triple C’s IT expert, has over twenty years of experience in the field of IT implementation and problem resolution. After retiring from the Union Pacific Railroad as a Quality Control Inspector with the Rail Welding & Track Testing Department, he started his own computer business, COM-TEK Computer and Internet Services, in 1995. Services include custom-built computers, repair and troubleshooting, upgrades, networking, virus and malware removal, and consulting. Mr. Hopkins’ firm became a local internet service provider, offering dial-up and DSL services to the surrounding community. As the founder, he managed and operated all aspects of COM-TEK as its services and staff rapidly grew. His computer business continues to serve the needs of primarily public-sector clients, such as the University of Wyoming.
For Triple C’s IT needs, Mr. Hopkins performs the following services: Maintenance/updates of all computers, as well as troubleshooting of all computer, Office 365, and Autodesk issues; administration/maintenance of Microsoft & Autodesk cloud and subscription services; the set-up of all employee computers; and the monitoring of all software licensing and compliance requirements. In addition to serving Triple C’s IT department and running his own IT-related small business, Mr. Hopkins also serves as an officer for the local Fraternal Order of Eagles, as well as performing services for the local Seven-Mile Water & Sewer District.

Michele Potter
Business Development Advisor
Prior to assisting in the startup of Triple C, Mrs. Potter served in advisory roles focused on family and women’s issues. The multifaceted guidance centered on the wellness of the individual/family as a whole. Having majored in nutrition, she had the privilege of assisting women and families with the everyday needs common to young, struggling families, such as dietary insufficiency. Housing, clothing, food, and counseling were made available to clients in the interests of helping them to overcome challenges on multiple levels and to function as sound, healthy individuals contributing to their families and communities.
In her capacity as a business advisor in the current/future trends and processes of Triple C, Mrs. Potter particularly delights in her role as the self-described “Company Culture Designer.” Surrounded by all the talented designers and planners who have graced Triple C with their passion, skills, and professionalism, she considers herself privileged to gather them together on a weekly basis to discuss matters of integrity, ethics, and values, including wide-ranging topics related to maintaining Triple C’s focus on doing business in the right way . . . for the right reasons. With her academic background in public relations, Mrs. Potter relishes every opportunity to see to it that Triple C is a “walking billboard” of the principles upon which she helped to found it and now endeavors to guide it.