Richard R. Brown, AIA, NCARB – Principal

Mr. Brown is an honors graduate of the University of Texas and founded Richard R. Brown Associates in 1985, following seven years of experience with other architectural firms. He is widely recognized for his exceptional design and project management skills, having served as the design architect on all of the firm’s award-winning projects.

Throughout his career, Mr. Brown has shared his expertise as a guest design critic at the University of Texas at Arlington and has lectured on topics such as cost control in design for corporate meetings and effective collaboration with consultants and project teams for the AIA.

Licensed in over 30 states, Mr. Brown is also certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). His practice spans the United States and internationally, with projects in Mexico and West Africa. Known for his collaborative approach, Mr. Brown involves his staff, development professionals, contractors, and clients in the design process to ensure the best outcome within the project's budget.

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Mr. Brown is actively engaged in the community, serving on several boards of directors, including the board of the 18-20 East 84th Co-op in Manhattan, New York.

Troy Downing, AIA – Associate Principal

Mr. Downing is a graduate of the University of Oklahoma and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He joined Richard R. Brown Associates (RBA) in 1990 as a recent graduate and has since advanced to become the firm's second-in-command.

With broad experience across the firm’s core areas of expertise, Mr. Downing leads RBA’s medical design studio, specializing in medical, surgical, and hospital facilities across the United States. He possesses in-depth knowledge of ADA compliance and building and life safety codes, ensuring that all projects meet regulatory standards. Additionally, he serves as the firm's liaison with city staff on code and zoning matters.

Mr. Downing has successfully managed a variety of significant projects, including governmental and judicial facilities in Del Rio and Pecos, Texas, United States Marshal Service projects in Texas and Louisiana, and multiple projects for the USDA, Bureau of Indian Affairs, and the Social Security Administration across a five-state region.

Lee Ann Atkins, RID, IIDA – Director of Interior Design

Ms. Atkins is a graduate of the University of Central Oklahoma with 25 years of experience in the interior design industry. Prior to joining RBA, she gained valuable expertise working with architectural firms and a furniture dealer, where she honed her knowledge of systems, furnishings, and available products in the field.

At RBA, Ms. Atkins oversees the interior design process, including client programming to understand their needs, schematic design discussions, and design development, where she finalizes specifications for architectural interior plans and details. She is also responsible for construction documentation, collaborating with the broader design team to ensure that all project aspects are clearly defined.

Her project scope includes space planning, conceptual design, and materials selection and specification. Additionally, Ms. Atkins is highly skilled in FF&E procurement and budgeting, overseeing the final installation process to ensure seamless execution.