May 2026
45 years—the Blue Sapphire Anniversary—is quite a milestone. To me, it represents consistent leadership: people who plan ahead and lead by example.
When I interviewed over 20 years ago, I came in with an overly complicated portfolio to show off my design abilities (something we’ve all laughed about since). What I wanted was to be at an architecture firm. I had previously been at a large engineering firm with an architecture department, where design often felt like an afterthought.
Fortunately, Mike, Jack, and Tamra saw something in me that I’m not sure I fully recognized at the time. What I saw in TK was a close-knit team doing work that felt both thoughtful and exciting. At that point, I knew very little about cinema, entertainment, or food and beverage design. Through their patience—and my many questions—I began to understand the technical side of the spaces that define our core building types.
I was encouraged to restart my licensure process and supported in participating in the AIA Pillars Leadership Program. Following in Ted and Mike’s footsteps, attending International Cinema Technology Association (ICTA) expanded both my technical knowledge and my relationships with vendors across the industry.
Ted and the principals at the time would return from trade shows energized, sharing stories about clients and ideas they were excited about. What I didn’t fully realize then was that they were building a brand with international recognition. By the time I began attending those same events, many doors were already open—relationships had been built long before I stepped into the room.
Over time, the firm expanded to include in-house structural, mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering. That shift changed how we work in a meaningful way. While TK has always maintained strong relationships with external consultants, having these disciplines under one roof brings a different level of collaboration. It allows for real-time problem-solving, stronger mentorship, and a more integrated approach—something especially valuable for younger staff as they learn how all aspects of a project come together.
Our relationships with vendors are a direct reflection of our 45-year history. Many of these partnerships go back to the early days of the firm, and in some cases, span multiple generations—much like TK itself now supports its third generation of ownership. These long-standing relationships bring a level of trust and creativity to projects where everyone is invested in delivering the best possible outcome.
The same can be said for our clients. Many are family-owned businesses that have also transitioned through generations. Each brings a new perspective while continuing to build on an established brand. That shared history creates a natural rhythm in how we work together, and it often leads to stronger, more thoughtful projects. We’ve had the opportunity to see these brands evolve alongside our own.
With a firm of this longevity, there are even projects where we’ve worked on the same building across multiple ownerships—designing the original space, then later renovating it for a new client, and occasionally even a third. Each iteration brings a new identity and guest experience, and being part of that evolution is one of the more rewarding aspects of our work.
As we move into year 46, our focus remains the same: continue pushing design forward, strengthening relationships with clients and vendors, and leading within the entertainment, cinema, and food and beverage industries. We’re also continuing to explore new concepts and areas of growth that will shape the future of the firm.
To our clients, vendors, and industry partners—thank you for being part of these first 45 years. And to those we haven’t yet had the opportunity to work with, we look forward to what’s ahead.
As we celebrate our Blue Sapphire Anniversary, we reflect on the qualities often associated with the stone—wisdom, clarity, and strength—and the role they play in shaping our work. The future of TK is bright, and we’re excited for what comes next.
Principal, Theresa English
