FORT WAYNE, IN — Design Collaborative, an architecture and engineering firm, announces the retirement of its co-founder and CEO, Pat Pasterick, and the appointment of Adam James as the firm’s new CEO.

Since its founding in 1992 by Pasterick, Ron Dick, and Terry Wagner, Design Collaborative has been driven by a vision to create a client-focused company designed to outlive its founders.

Under Pasterick’s leadership, Design Collaborative has grown exponentially from its origins in Fort Wayne, Indiana, to a firm employing more than 85 professionals, with offices in Fort Wayne, Indiana, and Charlotte, North Carolina, and a client portfolio spanning 19 states.

Pasterick’s retirement marks the final stage in a multiyear, strategic leadership transition. James, a Senior Architect and Partner with more than a decade of experience at Design Collaborative, will assume the role of CEO. James has worked closely with Pasterick to prepare for this transition and is poised to lead the firm into its next chapter.

“We are deeply grateful for Pat’s leadership and vision, which have shaped the firm into what it is today,” James said. “As we move forward, our focus remains unchanged — to build meaningful relationships with our clients and create extraordinary spaces that improve people’s worlds.”