Staff

 
Robert Earl Byrge, AIA Robert Earl Byrge, AIA Robert Earl Byrge, AIA

Robert Earl Byrge, AIA

Principal Architect

Robert Byrge grew up in the west Texas border town of El Paso, moving to Lexington in 1982. As the son of an electrical contractor he was exposed to construction at an early age, often working with his father during the summer. He excelled in art and drafting in high school so continuing his education in architecture was a natural fit. As he likes to say, it was back when you had to know how to draw instead of work a mouse.

After beginning his career at Jerrico in Lexington, where he learned about CAD drafting and computers, he worked for several other architectural firms throughout the years. In August of 1995 he opened the Kentucky office of Snapp & Associates, where he was the lead architect. Much to his delight, in December 2011, Robert became the proud owner of the Kentucky office, changing the firm’s name to REB Architects, PLLC.

Bob loves traveling, having visited most of the Caribbean islands as well as several South American countries and Hawaii. He also enjoys photography and has many of his photographs from his travels displayed in the office of REB Architects.

Place of Birth:
El Paso, Texas
Higher Education:
Texas Tech University - Bachelor of Architecture, Design Option
Emily Byrge, AIA Emily Byrge, AIA Emily Byrge, AIA

Emily Byrge, AIA

Principal Architect & Architectural Director

Emily grew up in Owensboro, Kentucky and came to Lexington in 1999 to attend the University of Kentucky College of Architecture. Her love of architecture began in a high school drafting class which evolved into independent studies in the technology department where she completed all of the technology classes offered.

Emily began working for Snapp and Associates after graduation and transitioned with the firm in 2012 as an employee of REB Architects. Through her time with our firm, Emily has developed a wide array of experience including mixed-use facilities, multi-family housing and historical sites of varied funding sources including state and federal funding as well as private monies.  She works closely with many repeat clients and consultants, and spearheads most of REB’s multi-family housing projects.

In July of 2021 after 17 years with the  company, Emily became an owner and principal architect of REB Architects.

Emily enjoys camping with her husband and daughter, bike rides, cooking, and watching her daughter play volleyball.

Place of Birth:
Owensboro, KY
Higher Education:
University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Architecture (2004), Master of Architecture (2005)
Kelly Muehler, AIA Kelly Muehler, AIA Kelly Muehler, AIA

Kelly Muehler, AIA

Project Manager

Kelly grew up in Hermantown, MN, before moving to Fargo, ND to attend North Dakota State University’s College of Architecture.  In 2014, when she and her husband had the opportunity to move to Lexington, she jumped at the chance to leave the northern winters behind.  During her time at REB Architects, she has enjoyed working on drawings in AutoCad and Revit, attending job meetings, and visiting construction sites.

When not at work, Kelly enjoys baking, running with her dog, watching hockey, and spending time with family and friends.

Place of Birth:
Duluth, MN
Higher Education:
North Dakota State University, Master of Architecture, 2013; North Dakota State University, Bachelor of Environmental Design, 2012
Erick Rawlings, AIA Erick Rawlings, AIA Erick Rawlings, AIA

Erick Rawlings, AIA

Project Manager

Erick grew up in Central Florida and moved with his family to Lexington in 1994.  He later attended the University of Kentucky where he graduated in 2007 with a Bachelor of Architecture and Minor in Geography.  During his time in the field, Erick has had the opportunity to work on various project types with experience in new construction, rehabilitation, and historic preservation.

Erick has three children and enjoys new adventures with his family.  He also enjoys spending time in the mountains, cooking/grilling, and UK sports.

Place of Birth:
Winter Haven, FL
Higher Education:
University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Architecture (2007)
Brian Baum, Associate AIA Brian Baum, Associate AIA Brian Baum, Associate AIA

Brian Baum, Associate AIA

Architectural Intern

Brian grew up in Cincinnati and began working with the firm in  2014 after receiving his Bachelors and Masters degrees in Architecture from Lawrence Tech University.  In his time at REB, Brian has developed his skills within the office and in the field through drafting in CAD, creating project renders in Revit, overseeing the construction development for multiple multi-family housing, religious, and commercial projects, and meeting with clients to develop project scopes and budgets.

Brian is a father to one and loves spending time with his family and friends.  In his spare time, he enjoys being active outdoors, kayaking, golfing, disc golfing and taking tours of the local bourbon distilleries.

Place of Birth:
Cincinnati, Ohio
Higher Education:
Lawrence Technological University - B.S. in Architecture (2010), Master of Architecture (2013)
Jeffrey Heinze Jeffrey Heinze Jeffrey Heinze

Jeffrey Heinze

Architectural Intern

Jeffrey is from Bowling Green, Kentucky and graduated from Western Kentucky University in 2017 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Science. After graduating, he moved to Lexington with his wife and began working as a draftsman for commercial and industrial architecture projects. Jeffrey joined REB in 2019 where he drafts building plans with AutoCad, creates 3D model renderings using Revit and Photoshop, and assists with site visits and inspections.

In his free time, Jeffrey enjoys working on household projects and spending time with his wife and their 2 cats. His hobbies include cycling, cooking, and playing video games.

Place of Birth:
Bowling Green, KY
Higher Education:
Western Kentucky University, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Science, 2017
Harley Fields, Associate AIA Harley Fields, Associate AIA Harley Fields, Associate AIA

Harley Fields, Associate AIA

Architectural Intern

Harley was born in Versailles, Kentucky and is a first-generation college graduate.  He began working with REB in 2021 after graduating from the University of Kentucky with his Master of Architecture degree.

Harley’s hobbies include watching live music, camping, playing video games and riding ATVs.

Place of Birth:
Versailles, KY
Higher Education:
University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Architecture (2019), Master of Architecture (2021)
Dallas Johns Dallas Johns Dallas Johns

Dallas Johns

Architectural Intern

Dallas is a Lexington native.  He graduated from the University of Kentucky in 2020 with a Bachelor of Architecture and went on to achieve his Master of Architecture degree in 2022.  Dallas joined REB in 2021 where he helps draft building plans and assists with on-site visits.

In his free time, Dallas enjoys watching and attending soccer matches.8

Place of Birth:
Lexington, KY
Higher Education:
University of Kentucky - Bachelor of Architecture (2020), Master of Architecture (2022)
Beckie Lehmann Beckie Lehmann Beckie Lehmann

Beckie Lehmann

Director of Finance and Marketing

Beckie had the privilege of calling cities in Ohio, New York and South Carolina home as a child.  After graduating from the University of South Carolina, she moved to Lexington in 2004 with her husband.  With a strong foundation in the construction field, she joined the REB team in 2015 and enjoys continuing to learn and grow within the field.

Beckie is very active in her children’s school community and enjoys spending time with her family, reading and traveling in her free time.

Place of Birth:
Parma, Ohio
Higher Education:
University of South Carolina - Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Mass Communications (2003)