Ghafari Announces Promotions of Rebecca Barry and Matthew Pettit to Leaders of U.S. Architecture / Engineering Practice
DEARBORN, MI – Ghafari Associates (Ghafari) is excited to announce the promotions of Rebecca Barry and Matthew Pettit, who will jointly lead the global firm’s U.S. architecture and engineering practice.
Rebecca (Becky) Barry, AIA, NCARB was promoted to Senior Vice President and has assumed leadership of the firm’s largest architecture and interior design groups in Dearborn, Michigan and Chicago as well as the specifications, civil engineering, and structural engineering teams across all of its domestic offices. Throughout her career of 20+ years, she has demonstrated a passion for expanding the boundaries of traditional project execution.
Barry joined the Ghafari team in 2013 as a Project Architect, moving into the role of Manager of Architecture in 2018, and later, Director of Architecture at the firm’s Dearborn headquarters. She holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in architecture, both from Lawrence Technological University. A licensed architect in 15+ states, she is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. In 2020, she was recognized as one of Crain’s Detroit Business’ “Notable Women in Design”. She was also profiled in Great Lakes by Design in the magazine’s annual “The Architects” series in 2023.
Matthew (Matt) Pettit, PE, LEED AP was also promoted to Senior Vice President and has assumed leadership of the firm’s domestic mechanical, electrical, and ICT + security engineering teams as well as its sustainability team. With a 30+ year career in engineering, his project experience spans multiple industries and building types, including automotive plants, battery production complexes, laboratories, healthcare facilities, institutional buildings, and educational facilities.
Pettit joined Ghafari’s Dearborn headquarters as Manager of Mechanical Engineering in 2010 and was later promoted to Vice President. He holds a Bachelor of Science in mechanical engineering from Michigan Technological University. He is a licensed Professional Engineer in 15+ states and a Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accredited Professional.
“Both Becky and Matt are strong strategic minds, committed mentors, and dedicated agents of continuous improvement,” says Ghafari President + CEO Kouhaila (Ki) Hammer. “They have each been instrumental in Ghafari’s success in recent years, guiding and developing highly skilled, well-balanced technical teams that consistently deliver the quality of client service on which we pride ourselves. I am confident that our domestic A/E practice will continue to flourish under their leadership.”
