TowerPinkster

10/30/2026

Big congratulations to Matt Wakely, Partner and K–12 Education Leader, on reaching his 20th work anniversary at TowerPinkster!

Over the past two decades, Matt has transformed schools across Michigan. Whether leading community visioning sessions, designing modern learning spaces, or sharing his expertise in school safety and security, Matt's heart is always with the students and communities we serve.

Thank you for 20 years of inspiring leadership, passion, and design excellence, Matt!

10/29/2026

The TowerPinkster community is sad to announce the passing of another foundational leader in our firm’s history.

Hal Kovert, 73, founder of Kovert Hawkins Architects and later a Principal at TowerPinkster, passed away Saturday, Oct. 24, his family announced this week.

Hal and his longtime business partner and friend John Hawkins founded their architecture firm in 1985 in Jeffersonville, Indiana. The firm designed projects across a broad range of sectors, including K-12 education, government, healthcare, historic renovation, and commercial development.

Hal’s eye for architecture can be seen on notable projects such as the Jeffersonville Public Library, Southern Indiana Visitors Center, numerous educational facilities, and most recently, the renovated Milan High School gymnasium lobby, which honors its 1954 Indiana High School Basketball State Championship and inspired the movie “Hoosiers.”

Kovert Hawkins earned recognition for its design excellence and community commitment. In fact, Louisville Business First twice awarded the firm in the Partners in Philanthropy Award program.

In 2021, TowerPinkster was fortunate to merge with the talented staff of Kovert Hawkins, making Hal a Principal of our firm until his retirement in 2025. Throughout his time at TowerPinkster, Hal was instrumental to the New Albany office, continuing his legacy as a talented architect, leader, mentor, and friend.

His impact extended well beyond architecture. Throughout his career, he served on numerous professional, civic, and nonprofit boards and committees, sharing his expertise and leadership to strengthen the communities in which he lived and worked. His commitment to philanthropy, education, and community development remains evident in the organizations and initiatives he supported.

In lieu of flowers, Hal’s family is requesting memorial contributions to the Kovert Hawkins Scholarship Fund at Ball State University or Molo Village CDC in Louisville, Kentucky.

The Kovert Hawkins Scholarship Fund was established by Hal and John in 2009. As alumni of Ball State, the founders believed their success as architects could be traced back to their educational beginnings at Ball State, and we are honored to continue to support future architects from Ball State.

A public memorial service will be held at noon on Saturday, November 7, 2026, at Scott Funeral Home, Jeffersonville, Indiana. A Celebration of Life luncheon will follow at Elk Run Golf Club, 1820 Charlestown Pike, Jeffersonville.

10/28/2026

While construction continues on the outside, our Interior Design team is hard at work envisioning what the interior spaces of the new Kalamazoo Event Center could be. From floors, ceilings, walls, and furniture, this team will choose every fabric, paint color, tile, and more. 👏

10/28/2026

A group of TowerPinkster engineers, architects, and designers showed up for the 5th Annual Built by Women Industry Event last week! This event highlights women leaders in the AEC industry.

"The event inspired all of us to come to the table in our own way to help shape the future," TowerPinkster's Associate Principal of Healthcare Ella Segur, NCIDQ, said after attending. "It's inspiring to be in a room full of women blazing the trail in what historically has been a male dominated industry."

10/27/2026

We ❤ Kalamazoo!

Tenant Tuesday: TowerPinkster

The firm designing downtown Kalamazoo's future works right here.

TowerPinkster is the architect behind the Kalamazoo Event Center, the $515 million arena that will bring 8,000-seat concerts, hockey, basketball, and an estimated 548,000 visitors a year to downtown starting in 2027.

That project is being drawn up a few blocks away in the historic United Building at 242 E. Kalamazoo Ave, where TowerPinkster's office became the first LEED-certified facility in Southwest Michigan.

When the people reshaping the skyline choose a 100-year-old building to do it from, that says something about the building. PlazaCorp is proud to provide the room where Kalamazoo's biggest project gets designed.

🌐 plazacorp.net
📞 (269) 383-5775

10/27/2026

For the third consecutive year, TowerPinkster was recognized for our efforts to support emerging professionals in architecture.

The AIA Indiana Emerging Professionals Exemplary Firm award recognizes firms that go above and beyond in supporting individuals on their path to architectural licensure. This designation honors organizations that demonstrate an exceptional commitment to mentoring and guiding emerging professionals.

As a firm dedicated to cultivating growth and professional development, we are honored to receive this recognition once again and remain committed to empowering the next generation of architects.

10/24/2026

Painting classes and cocktail hours? 🎨🍸There are endless possibilities for this courtyard revitalization.

10/22/2026

What a cool show of collaboration!

10/21/2026

First Day Shoe Fund has put more than 80,000 pairs of new shoes on students in Kalamazoo County since it began 20 years ago. In 2025 alone, they distributed more than 11,200 pairs of shoes! 👟

TowerPinkster was honored to put our math skills to the test and help with the inventory process. Learn more about this amazing community partner, donate, and get involved at firstdayshoefund.org.

10/20/2026

"If you can’t have fun doing your job – don’t do it!" - Jerry Pinkster, AIA.

We are saddened to announce the passing of Jerry Pinkster, a foundational leader, former partner, and co-namesake of TowerPinkster. Jerry joined the firm in 1956 as a draftsman. At the time, the company was 15 people strong.

His architectural eye, commitment to craftsmanship, and steady guidance helped build the groundwork for what TowerPinkster is today. He's pictured here alongside Jon Titus (left) and Bob Tower (middle).

Those who worked alongside Jerry knew him for his unwavering positivity and his belief that every challenge was simply an opportunity waiting to be solved.

Jerry’s contributions to this firm and the community will never be forgotten. Our thoughts and deepest sympathies are with his family and loved ones.