OUR TEAM

John F. McDonald III – Partner

John has over 22 years of experience in the field of architecture and project management.  His experience covers a full range of architectural services, including planning, project management, design, construction documents, and construction administration for commercial and residential projects. Prior to founding Knabb Seace McDonald, he traveled extensively throughout the United States as a senior project manager for Aramark Design Development Higher Education Studio, overseeing the design and implementation of numerous campus food courts and retail stores.

John is currently the Vice President of the Pennsylvania Council of the Society of American Registered Architects. He started the Student Grant Award for the Council, which provides a Pennsylvania architecture student a monetary award for excellence. He is currently the Chairman of the committee and is very active in the fundraising efforts.

John is also the Chairman of the Saint Andrew’s Society of Philadelphia scholarship committee: a non-profit cultural society providing scholarships to U.S. and Scottish students for an immersive year long study abroad program.  All while being a leader of his son’s Cub Scout pack.

John earned his Bachelor of Arts degree in Architecture from Temple University, graduating in the top ten of his class. In his life before architecture, he received his Bachelor of Science degree in economics from Pennsylvania State University.  He was an insurance liability representative for companies such as Aetna and Travelers, giving him a unique perspective on the critical business nature of the architectural profession.

James Keating – Principal

James is a graduate of the Temple University School of Architecture with over a decade and a half of experience in the profession on project types including Class-A commercial, light and heavy industrial, residential, institutional and public works. During his career James has developed a key understanding of the profession, the most important tool an architect has are their ears. Listening to the client, understanding their needs and program, provides the best result for the client. This respect for projects has led to long term client relationships which continue to this day. James’s outside interests include volunteering at his church and being a member of its Buildings and Grounds Committee, amateur astronomy and model railroading.

Mollie Beach – Project Coordinator

Mollie is an enthusiastic architectural intern assisting in many roles at KSM architects. Her proficiency in computer modeling, Photoshop and CAD is greatly appreciated. Mollie is a strong communicator and is dedicated to the quality of her work. Her interpersonal skills help her to determine the key items of concern and to find proper solutions for challenges she faces. Mollie is currently on the executive committee of a non-profit called BRIC, Building Relationships in Communities, an outreach organization to better connect Temple University staff and students with the surrounding community residents. In her spare time Mollie enjoys knitting and photography.