Key Personnel

MBFA is comprised of innovative and committed professionals with a common objective to create places that strengthen communities and enhance commercial enterprises. We are optimistic, intuitive, imaginative, and passionate about what we do. We understand the success of our collective efforts depends on our ability to engage, listen, analyze, refine, resolve, and implement—and we balance those skills with creativity. Using our more than 25 years of experience as a guide, we utilize our skills and resources to manage and guide a process that is as technical as it is creative.

We are proud to call New Bern, North Carolina home and we work hard to remain invested in community activities and to ensure the betterment of our surroundings. In fact, several members of the staff have served on the New Bern Historic Preservation Commission, the Swiss Bear Downtown Development Corporation, the AIA North Carolina Eastern Section Executive Board, and the New Bern Preservation Foundation.

William L. “Bill” Faulkenberry, AIA, NCARB, GGP

Mr. Faulkenberry’s responsibilities include client communication, contract negotiations, architectural design, construction documents, cost estimating, scheduling and the daily management of the firm. Bill has over 36 years experience in architectural practice. He has extensive experience in historic preservation and renovation projects. Bill focuses on overall firm management, and serves as Program Manager for Federal projects. He has managed over 275 separate task orders on DoD projects. He has had primary responsibility for design and management of projects ranging from small residential renovations to extensive multi-phased construction projects.

Bill’s hobbies include golf and wood working.

Email Bill

Darden J. “Tripp” Eure, III, AIA, NCARB

Tripp’s responsibilities include client communications, contract negotiations, scheduling, construction documents, cost estimating, bidding and negotiation, construction administration and the daily management of project design teams. His practice focus is providing comprehensive architectural services for the municipal and State of North Carolina market segments. In addition, Tripp is the senior technical specification writer and contract specialist. He has had primary responsibility for design and management of projects ranging from small and complicated alterations up to large projects valued to $70 million in construction cost. Tripp has specific expertise in planning.

In his free time, Tripp enjoys restoring his 1925 house, and working with local civic groups.

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David L. Griffith, Jr.

David brings over 20 years of design experience as a Project Manager responsible for design and construction document coordination. He has also been involved with facility planning for multiple clients and has significant experience delivering construction documents suited for soliciting public bids. David is particularly talented in free hand sketching and perspective drawing, which are extremely useful skills in conveying design concepts to clients, as well as computerized drafting and imaging software. In the past Mr. Griffith has also served as a Visiting Assistant Professor at the North Carolina State University College of Design in Raleigh, NC.

David enjoys repairing and restoring antique cars and caring for a variety of pets.

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Raymond E. Layton, Jr., LEED AP, GGP

Raymond is a project manager fully involved in project client communications, scheduling, construction documents, cost estimating, bid and negotiation and construction administration. His primary responsibility is to manage the design team from project conception through working drawing completion, directing between four and seven design team consultants. He has had primary responsibility for managing projects ranging from small and complicated alterations up to large multi-building projects. Raymond is an excellent communicator and manager. He is skilled with several software platforms that aide in project documentation and management.

In his time away from the office, Raymond enjoys fishing, hiking, and camping.

E-mail Raymond

Melissa A. Wheeler

Melissa is an interior designer with experience in programming, space planning, design development, construction documentation, finish and furniture selections, and construction administration. She holds a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts Degree in Interior Design, and is working to become NCIDQ certified. Melissa’s passion for design stems from the belief that the function of our environment has a direct relationship with productivity, innovation and well-being.

She enjoys being outside, along with spending time with her family and friends.

E-mail Melissa

Anita J. Simmons

Anita is the office manager and marketing coordinator for MBFA. She manages the firms billing, contracts and preparation of proposals and marketing materials. She is an excellent multi-tasker and ensures that the day to day operations of the firm run smoothly.

Anita’s interests include working with her church, DIY projects and spending time with her family.

Email Anita