About

Rett Howard, AIA – Managing Partner

With 35 years of experience in a variety of positions in the architectural field, Mr. Howard has developed excellent project management skills with an emphasis on renovations and additions. He has successfully completed hundreds of renovation/addition projects. His passion for the details and persistence when digging through the existing conditions has been a key factor in the project success. He holds an undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Arkansas in Fayetteville.

Rett has worked on a wide range of projects covering 16 states and has a strong background in project management. His duties included overseeing budget, schedules, and implementation of construction documents.  Practical experience involves all   phases of design, planning, construction documents, project    management and construction observation.

James G. Damron, AIA, LEED AP A, B & D – Partner

James brings a wide variety of building design experience to the team. Prior to joining Tim A. Risley and Associates, he spent thirteen years operating the local office of Perkowitz + Ruth Architects to support their Walmart team. He has worked on new Supercenters, Neighborhood Markets, Express Stores, along with hundreds of store remodels, tenant improvements, takeovers and special projects across the United States. He is very familiar with the building entitlement and permitting processes in difficult jurisdictions ranging from southern California to the New England states.

Construction Administration is a passion for James. You can design a great project, only to see it built in a manner that is not pleasing to the owner nor the architect. The design is only one part of the project, you must finish it with complete construction documents, proper bidding and working with the Owner and the General Contractor to see the finished project is of great pride to everyone involved and very pleasing to the end users.

Alyssa Lawrence – Office Manager, Marketing Manager, Partner

Alyssa has been with our firm since 2012. She continues to advance her skills in office management but also the day-to-day workflow of the entire office. As a native to Arkansas and current resident of Alma, Alyssa is excited and continues to encourage the growth of the River Valley and Northwest Arkansas.

As part of her duties in the firm, Alyssa continues to improve our marketing and digital presence. Whether it is working on our various project pursuits, RFQ/RFP submissions, or updating our social media presence, she is not only intentional at showing what our firm is up to, but she is also promoting and celebrating the achievements of our clients. She strives to see our clients shine because their success reflects ours.

As one of the newest partners, she brings a fresh approach to our designs and gives our company a stronger connection to the next generation.

Along with her marketing responsibilities, Alyssa oversees the office schedule, payroll, various client meetings, billing and processing and AIA Contract documents.

Larry R. Hall, AIA – Project Architect

Larry is a licensed architect with over 35 years of experience. He is licensed in the State of Arkansas. He is a full member of the American Institute of Architects and holds a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certification. A native Arkansan, Larry holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arkansas in 1979. Larry has worked with Tim from 1979 thru 1986, 1994 thru 2000 and 2014 to present. He also had his own firm in Hot Springs from 1986 to 1994. Larry was a full partner in another local firm from 2000 to 2014. He has worked on a wide range of projects including several group homes and apartments for children and adults with developmental disabilities for First Steps, Inc. in Hot Springs, Malvern and Fordyce.

Tim Collier, Operations Support and Production

After graduating Technical School in 1988 with an Associate’s degree in Computer Aided Drafting and Design, Tim started work as a draftsman for a Little Rock A/E firm that was in the process of transitioning from hand drafting to CAD production of construction documents.

As the CAD work became primary, Tim’s knowledge of computers moved him into a role of teaching others how to use the program, while he was also learning methods of design and construction.  Within a few years, Tim would move up to a project architect role on projects, both local and across the country, working with the military and government agencies on everything from offices and schools to shopping centers and medical office buildings.  Working with clients on designs, taking those designs through construction document creation, and then working with contractors during construction, seeing a project from start to finish was commonplace.

Gregg Keyes, Project Manager

Gregg recently joined Risley Architects as a Project Manager. He has over 20 years of experience in the architectural industry. He spent 15 years at Perry Butchen and Associates working on prototype creations for retail stores. There he transitioned into the Senior management position over the Remodel Program for Walmart. Gregg also spent five years with Perkowitz + Ruth as a project manager continuing his work with Walmart. Gregg has spent many years as project manager for various companies and brings a fresh approach to his projects. He has a vast knowledge of renovations, tenant buildouts, and retail spaces.

Danny Johnson, Production

Danny joined Tim A. Risley & Associates in 1989. He has over 40 years’ experience in all disciplines of the profession, working with four architectural firms in two states. He holds an architectural technology degree from Pines Technical College, Pine Bluff, Arkansas. Danny’s primary responsibilities include production of construction documents and project management. Project type experience includes historical renovation, industrial facilities, commercial, health care, educational and multi-family housing as well as custom residential.
Danny’s unique expertise also involves over 15 years of design, layout, plant selection and estimating for a large Landscape contractor in Fort Smith.

Gracie Phillips – Marketing

Gracie joined our team in October of 2020. She graduated from the University of Arkansas—Fort Smith in May of 2021. She is from Harrison, AR. She has five + years of experience in different assistant positions and in social media management. Part of her job duties include managing the social media accounts, engaging with customers on social networks, fostering the adoption of social media tools for our firm as well administrative assistant duties, assisting with various marketing , correspondence and contacting clients. Gracie handles our presence at various conferences and the creation of marketing materials.

Nita Weisenfels – Production

Nita joined the firm in the summer of 2000. Nita’s experience includes three years with Warmack and Company, a local shopping operator and developer. Four more years of production and CAD training were acquired with two other Fort Smith firms. Nita’s primary responsibilities include production and coordination of documents as well as project administration.