Vocon, a leading architectural and interior design firm, announces architects Eric Kremer, Steven Smrdel and Damian Thomas’ completion of the Architectural Registration Examination (ARE), which is prepared by the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB).

Completion of the examination signifies status as a registered architect and demonstrates competence in specific subject areas relating to the design and construction of buildings as well as an overall mastery of architecture as a whole.

“The completion of this examination demonstrates these individuals commitment to the firm and providing the best possible work to our clients,” said Deborah Donley, principal, Vocon. “This recognition marks not only individual growth but is a true testament of the consistent growth of the firm.”

ARE candidates must meet established education and training standards prior to taking the examination. The ARE tests a candidate’s ability to perform measurable tasks, similar to those an architect typically encounters. It also exercises the skills and judgment of generalist working with specialists to accurately measure a candidate’s competence in the practice of architecture as a whole. As registered architects, Kremer, Smrdel and Thomas will enhance Vocon’s ability to operate at a full-service firm, with the knowledge and skills to service clients in all areas of the building and design process.

Eric Kremer joined Vocon in 2002 as a computer aided design (CAD) operator. He currently works as a project architect, responsible for the planning, design and layout of spaces while overseeing building and construction for various high-caliber clients, including The Weather Channel, FirstEnergy and Goodyear.

Kremer has a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Kent State University and is a member of NCARB and AIA. He has been recognized with numerous industry honors, including Interior Design of the Year in 2005 from The Northern Ohio Chapter of the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties (NAIOP) and Hospitality Design magazine’s Solutia Ultron Doc Award. Kremer currently resides in Cleveland.

Steven Smrdel came to Vocon in January 2008 as a project manager with more than five years of experience from his previous position at Process Creative Studios Inc.

Smrdel holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture and interior design from the University of Cincinnati and is National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) certified. He is a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) and co-founder of Idea Box, a civic organization committed to making Cleveland a better place to live and work. Smrdel is a resident of Cleveland.

Damian Thomas joined the firm in 2007 as a project architect with over a decade experience, most recently as a designer and project architect for Ingrao Inc., in New York.

Thomas received his bachelor’s degree in architecture from Iowa State University and is a member of AIA. He was honored by the IIDA Northland Chapter with the retail award for his work on Fhima’s restaurant. Thomas is a resident of Mayfield Heights, Ohio.