OUR TEAM
Meet our team of focused and creative professionals.
H. Craig Boone, AIA
A native of Fort Smith, AR, Craig started his college career at Westark Community College (now the University of Arkansas – Fort Smith). He transferred to the University of Arkansas at Fayetteville and entered the Fay Jones School of Architecture and Design. Upon graduation he returned to Fort Smith to start his Architectural career in 1986 and later joined Architecture Plus, Inc. in 1990. Craig has worked on several building types including large-scale multi-family housing, national and local government facilities, and both University and K-12 educational facilities during his 30-plus year career.
Education
- Bachelor of Architecture – University of Arkansas
Licenses & Certifications
- Architecture license in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Kentucky, & Texas
- NCARB Certification
Affiliations
- American Institute of Architects, National
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter – Vice President
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith, AR Section
- CADD Advisory – University of Arkansas–Fort Smith
- Advisory Committee on Public School Academic Facilities, Arkansas Department of Education
- Choctaw Nation of Oklahoma
- Kiwanis International
Awards
- Alpha Rho Chi Medal for Leadership – University of Arkansas School of Architecture
Michael G. Johnson, AIA, LEED AP, CPC
Michael founded Architecture Plus, Inc. in 1983, following his position as a staff Architect at IBM within their Real Estate and Construction Division in Tarrytown, New York. Michael’s 40-plus years of experience includes historical restoration, University and K-12 educational facilities, federal, state & local government facilities, healthcare facilities, restaurants, convenience stores, laundromats, retail, residential, agricultural, & religious.
Education
- Bachelor of Science – Kansas State University
- Bachelor of Architecture – Kansas State University
Licenses & Certifications
- Architecture license in Arkansas, Louisiana, Oklahoma, New Mexico, Texas, Kansas, & Massachusetts
- NCARB Certification
- LEED Accredited Professional
- Certified Professional Constructor
Affiliations
- American Institute of Architects, National
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith, AR Section
Awards
- Excellence in Construction by Arkansas Builders Contractors
- Design Award – Entertainment Ft. Smith Magazine
Tony Leraris, AIA
Tony joined Architecture Plus, Inc. as a Principal in 1984 and has been responsible for several major projects. His architectural duties include design, interior design, and production for various project types including healthcare, educational, retail, banks, historical restoration, offices, religious, and more. Tony is also responsible for approximately 90% of the residential commissions for the firm. His built designs have been featured in Southern Living, At Home in Arkansas, and About You magazines.
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture – University of Arkansas
Licenses & Certifications:
- Architecture license in Arkansas
- NCARB Certification
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith, AR Section
- Fort Smith Museum of History – Board Member & Past Board President
- Leadership Fort Smith Alumni & Past Board President
- Fort Smith Chorale – Board Member & Past Board President
- Donald W. Reynolds Cancer Support House – Board of Trustees, Past President, Vice President
- Listed in Who’s Who in America
- United in Outstanding Young Men in America
- Governor’s Arts and Grounds Commission
Awards:
- Northern Florida Builders Association Coastal Award for Additions over One Million Dollars, and Best of Show
- Spirit of the Frontier Award – City of Fort Smith
Jo Hardy, AIA LEED AP
Architect
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture – University of Arkansas
Licenses & Certifications:
- Architecture license in Arkansas
- LEED AP
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith, AR Section
Awards:
- Barbara Crook Technology Award – University of Arkansas School of Architecture
Jo joined Architecture Plus, Inc. in May, 2011, following her move to Fort Smith. She previously worked for Architecture firms in Arizona and Tennessee. Jo has over 30 years of experience and has worked on projects including residential, K-12 Education, healthcare facilities, retail and commercial office space, banks, and nursing homes.
Krista Liesch, AIA
Architect
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Geography – Oklahoma State University
Licenses & Certifications:
- Architecture license in Arkansas
- Certified in Autodesk AutoCAD
- NCARB Certification
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith Section – Board Member
Awards:
- AIA Henry Adams Certificate of Merit
- Centennial Leadership Fellow
Krista worked as a Summer Intern at Architecture Plus, Inc. in 2017, before her final year at Oklahoma State University. She joined our team immediately following her graduation in May, 2018. She has been involved in projects including K-12 Education, Higher Education, retail, hotels, nursing homes, banks, healthcare, restaurants, warehouse renovations, and Military facilities.
N. Gabriela Baeza, Associate AIA
Architectural Associate
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture – Oklahoma State University
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National – Associate Member
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith Section
- Sigma Lambda Alpha Sorority, Inc. – Associate Director, Region 1
- OSU Alumni Association
Awards:
- Association of Fraternal Leadership and Values – Public Relations Award
- US Stone Design Competition – Runner Up
Gabriela worked as a Summer Intern at Architecture Plus, Inc. in 2018 prior to her final semester at Oklahoma State University. She joined our team in March, 2019, and has been working on projects including K-12 Education, retail and warehouse spaces, and healthcare facilities.
Sara J. Rumple, Associate AIA
Architectural Associate
Education:
- Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Architectural History & Theory – Oklahoma State University
Licenses & Certifications:
- Foreign Language Certificate, Chinese
Affiliations:
- American Institute of Architects, National – Associate Member
- American Institute of Architects, Arkansas Chapter
- American Institute of Architects, Fort Smith Section
- Cherokee Nation
Awards:
- K&D Adaptive Design Competition – First Place
Sara joined Architecture Plus, Inc. in January 2020 after her final semester at Oklahoma State University. She has been working on projects including K-12 Education.
Tedy B. Harper, Allied ASID
Interior Designer
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Interior Design – University of Central Arkansas
Affiliations:
- American Society of Interior Design – Allied Member of the South-Central Chapter
- UCA Alumni Association
- Cherokee Nation
A native of Fort Smith, AR, Tedy started her college career at University of Arkansas-Fort Smith. She transferred to the University of Central Arkansas where she got her degree in interior design. In her senior year Tedy did an internship program with National Wallcovering. Upon graduation in May 2019, Tedy returned to Fort Smith to work with a local residential interior designer. She then joined our firm in November 2019. She has worked on projects including K-12 Education, Pre-schools, healthcare facilities, school arenas, indoor sports facilities and residential.
Rachelle Riddle
Administrative Assistant
Education:
- Associate of General Studies – University of Arkansas-Fort Smith
Licenses & Certifications:
Veterinary Assistant Certification
Rachelle joined the staff at Architecture Plus, Inc. in November, 2021. She’s a Fort Smith native and 2004 graduate of Northside High School. After receiving her certification as a Veterinary Assistant, she decided to pursue a different career path. She joined our firm with four years’ experience as an Administrative Assistant.
Renae Hughart
Office Manager
Education:
- Bachelor of Science in Accounting – Arkansas State University
- Associate of Applied Science in Accounting Technology – Westark College (now University of Arkansas-Fort Smith)
Licenses & Certifications:
- Notary Public
Renae joined Architecture Plus, Inc. in September, 2017, bringing with her more than 35 years of office management and accounting experience.