Our Leadership
With over a century of combined experience, our principals share a passion for architectural design, process, and outcomes. While each project's requirements may vary, our goal is always to pursue what is right for the client and to be leaders throughout the design process.
William Vidaud, RA, NCARB Principal / Business Development
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design
Texas A&M University, College Station, Texas
William began his career working for a commercial real estate development corporation where he was involved in design coordination and construction management for major mixed-use development projects. In 1985, he partnered with his father and fellow architect Guillermo Vidaud to form Vidaud + Associates Incorporated. With a strong foundation in the management of design and construction processes, and an awareness of vulnerabilities associated with private sector projects, William chose to orient the firm toward public and government sector projects.
As the Principal in Charge of Business Development, William is primarily responsible for the firm's overall vision, market sector strategies, teaming associations, and project pursuits. He also brings valuable insight into professional service contracting and the oversight of design and construction processes. William continues to lead VAI in business development efforts for diverse markets while maintaining the firm's foundation in quality architectural design and consistent delivery.
Barton Drake, AIA, NCARB
Principal / Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
University of Texas, Austin, Texas
Joining VAI in 1990, Barton is responsible for developing and directing the architectural design activities for the firm. Having begun his career in construction, his diverse technical background enables him to ensure that projects are exceptionally designed, on time, within budget, easy to build, and cost effective to maintain. He is experienced in all aspects of programming, master planning, design, contract documents, cost estimating, bidding and negotiations, and construction administration for diverse project types across all markets.
Barton remains involved throughout the design process, maintaining the firm's design integrity from the initial programming and design concepts, through construction closeout.
Russell E. Himes
Principal / Finance and Administration
Bachelor of Science in Architecture
University of Texas at Arlington, Arlington, Texas
Joining VAI in 1989, Russell has administered numerous architectural contracts for both public and private projects undertaken by VAI. He is experienced in all aspects of design contract management and administration for governmental contracts at municipal, state, and federal levels, including those governed by federal regulations.
Russell is in charge of VAI's overall finances, risk management and oversight of all contractual commitments. His unique expertise in architectural contract administration enables VAI to remain both efficient and contract compliant throughout all phases of any given project, as he provides valuable support to the project team in the areas of documentation, fee proposals, insurance, pay requests, compliance, and in generally ensuring a smooth project administration effort from start to finish. 
Jeff Simcik, AIA
Principal / Production
Graduate of Warren Occupational
Technical Center, Denver, Colorado
Since joining the firm in 1998, Jeff has capitalized on his many years of experience in construction by applying his talents to the architectural design and production process. He oversees project management and technical production, programming, design, detailing, quality assurance, and construction administration. In addition, his strong background in the use of codes, estimating, bidding, negotiations, and construction administration equips the team with a broader understanding of project requirements and final-built outcomes.
Jeff's ability to look holistically at the design process in concert with construction requirements adds substantial value and enhanced problem-solving capabilities for clients.
