Rick Thompson, President and a founding Principal at Artech, was recently appointed by Speaker of the House (TN), James Naifeh, to the Tennessee Energy Efficient Schools Council. This Council will operate a sustainable K-12 capital outlay assistance program to provide grants, low-interest and no-interest loans for projects involving both retrofits of existing schools and new constructions with energy efficient technology.

The Council consists of twelve members who will approve the design and technology guidelines as established by the technical advisory committee and award grants or loans to school systems for qualifying capital outlay projects.

Mr. Thompson was appointed to represent the membership of the Board of Architectural and Engineering Examiners and joins 11 other Tennesseans who have been appointed to serve on this Council. The commissioners of education, environment and conservation, and economic and community development will serve as ex-officio members.

Mr. Thompson, who has over 20 years experience in architecture and is registered in 27 states including Tennessee, is a founding partner of Artech. He also serves on the Tennessee Board of Architects and Engineers, is a Board member for Cornerstones, a Historic Preservation organization and is a past Board Chair for the Chattanooga Area Convention & Visitors Bureau.