William "Bill" Grimes, AICP
Bill is Principal in Charge, with more than 30 years of project experience. Prior to SCJ Studio, he directed the planning division of a large Southern California firm, specializing in the management of interdisciplinary policy development and physical planning. A member of the American Institute of Certified Planners, Bill holds a masters degree in urban and regional planning and has won multiple awards for his academic and professional achievements.
Mark S. Garff, PLA, ASLA
Growing up in Utah, Mark developed a deep love for the outdoors and wide, open spaces. After working at a retail plant nursery in high school, he quickly became a self-proclaimed "plant nerd"; when he discovered that there was a profession called landscape architecture that combined these passions, there was no looking back. Mark received his BLA at the University of Washington and believes that the most satisfying part of his job is helping clients achieve their dreams. Mark is a registered landscape architect and brings a deep knowledge of ecological restoration, native planting design, residential gardens and permitting to the practice. He spends his free time gardening and messing around with old cars or working on his old house.
Rachel Granrath
Rachel has a passion for both rural and urban planning which grew from the dichotomy of being raised outside of Boston and having deep family roots in Eastern Washington. While studying Architecture abroad in Florence, Italy, she fell in love with making city wide impacts through urban planning, design, and community outreach. Rachel has a B.S. in Architecture from Roger Williams University and a Masters in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University. Her family roots are in the Spokane and Whitman County region, she has a strong agricultural heritage. She enjoys guiding clients to realize their goals and dreams, and to help make it a reality. Rachel enjoys art, wine, and camping, hiking, and exploring small towns with her husband and twin girls.
Alicia Ayars
Alicia grew up in rural northeastern Washington in a small community in northern Spokane County. She spent her summers at her family's cabin along Pend Oreille River and her winters on the local ski mountains snowboarding and snowmobiling. Her early upbringings gave her a glimpse into appreciating and understanding small, rural community needs, issues, and wants with a strong regard for environmental experiences and protections. Fast forward to college, Alicia earned her B.A in Urban and Regional Planning from Eastern Washington University while also working as a personal trainer. During this time she quickly realized how helping people achieve their goals was something that motivated her, and Alicia’s professional goals now align with her passion for helping others. She began her career in the public sector designing and implementing community programs, working directly with neighborhoods, elected officials, for- and non-profit agencies, and the general public. Alicia loves what she does. She is a Planner, collaborator, and communicator through and through. Alicia loves to spend time with her husband and two-year old son along the banks of the Pend Oreille River, sharing with them her experiences growing up in northeastern Washington.