People

Patri Acevedo-Riker , AIA
Owner, Architect
patri [at] AcV2architecture.com

Born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico, Patri resided in New York, Florida and Texas before calling the Black Hills ‘home.’ She provides an inclusive design process and responsive project leadership. Patri works closely with clients, expert consultants, and contractors to create thoughtful design solutions that are elegantly situated within their contexts. She holds a BS in Environmental Design from the Universidad de Puerto Rico in San Juan, PR and a Master of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY. Patri is licensed to practice architecture in the states of South Dakota, North Dakota, Nebraska, Montana and Wyoming.

John Riker 
Principal, Project Manager
john [at] AcV2architecture.com

Upon graduating from Rensselar Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, John was commissioned into the United States Air Force, where he served for ten years as a B-1B Weapon Systems Officer (WSO, which is pronounced “wizzo”). John honed his leadership and problem-solving skills as an instructor, which he will bring to overseeing day-to-day operations at AcV2 architecture. Pursuing a lifelong dream to practice architecture, John manages projects and leads AcV2’s initiatives to innovate in the fields of integrated design and sustainability.

Emily Frost, Allied ASID
Interior & Collateral Design
emily [at] AcV2architecture.com

After spending years dominating the front row on volleyball courts throughout the region and earning a degree at Colorado State, Emily works at AcV2 architecture, LLC as a multi-disciplinary designer and multi-purpose problem solver. To borrow a term from volleyball, Emily is the “libero” at AcV2. She brings tremendous energy and design acumen to a variety of disciplines: interior design, architecture, project management, programming, marketing, graphic design, and client relations. Emily aspires to creatively and thoughtfully design natural and built environments that positively impact the way we all live, work and play.

AcV2 is always on the lookout for opportunities to make better architecture by sharing knowledge and learning through collaboration. AcV2′s current collaborators are experts in their fields and share a common vision for Rapid City and the surrounding communities.

R. Fred Thurston, Architect
Design Consultant
After 30+ years as an architect and developer, Fred has decided to give retirement a try — well, sort of. He has joined AcV2 as a collaborator and design consultant. Fred brings a wealth of experience creating sustainable buildings and lasting revitalization projects throughout the area. Still committed to the heritage of South Dakota, Fred will continue to design and develop, but at a less frantic pace.

Martha Merzig
Architectural & Graphic Design Consultant
Martha brings extensive experience in graphic design, interior design, and architecture. She is passionate about creating spaces that enhance stories and encounters. Through her cross-disciplinary work, she strives to create seamless, engaging visitor experiences. Martha holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a BS in Building Science from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY.