Precis Engineering + Architecture, an award-winning design firm with offices in Ambler, Pa., and Cary, N.C., capped a year of growth by creating two new C-suite roles. The firm expanded to 146 employees in 2025 with 7.5 percent revenue growth and recorded 76 percent new-hire employee growth since 2023. Effective in early January, Precis promoted John Volence, PE, CEM, to Chief Operations Officer (COO) and named longtime consulting partner Amanda Gibney Weko Chief Communications Officer (CCO).
“The new roles demonstrate our commitment to operational efficiency and communication excellence,” said Precis CEO Robert Dick, PE. “Both John and Amanda have been involved with Precis for nearly 20 years and will work in partnership with principals and other firm leadership. John has been a valued leader of the mechanical engineering department and the firm, and Amanda has been a trusted consultant. Naming them to C-suite roles establishes formal structure around operations and communications, better positioning Precis to deliver integrated design services and grow strategically.”
Volence joined Precis in 2007 as a mechanical engineer, led the mechanical department from 2016-2024, and was named a principal in 2021. As COO, he will focus on advancing firmwide quality, consistency, and efficiency, better positioning Precis for sustainable growth, while continuing to support projects, clients, and the employee experience. Volence holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering from the Pennsylvania State University, professional engineering registration in three states, and the Certified Energy Manager (CEM) credential. He is a member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) and International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE). He lives with his family in Horsham, Pa.
“I look forward to strengthening the operational structure around our design services and engaging with all of our departments to reinforce an integrated practice,” said Volence. “As Precis continues to expand our services, markets, and geographical reach, it’s critical to our company, our clients, and our project teammates that we prioritize efficiency and cost-effectiveness while maintaining our high level of quality.”
Weko also joined Precis in 2007 as a consulting partner, providing outsourced communication consulting ranging from writing and graphic design to marketing strategy and support. Owner-operator of AGW Communications since 2003, Weko has served 100+ clients in the design and construction community, published 150+ industry articles, and written or contributed to seven books. She holds a B.A. in Architecture from Lehigh University and an M.A. in Public Relations from Rowan University. She serves on the Lehigh University Department of Art, Architecture, and Design leadership council and is a member of Docomomo and the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia. She lives with her husband in Haddonfield, N.J.
“Leading Precis’ communication strategy, vision, and team affords me a new opportunity to learn and grow while shaping the company with my outside perspective,” said Weko. “I’m excited to embark on this new chapter in my professional life with a company I’ve valued and served for so long.”
Precis Engineering + Architecture (Precis) provides award-winning, comprehensive architecture and engineering services to support the business goals and operational priorities of clients in the pharmaceutical + biotechnology, life sciences + technology, higher education, industrial, corporate + commercial, and healthcare markets. Since 2005, Precis has been guided by dual commitments to technical excellence and client service. From offices in Pennsylvania and North Carolina, Precis provides architecture, planning, and interiors; mechanical, electrical, plumbing, HVAC, fire protection, life safety, structural, and process engineering and automation services. The firm has been honored for its design leadership and sustainable approach, with project recognition including the ISPE Facility of the Year award. The company celebrated its 20th year in practice in 2025. For additional information, visit precisengineering.com.