Cushing Terrell Promotes Chris Aageson, Karl DeCock, and Nick Doherty to Principal Leadership Roles

Learn More About Cushing Terrell’s New Principals

Chris Aageson | Director of Marketing & Business Development | Seattle, WA

Aageson joined Cushing Terrell in 2011 as the regional director of business development in Seattle. He was promoted to overall director of marketing and business development for the firm in 2018. Since that time, he has worked to build and lead a team of skilled professionals responsible for showcasing the firm’s capabilities, building relationships, and making connections that are catalysts for innovation and growth.

Prior to his work with Cushing Terrell, Aageson served as deputy business development officer for the Montana Governor’s Office of Economic Development. In this role, he guided economic development efforts, coordinated state and federal agencies engaged in private and public sector projects, developed and led marketing and business recruitment efforts, and advised on policy related to economic development.

Today, Aageson works across markets and geographies, with public and private sector clients, to ensure Cushing Terrell’s talents and expertise are serving their highest purpose. His background in economic development provides technical knowledge that complements his emotional intelligence and deep-seated understanding that success is built on collaboration and trust.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunities Cushing Terrell has provided me over the last 13 years. The chance to work with such wonderful clients, mentors, and colleagues has been invaluable. I am excited for the next chapter and look forward to serving the firm in this new capacity. My appreciation for those I work with in this role is immense, and they mean the world to me. It is all about the people in this industry, and Cushing Terrell exemplifies this. 

Chris Aageson
Director of Marketing and Business Development | Principal 

Karl DeCock, AIA | Director of Healthcare | Billings, MT

DeCock joined Cushing Terrell in 2003 as an architect working in a variety of markets designing education, financial, and healthcare projects. Over the years, he began to specialize in healthcare design, taking on the role of key relationship holder for some of the firm’s legacy healthcare clients such as SCL Health, Billings Clinic, and Sheridan Memorial Hospital.

With his healthcare specialization, project and team management experience, and goal of continually building a deep knowledge and competence base across the firm, DeCock was promoted to serve as director of the firm’s healthcare design group in 2020. He is responsible for strategy development, client relationship management, project manager development, and overall team mentorship. He is driven by building strong teams and supporting others in their professional development, which in turn supports best-in-class client care and project delivery.

Throughout my tenure at Cushing Terrell, I have found opportunities for career growth are plentiful as long as you are willing to step out on a limb and truly go for it. These opportunities, along with the fantastic colleagues and clients I have worked with over the years, have molded me into the person I am today. As a principal, I plan to use my past experiences to support growth, not only for the firm as a whole, but also for colleagues and friends I work with every day. I hope to be an inspiration to those around me that hard work and determination pays off and can/should be paid forward. I look forward to seeing where Cushing Terrell is headed and helping to determine that direction.

Karl DeCock
Director of Healthcare | Principal

Nick Doherty, PE | Director of Refrigeration Engineering | Billings, MT

Doherty joined Cushing Terrell in 2005 as a mechanical engineer specializing in refrigeration engineering. He has 20 years of experience in the design and implementation of refrigeration systems for clients across the country and works on hundreds of new and remodel projects each year. He is well versed in legacy systems, new technologies, and the interaction between the two.

Beyond technical expertise, Doherty is an advocate for developing the next generation of refrigeration designers. He was named director of refrigeration engineering in 2016, responsible for one of the largest refrigeration engineering teams in the country. He strives to create an education-filled environment for his project teams and believes strength in refrigeration design expertise ensures continued leadership and innovation in the industry.

I am honored to step into the role of principal at Cushing Terrell. I want to extend my heartfelt gratitude to firm leadership and my team members for their unwavering support of my ideas and their trust in my abilities. It is a privilege to continue the long-standing tradition of building high-performing teams, fostering growth for the company, and creating opportunities for others. Together, we will achieve great things and drive our collective success forward.

Nick Doherty
Director of Refrigeration Engineering | Principal

About Cushing Terrell

Cushing Terrell was founded in 1938 on the belief that integrating architecture, engineering, and design opens the doors for deepened relationships and enhanced creativity. This foundation continues to define the firm and its multidisciplinary team today. Driven by empathy, the team works to design systems and spaces that help people live their best lives and enjoy healthy, sustainable built environments. With more than 500 team members and expertise across the commercial, education, government, healthcare, infrastructure, residential, and retail markets, the firm has offices in Colorado, Idaho, Louisiana, Minnesota, Montana, Oregon, Texas, and Washington. For more information about Cushing Terrell, visit cushingterrell.com.