Michael Ross Kersting, founder and president of Wilmington-based Kersting Architecture, recently announced that two long-term associates, architects Mark Wilson and Toby Keeton, have been elevated to partner-principals at the firm. 

Wilson started working at Kersting Architecture in 2003, and Keeton started in 2008. 

"The two are now positioned as critical firm leaders who will continue the tradition of high-level design consistency that Kersting Architecture has provided since 1995," a news release stated.

Keeton has a bachelor's degree in architecture from the Kent State University College of Architecture and Environmental Design.

He hails from the steel towns near Pittsburgh. His first experience in architecture came after high school, when he won a spot in the summer residency program at Frank Lloyd Wright’s famed Fallingwater. After earning his degree, he worked for a short time near Cleveland managing restaurant projects.

At Kersting Architecture in 2008, he has been involved in the design and construction of several of our award-winning projects.

"Toby’s passion lies in negotiating the dual nature of architecture; both as a problem-solving science and a means of artistic expression. He has won several competitions, including Architecture for Humanity’s 2008 international design competition and Dwell Magazine’s 2009 Innovate It! industrial design challenge," the release stated.

From 2010-2020, he volunteered as a design team leader with the non-profit The Full Belly Project, where he has helped develop low cost agricultural and sanitation technologies that have been deployed to Southeast Asia, Africa and Appalachia.

Keeton and his wife, Audrey, spend their time at home tending to their daughter, Caroline, their brood of adopted dogs and cats, and their beloved vegetable garden.

Wilson (pictured at right) earned a bachelor's degree and master's degree in architecture from N.C. State University, and he has been certified by National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Wilson grew up in the northeastern part of North Carolina, and after completing his undergraduate studies, he worked in the Triangle area, gaining experience in commercial and municipal architecture.

Seeking to pursue his interest in designing residential and commercial architecture within a specific regional setting, Wilson found his way back closer to sea level and joined the Kersting Architecture team in the summer of 2003, according to the release.

"When he is not pursuing the rigors of architecture, Mark can be found with his beautiful wife by his side as they try to keep up with the active lives of their son, daughter and golden-doodle Bailey," the release stated. "Mark enjoys collage/assemblage arts, volunteering and an array of outdoor activities like hiking, biking and cross-country skiing."