LOMONACO & PITTS - Key Persons
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 2017 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Joined architecture+ in 2014 Aaron Barker | RA Architect Aaron joined architecture+ as a Student Intern while completing a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. He became an Architectural Designer upon graduation and a licensed architect in December 2021. He has contributed to a number of healthcare and education projects and often works on creating photo-realistic renderings to help clients visualize completed buildings.
Job Titles:
- State 2023 Honor Awards - Young Architect Award
Job Titles:
- Project Coordinator
- Key Member of Our Patient Safety Team
Alethea is a key member of our Patient Safety Team and is responsible for coordinating and documenting the team's activities related to research of architectural systems in psychiatric inpatient environments. She also conducts testing of new products for inclusion in the Patient Safety Standards, Materials and Systems Guidelines, and prepares presentations of our findings. architecture+ developed and maintains this standard used by the New York State Office of Mental Health. She also contributes her management and organizational skills to psychiatric hospital projects during pre-design.
Job Titles:
- Senior Healthcare Architect
Job Titles:
- Associate
- NY Certified Interior Designer
Angela strives to design functional and unique spaces that suit the needs of the client while creating an alluring experience for the end user. Since joining the firm, She has quickly become a key member of our project teams. Her attention to detail, experience in project management, and forward thinking approach to design solutions has garnered local and regional recognition for multiple well established projects. Angela became an Associate in 2023.
Education
Roger Williams University
Bachelor of Architecture, 2004
Professional Experience
Registered Architect; NY
American Institute of Architects, Eastern New York Chapter; President, 2021; Secretary 2019
Albany Society for the Advancement of Philanthropy; President, former
Joined architecture+ in 2004
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 1998 Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences, 1998 Vassar College Art History and Music Performance Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY National Council of Architectural Registration Board - Board Certified FGI Guidelines for the Design and Construction of Healthcare Facilities; Topic Group Member, 2022 SUNY PPAA/NYAPPA Summer Conference; Presenter, 2015 Eastern Regional Association of Physical Plant Administrators Conference; Presenter, 2013 International Facilities Management Association, NY Tech Valley Chapter; Presenter, 2012 Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce; Leadership Institute Class of 2018 Joined architecture+ in 1998 Arien Cartrette | AIA Principal Arien's hands-on experience as a carpenter and metal work early in his career, influenced his thinking on design as an expression of the art of building - the understanding of how a building comes together, which itself informs its essential aesthetic nature. He brings this design sensibility along with technical expertise and humanity to create places of recovery. Collaborating and connecting with the entire project team, he cultivates innovative ideas and stigma-dissolving architectural solutions with high-value results. He was named an associate with architecture+ in 2012 and a principal in 2018. Arien also enjoys the design and production of furniture and keeps informed on the latest developments in lighting technology and products. His keen interest in art, photography, and sculptural design further adds to his overall design sense.
Avi is involved on large scale projects locally as well as internationally. He is deeply interested in environmental justice and climate resiliency stemming from his work with engineering, landscaping, and architectural firms in New York City. He shares his diverse experience, along with his keen eye for details, with our healthcare, housing, and preservation clients.
Education
Pontifícia Universidade Católica (PUC) de Goiás - Department of Architecture Edgar Graeff, Brazil
Bachelor of Architecture and Urban Planning, 1996
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Architectural Designer
Brett brings a diverse background in healthcare architecture and biomedical engineering to architecture+. He also has experience as an academic researcher and a surgical medical technician. He joined us after completing a year-long research and planning fellowship focusing on health care design. At architecture+, he is a member of our New York State Office of Mental Health Patient Safety Standards team and contributes to in-house research projects as well as planning and design projects for our healthcare clients.
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 1986 Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences, 1986 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Habitat for Humanity Capital District; President, Board of Directors Troy Community Land Bank; Secretary, Board of Directors Albany Colonie Chamber Capital Leadership; Class of 2006 SUNY PPAA/NYAPPA Summer Conference; Presenter, 2015 2016 North American Maintenance Conference; Presenter, 2016 Joined architecture+ in 1986 Brian Barker | AIA LEED AP BD+C Principal Brian has been part of the growth of the firm since its early days. His professional experience includes programming, planning, design, contract documentation, and construction administration for a large variety of institutional projects with a focus on multi-family housing, higher education, and special populations healthcare. For over 35 years, Brian has acted as Principal, Project Architect, and Project Manager on numerous new construction projects as well as renovation, historic preservation, and interior design projects. A skilled designer and planner, he enjoys using his design talents at the conceptual and schematic design level and has developed numerous master plans for various community and institutional clients. Brian also has a keen interest in urban community development and serves on the boards of the Troy Community Land Bank, Arise and Build Community Ministries, and Habitat for Humanity Capital District.
Education Pratt Institute Master of Architecture, 2019 Konkuk University, Seoul, Korea Bachelor of Science, 2016 Professional Experience LEED Green Associate Joined architecture+ in 2019 Byoungjae Kim | LEED Green Associate Architectural Designer Byoungjae is skilled in a variety of modeling and graphics programs from his experience with residential, commercial, and transportation projects in Manhattan and Philadelphia. He actively applies these skills to our national psychiatric hospital projects as well as local higher education and healthcare projects.
Casey is a leader in the integration of sustainable design ideas and practices into projects and, in 2009, became a LEED Accredited Professional. As an integral team member for several LEED certified facilities, he has become a valuable and knowledgeable office resource and project lead for sustainability on many projects.
Cathlene is well versed in planning and programming educational facilities. Her organization skills and technical expertise assists client's in visualizing their project throughout the design process. She is looking to share and translate her knowledge to our healthcare, housing and community projects.
Education
City College School of Architecture
Cayla contributes her impressive design skills to many of our higher education and healthcare projects. She is a client-focused project manager who diligently responds to clients, consultants, and contractors throughout the design and construction process.
Education
Massachusetts Institute of Technology
MS Architectural Studies, 1988
University of Pennsylvania
BS Economics Wharton School of Business, 1985
Professional Experience
Registered Architect; TX
American Institute of Architects
Academy of Architecture for Health
Texas Society of Architects
Lieutenant Colonel, USAF Reserve (retired)
Joined architecture+ 2022
Education Fashion Institute of Technology Bachelor of Fine Arts Fashion Institute of Technology Associates in Applied Science Interior Design Charná Reid Interior Designer Charná joined architecture+ in March 2022. She previously worked at a boutique design firm in New York City. Her collaborative approach and excellent communication skills are keys to building consensus among the teams she works with. Her technical knowledge extends to important functions for any space - lighting, acoustics, thermal comfort, and indoor air quality.
Christine undertakes a variety of higher education and healthcare projects including studies, renovations, and new building designs for public and private projects. Our clients benefit from her distinctive approach informed by over 20 years of experience in residential interior design. She excels at discovering common threads between private and public spaces and the creation of environments that are simultaneously intimate and practical. In addition, she often lends her artistic views and talents to create water color renderings of architectural projects.
Professional Experience
Joined architecture+ in 2016
After 30 years on the construction side of the industry, Colleen joined architecture+ as the Director of Marketing. Her background in interior design and marketing expertise will help strengthen our marketing efforts.
Education
Mercyhurst University
Bachelor of Science, Interior Architecture and Design, 2021
Professional Experience
International Interior Design Association, Albany City Center Chapter
Education The Cooper Union Bachelor of Architecture, 2018 Professional Experience Joined architecture+ in 2022 Dash Chrisner Architectural Designer Dash joined architecture+ as an Architectural Designer after working as a planning technician for the City of Troy, NY. He brings planning and technical experience is to the firm. He looks to create spaces fostering wellness, inclusiveness, and accessibility. His fresh and enthusiastic approach is an asset to the projects he undertakes.
Education Roger Williams University Bachelor of Architecture, 2004 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY SUNY PPAA/NYAPPA Summer Conference; Presenter, 2018 Scotia Zoning Board of Appeals; Member, 2008-2015; Chairwoman 2010-2015 Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute Class of 2019 Joined architecture+ in 2004 Emily Kohout | AIA LEED AP Associate A talented architect, Emily has decades of experience focused on collegiate, library, and health care projects. She is a dedicated, attentive designer with a proven ability to provide quality construction documents and responsive construction administrative services. Emily is also a reliable team leader and a valuable internal resource to her colleagues for office and client protocols as well as for her focused knowledge of doors and hardware. Emily has volunteered her time to numerous private and local government organizations over the years, offering both knowledge and leadership. In recognition of her contributions to architecture+, Emily was named an Associate in 2016.
Education University at Buffalo Master of Architecture, 2008 Ithaca College Bachelor of Arts, 2004 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Rensselaer County Chamber of Commerce Leadership Institute Class of 2017 Habitat for Humanity; Member Joined architecture+ in 2007 Felix Lomonaco | AIA Associate Felix has over 15 years of experience on a variety of planning and design projects in healthcare and higher education. Projects that he has managed include renovations, historic preservation, and new construction. He has developed keen problem solving skills working on large, complex construction projects from inception to completion. His experience has led him to propose numerous creative design solutions for our clients. He has a significant knowledge of architectural materials and their application with an understanding both the details and systems allows him to act as a resource to the firm. Felix was named an Associate with the firm in 2016.
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Science, Building Science, 1975 Bachelor of Architecture, 1976 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY, MA, VT, CT, VA, MI, WY, OK, TX, OH Ontario Association of Architects, Canada American College of Healthcare Architects; Fellow National Council of Architectural Registration Boards The Center for Health Design Changemaker Award Recipient, 2018 Center for Health Design, Symposium; Opening Keynote, 2019 Health Facilities Symposium and Expo; Presenter, 2019 American Institute of Architects; Vice President, 2015-2016 Joined architecture+ in 1984 Francis Murdock Pitts | FAIA FACHA OAA Principal Frank is the founding partner of architecture+. He is nationally known for psychiatric healthcare facility planning and design for special populations, long term care, and secure institutions. He has been involved in a broader range of psychiatric healthcare projects than anyone in North America over the past 40 years. He is an instrumental member of the healthcare design community serving as a leader of the AIA Academy of Architecture for Health and the American College of Healthcare Architects (ACHA). As a founding member and Fellow of the ACHA, he helped to establish national certification credentials for healthcare architects and led the effort to extend the availability of the specialty certification credential to other parts of North America. Frank has also shaped the regulatory environment serving from 2007-2014 on the committee that writes the FGI/AIA Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities, which is the national standard for design and construction of healthcare facilities. He authored a majority of the recent revisions and additions to the Guidelines standards for psychiatric hospitals. In addition to his involvement with the AIA for healthcare, Frank has been a leader in the AIA at the local, state, and national level including service on the AIA National Board and as National Vice President.
Greg is a talented team leader who guides each project design through development, careful detailing, and construction documentation to ensure its constructability. He has developed a unique expertise and deep knowledge of complex, project management procedures.
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 2001 Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences, 2001 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Joined architecture+ in 2002 Heather Grinkevich | AIA Senior Architect Heather's professional experience includes everything from Program Studies through Construction Administration on a wide variety of projects, with particular emphasis on higher education and healthcare work. Heather strives to provide exceptional service and creative solutions to her clients, while designing to suit their needs. She provides consistent, effective management of projects in all aspects of design and construction. Heather values her long term relationships with her clients and is determined to provide outstanding spaces for them.
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 2016 SUNY Delhi Associate in Applied Science in Architectural Technology, 2012 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Joined architecture+ in 2015 Hiroki Sawai | RA Architect Hiroki began working at architecture+ as a Student Intern while completing a Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Since joining the firm full-time, Hiroki focuses his attention on our higher education and mental healthcare projects. He serves as our BIM manager and resource for CAD software. His technical expertise combined with his construction background delivers highly detailed and coordinated designs to our clients along with exceptional construction oversight.
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 1982 Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences, 1982 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY, MA, NH Member; Ontario Association of Architects, Canada National Council of Architectural Registration Board - Board Certified American Institute of Architects, Excelsior Awards; Design Awards Committee Chair, 2019 Joined architecture+ in 1984 J. Michael Bergen | AIA OAA NCARB Principal Michael has worked on a variety of building types although the majority of his projects are for higher education and healthcare clients in the public sector. Michael's experience ranges from the design of new administration and academic buildings to minor renovation projects. Michael is also responsible managing our term contract assignments with the State University Construction Fund as well as serving as Principal-in-Charge for many of those projects. Prior to joining architecture+, Michael worked for two years in the building trades as a carpentry foreman and site superintendent. This experience has fostered a commitment to economically sound construction techniques and strict adherence to cost and schedule controls.
Jade oversees the front office reception and acts as a liaison to our clients, consultants, and visitors. She manages responsibilities for Accounts Payable and a variety of operational, reporting, and administrative tasks to help ensure efficient operation of the firm.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Director of Administration
Jennifer serves as Director of Administration and is responsible for the firm's operations including human resources, finance, and office management. She develops and implements business practices to improve financial performance and support the growth of the firm. Jennifer strives to maintain and continually improve human resource policies and explores team building activities to attract and retain our talented staff. Additionally, she is responsible for ensuring day-to-day operations while supporting the values and long-term strategic plan of architecture+.
A proven and effective contributor, she was named an Associate in 2018. Jennifer is also involved with community activities and is a graduate of the Capital Region Chamber's Leadership Tech Valley program. She is also an advocate for service to the community and organizes many of the office's charitable and community events.
John Andrew's passion for building provides design solutions that make a statement architecturally as well as from a constructability standpoint. The valuable insight he has gained into construction challenges is an asset to every project.
Jose is an experienced project manager who is dedicated to guiding project designs through the construction process for a successful outcome. As a multidisciplinary and international designer, he understands the importance of collaboration and a solution-driven approach to reach each client's project goals.
Julie is a graduate of the Interior Design Program at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh where her studies focused on commercial and institution design as well as sustainability. Since joining us, she has contributed her creative vision to our higher education and healthcare projects. She is a dedicated designer who is always sharing new inspirations with our clients. She is also one of our office's most proficient computer modelers assisting all of our clients to envision design options during the early stages of a project.
Education
Syracuse University
Lauren joined architecture+ at the start of 2024 bringing with her both commercial and residential interiors experience. She is focused on creating beautiful environments and meaningful living experiences through detailed spatial planning, carefully curated finish selections, and optimized functionality.
Malik is a critical thinker and problem solver who is intent on achieving each client's project goals. His attention to detail is an asset to every project he undertakes. He has extensive technical skills aiding in the development and communication of designs for our clients.
Job Titles:
- Interior Designer
- NY Certified Interior Designer
Mariel is involved with projects with our education and healthcare clients. She has extensive knowledge of commercial office furniture and trends in healthcare and office environments. At architecture+, she has managed large scale FF&E (furniture, fixtures, and equipment) projects for psychiatric facilities in Wyoming and Texas. Her detail-oriented approach, application of interior finishes and materials, and focus on client collaboration have contributed to the successful design of these projects.
Education
Clemson University
Mary Kate is a versatile architect with extensive experience planning and designing educational, government, healthcare, and commercial projects across New York State. Since 2001, she has focused on educational projects for colleges, universities, and independent schools. Her experience includes dining, residential, and student life facilities, and academic buildings including science laboratories. She is an experienced architect with a deep understanding of design, phasing, constructability, and sustainability. In fact, she led the first architecture+ project to receive LEED certification and has led or consulted on all of the firm's collegiate LEED projects.
She is an engaged principal with a proven ability to motivate and manage a project from conceptual design through construction administration while maintaining high standards. In recognition of her abilities, she was named an Associate in 2007 and a Principal in 2014.
Education Wentworth Institute of Technology Masters of Architecture, 2014 Bachelor of Science in Architecture, 2013 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Joined architecture+ in 2017 American Society of Architectural Illustrators Matthew Saltis | AIA Architect Matt's experienced in a variety of project types including healthcare, housing, education, commercial, and hospitality. Whether on a large or small project, he aims to develop concepts that inform design decisions from start to finish. He is also a resource for 3D modeling and rendering for the firm and has a background in landscaping, construction, and illustration.
Melissa's strong knowledge and experience with submission and bid requirements for our clients ensures those processes run smoothly. Melissa also provides support with contracts, reports, and other administrative functions to ensure efficient operations of the firm.
As the firm's bookkeeper, Pierrette leads financial functions including accounts receivable, payroll, and project reporting. Pierrette works closely with our clients and consultants to be sure projects are billed properly and with our project managers to help ensure projects are profitable and running efficiently.
Job Titles:
- Designer
- Architectural Designer
Education Norwich University, School of Architecture + Art Master of Architecture, 2015 Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, 2014 Professional Experience Joined architecture+ in 2015 Rachel Opare-Sem Architectural Designer Rachel is passionate about the ability of design to improve lives and has proved to be an ideal fit for the firm. Although she works on a variety of projects, her primary responsibility is as the designer for our state-wide renovations of residences for those with developmental disabilities. These projects focus on life safety and improvements to the quality of life for the residents.
Sara has served as Principal-in-Charge as well as Interior Designer for numerous healthcare projects throughout the United States since joining the firm in 1994. In addition, she oversees interior design for all our projects. Sara has collaborated with countless manufacturers of healthcare furniture on the development of products appropriate for use in therapeutic milieus and is committed to designing interior environments that contribute to recovery and withstand aggressive use.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Green Associate
Smruti is passionate about the role of architecture in caring for our environment and improving the patient experience in healthcare facilities. She is focused on planning and design for psychiatric facilities and has made significant contributions to many of our recent healthcare projects. She has represented the firm at several Center for Health Design Symposia and is a key member of our Patient Safety Standards Team.
Job Titles:
- Associate in Applied Science in Architectural Technology, 2012
Education Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Bachelor of Architecture, 1987 Bachelor of Science, Building Sciences, 1986 Professional Experience Registered Architect; NY Award for Design Excellence; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Ricketts Prize for Overall Achievement and Promise for Professional Excellence; Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Joined architecture+ in 1984 Valerie Bok | AIA LEED AP BD+C Principal Since joining architecture+, Valerie has been involved with a wide variety of projects. She has provided design services for healthcare facilities, colleges and universities, libraries, and senior housing facilities. In addition to architectural design, her experience includes master planning, feasibility studies, project management, construction documents, and construction administration. Valerie is a strong advocate of environmental and sustainable design, becoming a LEED accredited professional in 2004, and serves as LEED Coordinator for a majority of the architecture+ projects. She also has an avid interest in art and design which informs all aspects of her life and work at architecture+.
Vanessa is a creative and dedicated designer committed to developing strong client relationships. She works on both higher education and healthcare projects including multi-phased Master Planning project for SUNY and the design of a new psychiatric facility in Texas.
Starting with the firm as an intern, Victoria is now part of the interior design team. She has seamlessly transitioned into her role supporting our current project team as well as re-engaging in projects she worked on as an intern.
Education
Professional Experience
Joined architecture+ in 2006
Will joined architecture+ upon completion of his Master of Architecture at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Since then, he has managed many successful projects for our higher education clients. He brings both a strong attention to detail and a keen understanding of building details gained from his prior experience as a Construction Administrator.
Education
Russell Sage College
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design and Spatial Design 2023