ARCHITECTURE - Key Persons


Alexandra Helisek - CMO

Job Titles:
  • DIRECTOR of MARKETING
Alexandra Helisek is the firm's Director of Marketing, leading strategic marketing, communications, and business development efforts across all of Architecture, Inc.'s practice areas. With 14 years of experience in the fields of marketing and communications for architectural and engineering firms, she has expertise in the domains of digital marketing, proposal execution, database management, and both internal and external communications. Recognizing the importance of continued collaboration and connections with other professionals within the fields of marketing and business development, Alexandra is an active member of the Washington, DC Chapter for the Society of Marketing Professional Services, as well as having served as the Director of the Special Events Committee.

Alisa Chance

Job Titles:
  • Project Designer at Architecture, Inc
Alisa is a Project Designer at Architecture, Inc. with more than three years of professional experience. She has been involved in a diverse range of project types including commercial, hospitality, sports and recreation, and multifamily projects. She excels at concept-driven schematic design and communicating her ideas through the construction document phase by utilizing technical proficiency in BIM and Adobe rendering software. Alisa also has experience in assembling FF&E packages, spatial planning, and mentoring younger designers. With each project, she strives to improve the quality of life for future occupants as well as team members through engaged and enthusiastic collaboration.

Andy Caldwell

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager at Architecture, Inc
As a Senior Project Manager at Architecture, Inc., Andy brings more than 30 years of experience across a broad range of project types including multifamily, institutional, and government projects. His roster of clients includes the Wolf Trap Foundation, City of Alexandria Fire Department, Library of Congress, Architect of the Capitol, USAF, USMC, GSA, and the Federal Reserve Board. Andy brings a client-focused approach to every project with a keen eye for detail. As project team lead, he facilitates the best in every team member.

Anne Kummer

As a Senior Project Manager with more than 15 years of professional experience, Anne is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and construction of projects on various scales according to schedules and budgets. She develops and reviews building plans to assure projects are code compliant and meet environmental and zoning standards. Working on a variety of hospitality and multifamily projects, Anne completes architectural conceptual and schematic design, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration.

Bill O'Neill

As a Senior Project Manager at Architecture, Inc. with more than 13 years of professional experience, Bill is responsible for overseeing the design, implementation, and construction of projects according to schedules and budgets. He develops and reviews building plans to assure projects are code compliant and meet environmental and zoning standards. His project experience ranges from government and senior living facilities to urban residential and mixed-use buildings. Bill coordinates with Senior Project Managers and other senior staff on project goals, deadlines, and budgets; meeting both client needs and project demands.

Brad Pierce

Job Titles:
  • Senior Project Manager
Brad is a Senior Project Manager at Architecture, Incorporated known for his innovative design and ability to develop unique solutions to project challenges. Brad brings over 31 years of experience to the team, which is reflected in his detail-oriented and client-focused approach. With expertly refined communication and time management skills, he is able to perform at the highest level - no matter the scope of the project. From newly constructed buildings to complex phased renovations, Brad maintains the highest standards in design to exceed client expectations. Focusing on architectural design for educational environments throughout his career, Brad has successfully navigated the nuances and evolution of the market, establishing himself as a design leader in the K-12 sector. Brad develops community focused solutions for each unique project, and always designs with the students in mind.

Brian Kempter

Job Titles:
  • DIRECTOR of ACCOUNTING
As an Army veteran with over six years of professional experience, Brian provides financial leadership and strategic guidance as the Director of Accounting at Architecture, Incorporated. He leads the day-to-day operations of the accounting department while having a complete understanding of the firm's overall financial status and well-being at each project level. Brian emphasizes continued process and system improvements to help strengthen financial processes as well as provide more accurate data. Along with safeguarding the firm's cash management and leading all other accounting functions, Brian also assists HR with payroll, benefits, and employee orientation.

Carly Ritter

Job Titles:
  • Designer at Architecture, Inc
Carly is a Designer at Architecture, Inc. with a passion for designing interior spaces that enhance people's lives while incorporating sustainable methods. As part of the firm's commercial design team, Carly works with team members on projects from concept design to construction administration, with an emphasis on the detailing and documentation of materials, sourcing products and materials, and project visualization. She also assists with the selection and specification of furniture, lighting, flooring, wall covering, and artwork.

Cathi Groomes

Job Titles:
  • HR / ACCOUNTING MANAGER
With more than 43 years of professional experience, Cathi is responsible for all areas relating to the financial aspects of Architecture, Inc. She strategically plans all accounting activities including general ledger preparation, financial statements, and cash management to develop more efficient procedures and use of resources while maintaining a high level of accuracy. In her HR role, she is responsible for employee advocacy, personnel support, and employee performance as well as employee benefits, payroll, compensation plans, and policies. Cathi also leads all new employee orientations to foster an understanding of organizational objectives and a positive work environment.

Chris Comeau - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • VICE PRESIDENT
As a Vice President of Architecture, Incorporated, Chris has extensive experience designing for the commercial and industrial sectors. With more than 40 years of experience, he leads his team to produce projects on time and within budget. Chris easily navigates the nuances of each project by closely coordinating with consultants, general contractors and local government officials, and establishes a strong connection with clients at project inception. With an eclectic portfolio, Chris has managed the design of more than seven million sf of shell building, renovations, and tenant fit-out spaces. His wide range of experience includes working with commercial, industrial, and hospitality clients. Regardless of project scope, Chris offers clients unparalleled attention to detail and communication, focusing on the development of strong communication channels to all stakeholders at the start of a project. Chris leads his team with a steady and thorough approach, and consistently produces buildings that exceed client expectations.

Clint Brackman - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • VICE PRESIDENT
Clint is a Vice President of Architecture, Incorporated, with over 25 years of delivering high-profile and award-winning projects since his start in 1996. He has established himself as an influential presence in our hospitality, sports and recreation, healthcare, and commercial practices including complex, phased commercial building repositioning. Through his ability to take on a wide range of clients and market sectors due to remarkable project management skills, even the most complicated of projects steadily progress forward. Clint's project approach mirrors that of an orchestra conductor; diligently working to maintain harmony by ensuring all team members are working off the same sheet of music. With an ability to cultivate connections with stakeholders and sub-consultants in all phases, Clint has a successful history of producing projects on time and within budget.

Dae Kim

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager at Architecture, Inc
Dae is a Project Manager at Architecture, Inc. with more than 15 years of professional experience. He has been involved in various sizes and types of projects from new construction to expansion and renovation of public transportation, public safety, fitness centers, healthcare facilities and suites, and historic buildings; all using diverse construction materials and techniques. Through these experiences, Dae has become knowledgeable and resourceful on various type of construction methods, which allows him to be flexible in his architectural approach to meet clients' needs. Dae has been involved in the successful completion of multiple award-winning projects.

Elizabeth Paradine

Job Titles:
  • Senior Associate
Liz is a Senior Associate at Architecture, Incorporated with over 25 years of experience designing and managing projects of all scopes and sizes. Through the lifecycle of each project, from preliminary design through construction administration, Liz provides unparalleled attentiveness and communication to clients. Her dependable and steady presence makes her an invaluable asset to the project team. By working with many regional school districts through the years, Liz has established close connections with education officials and clients, maximizing her expertise in the Education sector. Liz's versatile background enables her to occupy a variety of roles, and effectively coordinate with all team members, including sub-consultants and construction professionals. Liz quietly upholds quality standards by seamlessly incorporating them into her project management approach, and has established herself as a key member of our educational practice.

Gene Weissman - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • VICE PRESIDENT
Gene is a Vice President of Architecture, Incorporated known for his innovative design style and vision. With over 27 years of experience at Architecture, Incorporated, Gene has established himself as one of the leaders of our hospitality and commercial practices, with a proven ability to efficiently deliver projects on time and within budget. With a reputation for intelligent yet inventive designs in the hotel and restaurant industries, Gene's ability to balance function and style allows clients to remain focused on furthering their brand throughout the process. His design talent, extensive construction experience, and strong communication skills ensure success in meeting program requirements, deadlines, and budgets. By staying at the forefront of the team from design development to the completion of construction, Gene provides his clients with unparalleled service and response. His portfolio of work has been awarded many design accolades in the DC metro area.

Haley Zimmerman

Job Titles:
  • Design Manager at Architecture, Inc
Haley is an Design Manager at Architecture, Inc. with more than four years of experience in commercial workplace interiors; carrying projects individually and collectively from programming through the construction administration phase. These projects range from 3,000 sf to 50,000 sf. She is detail oriented and prides herself on being well-versed in the technical aspects of lighting design, millwork design, construction detailing, and management of project budgets. She enjoys client engagement and the opportunity to educate and collaborate with the client to achieve a thoughtful design that meets form and function. Her strong visual communication and design skills are a result of her in time in US Army broadcast journalism and lifetime of visually focused pursuits. Haley focuses on a range of interiors projects to include workplace, education, hospitality, multifamily, education, healthcare, and more.

Jake Miller

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager at Architecture, Inc
Jake is an Assistant Project Manager at Architecture, Inc. with more than three years of professional experience. He dedicates most of his time to the commercial interiors team where he works on banks, daycare facilities, restaurants, and a variety of commercial office spaces. Jake is involved from the beginning of design to the final construction, coordinating with clients and consultants to ensure the final product is successful. From creating design ideas by sketching to providing practical solutions through code book research, Jake is eager to take on any challenge a project may present.

Jillian Herzog

Job Titles:
  • OFFICE MANAGER

Joanne Angeles

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager at Architecture, Inc
Joanne is an Assistant Project Manager at Architecture, Inc. with experience on a wide range of commercial projects. She has formed trusted relationships with clients and consultants over the past 15 years working in architecture and construction. Joanne has honed her multitasking skills and can be relied upon to take on multiple roles and duties across several projects. She has experience in every stage of a project: from writing proposals and presenting preliminary designs, to construction documentation and administration. She is a versatile architect and possesses superior interpersonal skills-making her an asset to any project team. Most importantly, Joanne is willing to invest the time to solve design and construction issues and go the extra mile to ensure clients have a positive experience.

Joe Hatcher

Job Titles:
  • MARKETING SPECIALIST
Joe is a Marketing Specialist at Architecture, Incorporated with more than three years of experience in a variety of marketing areas working within the public and private sectors. He supports the firm's marketing and business development efforts across all practice areas by creating and executing proposal responses, online campaigns, and graphic content. Joe is dedicated to expanding the success of the firm's presence with strategic marketing pursuits and a high standard of quality.

John Afable

Job Titles:
  • Staff Member

John Elliott

John has been with Architecture, Inc. for six years after completing a summer internship during his junior year while earning a Bachelor of Architecture followed by Master of Architecture during which he worked both full- and part-time. John works alongside senior staff on all aspects and stages of projects both large and small, and excels in developing concept solutions and layouts in order to foster constructive dialogue, and ultimately deliver a project of high design value to the client.

Jorge Rodriguez

Job Titles:
  • Assistant Project Manager
Jorge is an Assistant Project Manager with more than 38 years of professional experience. He has diverse project experience ranging from commercial and hospitality projects to healthcare and senior living. In his role, Jorge focuses on design, planning, and documentation tasks that contribute to the overall project. In particular, he participates in the development and production of projects from concept through construction administration and delivery. Utilizing a keen attention to detail, he delivers high quality documentation and consistent design standards throughout schematic design, construction documentation, and construction administration phases.

Julia Rine

Job Titles:
  • DIRECTOR of TECHNOLOGY
  • Member of the Leadership Team
With more than eight years of experience in BIM Management, Autodesk product support, consulting, and software management, Julia provides technical leadership as the Director of Technology at Architecture, Inc. She supports template creation, content management, product support, scripting, virtual reality, and technology innovation. She has worked diligently to create BIM and technological standards. As a recent speaker at Autodesk University, she continues to contribute to the Architectural and BIM industry.

Justin Murphy

Since joining Architecture, Inc. the focus of Justin's work has been a range of education facility projects. He has worked on a variety of projects including roof renovations, retrofitting interior security updates, and new build projects. Through these projects, he has been able to gain experience in multiple aspects of the design and construction process. This experience has allowed Justin to be an integral part of project teams from early conceptual design phases through construction administration and project completion.

Katie Ray

Job Titles:
  • Project Manager
Katie is an experienced Project Manager who brings unique design sensitivity to the Architecture, Incorporated team. Her portfolio includes large scale hospitality projects, exclusive restaurant renovations, international federal projects and residential work. For the past four years, Katie's work has focused on developing timeless hospitality design. Her understanding of the dynamic needs of a modern hospitality space, required to support both business and social interactions simultaneously, contributes to her ability to create adaptable designs with ability to serve these functions with ease. Katie brings a fresh, knowledgeable approach to each project she manages, leading teams of designers through each phase of a project's lifecycle from conception to completion. Her steadiness, outstanding technical and creative skills, and ability to consistently meet challenges with creative solutions make Katie an invaluable asset to our team.

Ken White - VP

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team
  • VICE PRESIDENT
As Vice President of Architecture, Incorporated, Ken has more than 31 years of experience in architectural design and project management. He has an extensive portfolio in education design, and he takes great pride in delivering work of unparalleled quality. Ken's experience in the education sector ranges from feasibility studies and small additions to new prototypical schools and complex multi-phase, occupied renovations and additions. In addition to education, Ken is also experienced with federal and local government projects as well as commercial and specialty buildings. His ability to focus on meeting the needs of each individual client is apparent from project inception to completion, and his detail-oriented approach is reflected in his ability to produce innovative yet cost-effective designs. His leadership style and philosophy towards project management mirrors that of a true educator. Through close partnership and effective communication, Ken leads dynamic teams to deliver projects of the highest quality.

Madeline Clark

Madeline is a Designer with previous experience in hospitality design. She is passionate about expressing creativity in her designs by creating unique user experiences. A part of the firm's interiors team, Madeline works with team members on projects from concept design to construction administration, with emphasis on detailing and documenting materials, and fixtures, sourcing, and selecting products and materials.

Rusty Shaw

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team

Shooka Sharafi

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team

William R. Drury

Job Titles:
  • Member of the Leadership Team