STRADA - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Senior Associate
Aaron is a zealous design thinker who believes that design is more than problem-solving; it's a process-oriented, concept-driven, and people-focused approach. He brings a rigorous challenge to every step of the design process, ensuring that only the most thoughtful and creative ideas are realized for our clients and communities. With a keen eye for contextual solutions, Aaron is a sought-after contributor to projects in all phases. He is a constant explorer of new materials and technologies and has a talent for generating ideas and understanding how to construct them. His design input inspires and creates impactful and inspiring spaces for the people who will use them.
Abby believes that good design is all about the layers, weaving textures, colors, light, sounds, and uses into a rich tapestry that can stand the test of time. With over 15 years of experience in design and planning, she is passionate about creating places out of leftover or underutilized space. Abby consistently transforms the ordinary into something memorable and unique. Her diverse project portfolio ranges in scale and type, inspiring creativity and allowing her to approach problem-solving from multiple perspectives.
Job Titles:
- Women in Architecture - Member
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Intensive. Sarcastic. Partier.
Al is a founding principal of Strada, with more than 40 years of experience as an Architect. During his term as AIA Pittsburgh Chapter President, he championed the idea that ‘Good Design is Good Business,' highlighting the way in which well-designed projects can elevate a client's purpose, goals, and vision. Al's steadfast leadership and collaborative approach have resulted in countless successful projects for higher education, corporate, and private clients. He continues to inspire and mentor Strada's team, pushing them to achieve their best work and creating a positive impact on the communities they serve.
Ami is an NCIDQ-certified interior designer and certified project manager with a passion for timeless design. With a focus on hospitality, healthcare, and corporate commercial interiors, Ami leverages her expertise to create elegant solutions that address current and future needs. She believes that the right solution to a design challenge should be research-based and data-supported, while also prioritizing individual wellness and sustainability. For Ami, good design considers complexities, layers, and multiple perspectives, resulting in beautiful and functional spaces that endure.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- Interior Designer
- Associate, Interior Designer Observer. Intellectually Curious. Cheerful.
Fulfilling a lifelong dream, Angela embraces her role as an interior designer. She champions a low-stress, educational, and enjoyable design process for the entire team as well as our clients. Angela values hospitality, and creating a sense of welcome and inclusiveness so people can feel and be their best. Her intuitive approach draws inspiration from client conversations and keen observations of the world. Angela's love for both large-scale planning and intricate details allows her to uncover the unique elements that make a space sing. Committed to understanding clients and cultivating positive team dynamics, Angela creates environments where people can truly thrive.
Anh is a vital influence on Strada's culture and work ethic, with a design philosophy that emphasizes the importance of a healthy physique and mind for happy beings; and thoughtful structures and spaces for happy architecture. He brings his expertise in technological implementation to enhance complex workflows, while also raising the bar for the firm's visualization capacities. Anh's impact on the firm's culture and design work is truly invaluable.
Becky is guided by the conviction that exceptional design springs from brilliant ideas, yet it thrives through meticulous coordination and clear communication. Drawing on her rich construction background, she refines project detailing and shapes design documents that eloquently convey concepts to builders. Becky ardently believes that cultivating relationships with clients and builders is the linchpin for superior outcomes in the construction process.
Her pride lies in her prowess for creative problem-solving, a talent seamlessly applied during both the planning stages and in the field. Proficient in 3D software, she explores the functional dynamics of buildings, deciphering how disciplines harmonize in the evolving built environment. Becky's dedication to bridging innovation with practicality underscores her commitment to transforming design ideas into tangible, harmonious spaces.
Job Titles:
- CFO
- Controller
- CFO / Controller Balanced. Accurate. Timely
Bonnie is an experienced CFO/Controller with a talent for team-oriented leadership. In her role, she oversees Strada's financial functions, including accounting, reporting, corporate finance, and relationship management. As an established CPA, Bonnie's expertise includes progressive business leadership, strategy, profit management, acquisitions, and team management. Her collaborative approach and exceptional skills make her an invaluable member of the Strada leadership team.
Brandi sees design as a transformative force in people's lives. For her, the goal of design is to create spaces that satisfy end users' wants and needs, improving their daily lives. Brandi is passionate about local projects that have a positive impact on the community and excels at analyzing the unique challenges each project presents, using design as a problem-solving technique. With her keen eye for detail and her commitment to making a positive impact on the world, Brandi is an invaluable asset to any project.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Specialist
- Human Resources Specialist Caring. Fun - Loving. Grateful.
Carolyn is an experienced human resource professional who brings a balanced blend of tact, compassion, and delight to her work. With a background that spans a variety of industries, including architecture, public relations, advertising, hospitality, healthcare, and gaming, Carolyn offers a diverse perspective that is invaluable. As a Pittsburgh native and a proud fan of the Steelers, she brings a deep love for her city and a commitment to excellence to everything she does. Carolyn's work ethic and dedication make her an essential part of the Strada family.
Job Titles:
- Architect and Sustainability Consultant
Chris is a seasoned architect and sustainability consultant who has spent over 20 years bringing clients' visions to life through innovative design. He is passionate about creating transformative projects that go beyond fulfilling programmatic needs to become integral parts of a client's culture. Chris excels at complex projects where he can leverage his attention to detail to turn constraints into opportunities. He is committed to designing environments that inspire and promote vitality, creating rich spaces in which people can live, work, and learn.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Architect Exuberant. Inventive. Theorist.
Clara's design philosophy centers on the belief that great design thrives when rooted in its context and creators' passion, crafting narratives that integrate history, people, and the future. Her passion has flourished from her early fascination with architecture, leading to a storytelling approach that enhances client experiences and fosters innovative solutions. Clara tackles complex challenges with strong technical and code knowledge. Coordination and communication, crucial in collaborative design environments, are complementary strengths. She strives to create an open atmosphere that encourages engagement and comfort, leading teams to deliver outstanding results.
Job Titles:
- Graphic Designer
- Illustrator
- Graphic Designer Optimistic. Cooperative. Adaptable.
Conor Campbell is an illustrator and graphic designer with a bold, playful style and a knack for making complex ideas feel fun and accessible. A graduate of the University of the Arts, he brings curiosity, energy, and a strong point of view to every project-whether he's designing a brand system, animating a quirky character, or storyboarding a concept from scratch. Conor's work is rooted in storytelling, and he thrives on collaboration, iteration, and exploring the weird and wonderful parts of the process. He's always down for a brainstorm and believes design should be as engaging as it is intentional.
Dawn is an Interior Designer with a passion for elevating spaces from good to great. Her approach combines functionality with harmony, creating interiors that seamlessly blend with their surroundings. With extensive experience in designing spaces for both higher education and corporate workplaces, Dawn has managed space planning and interior design on numerous Strada projects. She is highly regarded for her ability to listen to our client's needs and exceed their expectations. Dawn's dedication to creating exceptional interior design solutions makes her an invaluable asset to any project.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Principal Patient. Inquisitive. Empathetic.
Dina's design philosophy revolves around understanding her client's unique needs and effectively communicating ideas, questions, and goals throughout the process. With a distinguished career managing various construction, renovation, and preservation projects, Dina brings her expertise in code requirements, zoning evaluations, and green building practices to every mission. She has particularly excelled in directing more than 500 retail projects.
Eric is an enthusiastic team leader who thrives on engaging with our talented project teams. He firmly believes that successful projects are the result of tapping into individual passions and unique skill sets and aligning them with client needs. In addition to his work on hospitality, mixed-use, and education projects, Eric is actively involved in the local architecture community, design juries, and collaborating on projects for charity. He is foremost a Dad (including the jokes), participates in the Pittsburgh Architecture Softball League honing his collaborative and athletic skills, and enjoys exploring the many local craft breweries scattered throughout Pittsburgh's wonderful neighborhoods.
Job Titles:
- Project Designer
- Project Designer Artistic. Creative. Inventive
Feliks, a Drexel University Architecture major, brings a unique perspective to design. Growing up in Albania and moving to the US in high school, he understands the impact of cultural context on design. Feliks sees design as a powerful tool that can shape the world, from setting trends to advocating for peace. He believes that design choices must be rooted in the research of the history, location, and culture of a place and that keeping these factors in mind can result in designs that benefit the community and enhance their everyday lives. When he's not sketching, Feliks can be found playing the piano.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Architect Unflappable. Curious. Virgo.
Gargi brings a unique perspective to Strada as an experienced architect with a passion for adaptive reuse projects. Gargi's design philosophy is inspired by the intersection of culture and nature, which she finds both inspiring and intriguing. Her flexibility and adaptability make her an invaluable member of the Strada team. In her spare time, Gargi enjoys sharing her knowledge with young children through educational programs. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University, where she also majored in social and political history.
With a passion for architecture and the built environment, George approaches each project as a privilege to help clients fulfill their aspirations. He enjoys working through complex design challenges and detailing architectural projects, resulting in thoughtfully considered and meticulously crafted designs.
Grace believes that every project, no matter how small or functional, is an opportunity for creating something beautiful. With a keen eye for design and organization, she enjoys finding unique ways to elevate every project. An exceptional project manager, Grace thrives in all phases of project production, from early concepts to construction administration. In her free time, she enjoys bouldering, drawing comics and illustrations, and dreaming up board games and stories.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- BIM Manager Innovative. Solutions - Driven. Ethical.
Jasmine works at the intersection of design, research, and feedback at Strada. Jas' role as BIM manager helps our diverse team of experts drive technical solutions and innovations for our clients and communities at large. Jasmine's unique experience working closely with contractors and developing layout assignment scripts allows Jas to be agile with various constituents and deeply understand how best to use our technologies.
Jasmine weaves social impact into the fabric of their designs and workflow considerations. Jas' work transcends brick and mortar, focusing on creating sustainable, equitable solutions for underserved communities. Jas' hands-on technology approach guides non-technical individuals towards garnering creative agency to craft space, experience environment, or curate meaningful moments.
Jim navigates projects of all scales with expertise in urban design, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use multifamily housing. With a focus on the interplay between public and private realms, he is dedicated to creating concept-driven and context-sensitive architecture that fosters community and social awareness. Jim's keen understanding of complex built-environment issues centers on site design and building facades, where public and private intersect. As a skilled graphic illustrator, he effortlessly communicates design ideas through sketches and computer-aided media. Beyond the studio, Jim captures the built environment through photography and embraces the world through his daughter's eyes. Inspired by the performing arts, astronomy, technology, philosophy, and urban culture, Jim is driven to enhance lives through transformative design.
Job Titles:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Designer Creative. Observant. Thoughtful.
Julia is a proud SCAD graduate with a passion for positively impacting the human experience through space. She strongly believes in putting people at the center of every design decision, focusing on their needs throughout the entire design process. With a constant consideration of how to produce stories that provide meaningful connections, Julia creates designs that are not only aesthetically pleasing but also practical and functional. Her commitment to human-centered design makes her an invaluable asset to the Strada team, ensuring that every project she works on results in a space that promotes well-being and comfort for all users.
A 2017 family trip to Italy was a meaningful experience with lasting memories. The architecture and design across the different cities in Italy drew me closer to the interior design profession! My family and I made so many great memories during that trip that we still talk about to this day. I definitely want to go back one day when I get the chance!
Job Titles:
- Interior Designer
- Interior Designer Open - Minded. Empathetic. Enthusiastic. Professional Organizations
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Project Manager
- Senior Associate
Kevan is a talented Architect and project manager who believes that good design involves a thoughtful, iterative process that puts people's needs at the center. With a keen eye for detail, he excels in managing demanding projects with compressed schedules. Kevan leads by example as a proactive and efficient project manager and also spearheads the cycling movement at Strada. Thanks to his leadership, our office earned the "Bike Friendly Employer" certification from Bike Pittsburgh. As a four-season bike commuter, Kevan is passionate about promoting cycling as a sustainable mode of transportation.
Kevin believes every project is an opportunity to create a positive impact. With a strong background in construction, he excels in both project detailing and client interactions. Kevin's passion lies in witnessing the transformation of ideas into tangible spaces that leave a lasting impression on communities. He thrives in challenging situations and is known for his exceptional communication and listening skills. Kevin's experience spans across multifamily, mixed-use, adaptive reuse, restoration, institutional, and high-end residential projects.
Job Titles:
- Human Resources Director Compassionate. Careful. Nurturing.
Lisa is an experienced human resources strategy and management professional, with in-depth knowledge of employee relations, benefits, policy and plan administration, legal compliance, analysis/reporting, talent systems, vendor relationship management, and award-winning employee communications. She earned the Certified Employee Benefit Specialist (CEBS) professional certification as well as the Senior Professional in Human Resources (SPHR) certification as a testament to her dedication to the HR profession.
Marco has studied traditional design, vernacular forms, and archaic and transitional construction methods, and has approached preservation and adaptive reuse projects with sensitivity. Marco has significant experience and technical knowledge that he applies to both new construction and existing building projects, some of national significance. He is also an exceptional resource for the documentation of historic structures, including advanced laser scanning, digital photogrammetry, and scan-to-BIM methodology.
Mark brings a fresh perspective to Strada's design team. His 3D modeling and BIM coordination skills enhance Strada's project visualization and cross-disciplinary integration. He has a keen eye for architectural detailing, recognizing that even the smallest features can make a big difference in a project's overall impact. With expertise in project management, Mark excels at leading demanding tasks under compressed schedules. He is passionate about refining documents and presenting designs in innovative ways.
Job Titles:
- Office Manager
- Office Manager Resourceful. Loyal. Private.
Since Strada's inception, Mary Jo has worked closely with our principals, design staff, and consultants to ensure the smooth processing of our project documents and overall studio function. Her attention to detail and consistent follow-through are instrumental to Strada's success.
Megan believes that great design blends form and function in perfect balance. With a diverse portfolio, she has honed her skills as an experienced Interior Designer, integrating her expertise, research, and client needs to shape the interaction between people and their surroundings. Megan has also shared her passion for design by teaching interior design as an adjunct instructor at the Art Institute of Pittsburgh for 8 years. Her multifaceted background enables her to bring a unique perspective to her work, resulting in spaces that are both beautiful and practical.
Job Titles:
- Architect
- Senior Associate
Job Titles:
- Associate AIA Senior Project Designer
My favorite experience is watching others have meaningful experiences in spaces I helped create. This can be in a professional sense when I see a client using a space we created together, or in a personal way when I see loved ones engaging in our shared world.
Job Titles:
- Administrative and Accounting Specialist
Job Titles:
- Senior Architect
- Senior Architect Focused. Creative. Passionate.
Heather believes great design comes from really listening to clients, recognizing their needs, and translating that information into a built environment with sensitivity to scale, context, and materials. An accomplished architect, Heather has been responsible for the design and execution of a wide variety of project types including restaurants, retail, office, mixed-use, single-family, and multi-family residential spaces. She enjoys working closely with clients and contractors alike to bring conceptual sketches to life through thoughtful design and detailing.
I love exploring new cities - the culture, the people, the food, and the feel of the streets. Since starting a family, I have not had the opportunity to travel as much as I'd like, but I hope to share my passion with them in the future!
Job Titles:
- Director of Marketing and Communications
- Media Contact