Who We Are

Alex Brownell

Alex is inspired by life experiences and being out in the world. His travels in Southeast and Eastern Asia have influenced how he thinks about and approaches different design opportunities. He likes to solve difficult problems, enjoying the process and development as much as the ultimate solution. He appreciates the current trend of a return to early design references, and also finds re-use exciting and important, especially when it comes to the design of restaurants and stores.

Alex Bushkoff

With almost 20 years of experience in design, Alex draws inspiration from the exercise of creative instinct to develop a project from the abstract to the physical. Attentive to context, he believes in highlighting the juxtaposition of the new and the old, embracing and emphasizing their differences to make both stronger.

Alex brings experience in a variety of project types from historic preservation and adaptive re-use to residential and higher education. With a Master’s in Architecture from UCLA and a B.A. from UC Santa Cruz, he also leverages his fluency in French to volunteer as a teacher for Citizen Schools.

Amanda Bristow

With a background in publishing and music, and continued work as a freelance writer and theater manager, Amanda keeps good communication flowing here at PCA.  By immersing herself in detailed, people-oriented work, she finds that anticipating needs and understanding different points of view are key to effective problem-solving.

While not at PCA, Amanda immerses herself in the Cambridge & Somerville community, and embodies “live, work, play” – living just a few blocks away in Inman Square, and working part-time at the Harvard Film Archive. She enjoys as much time outdoors as possible – visiting local farms, taking a nature walk or swimming at Walden Pond, and volunteering at the Somerville Growing Center.

Andrew Curtis

Andrew finds that the driving aspect for his projects is to provide engaging and dynamic urban spaces for the end users, as well as ensuring an ecologically-sensitive response to the existing landscape of the project. He is interested in problems of all scales, from the planning of large urban developments, down to the negotiation of technical details that can create a more sustainable building product. He is excited most by the continued evolution of the role of a designer – the idea that the architect’s and designer’s responsibility is not only to the client but also to their communities and the environment as well.

Andrew’s previous experience includes extensive work on residential projects ranging from single and two-family up to 100+ multi-family development as well as retail and restaurant projects, with a small mix of larger planning and urban scale projects. He spends most of his time outside work either riding bikes or fixing them, except in winter when he’s trying to hit the slopes as much as possible.

Boris Tchatalbachev

Boris is motivated to bring positive change to the everyday lives of others. Establishing personal connections to communities and other cultures, he creates artful spaces that meld seamlessly into their environments, while meeting current and developing programmatic demands. While he has spent most of his life and career in the United States, earning a Masters from Washington University in Missouri, Boris is able to draw from a variety of traditions for inspiration, with time abroad in Europe and Asia giving him a nuanced appreciation of architecture’s importance and effect in society.

Boris believes that the most creative solutions are found through a deeper understanding of the problem at hand. He looks to discover the hidden potential in projects through engaging in collaborative discussion with clients and communities. Outside of work, he continues to travel, finding inspiration in destinations and sights around the world.

Brandon Levy

For Brandon, knowing that he is part of something that will directly affect people’s lives inspires him to create. He also draws a ton of inspiration from nature and from his family. He enjoys solving problems at every scale — from crossword puzzles to urban issues, while delving into new trends, such as virtual reality. He defines community as a group of people who share a common goal or a similar taste and he is driven to create design that fulfills the needs of diverse communities simultaneously.

Brandon was part of the U.S. Green Building Council and American Institute of Architecture Students in college and he enjoys hiking, travelling, cooking, eating, and people-watching.

Brian Balise  AIA

Brian finds his creative inspiration through travel. He takes the time to try to appreciate different cultures and consider how that can inform his design process. He enjoys solving problems with a wide variety of variables. In architecture, the beauty lies in the fact that there is no one answer to any problem. Brian views community as being defined by the shared experiences of living and working in close proximity with other people. It is the architect’s job to listen, identify clearly what the community is asking for, and implement a design that responds directly to their needs and desires. Every project is unique and requires creativity to balance this equation in a way that maximizes opportunity while still satisfying functional requirements.

Baseball is Brian’s greatest passion outside of architecture. He plays baseball in Boston Men’s Baseball League, watches the New York Yankees on a daily basis, and dreams of someday visiting every baseball stadium across the country.

Carlos Guzman

For Carlos, the social impact that buildings can have on a population inspires him to keep going. He defines community as all the intangible connections between people in a given geographical location — a force that has the potential to shape a design project by revealing people’s true needs or real-life problems that need to be resolved. By doing so, it also communicates the potential of what kind of place it is seeking to become.

Carlos enjoys tackling issues that require different angles and perspectives, such as building massing, and he keeps up on computational design trends as well as AI in design. He has volunteered and built houses for the less fortunate in the Dominican Republic. In his spare time he enjoys reading, and listening to and composing music.

Dagmar von Schwerin

Dagmar brings over 25 years of marketing experience in the architectural design industry, helping fine tune PCA’s message while also engaging in specific proposal efforts and the organization of firm-wide marketing. She is a longstanding member of the Society of Marketing Professional Services, serving on the Board and the Program Committee as well as several juries over the years.

An enthusiastic traveler, she continues to find inspiration in the sights, sounds and tastes of places far away, exploring new cultures and perspectives in order to appreciate anew the marvels of our own New England.

Dan Carp

Over the last decade, Dan has blended an interest in the arts and technology to provide a diverse range of support to those better skilled at designing buildings that will actually stand up. Equally comfortable assembling computers, photographing the built environment, editing proposals, and hurling softballs, Dan thrives as PCA’s Renaissance Man. He was named an Associate in 2010, and has recently virtualized PCA’s servers, helped develop PCA’s new internet site, and oversaw construction of PCA’s office renovation.

When not up in the IT loft, Dan can be found playing drums in the band Pesky J. Nixon, organizing lunchtime games of H.O.R.S.E., and enjoying the company of his young son.

Daniel Molenkamp

As Director of Architectural Technology, with more than 25 years in the industry, Dan’s strength in technical drawing and building construction has contributed to many of PCA’s most notable retail and residential projects. He feels that some of the most rewarding problems to solve exist in the rehabilitation of buildings, requiring the evaluation and modification of existing components to meet budget, industry standards, life-cycle, and performance goals. All of this, of course, while maintaining an appealing design, practical constructability, and cost efficiency.

Dan believes that the design process should be inclusive and mindful of all within a community, with the ultimate goal of maximizing the positives. With a degree in Architectural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Dan is one of PCA’s most stalwart volunteers, working with On The Rise, The Greater Boston Food Bank, and PCA’s Canstruction team each year.

David Chilinski  AIA

As President and Co-Founder, David Chilinski has been guiding the firm for over 30 years with an infectious entrepreneurial spirit and unwavering commitment to creating vibrant, sustainable community places – from commercial and retail developments to housing and academic facilities. David is a leading force in PCA’s vision of designing “places” that enlighten and enrich people’s lives. A passionate advocate of the “24 hour city,” David has spearheaded many urban planning and design projects with complex approvals processes and high levels of community involvement.

Educated at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, he holds a National Council of Architectural Registration Boards Certificate with registration in 17 states. In the community, David sits on the Harvard Square Business Association and Agassiz Neighborhood Council Boards. He also serves on the Mass College of Art Corporate Advisory Group and the United Way Real Estate Committee, and has presented as a guest lecturer at MIT, Harvard’s Graduate School of Design, Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams College, BU’s School of Management and the Boston Architectural College.

David Deitch

For David, architecture is for the people and by the people. He believes that by expanding the role of the designer into the social realm, one can engage the community in the creation of the buildings they inhabit. The best buildings solve the everyday problems of the everyday person. As a BAC student, he nurtures his technical skills to creatively solve these tough challenges. By paying close attention and creating interventions in unexpected places, David helps the people who need it most.

When he is not hard at work, or buried deep in his studies, David hits the trail for long rides in the woods. He is actively involved in the Boston bike community, while somehow making time for a few jam sessions with the PCA Band.

David LaCount  RA, LEED AP

David finds inspiration in creating better places for people to live, work and play. Moving between fine detail and the big picture, he excels at working with project teams to solve complex on-site problems in ways that are in keeping with the final design intent.

At PCA, David works primarily on the construction administration side, balancing the needs of the client and contractor to manage construction phase services including client, contractor and consultant meetings, conflict resolution, construction quality review, scheduling reviews and monitoring, change management, contractor pay request review, cost control, shop drawing and RFI review, management of punch list and project closeout activities.

David holds a B.Arch. from the Boston Architectural College, and a B.S. from Arizona State University.

David Snell  AIA, LEED AP BD+C

As an Associate at PCA, Dave has a keen understanding of market conditions and the drivers for successful development, excelling at the planning and design of mixed-use urban projects and public spaces that bring people together from all walks of life. Focused on building client relationships, he thrives on the challenges of complex projects, leading the team on PCA’s first multifamily high-rise in Jamaica Plain and our first two LEED Platinum multifamily buildings in Boston’s award-winning Allston Green District.

Dave loves working with the most talented staff in the business, always seeking inspiration and new ways to bolster the firm’s collective creativity to deliver projects that make loyal followers of all of our clients. Dave received both his B.S. and Master’s in Architecture from Northeastern University and a special accreditation as LEED AP BD+C.

DiAnn Mroszczak  LEED AP BD+C

DiAnn has a passion for sustainable, well-integrated, place-based design. During her career, she has worked on a variety of assignments from prototype retail to mixed-use housing to private residences, as well as passive systems research for the super-insulated Pratt House in Dudley Square. DiAnn strives to create high-performing structures with an emphasis on habitable, scale-appropriate spaces that contribute to the character of their community. She believes that it is the problem solving necessary to make a project real – be it environmental, contextual or use-related – that can elevate the design and elicit innovation.

With a B.Arch from the University of Kansas, DiAnn currently serves as a Co-Facilitator for the local ILFI Living Building Challenge Collaborative. In the past she led the USGBC’s Emerging Professional Group, serving as a leading member of the Planning Committee and a Co-Chair for the annual design competition for young local professionals.

Eliane Brogle

From a young age, Eliane has been drawn to the enduring nature of the built environment. She believes in creating experiences – building destinations that people will flock to again and again, fashioning spaces that make lasting impressions through the use of creative materials and finishes. Eliane looks to push the envelope to create success for her clients using inventive and thoughtful design.

Holding a BS and MArch from Wentworth Institute of Technology, she is always looking for new and exciting materials.  She is captivated by the excitement of everyday life, looking to enhance her worldview through new sport and culture.

Emeline Gaujac

Emeline designs by linking the architecture to its environment, and is inspired by how the climate influences the architecture in a visual and tangible way. In planning a space, she focuses on the movement of people within it, and how the design might affect their daily lives.

From Emeline’s perspective, community participation is key to designing spaces that will thrive. College and university projects are particularly appealing, given her own recent experience as a student at Northeastern. In addition to developing her skills as a designer, Emeline runs her small Etsy business, plays ukulele, and sails in Vermont, volunteering when she can for Habitat for Humanity and the Franciscan Hospital for Children.

Eric Brown  AIA, LEED AP

A Partner at PCA, Eric has been an integral part of the firm for over 20 years. He has broad design and management experience working with institutional clients as well as commercial developers of multi-family housing, hospitality, restaurant, and retail projects throughout New England.

Eric believes that the client comes first – that building strong personal relationships enhances the creative process, resulting in the best outcomes for all involved. The success of this approach has been borne out by his large following of repeat clients. Not afraid to take on new project types or larger scale commissions, Eric has led the way on seminal PCA projects such as Legacy Place, the firm’s first dining hall at Northeastern University, and multiple large-scale mixed use planning and design projects for major area developers and entrepreneurs.

Educated at Arizona State University, Eric has also taught at the Boston Architectural College. He is very active in the Town of Lexington where he resides, volunteering as the Chairman of the Permanent Building Committee that oversees all town projects.

Eric Stahl  RA

Eric strongly believes in the narrative approach to design and the idea that you can craft a story about the building, the site and the occupant.  Using his background in sociology, Eric’s commitment to social responsibility informs his work, with the belief that buildings should respect their neighbors.  It is easy to get wrapped up in the “look” of a building and let the functionality lag behind, but it is owner/occupant satisfaction that truly signals success.

Eric is an “all-rounder,” having worked on a host of various projects including the renovation of the Nave of Sterling Memorial Library at Yale, which won several awards. Working with not-for-profits on housing and community facilities afforded him the chance to have a positive impact on some disadvantaged neighborhoods, and he is especially proud of the housing he worked on in Brooklyn where his great uncle grew up during the Depression. When not at work, Eric works with metal – welding, casting and forging jewelry, furniture and sculpture. He is a huge basketball fan and of all things Celtics, and his #1 hobby is playing with his son.

Erika DeRoche  AIA, LEED AP BD+C

As an architect with over 10 years of experience, Erika believes that today’s lifestyle embraces community as family, and that truly forward-thinking design must respond to societal as well as individual needs. Although not the sexiest part of design, she also believes that policy makes the biggest impact on her profession, and is excited that many cities are revising zoning, energy and building codes and enacting measures such as bicycle infrastructure requirements to encourage more sustainable design approaches nationwide.

Erika has worked on a number of PCA’s high profile mixed-use, multifamily housing and academic projects, from new construction to renovations and adaptive reuse. A mentor with the Big Sister Association of Greater Boston, she is also an avid swimmer, bicyclist, fine artist and cook.

Essa Ahmed  LEED AP

As a Designer with almost 15 years of both national and international experience, Essa prefers a “democratic” design process that solves real problems by getting everyone involved in the decision-making process. He is drawn to those simple every day spaces that can have a huge impact on people’s daily lives, seeking to blur the lines between inside and outside to connect people with their environment and create a true sense of place.

Essa holds a B.Sc. in Architectural Engineering from Alexandria University in Egypt and a Masters in Architecture from Boston Architectural College, and is a visiting critic on the BAC’s thesis board panels. He cultivates his own connection to his environment with outdoor adventures and travel as well as his passion for the violin.

Frank Smith

A designer at PCA, Frank took a slightly circuitous path to a career in architecture, working in construction, studying psychology and business, and ultimately finding the perfect integration of his skill sets — imagination, business sense and high-level technical skills — applied to a framework of real world constraints. He relishes the process of design and construction management, solving problems along the way.

Frank is partial to projects with a strong public element, particularly within an urban environment. He received his B.A. in Psychology from Keene State College with a minor in Business Management and his M.A. from the Boston Architectural College where he was a finalist for the BAC/BSA Design Scholarship and the BAC Academic/Portfolio Based Scholarship. Outside PCA, he is a runner, woodworker and pianist, with a yen for the salt sea air and all that beaches in New England can offer.

Gary Chen  AIA, LEED AP

With his wealth of experience in healthcare, science & technology, higher education, and mixed-use buildings, Gary’s greatest fulfillment as an architect is to create places that are aesthetically pleasing, meaningful and useful, that make a lasting impact on people’s lives. He believes the ways in which we shape our sites, buildings, and spaces is one of the most important contributions to the urban fabric or community. That has a direct effect on how a community functions, since the built environment often serves as the foundation of social interaction. He enjoys solving problems that require him to be creative, both technically and aesthetically.

When he’s not at work, Gary enjoys spending time with his family — whether it’s engaging in outdoor activities such as skiing, biking, and hiking, or exploring city life. He also loves taking abstract architectural photos as a hobby.

Hannah Ostwald

As a 4^th year architecture student at Northeastern University, Hannah hopes to explore the juxtaposition of project and location, believing that every project has a unique relationship to its site. She looks for creative solutions to even the smallest challenges, knowing that the little details can truly affect the daily life of the user. For Hannah, every aspect of a project is worth touching upon.

Hannah is augmenting her study of architecture with a minor in Environmental Studies, allowing her to further connect with the landscape. Outside PCA, Hannah loves to ski, bake, discover new restaurants and travel, with a trip to Iceland next on the agenda.

Hing Chung Fung

Hing brings over 15 years of experience in creating and implementing design, crafted in response to a core statement or idea for each project. He brings his vision alive in his masterful renderings, fully forming the image and a feeling of a place. When he’s not designing, Hing continues to explore, experimenting with new design tools, visiting museums and new places, and perfecting his finger-work playing guitar for a new band – always trying to be faster.

Janine Byrne  Associate IIDA

As an Interior Designer, Janine is inspired by materials and the new, transformative ways in which they can be put to use. Her goal as a designer is to create spaces for people that improve and elevate their lives. She believes that interior design is personal, and aims with each project to understand the culture of a group, capturing its spirit and story, expressed through branding and good design. With a background in dance and working with music, she sees a parallel in the design process, embracing it as the choreography of space. Outside PCA, Janine is active in the New England IIDA community, attending many events and participating in the IIDA fashion show every year.

Jeffrey Gannon  AIA, LEED GA

With a Masters from Northeastern University (’08), Jeff is motivated as an architect by the ability to achieve a positive impact on people with design. He enjoys solving technical- and organization-based problems, particularly as related to community and multipurpose projects. His advocacy of community initiatives is supported by his record as one of PCA’s most intrepid volunteers. When he’s not designing PCA’s latest retail, multi-family, and adaptive re-use projects, Jeff enjoys history, music, coaching and playing soccer and working on his “log cabin” home.

Jessica Friend  LEED AP

Jessica has worked as a Designer for over five years during which time she has been involved with various education, university and governmental projects. She believes interactive and collaborative programming for projects on any topology are essential to the success of the completed project. With her Master of Architecture from the University of Idaho, Jessica enjoys any activity related to the outdoors, including among her favorites running, cycling, water skiing, backcountry camping, and fly fishing.

Jillian D’Amato  IIDA

As an Interior Designer, Jillian’s goal is to create welcoming, innovative spaces that inspire a reaction. Her passion for travelling has had a huge impact on her design aesthetic, affording new perspectives and approaches, especially since airports and train stations often embody creative, bold new designs. She loves the current trend of natural, organic materials – a return to nature in a world so heavily influenced by plastics and technology. Working on projects ranging from restaurants and cafes, institutional public spaces, to corporate and multifamily interiors, Jillian relishes ground-up challenges as well as renovations that transform old, forgotten, or overlooked spaces into places that inspire anew.

With a degree from The New England School of Art & Design (’09), Jillian stays involved as a guest critic and a thesis-mentor. She founded RUNFELLOW, a community based running apparel company, and sits on the Board of Directors for Somerville Local First, helping to develop a vibrant community and sustainable local economy.

Jim Coveno

With more than 25 years of experience in construction administration, Jim has a bevy of knowledge to draw upon when reviewing PCA’s RFI’s and submittals. He is an expert in logistical coordination, team management, and bringing client visions into reality. Jim’s know-how of materials, and finishes to helps him craft the best results that stand up to the test of time.

Outside of work, Jim dedicates himself to his community, serving as Chairman of South Boston’s City Point neighborhood association. He seeks out the character in Boston, and commits himself to preserving it. By helping people in need through charity work and fundraising, Jim is able to give back to the city that he loves.

Jim Lee  AIA, LEED AP

Jim takes an artistic approach to the design process, in contrast to the predominantly construction-based focus favored by the overall architectural design world. With a Masters in Architecture from Northeastern University (class of ’07), he brings his more personal approach to project types ranging from academic to urban development, to retail and restaurant design.

Jim finds a like-minded milieu at PCA, where he feels supported in seeking collaboration and the exploration of new design directions within a company that truly cares about their staff.

Joe Carroll  AIA

Joe is motivated by the opportunities to engage with all aspects of a project, from design through construction. With a background in large mixed-use projects, including large office towers in downtown Boston, Joe has learned that community participation in all phases of design is key to a project’s success. In a real way, community stability, and knowing your neighbors through volunteer opportunities, churches, and local groups, promotes a sense of community essential to planning and design.

In addition to past and present memberships in organizations such as the National Trust for Historic Preservation, AIA, BSA, NFPA, etc., he has done volunteer work on the Permanent Public Building Committee for the town of Needham, MA for 11 years. When he’s not at PCA, Joe travels, including trips to his hometown, Lenox, MA. Joe is a fan of the local Boston sports teams and loves to golf when he gets the chance.

Joe Fazio  AIA, LEED AP BD+C

With a vast work history of taking on many large, complex projects, Joe likes to tackle problems that challenge all of his skills. He applies this same level of rigor to all of his work at PCA, and finds that the fun is in listening, understanding, responding, and delivering work that satisfies the broadest spectrum of interests, performs well, and is beautiful to behold.  He is excited by our current climate’s emphasis on higher density development, integral to transit and energy systems and is driven by a desire to create growing, collaborative communities that interact and inspire.

Joe has been active in the AIA throughout his career and has previously served as chair of the EBAIA Design Awards program. He currently serves on the board of directors for AIA Middle East and is an avid gardener, bicyclist and fan of the arts.

Judith Salvi

As Principal of Finance and Administration, Judith is a combination of “blue suit” seriousness sprinkled with humor and a quest for the ethereal receipt. Since 1994, she has managed PCA’s internal operations, ensuring the efficient and effective functioning of our busy design firm.

Karen Dubrovsky  AIA, LEED AP

As a Principal at PCA, Karen focuses on listening to each client’s needs, thinking beyond what they believe a project can be and exceeding their expectations to create dynamic environments that open up opportunities. She has been instrumental in exceeding client’s goals on projects spanning from higher-education to hospitality and retail, thriving on the challenge that each new project brings.

Karen’s education at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, along with her years of experience enable her to navigate from the big picture to the details of planning and design. Since joining PCA in 2000, she has been a key contributor to the firm’s growth and vibrancy adding to PCA’s air of creativity that keeps things fresh. Along with participating in overall firm management, she leads the marketing and graphic design/branding team at PCA.

Karl Damitz  RA, LEED AP

Karl strives to create unique and poetic spaces. He draws upon the fundamental connections between nature, social context, and the built environment to craft meaningful solutions that feel honest, appropriate and timeless. By paying close attention to the needs of the community, he is able to design spirited places that directly impact how people live, work and play.

With a Bachelor in Fine Arts from UMass Amherst and a Masters in Architecture from Boston Architectural College (‘05), Karl brings high level expertise in detailing and custom finishes. His deft touch results in cohesive, consistent work that embodies a focused vision and clear underlying design concept.

Keith Lorrell Jones  AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Keith believes that buildings and the spaces between them create the important public zones which shape neighborhoods. For Keith, each project presents the chance to create clear, efficient, and impactful places that can support and enhance growing communities. Experienced in a range of project types ranging from retail and housing to institutional, he is motivated by complex design challenges, defining problems as disguised opportunities or puzzles to be solved.

Lately he has been bringing his work home, devoting most of his time to the restoration and redesign of his historic 1840’s home. He expects to finish this project soon, after nearly five years of work!

Kevin Nastasia

Kevin enjoys seeing larger projects come to life, designing a fantastical experience with the end-user in mind. With past experience working on cruise ship entertainment deck design, he now enjoys working at PCA for fundamental “land-based” work tackling the new challenges of steel, curtainwall, and more. Kevin likes that PCA’s variety of projects lends itself to true teamwork and a broad scope of new opportunities to learn.

In his spare time, you can find Kevin working on house and home projects such as constructing a new walk-in closet, rebuilding his garage, and other large-scale woodworking projects.

Kevin Tremblay

A graduate of Ohio State University in 2012 and entering into his last year of a Master of Architecture program at Northeastern University, Kevin is passionate about using architecture as a tool to shape natural environments and encourage social interaction within a community. During his internship at PCA, he has enjoyed developing and expanding his knowledge about urban housing and sustainable design projects. Kevin is further inspired to design community spaces that provide neighborhood enrichment. When he is not busy with school or working hard at PCA, he enjoys volunteering his time with Habitat for Humanity, collaborating with others on projects that benefit the community. He also enjoys traveling, trying new cuisines and experiencing new cultures.

Kim Young  LEED GA

Kim’s ideal work-space would be outside on PCA’s roof deck. She likes unique and creative spaces that emphasize human interaction and functionality, and when it comes to design, she’s willing to try it all: housing, restaurants, interiors, and more – bending her non-constricted viewpoint to suit the needs of a client. Kim values a connection to the outdoors, which is reflected through cross-country bike-trips, her passion for running and hiking, as well as summers spent as a soccer and gymnastic coach to young children.

Kristy Murnane

After leaving UMass Lowell with a degree in Philosophy, Kristy worked for 10 years in brick & mortar and online retail. As PCA’s Office Coordinator, she is inspired by the idea that great culture and productive, comfortable working environments bring out the best in people. She enjoys finding new and innovative ways to keep the office running smoothly, be it updating old practices or adding new ones.

Outside of work, she has spent the last several years raising money with her family as part of the Walk for MS, and when she’s not catching up on the latest comic book movies or other sci-fi media (nerd), she loves crocheting, traveling, or (attempting) kickboxing.

Laura Homich  AIA, LEED AP BD+C

As a Senior Associate at PCA, Laura is responsible for the design, documentation, and management of some of PCA’s most high-profile projects, from multifamily housing to retail and complex mixed-use developments. She enjoys the complexities involved in the adaptive reuse of industrial buildings or a mixed-use infill, finding new ways to fit everything into an impossible site – especially in an urban setting.

Laura excels at achieving consensus – managing complex approvals processes and helping community groups contribute their input to the design of the next great addition to their neighborhood. A graduate of Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute, a returned Peace Corps volunteer (Bolivia), and member of the AIA and CREW, Laura brings a high level of versatility and organizational skills to each new commission.

Laura Ligon

As PCA’s Marketing Coordinator, Laura is most inspired by the way that people communicate. With the knowledge that design as a whole is about communication, Laura deftly crafts PCA’s marketing materials with a keen understanding of our people, our culture, and our brand. Laura views all challenges as an opportunity to learn something new.

When not at PCA, Laura is a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services. In her spare time, she enjoys sewing, running, and Boston’s great outdoors. She takes opportunities to travel when she can and loves to explore new locales.

Laura Portney  AIA

Laura believes that good design should first and foremost be ‘for the people,’ always illustrating an understanding and care for those who ultimately use our spaces. Her many years of experience with PCA have led to long term relationships with our clients in developing award-winning projects in the retail, restaurant, academic and commercial markets. Her most interesting challenge to date involved her work on the renovation of Northeastern University’s Curry Student Center – a highly successful project that made use of all her talents organizing client groups and managing expectations on a tight ‘summer slammer’ schedule.

With a Master’s from the Boston Architectural College and a B.A. from Clemson University, and as the recipient of the AIA Arthur N. Tuttle Jr. Graduate Fellowship in Health Facility Planning and Design, Laura is passionate about exploring architecture’s role in health and wellness and its application to all building types.

Leslie Simpson

Leslie joined PCA in 2014, bringing 10 years of experience in Human Resources management. Leslie’s focus is of course on the amazing staff at PCA; making sure they are the best they can be and have everything they need to thrive…with some nice perks along the way!

Lindsay Bach  LEED AP

As an emerging designer, Lindsay finds her passion in the creation of sustainably designed environments that foster community while yielding an atmosphere of productivity and intrigue. Lindsay spent much of her Master’s study focusing on post-disaster recovery through design, which she presented at Architecture for Humanity’s “Design Like You Give a Damn” and the IDEC Regional conference. She believes the interior design field has the opportunity to break through existing boundaries and meet new challenges.

With a background in lighting design, Lindsay brings this technical knowledge to all aspects of her work. She earned her BFA from Cazenovia College and her MFA in Interior Architecture from the New England School of Art and Design. In her spare time, Lindsay likes to go rummaging through flea markets and tap into her love of fine art with portrait drawing.

Mareesa Graf

Mareesa is motivated to create a legacy for the future, revamping ancient ideas and leveraging modern technology to find sustainable solutions for the challenges of this fast-paced world. From unique massing gestures to the selection of colors, materials and textures, she enjoys creating beautiful, organized spaces that enrich our daily lives. A Dean’s List Northeastern University architecture student, Mareesa has volunteered as a peer mentor and as a member of Habitat for Humanity, while maintaining her interests in dance, film and theater and spending as much time as possible searching for inspiration out in nature.

Mark Eclipse  AIA, LEED AP

A Principal at PCA, Mark brings 25 years of experience to the programming, planning and design of projects ranging from higher-education and multi-family residential to retail. He believes that every client has a message to convey, and is focused on helping them communicate their stories in built form. Dedicated to sustaining the firm’s high level of design, he believes in a rigorous process that sheds preconceptions and, ultimately, leads to work with soul and substance.

Educated at the University of Pennsylvania Graduate School of Fine Art and Washington State University, Mark is active in the Roslindale, Massachusetts arts community, and as an artist/photographer/architect, he explores the connections between people, cultures, and environments.

Matthew Killam

Matthew immerses himself in every aspect of his projects, guiding an idea through from concept to reality. He believes it is the job of the architect to create well designed buildings that enhance everyday life, with spaces that reflect the needs of the community, while enhancing and shaping its future.

Matthew has practiced in a diversity of locations, including Peru and South Florida. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Florida Atlantic University (FAU) (‘10), and a Bachelor of Science from Roger Williams University (‘01). He represented FAU at the 2010 Florida AIA Annual Conference, where he presented his award winning thesis project. He draws his greatest inspiration from his family who motivate him to grow in his profession and build upon his years of expertise and experience.

Max Diperstein

As the fastest graduate ever of the Boston Architectural College’s master’s program, Max brings a multifaceted perspective on design to PCA. From time spent as a locksmith and more than 2 years spent in the construction industry, Max understands the built environment as a million piece puzzle. As a designer, he crafts each jigsaw piece for a flawless fit. For Max, the ultimate reward is seeing his design align to create interactive and appreciated spaces in the community.

Outside of work, Max draws upon the philosophies of adaptive reuse, creating functional objects from found and overlooked material. Currently, he patiently spends his time hand carving serving and decorative spoons.

Michael Rosa

A self-proclaimed ‘do-er’ and ‘tinker-er’, Michael takes an inquisitive hands-on approach to architecture, seeking out pragmatic, customized answers that best suit the needs of both the client and the community. With a varied background in architecture, engineering, and economics he enjoys solving technical problems as well as design challenges – using his skills to give each project more value than expected. For Michael, each project presents new opportunities for creative problem solving to reveal deliberate and practical solutions.

During his time outside of work, Michael continues his tinkering in the woodshop and kitchen. He applies his problem-solving approach to facets of his daily life – finding a creative passion in wood-working and the culinary arts.

Michelle Granick  RA, LEED AP

Inspired by a passion for design, Michelle loves watching the transformation of an underutilized space into a purposeful one. She enjoys tackling problems where there are many possible solutions, and where the critical factor is understanding the needs and desires of the ultimate users of a space. These needs make each project unique and foster a sense of place and the feeling that design really does impact lives. Michelle also embraces new trends in green/sustainable design; the recognition of its importance to the built environment as well as its role in the well-being of the planet. She is also very proud of the substantial work she’s done over the years on multi-family housing, particularly affordable housing, which included new construction, renovation and historical renovation.

Michelle has been a volunteer through Horizons for Homeless Children at the YWCA in Cambridge for nearly 8 years, as a Playspace Activity Leader (PAL). She enjoys arts and crafts, baking, and traveling, with the belief that seeing global architecture makes for a more complete designer.

Naomi Sherman

During the design process, Naomi aims to amplify the connection between people and the built environment with design that is both a tactile as well as a spatial experience. Drawing upon her travels to remote locations such as Alaska, Morocco, and the Middle East, Naomi is inspired by nature and the impact it can have upon architecture. With a background in fine arts, painting, ceramics, and interior design, Naomi loves the creative process and those “ah-ha” moments, when innovative ideas emerge.

Naomi received her Bachelor’s from Boston Architectural College and is currently completing her Master’s at the Technion – Israeli Institute of Technology. Outside of the office she enjoys outdoor sports such as rock climbing, hiking, biking, and immersing herself in her travels, often going for weeks at a time.

Nidhi John  AIA, LEED AP

As a Senior Associate at PCA, Nidhi’s role includes the development and implementation of design for a range of clients in housing and higher-education, particularly historic restoration/adaptive reuse projects. What inspires Nidhi the most are the challenges involved in meeting the needs and desires of diverse communities. She likes to solve spatial problems using schematic/conceptual sketching. Not enamored of trends, Nidhi does find however that social media, TED talks, and Pinterest can often inspire new conversations and ideas.

At PCA she values the creativity, diversity and variety of colleagues in the studio. Nidhi is among PCA’s most ardent volunteers, working at soup kitchens and involved with her local church group to address charitable needs in India. Nidhi is an accomplished artist who also enjoys the outdoor life and sharing experiences with her sons, who constantly inspire her to look at things differently. Nidhi received her Master of Architecture from Kent State University and her B.A. from the University of Mumbai, India.

Paige Guerreri

Paige uses a puzzle-solving approach to find design solutions, breaking down program elements, seeing the ways in which they separate and relate, and then putting them all back together again. A recent graduate of Wentworth Institute of Technology (’13), Paige is rapidly absorbing design experience working on some of PCA’s most challenging projects. From multifamily housing to corporate fit-out to retail and academic interiors, she is inspired to think outside the box, working with new materials and exploring the impact of technology and modularity on interior design.

A summer study abroad program provided insight onto how other cultures view a space, deeply influencing her approach to creating shared spaces that bring people and communities together. Outside the office, Paige can be found most often on the beaches of the Cape – an ever-changing source of inspiration.

Phil Tomlinson  LEED AP BD+C

Using his previous experience working with major clients such as Pfizer, Brigham and Women’s, Dana Farber, Suffolk University, Converse and more, people and social interactions drive Phil to create. His motivation lies in thinking about how people will fully use the space and appreciate small gestures meant for them that will enhance their everyday experience. To Phil, community means identity. Every community has its own style, and it’s the designer’s job to express that style and identity to make a community feel like a space belongs to them.

When Phil is not busy at PCA, he loves to dance — anywhere and everywhere there is music and people. He is a leader of his dance company, Tribe; a non-profit dance company that performs about 40-50 gigs a year through the Boston area, many of which are volunteer/pro-bono gigs such as the Walk for Hunger, Strides Against Breast Cancer, and the Drug Enforcement Agency Youth Dance Program. He also loves riding his scooter and doing custom-work to his car.

Rebecca Zeisel

Rebecca believes in culturally-driven design that puts the community first. For Rebecca, the best design reflects the “soul” of the neighborhood, creating places in which people are happy and comfortable to relax. With a Masters in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, she is able to balance her technical knowledge with an inspired dynamism to create intricate spaces, designed with the end user in mind.

When not crafting buildings, Rebecca can be found flipping through cookbooks in search of interesting recipes, moonlighting as the head chef of her own household. Her spontaneous energy shows in her cooking, often modifying and editing her recipes for the most flavorful output.

Ricardo Rodriguez

As a student pursuing his Master’s Degree in Architecture from Boston Architectural College, Ricardo is motivated to create something new. He loves tackling challenges associated with consolidating built and natural environments, and enjoys integrating sustainability into all of his work.  Ricardo defines community as a living organism; a collective of people, plants, and animals. All of these are great influencers of design itself; a good design not only houses a community but helps it thrive.

Ricardo has taken part in a volunteer design initiative for the Neighborhood Of Affordable Housing, Inc. based in East Boston, developing an interactive tool to measure the level of community awareness and knowledge of sea level rise and its impact on the East Boston area. Ricardo’s ideal projects would be related to education or humanities – anything ranging from a school to a conservatory. When he’s not busy with school work or designing for PCA, he enjoys gardening and playing violin.

Rob Hagan  AIA, LEED AP

An architect since 1999, Rob has experience in a variety of building types in many different capacities, including projects within the mixed use, multi-family and single-family residential, institutional, academic, corporate office, and retail practice areas. In addition to practicing in Boston, San Francisco, and Miami, Rob has also studied and traveled all over the world and leverages these diverse experiences to create timeless, rich, and meaningful spaces for people.

What Rob likes most about PCA is the opportunity he has to take leadership in creating great places, transforming the physical environment to make a difference in people’s everyday lives. A summa cum laude graduate of the E. Fay Jones School of Architecture at the University of Arkansas, Rob also uses his design talents to create and build elegant and innovative custom furniture. When not designing, Rob can be found taking jogs around the Charles River in the summer or hitting up New England’s ski slopes in the winter.

Rob Krauszer

Since earning his Master’s in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2010, Rob has been inspired to create built environments that promote community – inviting places and spaces that engage people in their neighborhoods, encouraging them to gather and interact at home and at work. He likes the complicated projects with zoning challenges and tight site constraints – in short, the “impossible” projects.  Rob also keeps tabs on trends in sustainable design and advances in building technology.  He frequently enjoys the outdoors, engaging in a wide variety of activities like road cycling, hiking and camping for a chance to recharge and change up the scenery.

Robert Leyen

As a visual artist and designer, Robert loves working with rhythm and modules, contemporary takes on traditional ideas and forms, and spatial efficiency. He considers how to use design to encourage human interaction and community, knitting together the urban fabric and revitalizing neglected spaces to create neighborhoods and vibrant places where people will want to gather.

When not sampling the local culinary fare, Robert engages in visual art across a variety of media. A licensed Massachusetts teacher in Visual Arts (5-12) and Design and Visual Communications (9-14), he was a co-presenter on museum education at the Association of Academic Museums & Galleries and is currently on the Design and Visual Communications Advisory Committee for the Boston Arts Academy, designing and implementing a new career and technical program (CTE) for Design and Visual Communications. Robert earned his B.Arch. from the University of Arizona (’05) and his Teaching Certificate from the Massachusetts College of Art & Design in 2012.

Ruth Parr  LEED AP

With a B.S. in Civil / Environmental Engineering and Architecture from Princeton (’06), Ruth brings strong skills in design technology to PCA’s teams. Working on projects ranging from healthcare to retail and large scale mixed use developments, she enjoys testing BIM’s capacities, directing efforts to incorporate new protocols into PCA’s standards. One of our most active volunteers, Ruth helps lead the charge for PCA’s annual participation in CANstruction, with award-winning results.

Shannon Epstein

A recent graduate of the New York School of Interior Design, Shannon is constantly growing in search of new ideas. She feels that a space should feel comfortable and make sense – the best design finds a balance between aesthetic and function. She enjoys incorporating aspects of nature into her design aesthetic through the use of natural light, interior planters, airy spaces and big windows. Shannon believes that interior design should be incorporated early in space planning, to maximize functionality and circulation for the end user.

Though she is a Bostonian at heart, Shannon loved her time spent at school in New York – being at the center of new trends and ideas. In her spare time she can be found at one of Massachusetts many beaches, enjoying the sun and beauty of nature.

Shanyan Li  AIA, LEED AP

Shan is a multi-faceted architect with solid architectural design and management experience on a broad range of project types, with emphasis on higher education, housing and mixed-use projects. Her wide-ranging experience, particularly as related to large urban high-rise buildings, provides valuable added expertise for the firm’s growing portfolio of work. Shan believes that good design goes beyond aesthetics, requiring a deep understanding of the clients’ vision, addressing the challenges inherent in every site to find the most functional, graceful solution.

Shan graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the highly acclaimed Tianjin University in China and earned her Master of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma.

Shaun Hallissey

As a designer, Shaun enjoys solving puzzles, balancing aesthetics, structure, building code, and user needs to realize a client’s vision. With a specialty degree in Design and Energy Conservation, he is a co-leader of PCA’s Sustainability Group, helping PCA to incorporate technological advances as well as time-proven sustainable strategies to create integrated design solutions. An avid hiker, camper and curler, Shaun also contributed considerable energy and enthusiasm to PCA’s award-winning CANstruction team.

Steve Banning  RA, LEED AP BD+C

With a Master’s in Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, Steve has been designing since 2008, involved in the planning, documentation and construction administration of a range of projects from multifamily housing to retail and higher education. He draws inspiration from working with our clients and tenants to solve complex design problems, leveraging his passion for computer technology to create photo realistic renderings that translate early conceptual napkin sketches into a snapshot of what the end user will experience. Outside PCA, Steve loves the outdoor life, competing in basketball leagues and local 5K and bike races.

Steve Bryson

A student at the Boston Architectural College, Steve is inspired by historical context – respecting and revitalizing the existing environment to create dynamic new spaces. With a B.A. in Architectural History from Boston University, he sees and enjoys the influence of trends from the past acting on the designs of today.  A problem solver and strong collaborator, he seeks to design places that support and engage community. A background in residential construction has also inspired and influenced how he approaches design problems at the start of his architectural career. When not involved in the visual world, Steve enjoys listening to and playing music with his band.

Steven Allen  AIA, LEED AP

Steve believes that, in creating the most dazzling environment or the warmest intimate space, the effort is shallow if we fail to earn the respect and trust of the people we serve. He has provided solutions to clients with institutional, residential, academic, retail, and restaurant projects for nearly 30 years. Recent projects include residence hall additions and renovations at the Mass Maritime Academy and Westfield State University, and dining centers at the University of Connecticut and Bryant University. Steve is focused on student life buildings, client BIM development, and cost effective sustainable solutions.

Steven Le  AIA

Steven’s many years of experience designing retail and lifestyle centers has fueled his belief that larger communities first evolve from small, individual contributions. It is finding the harmony between small and large, individual and community that inspires him to create stimulating social spaces. In his work he enjoys simplifying complicated processes and embracing a more reflective, meditative approach to developing surrounding environments. He feels that the architect can change the lifestyle of the consumer by mixing together the typical uses of traditional Main Street, creating spaces where people can work, live, and play.

Tracy Dupont  IIDA, LEED AP

An accomplished interior designer with more than 20 years of experience, Tracy has created spaces for a wide variety of users. Whether designing a college dining hall or corporate headquarters, her goal is to create environments that function well for people. Combining her refined aesthetic with practicality, she designs nuanced environments that foster new ideas and relationships. For Tracy, the true measure of success is the extent to which an interior space allows its users to thrive.

A LEED accredited, NCIDQ certified Interior Designer, Tracy maintains an active membership with the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). She holds a Bachelor of Fine Art from the University of Massachusetts, and was a lecturer at the Boston Architectural College. She has led seminars and presentations at the Association of College Unions International (ACUI) and the National Association of College Auxiliary Services (NACAS). In the little free time she has, she enjoys gardening flowers and herbs, mixing together beauty and utility.

Wendy Prellwitz  AIA

As founding partner and former Director, Wendy’s vision and contributions are central to PCA’s philosophy. She combines an artistic approach with a commitment to create meaningful places that communicate intended messages. During her 28 year career – incubated with Benjamin Thompson –  she has applied her hand to retail, residential, and restaurant projects with a specialty in Interior Architecture. Notably, Wendy was named one of the top 10 woman architects in Boston by the Boston Herald in 2008 and 2009.

Wendy is a practicing painter and printmaker with regular exhibitions of her work. (www.wendyprellwitz.com).

Wilson Rodriguez

Wilson is constantly looking towards the future, committed to exploring and implementing advances in design. Wilson looks to further the quality of each of his projects, to make each one more captivating than the one before. Using technologies such as 3D visualization, he is able to solve technical problems, balancing function and form to create public spaces that inspire and enrich their communities.

Wilson has worked on a wide range of educational and institutional projects. His experience has allowed him to further his practice of transformational design – starting from his time at the IberoAmerican University in Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, where he received his bachelor of Architecture. As an avid traveler, Wilson immerses himself a variety of cultures around the world, drawing inspiration from people and their communities.