Smacking Down Bad Design Since 2009

Dwell is here to save you from bad design, boring ideas and faulty execution. We’re notoriously accurate: producing some of the cleanest documents this side of the galaxy. We’re methodically unconventional: designing clever spaces that aren’t outlandish or lacking purpose. And we’re solid people: easy to work with, fun to be around and void of pretension.

Dwell Leadership Team

Jason Shepard

Chief Executive Officer

Jason Shepard

Chief Executive Officer

As the visionary behind Dwell Design Studio, I embarked on this extraordinary journey with a clear mission: to disrupt the industry and set new standards because the typical just didn't cut it for me. I don't aim to be just a rockstar; I strive to be a rock god, ensuring Dwell stands out from the competition by delivering consistency, quality, and outstanding communication.

With a prolific career designing over 400,000 multifamily units across various sectors, including affordable, market rate, student, and senior housing, I bring a wealth of experience to the architectural realm. As a proud graduate of Kansas State University—Go Cats!—my journey has been a testament to excellence. I actively engage with professional communities, contributing to esteemed organizations such as the American Institute for Architects, Urban Land Institute, and National MultiHousing Council to ensure our work is aligned with industry best practices and visionary standards.

I am not just here to collaborate; I am here to lead a team of exceptional design professionals. Together, we will create unique, experiential masterpieces that leave a lasting impact. Get ready to witness Dwell kick ass, crush goals, and amplify a passion for crafting communities. We are not settling for 10; our amps go up to 11. It's time to turn up the volume and rock the architectural world!
Tiffany Shepard

Chief Financial Officer

Tiffany Shepard

Chief Financial Officer

As far back as I can remember, I wanted to be an architect...oh wait, no…that’s not my story. Actually, you would have caught me daydreaming of singing and roller-skating along Venice Beach like Olivia Newton-John in Xanadu. I was a child of the 70s during the Vietnam war, born in Guam where my dad was based while serving in the United States Airforce flying C130s. I stayed a west-coast girl moving between, Seattle, Colorado, California and finally Arizona where we eventually settled and I went to high school and college. I had always loved math and business leading me to a Finance Degree through Arizona State University.
Dwell has been an opportunity for me to do what I really love to do. Which is to take care of this amazing group of people. Our Dwell family is what makes this place different than a J.O.B. It’s like a second home for us and we love and appreciate each and every member of the family. Cheesy? Well maybe, but it’s true. If I’m not at the office, you might catch me traveling the world or enjoying a nice glass, ehm, bottle of wine.
Rob Snyder

Chief Marketing Officer

Rob Snyder

Chief Marketing Officer

Daring Masterplans? Unquestionably! Creative Risk Taker? Undoubtedly! Never Satisfied Until Plans are Perfect? Damn Right! Unabashedly Handsome and Downright Charming? Not bloody likely!!
Trouble is Rob’s middle name. Well, no, actually it starts with an M, like Masterplanning, because that is what Rob does. From the planning department at Disney to planning Olympic Games, Universities, and to intensive mixed-use developments for Dwell, Rob’s passion is solving complicated planning challenges.

Have you read enough? Is this the dark web? Rob keeps clients happy. Rob stops at nothing to set the client’s project up for success by being ultra-communicative, responsive and working tirelessly. Oh and I forgot to mention, Rob is even better at Marketing for Dwell.
Emily Norton

Chief Operating Officer

Emily Norton

Chief Operating Officer

How many 3rd graders decide what they want to be when they grow up and actually follow through with it? In fairness, when Emily made this decision she thought being an architect was making tiny scale models of buildings for her Polly Pockets to live in. Fourteen years later that same girl graduated from Pennsylvania State University with a Bachelor of Architecture.
Fast forward to today: PA’s native daughter has been in the south honing her craft with projects spanning university, healthcare, and retail, with an emphasis on multifamily and mixed-use. The one constant is Emily’s passion to ensure each project she manages is completed accurately and efficiently, start to finish. Or she likes to tell people what to do. Hard to tell.
Jay Silverman

National Director of Architecture

Jay Silverman

National Director of Architecture

Many architects think about design as a product, but for me, great architecture has always been about serving people first. This means designing with the user in mind, as well as taking a collaborative approach to the design process and making a positive impact on the community through leadership, service, and engagement.
I am passionate about creating outstanding places to live and work and building great relationships with my clients by listening to their needs to make their development successful. I enjoy directing all phases of a project, from master planning and schematic design through construction, as well as finding creative solutions to the complex design challenges associated with mixed-use and urban-infill development.
Ryan Miller

Director of Retail

Ryan Miller

Director of Retail

For starters, we don’t do retail design like everybody else. My name is Ryan & over 15 years I learned a lot working at a couple of big retail design firms, but knew when I had the chance to build something from scratch, it would be different. I lead our retail and mixed-use teams recognizing Retail isn’t just a storefront, it’s part of our community - it’s where we ditch our phones and get together! I’ve built our retail team to create places where people want to be - not just buildings that happen to have lease space and big parking lots. Look, I’m not some bright-eyed idealist that just draws pretty pictures but really doesn’t know how the retail game works either. New ground-up retail, mixed-use below podium, value add renovation, you name it, I know it and love to coach, teach and grow the retail team with the same passion that I have for creating places for people.
Venky Babu

Director of Concept

Venky Babu

Director of Concept

The most exhilarating places around the world that I have experienced among my extensive travels have characteristics that make for exciting human connections like innovative ideas, elegant architecture, intimate scale, tactile experience and seamless integration with the landscape. My impulse to create such places is what draws me to the profession.
I have been given several titles: Site Plan Ninja, Kick-Ass Urban Designer, Killer Planner, Creative Thinker, and others but the one I like is ‘ Transformative Designer”. That captures my value of being in the profession.
Besides being a transformative designer, I am a consummate professional. Clients respect my ideas, responsiveness, reliability, listening to their ideas, concerns and values, above all they feel extremely comfortable knowing they cannot expect anything less than a ‘bang out job’.
Matt Graf

Director of IT

Matt Graf

Director of IT

My professional journey began after graduating from Georgia Tech with big ideas, but few marketable skills. Luckily my High School drafting Teacher, Mr. Cilaski, provided the rest. I started with a young, medium-sized firm that did multifamily and retail. Over the course of 13 years, I worked on project teams, in the design department, and the Design Technology department. Realizing that I enjoyed the idea of architecture more than the practice of architecture, I focused on technology and training. With that in mind, I did a brief stint at an MEP firm, helping them develop a Revit program. While there I learned a lot about the woes of their process and gained a deeper understanding of how a building works. From there I joined Dwell as the BIM Manager. Constantly solving issues of varying types is my happy space.
Thomas Wages

Chief People Officer

Thomas Wages

Chief People Officer

Thomas is a journeyman of the creative industry with over 30 years of building unique brands and world-class teams - and always with a smile. Thomas loves all things design, and spotting and developing talent. Thomas started his career helping launch the Cartoon Network and Turner Classic Movies while creating internship programs in every department along the way… his interest in Human Resources started early. Thomas went on to create Warner Bros. Discovery’s first global talent program before launching his own Grammy-winning record label with artists John Mayer, Sugarland, and Danger Mouse. Talk about spotting and developing talent. His journey to Dwell came from following his passion for design and helping others. “My love of architecture has been a lifelong passion and hobby. Being able to marry my passion and my professional pursuits into a dream role as Chief People Officer here at Dwell has been a pinch me moment, to say the least.”
Other fun facts about Thomas: For the past decade Thomas designed his own luxury clothing line, holds a maritime captain license, a real estate broker's license, and cuts his own hair to boot.
Suzette Sutton

Principal, Business Development

Suzette Sutton

Principal, Business Development

Ring Announcer:

"Ladies and Gentlemen! Time for the main event! Defending her title as the top multifamily Business Developer with a 25-year winning streak! Direct from the Islands of Hawaii, she spends her days networking with The Who’s Who of residential development and her nights rocking in a band! She’ll knock out a deal before you can say good luck! Give it up for Suzette Sutton!"
Kenny Stover

Technical Director

Kenny Stover

Technical Director

With over 35 years of experience, Kenny is a uniquely skilled leader who blends creative vision with technical precision, guiding Multifamily and Mixed-Use projects from concept to completion. Known for his smart, scalable designs that developers value and residents enjoy, he brings deep expertise in codes, regulations, and construction practices, often identifying and resolving issues before they arise. Kenny’s ability to balance big-picture thinking with practical execution ensures projects stay on track, on time, and on budget - making him not just a vital team member, but a trusted partner in delivering successful, well-crafted buildings.
Dean Davis

Director of Architectural Design

Dean Davis

Director of Architectural Design

It all started with Lincoln Logs. Or maybe it was a good coloring book. Regardless, drawing things, painting things, creating things has always been my passion. And the devil is in the details. The plastic models I was gifted as a child became as real as I could make them, with illuminating headlights or rotating gun batteries. As I got older and visited job sites with my grandfather in Texas a wider world was opened to me. Hearing his stories, his learning the art of building from a German immigrant who ingrained in him that “if it is worth doing, it is worth doing right!” made a lasting impression on me.
At Dwell, we all feel that “it is worth doing right”. No two projects are the same because no two places, no two clients, no two challenges are the same. We feel that every project should be as unique as its own circumstance. Your project will be YOUR project because that’s doing it right. Let’s take this journey together.
Cerrie Gammons

Director of Interior Design

Cerrie Gammons

Director of Interior Design

I have effortlessly woven my passion for high-style design, unique spaces, and textures into the fabric of my career. With an extensive background spanning Multi-Family, Senior Living, Workplace, Hospitality, and Residential projects, I have mastered the art of transforming spaces into vibrant, functional works of art. From the get-go, I knew my destiny lay in the realm of interior design. My journey has been a testament to my unwavering dedication to creating visually stunning environments. Side note, as a child I would tell people, "I'm going to be the Secretary of the Interior". Of course, I thought that position meant designing the White House and taking care of Historic Homes. Beyond the realm of blueprints and fabric swatches, I find joy in the spontaneous rhythm of life. My hobbies range from exploring new destinations near and far, to immersing myself in the world of art, live music and even adrenaline-pumping hockey. (Go Preds!) Amidst the whirlwind of my creative pursuits, I anchor myself firmly in the love and support of my family. Life's most beautiful designs are those crafted with the threads of familial bonds and love.
Terry Dopp

Director of Construction Administration

Terry Dopp

Director of Construction Administration

Hailing from a unique background my mother was a professional clown and my father is a Marine (ret.)! Seriously, my mother was a professional clown performing in parades, birthday parties even an occasional circus! My father is a proud Marine and served in Vietnam, a true hero if I’ve ever known one. I was taught to have fun and be disciplined at the same time. Like our culture here at Dwell it’s easy to perform at high levels (disciplined) and when needed to enjoy life (fun).
I started my construction journey as an estimator, after the President of the company had to wake me up from pure boredom, they moved me to the field where I stayed for nearly ten years as Superintendent. Needing a change, I moved south to Atlanta where my illustrious career as a Construction Administrator began. During the recession I did a stint as an EMT-I waiting for the moment I could get back where I belonged – CONSTRUCTION!
In my spare time, I coach 10u softball, grill out whenever I can, go camping with my beautiful wife and four kids and travel. To say I’m blessed is an understatement 😊
Paul Allen

Director of Quality

Paul Allen

Director of Quality

Growing up in South Carolina, my Dad taught me the value of laughter and how to build relationships. My Mom gave me a love of drawing, which led me to Clemson and a degree in Architecture.
My career includes many project types including retail and medical. Since 2000, my focus has been Multi-family and Senior Housing using construction types such as wood, steel, and concrete.
I have a loving wife, four children, and a dog. We value being active in our church and staying grounded in our faith.
FUN FACTS:
- I love vanilla ice cream sprinkled with balsamic vinegar.
- Not long after being married, I left my wife stranded at an Italian train station.
- At 6, I left a runaway note on dad’s pillow and then forgot to run away.
Amber Einarsson

Head of Concept Planning

Amber Einarsson

Head of Concept Planning

Like many other high schoolers, I had no idea what I wanted to do when I grew up. When it came time to apply for college, I lamented “What should I do? I have no idea what I want!”. One perceptive aunt advised me to consider Architecture, and that’s exactly what I did. In hindsight, it should have been obvious.

Fast forwarding, I now have an M. Arch degree from GA Tech and 15 years of experience under my belt. I enjoy technical challenges and problem solving, but my superpower is in communication. I like to keep an open, flexible mindset through the design process and value feedback from all team members. I have worked on a diverse set of project types, but wood-framed multifamily is the bread and butter of my career.

When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and fur-family along with hiking, making things, and renovating our house.
Chad Askew

Managing Principal, CLT

Chad Askew

Managing Principal, CLT

I've wanted to be an architect for as long as I can remember. Turning a lifelong love of drawing into a career has truly been a dream. Nearly 30 years in, it's more fun and rewarding than ever. I’m passionate about building strong relationships, understanding client goals, and delivering clear, timely communication. Architecture is about solving problems together, supporting each other, and creating spaces that connect people.
I'm a proud Clemson and Virginia Tech grad who loves traveling, hiking, daily runs, and all things science fiction and pop culture. I'm also an avid reader and big sports fan, especially of Liverpool FC. Most of all, I’m proud of my amazing wife, two daughters, and our lovable dogs. I can’t wait to meet you and start this journey together!
Don Foor

Regional Director, DC

Don Foor

Regional Director, DC

My dream of playing professional baseball faded into non-existence halfway through college, so I figured I should focus on my professional career. A graduate of The Catholic University of America (not to forget with a minor in Theology and Religious Studies that has proved ever so useful….) I have settled down in the DC area to build my family and help grow this kick-ass family of Dwell. Meticulous by nature, I bring careful attention to detail that has helped shape my architecture career, diligently focused on all things from design, cost, code, and construction. I find myself bringing this diligence through to my personal life, constantly developing new skill sets such as juggling, darts, weight lifting, and bowling, plus I equally enjoy Heavy Metal and Kenny Rogers.
Shawn Glerum

Regional Director, RVA

Shawn Glerum

Regional Director, RVA

Architecture is ever-changing for me.

From the moment my 1st Grade teacher casually mentioned, “Hey, you’d make a great Architect”, to hand-drafting in mechanical drawing class in Italy, to attending the first all-digital technical drawing class in Virginia, to my first university project at Virginia Tech where we were told to “make the space in your hand”, and now, 26 years after graduating, working on complex, mixed-use, high-density projects that are as diverse in aesthetics as they are in geography, I never knew what to expect next but was always open to learning and pursuing new techniques, ideas and processes to solve increasingly more intricate projects.

Architecture has always been about the journey. The journey is what keeps it exciting.
Steve Jones

Managing Principal, SLC

Steve Jones

Managing Principal, SLC

Maybe it’s my engineering background, but I love a good spreadsheet almost as much as I love sketching ideas on trace paper. Growing up between Germany and Alabama, I soaked up a blend of precision engineering and southern charm. After a career in engineering, I pursued my lifelong passion for architecture in Seattle by attending grad school at the University of Washington (Go Huskies!). For the next 15 years, I designed midrise and high-rise multifamily and hospitality projects in a booming urban environment, until the allure of Salt Lake City's sunny mountains drew me away from Seattle's rain.

When I'm not being an architect, you'll find me avoiding yardwork by running marathons, tearing up trails with my running group, or mountain biking with my kids all over Utah’s mountains.
Russell Moffett

Regional Director, DAL

Russell Moffett

Regional Director, DAL

If you're looking for who to trust with your biggest dream, why not start with someone that is living theirs? I made the decision to be an architect when I was 4 years old. What kid doesn’t love to destroy something and rebuild it into something better? In grade school I even built a “smurf” house complete with electrical and plumbing--it may not have been up to code, but it worked and it was cool!

My most favorite thing about this whole journey is meeting and working with amazing clients to make their ideas functional and inspirational. It’s so cool to walk onto a job site and see the ideas once scribbled on paper live in 3D form. Architecture is more than a career for me. It’s my life’s work. Let’s talk about how Dwell can make your project a reality!
Brian Till

Regional Director, DAL

Brian Till

Regional Director, DAL

It started for me in a junior high independent study when it was suggested that I design a house. I was hooked; creating spaces, developing a design. I still think we are incredibly lucky as Architects to have a tangible, finished product as the fruits of our labors.

After leaving Kansas State University, I took my talents to Dallas, where I’ve been fortunate to work on some great hotel and multifamily projects, always focusing on placemaking inside and the exterior spaces in between.

In my own time, I enjoy family, making and searching for BBQ, sports, and music (thank or blame me for dwell Dallas conference rooms being named “Willie” and “Waylon”).
Mark Valentino

Managing Principal, ORL

Mark Valentino

Managing Principal, ORL

With over two decades of experience in the architectural industry Mark brings a deep and well-rounded perspective to every project. His background includes extensive work in multifamily, mixed-use, and student housing developments, all of which have shaped his versatile and solutions-driven approach.

Throughout his career, Mark has taken on nearly every role within an architectural firm from drafting and design to managing complex, fast paced projects through construction administration. This comprehensive experience fuels his passion for clarity, quality, and delivering tailored solutions that meet both client goals and project demands.

Licensed and detail-oriented, Mark places a high priority on client satisfaction and leads with a steady, thoughtful hand from concept through completion.
Ofra Gelman

Regional Director, DC

Ofra Gelman

Regional Director, DC

My very first project coming out of UCLA, was the Bellagio Hotel in Las Vegas, with over 3,000 Keys, 6 Villas, and a BOH the size of a small town. The project took 3 years to design, had no budget, and the final cost was $1.6 B!
I then managed the design and construction of the Mirage Conference Center. Again, no budget, no deadline.
As I eventually joined the real world of architecture, I had a huge wakeup call. Working for various Developers on Hotels and Mixed-use projects, I found out that projects had Budgets! and Deadlines! and I finally learned the meaning of VE. Though I am excited to dive headfirst into any hospitality project that comes my way, I am eagerly waiting for the one project that would top my first.
Meredith Bowen

Principal, Retail

Meredith Bowen

Principal, Retail

A child of the 80’s, Meredith’s desire to build, influence, & transform spaces started with her Barbie Dream House plan and grew as she repeatedly commandeered her brothers’ Ghostbuster’s headquarters for “renovations” and designed countless Lego villages for He-Man & She-ra (the original “dynamic duo”) to destroy. After a brief stint in landscape architecture, she found her niche as an architect – leading teams on multifaceted retail & mixed-use projects, problem-solving on challenging renovation jobs and enthusiastically organizing everything that crosses her path. Seriously, who doesn’t appreciate a killer color-coded diagram?? When she’s not working, you can find her tackling home improvement projects, out & about in the beautiful (though truly unpredictable) Georgia weather with her family, or burying her nose in a good book.
Ryn Burns

Principal

Ryn Burns

Principal

If it’s all downhill from here, grab a board!
In addition to being an architect, Ryn Burns is a grownup with a bunch of hobbies. He travels with a skateboard, makes hiphop, builds treehouses, practices yoga, meditates, teaches, works on cultural preservation with the Sapara Nation, volunteers at The Well a DC urban farm, sits on the board of Black Land Ownership, and travels whenever the winds are right. He also spends significant time dadding and making dad jokes and wot wot. He is passionate about housing, design, reuse, and sustainable/nurturing projects that build and reinforce vibrant healthy communities. Let’s ride!
Ashvini Dinoy

Principal

Ashvini Dinoy

Principal

Ashvini believes the key to growth is to push yourself into situations that are beyond your comfort zone. She thoroughly enjoys challenges and has worked in 6 cities over the span of 17 years on all kinds of architectural projects. Specializing in mixed-use residential & high-rise projects, she loves seeing the pieces of the puzzle come together to create something spectacular. When not on the drawing board, she spends a lot of her time working on streamlining the design process, mentoring, talking about EDI, and championing various sustainability and wellness efforts at the office.

At her leisure, you can find her traveling, painting, or gardening in her own vegetable patch that has about 11 varieties of peppers!
Julie Filges

Principal

Julie Filges

Principal

As a second career, my mother and father were both real estate agents and as a third career, my father was a home builder. It’s totally normal for teenage girls to attend open houses on weekends and pick up nails on job sites…right? When asked to select a profession for a high school mentorship I thought, maybe I’ll give Architecture a whirl. A local Architect volunteered his time, and I was hooked. That’s one of the many reasons mentoring young architects is important to me.

I love the process of learning about a client and their vision and collaborating with a team to extract concrete results. In addition to “Chief” and “Captain”, another one of my nicknames is “Can-do Julie”.

My seven grandchildren keep me busy when I’m not working - I start Christmas shopping in January. I also enjoy cooking, wine tasting, and traveling as well as hiking and kayaking with my husband. I just joined a boxing gym…wish me luck!
Dan Martinez

Principal, Design

Dan Martinez

Principal, Design

As far back as I can remember, I have always had a strong appetite for creative design and ingenuity. Growing up, I would watch my dad so effortlessly produce architectural documents by hand with nothing but a pencil, triangle, T-square and let us not forget the MVP of all drafting tools, the "Electric Eraser". Fast forward a decade and the opportunities and relationships as a small high-end custom firm owner were real and flourishing. What now seems like a brief moment in time was a 20-year long journey in the high-end custom single-family design world, full of rewarding experiences, high-profile clients, and magazine features. A clientele base with not only extreme passionate vision but also remarkably fastidious to the slightest detail. As Associate Principal and Senior Designer at Dwell, it is these types of experiences that shape my approach to each and every project.
Emer O'Donovan

Principal

Emer O'Donovan

Principal

After extensive academic pursuits in both the Windy City and Beantown, I've become a certified space creator extraordinaire! When I'm not busy crafting architectural wonders, you can catch me trekking through nature, indulging in a well-deserved cup of tea, or passionately cheering on swimmers at local meets. My down-to-earth approach to life and work is just a fancy way of saying I prefer simplicity, except when it comes to my tea blends – those are complex and necessary for my creative process.
Jose A. Perez

Principal

Jose A. Perez

Principal

Reaching for perfection in quality, efficiency and accuracy is the goal in every task I do. I believe in spending that extra minute, that extra hour, and taking the necessary steps to make sure the work gets done properly and to the satisfaction of our clients as well as the future and intended users of the spaces I design and create. High-rises, mid-rises, and complex mixed-use developments are the projects where I will devote my expertise daily. Learning and understanding new technologies, materials, and building systems are also my passion. It allows me to provide an additional level of service and perspective to my clients. You will find me every day, not only interacting face to face with my clients and addressing their requests, but also keeping the design process and overall project on schedule, looking with a magnifying glass at cost-efficient details and developing quality design and solutions to challenges.
Josh Sacks

Principal

Josh Sacks

Principal

A business school education combined with a lifelong passion for modern design translates to a super adept problem-solver with a taste for bold urban design interventions. Relentless in my pursuit of creating transformative and contextual designs, the past 17 years of work has brought me to incredible locations domestically and internationally collaborating with fantastic clients and teams along the way.

Battle-tested through many Chicago winters, this new Atlanta transplant looks forward to maximizing my time outdoors and upping my barbecue game. I’m also an avid DIYer who never turns down a good house project – just ask my wife and 3 kids (just don’t ask how long it’ll take).
Chris Van Kley

Principal

Chris Van Kley

Principal

Unlike many of my peers, I can’t say that from an early age, I knew that Architecture was for me. Growing up I was convinced I'd become a veterinarian. It took my freshman year of college (go Clemson!) to really open my eyes to the incredible field that is Architecture. Looking back on over 15 years of practice, I’ve been fortunate to work on a diverse range of multifamily, student, mixed-use, and senior housing projects….so I’d like to think I made the right choice. However, I still dabble in combining my passions: high-design dog houses.

I have always loved the collaborative nature of Architecture. I’ve found that the most rewarding projects are a result of giving form to the many perspectives, voices, and expertise of everyone involved. Allowing the entire team to share in and take ownership of the outcome.

Outside the office I enjoy spending time with my family, cooking, traveling, sports, and just about any outdoor activity (so long as it isn’t during the oppressive Atlanta summer).
Pierangelí Simonpietri

Principal

Pierangelí Simonpietri

Principal

Meet Pierangelí [Pierre-Anne-Jelee]: A strong, determined Puerto Rican who loves all things Harry Potter and anything in the color pink.

Shortly after graduating college in 2011, she was given the opportunity to relocate outside the 100 x 35 mile island she called home. Pierangelí decided to make the jump to the mainland in pursuit of making her dreams a reality. She traveled to a magical City in the Forest (ATL) and nine years later, she has built an incredible career and designed a life she loves. Her passion is clearly reflected in the work she does. Just ask her colleagues…

Let’s just say that this quote from Harry Potter describes her well...

"Actually, I'm highly logical, which allows me to look past extraneous detail and perceive clearly that which others overlook." – Hermione Granger
Sean Walsh

Principal, Business Development

Sean Walsh

Principal, Business Development

I’ve always believed that life is essentially a series of problems waiting to be solved. In architecture, those solutions become the places where people live, work, and connect.
I knew from a young age that I wanted a career defined by tangible results. After beginning my architectural journey in Ireland, I moved to the United States for what was intended to be a brief chapter. Twenty-five years later, I am proud to call Fort Lauderdale home and even prouder to have had a hand in shaping the skyline I see every morning.
With over two decades of experience, I specialize in navigating the high-stakes complexities of Hospitality, Luxury Condominiums, Mixed-Use, and High-Density Multifamily developments. My approach is comprehensive; I’ve steered projects from the first schematic sketches through to final completion, ensuring the original vision is never lost in the blueprints.
I take great pride in having personally designed an extensive portfolio of buildings that prove functional complexity and inspirational design aren't mutually exclusive. I am passionate about building the relationships and strategies that turn ambitious ideas into beautiful realities, and I look forward to the new challenges ahead as I continue to navigate my architectural career.
Safoua Alaoui

Associate Principal

Safoua Alaoui

Associate Principal

With over 20 years of architectural and project leadership experience, Safoua blends global expertise with a deep-rooted passion for design. Inspired from an early age by the rich textures and intricate geometry of Moroccan architecture, she centered her thesis on bridging traditional artistry with contemporary innovation—a philosophy that continues to inform her work today.
Safoua has successfully led complex projects across the U.S. and North Africa, founded her own design consultancy, and built a reputation for delivering creative solutions with precision and care. At Dwell Design Studio, she leads with vision, collaboration, and a tireless commitment to transforming bold ideas into exceptional spaces.
Jennifer Brown

Associate Principal

Jennifer Brown

Associate Principal

Jennifer designs spaces that put the user experience first, blending form and function into environments that are thoughtful, elegant, and practical. She thrives on momentum, finding smart solutions that keep projects — and teams — moving. Her energy is contagious, her puns are questionable, and her approach inspires everyone around her.
Raised in Maine, where wide-open landscapes spark curiosity, Jennifer learned to explore, adapt, and embrace adventure — qualities that now shape both her designs and her travels. She creates spaces that balance beauty with purpose, always thinking about how people truly live, move, and connect. Off the clock, she’s outdoors, laughing with friends, or chasing her next adventure.
Dakota Clifford

Associate Principal

Dakota Clifford

Associate Principal

Raised in Pittsburgh, Dakota has always had a passion for all things design. She earned her Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from the Art Institute of Pittsburgh and went on to complete her Master of Architecture at the University of Florida. Inspired by the connection between interiors, architecture, and graphic design, she thrives on blending disciplines to create meaningful, memorable spaces. Now based in Orlando, Dakota spends most of her free time at Disney with her family—and yes, you really can see the fireworks from her house every night. Jealous?
Breck Hamm

Associate Principal, Design

Breck Hamm

Associate Principal, Design

Don't let the cowboy boots and overuse of the word "yall" fool you... Breck will get the job done. Growing up in a small west Texas town as the proud son of a cotton farmer, he was taught at an early age the value of hard day’s work. He also learned that hoeing weeds all day in the summer sun will lead one to pursue a career in an air conditioned office.

Along with his love of design and space planning, Breck’s favorite part of Architecture is building relationships with teams of clients, engineers, consultants and GCs; who are all working towards a common goal. There is nothing more satisfying than experiencing a finished project with everyone that made it possible.

When he isn’t working, you can find Breck hanging out with his expecting wife and son, planning for their newborn daughter, and building increasingly elaborate Halloween yard displays.
Evan Haslam

Associate Principal

Evan Haslam

Associate Principal

I love architecture and I love people. The two are inseparable. One influences the other and it makes the process both important and fun. Our firm’s standard is communication, consistency, and quality, and unlike any other firm, we mean it. I strive for excellence in these and expect the same from those I work with. Collaboration is the name of the game, and we play it at the highest level. I love learning from those I interact with and increasing my knowledge in an already complex profession. I love complex problems and trying to solve them. It’s the left side of my brain talking. Give me a challenge and I will do all I can to bring in the right team to solve it because a team is better than me!

The right side of my brain says let’s imagine the impossible and create something magnificent that lasts a lifetime!
Taylor Leighton

Associate Principal

Taylor Leighton

Associate Principal

The draw of architecture was always the blend of art and math, digital and analog, theory and practice. With roots in the sunshine-soaked wilds of Florida, she earned her architectural chops at the University of Florida and the University of Tennessee, combining tropical flair with Appalachian grit. Now based in Richmond, Virginia, Taylor leads teams in designing multifamily communities that blend practicality with personality, creating layouts that solve puzzles you didn’t even know you had. Her superpower? Virtual coordination and 3D modeling so precise you’d swear the buildings are already alive. She’s the backstage magician of design, making sure what’s imagined can actually be built, and built beautifully.

Off the clock, Taylor is a puzzle-loving bookworm with a passport full of scribbles, a paintbrush in her backpack, and a cat named Corbu who thinks he’s her design critic. Whether she’s cracking structural riddles or sketching rooftop gardens, Taylor designs spaces that feel like stories waiting to be lived.
Noel Mariano

Associate Principal

Noel Mariano

Associate Principal

During grade school days, Noel dreamed of being an Engineer but for some reason, he decided to pursue Architecture and ended up loving it. After graduating and getting licensed in the Philippines, he decided to venture into other countries. First stop, Saudi Arabia. Working in a foreign country was exciting so after a couple of years, he moved to Singapore. When the recession came to Asia, he moved to New York City where he worked in a firm doing office renovations in NYSE, World Trade Center, and Rockefeller Buildings. In 2005, he decided to move to Atlanta and that's where he put down his roots. At first, he worked in a hospitality firm and then moved to a firm doing Multifamily projects. All this international experience in multiple types of architecture constantly influence and inspire his work at Dwell as a team leader.
Reilly Rabitaille

Associate Principal, Design

Reilly Rabitaille

Associate Principal, Design

I’ve wanted to be an architect since I was about seven—because apparently Legos weren’t a phase. My dad and grandfather were both contractors, so building things is kind of the family business. After endless summer days working for my dad’s construction company, I went off to earn my bachelor’s degree from the University of Florida and a master’s from MIT, just to make sure I had the paperwork to back up my childhood obsession.
Most of my architectural experience is in multifamily housing, including ten years wrangling high-rises in New York City. When I’m not architecting, I’m normally doing something architect-adjacent, whether that is teaching architecture at the University of Central Florida, designing theater sets (because reality sometimes needs more drama), or endlessly renovating my 1950s fixer-upper.
I’ve always believed architecture isn’t just about designing buildings—it’s about shaping the background of people’s lives. From milestone moments to mundane mornings, almost everything we do happens in the built environment. That’s both humbling and kind of terrifying—but mostly humbling.
Sharu Rajgiri

Associate Principal

Sharu Rajgiri

Associate Principal

From a very early age, watching seasoned craftsmen at their trade simply fascinated me. Assisting my parents with the construction of our family home enticed me to pursue architecture. While at school, I realized and understood the vernacular thought process my parents had put into their home. This has since become my “mantra”. To me, a finely crafted object is most elegant when it is derived using the most simple and basic engineering solution.

After my graduate studies in Urban Planning, my wife and I decided to move to the warmer south, away from the snowy northeast. I have worked on projects ranging from retail shopping centers, big-box, institutional, and religious, to governmental buildings. Dwell Design Studio’s association has brought me back a full circle to dwelling units which got me into architecture in the first place.

In my downtime, I'm usually watching a silly sappy movie with a wine glass in my hand. If really motivated, I fix my own cars and motorcycles, but end up with a few extra parts that do not seem to belong anywhere.
TJ Reed

Associate Principal, Design

TJ Reed

Associate Principal, Design

When I was in the fourth grade, I decided I wanted to be either an architect or James Bond. I’m still waiting on that call from MI6, but in the meantime, architecture has turned out to be a pretty great backup plan. Today, I specialize in multifamily, mixed-use, secret volcano lair, and retail design, but what drives me most is creating places, not just buildings. I know the term “placemaking” gets thrown around a lot, but I genuinely believe it’s at the heart of building stronger, more connected communities.

My philosophy is simple: beautiful buildings are inherently sustainable; they outlive their original purpose, adapt to new uses, and remain woven into the fabric of the city. And if you create meaningful spaces within and around those buildings, you’ve built a community. I’m grateful to spend every day helping shape bolder, more beautiful places to live. I might’ve traded the tuxedo for a hard hat, but it still feels like saving the world.
Jeremy Toberman

Associate Principal

Jeremy Toberman

Associate Principal

I’ve always had a passion for learning and creativity and like a lot of people starting University, I had a few ideas of what profession I wanted to pursue. By the end of that first semester, I’d narrowed it down to Architecture or International Business. I always had an interest in Architecture and who doesn’t have an interest in traveling the world and making lots of money, am I right?

That first summer I randomly met a Grad student from Australia and I told him I’d narrowed down my major and he said: “My undergrad was in Intl. business and I’m now in architecture, go with architecture, mate!” He gave me a tour of the Arch. College and I was hooked.

I’ve spent the last 17 years creating beautiful Multi-family projects, collaborating with many great people, and still listening. My amazing wife and I spend our free time with our young children; enjoying seeing the world through their eyes with all their creativity, passion for new experiences, and wonderment.

Wherever you are today homie, I have to say, Thanks mate!