Dwell Design Studio Dwell Design Studio
dwell dwell dwell design studio

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

    I started Dwell to make a difference and honestly because I can’t work for your typical employer in this industry. My expectations are higher. I don’t want to just be a rockstar, I want to be a rock god. I want us to stand out amongst the best by providing a level of consistency, quality, and communication that crushes the competition and leaves you wanting to work with our team over and over again.

    I am a collaborator. I love working and learning alongside so many great professionals. From branding and marketing to management and development, we make sure we are bringing you something unique and experiential each and every time.

    I look forward to kicking ass, crushing your goals, and sharing my passion for creating experiential communities with your team. As I said, we are rock gods. All other architects' amps go to 10, ours go to 11. Time to turn up the volume!

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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.


  • Emily Norton

    Principal, Director of Operations

    Emily Norton

    Principal, Director of Operations

    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.

  • Steve Moriak

    Managing Principal

    Steve Moriak

    Managing Principal

    I can still remember on my very first job, as a naive sixteen-year-old, I told my boss, “I can design this house better than you.” This competitive drive and entrepreneurial spirit continues to nurture my spirit today. As the founding member of the DC office, I take great pride instilling the drive for perfection and the nurturing of client relationships that have been the fundamental building blocks of my career. The opportunity has taught respect and humility for clients as they build and finance their dreams. I have always been a huge sports fan and my real passion is playing baseball, but I also love to golf, fish, and watch football.

  • Ryan Miller

    Principal, Director of Retail

    Ryan Miller

    Principal, 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

    Principal, Director of Planning

    Venky Babu

    Principal, Director of Planning

    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’.

  • Dean Davis

    Principal, Director of Design

    Dean Davis

    Principal, Director of 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.

  • Ian Hunter

    Regional Director, ATL

    Ian Hunter

    Regional Director, ATL

    No boring projects!

    I am honored to lead our talented ATL squad of designers and architects. Originally from Houston, Texas (boots, buckle, and all), I am now a committed ATLien. I love traveling the world, motorcycles, camping, wine, piano, art, cars, harp, SCUBA, and (most importantly) food.

    I work alongside our team to cultivate a rock-solid foundation of people, tools, and resources. Exciting and engaging development and design processes result in “WOW!” buildings – that’s why we’re all here.

    We create beautiful designs, high-quality drawings, and inclusive places, all while having fun every step of the way. I’m here for our team to make sure that comes easy. Let’s adventure together!

  • Aaron Moody

    Regional Director, CLT

    Aaron Moody

    Regional Director, CLT

    During my career, I’ve been fortunate enough to work on various project types across multiple disciplines worldwide. That breadth of experience has reinforced how much I love the practice of Architecture. It's an immensely intricate puzzle that’s only solved when a well-qualified, eagerly collaborative team works together with the understanding that we succeed or fail together. And believe me, I love a good puzzle as much as I hate to fail.

    Density studies, design charettes, code research, detailing, and ultimately the constructed end product; they are all an integral part of why I love what I do. The immense depth of this profession feeds my relentless curiosity.

    When I’m not working hard on kick-ass projects I’m planning my next adventure around the globe or cooking up a delicious meal that takes me back to the last adventure.

  • 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.

  • 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.

  • 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”).

  • 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!

  • Evan Bourff

    Regional Director, ORL

    Evan Bourff

    Regional Director, ORL

    Evan Bourff is a principal and chief facilitator of the Orlando office. Badass Team? Ready to rock and roll. Snacks? Stocked. Caffeine? Your cup shall runneth over.

    You can usually find Evan dabbling in various parts of the design at one time because that’s what Evan does. Approaching design solutions both big and small to deliver thoughtful projects at every scale. But what gets Evan up in the morning you ask?... Providing the perfect work atmosphere that is the catalyst for collaboration, learning, and success.

    But the pursuit of perfection doesn’t stop at the office. Evan loves to golf and chase the dream of the perfect swing. So, if you ever need a business development meeting on the course, Evan can facilitate that too.

  • 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.

  • Matt Graf

    Principal, Director of IT

    Matt Graf

    Principal, 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.

  • 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!"

  • Terry Dopp

    Principal, CA Director

    Terry Dopp

    Principal, CA Director

    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 😊

  • Sarah Gregory

    Principal, Senior Housing

    Sarah Gregory

    Principal, Senior Housing

    Grandparents are my jam.

    I am a Razorback, from the University of Arkansas, they’ve even cast my name in the concrete - I checked. I moved to the east coast not long after getting my license and quickly found my niche in the rhythm of multifamily architecture. When I met Senior Housing, I knew I was home. I create resort-like communities for my favorite people. Seasoned humans understand that if it’s worth doing, it’s worth the effort to do it right and that you can always use a cookie. My people.

    I love every minute of practicing architecture and bringing dreams into reality. I believe the design and building process can be enjoyable for all – you just need the right team. If you are looking for someone to call the hogs or watch the Five Stripes, I am always available, just don’t say I didn’t warn you. I will not promise to act my age, but we can stop for cookies.

  • Imran Kifayat

    Senior Principal, Multi-Family

    Imran Kifayat

    Senior Principal, Multi-Family

    I’ve always seen design as the perfect marriage of art and science. It's fascinating when they're mixed together in the right proportions. Like a Series I E-Type, brilliantly engineered with stunning good looks.

    That's what I'm constantly chasing in architecture and the reason I love the work I do. It's about searching for the perfect balance and finding it. Technical precision through thoughtful, creative planning. I want to help create it in the communities and spaces we design, and I want people to experience and enjoy it. It’s really pretty simple.

  • David Vaughan

    Principal, Multi-Family

    David Vaughan

    Principal, Multi-Family

    Call me Vaughan. Some years ago—never mind how long precisely—having little or no money in my purse, and nothing particular to interest me on shore, I thought I would sail about a little and see the watery part of the world. It is a way I have of driving off the spleen and regulating circulation. Whenever I find myself growing grim about the mouth; whenever it is a damp, drizzly November in my soul; whenever I find myself involuntarily pausing before coffin warehouses, and bringing up the rear of every funeral I meet; and especially whenever my hypos get such an upper hand of me, that it requires a strong moral principle to prevent me from deliberately stepping into the street, and methodically knocking people’s hats off—then, I account it high time to get to sea as soon as I can. There is nothing surprising in this. If they but knew it, almost all men in their degree, some time or other, cherish very nearly the same feelings towards the ocean with me.

  • 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.

  • Sherry Sadai

    Principal

    Sherry Sadai

    Principal

    With over 20 years of experience in high-density residential architecture, coincidentally combined with over 20 years of life in the DMV (that’s the DC-MD-VA region for you out-of-towners), Sherry joyfully calls the DMV her home.

    She has significant experience particularly in large scale multifamily/mixed-use and student housing. The intricacies and complexities of combining cool places to live with cool things to do are what makes the practice of architecture exciting for her. She is embedded in her projects and derives great satisfaction in exceeding her client’s expectations.

    Sherry received her Architectural degree from the University of Texas at Austin (Hook ‘em Horns!) and is licensed in VA. Outside of work, she loves being active in her church, catering weddings, and riding death-defying rollercoasters.

  • Paul Allen

    Principal

    Paul Allen

    Principal

    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.

  • Chip Baker

    Principal

    Chip Baker

    Principal

    My passion for architecture started as a child in my father’s workshop, where I watched him build clocks and fine furniture with the utmost precision and care. It’s these principles, along with a vision to see the big picture, that he passed along to me…Just do it right the first time.

    During college, I realized his early lessons and sought to combine them with my love of skiing and the great outdoors. For me, Design is about enhancing the natural flow with our environment. It’s being in the Zone, like navigating moguls or running the fall line, it’s the rush from dream to reality that keeps me going!

  • Greg Watford

    Principal, Student Housing

    Greg Watford

    Principal, Student Housing

    My journey in Architecture began as a young lad in a small town in South Carolina. I had a big interest in building things, a small talent for drawing and the ability to solve complex problems, IE Rubiks Cubes. I also thought that it was a good way to become rich and famous… Ok, so I was wrong about that part. Anyway, growing up, I practiced drawing constantly: I drew in my textbooks, on furniture and on the walls of our house. Despite my many “successful” drawings, my parents encouraged me to pursue my dream of becoming an Architect. I later attended Clemson University where I learned how to chug a beer… oh and Architecture. Lots of Architecture. For the last nearly 20 years, I have continued to draw and pursue my passion for building things with reckless abandon. In my spare time, I like getting into mischief with my two boys and hanging out with my (very patient) wife.

  • 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.

  • Brian Lucas

    Principal

    Brian Lucas

    Principal

    “Diverse”. The one word that describes my experience as an architect. After graduating from the Syracuse University School of Architecture I lived in New York, Boston, Orlando, Los Angeles, and Orlando (again). My projects span the United States and South America and include a range of building types including hospitality, multi-family residential, single-family residential, structured parking, retail, performing arts centers, university buildings, and K-12 schools. I am forever in the relentless pursuit of the perfect set of construction documents and enjoy leading teams that deliver great architecture that exceeds expectations. Paramount is family time, traveling, finding the next great restaurant, and cheering on my son’s lacrosse team.

  • Anna Abreu

    Principal

    Anna Abreu

    Principal

    Having been raised by two very inspirational parents with artistic and legal minds, Architecture felt like a natural path to pursue. My world travels through Asia, Europe, and diverse cities within the US helped broaden my scope and knowledge of not only architectural styles, but of the building processes within each culture. I am fortunate to have been shaped by my history and the many roles I have worked in. Winston Churchill said it best, "we shape our buildings, thereafter they shape us". With continuing education as my backbone, I enjoy guiding architectural apprentices within my current and future paths.

  • 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.

  • Amber Einarsson

    Associate Principal

    Amber Einarsson

    Associate Principal

    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.

  • Joe Reboulet

    Associate Principal, CA

    Joe Reboulet

    Associate Principal, CA

    Construction has been my passion from a very young age. Demolition and renovation of the family home(s) taught me to appreciate a job well done. Dad handed me a sledgehammer and said ‘knock down that kitchen wall.’ It was love at first sight! Working as a framer, roofer, concrete tester and siding installer throughout high school and university earned me firsthand knowledge of the basics of the trade. Working in the Caribbean for 18 years, I learned the basic ‘construction Spanish’ needed to survive in today’s world of construction sites (it's nothing like the Spanish taught in school!). Working in Afghanistan for two years planning for US and ISAF forces taught me I never want to go back to Afghanistan.

    Although I have performed all the functions of a registered Architect, I have always excelled in the Construction Administration portion of the work. It is where the intent of the documents is realized. The Owner’s expectations are transitioned from 2D drawings into 3D reality. No phase of the Architectural process is more exciting than this one for me.

  • Dan Martinez

    Associate Principal

    Dan Martinez

    Associate Principal

    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.

  • Breck Hamm

    Associate Principal

    Breck Hamm

    Associate Principal

    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.

  • Pierangelí Simonpietri

    Associate Principal

    Pierangelí Simonpietri

    Associate 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

  • Max Lee

    Associate Principal

    Max Lee

    Associate Principal

    I still remember the moment I dreamt of becoming an architect. I had an assignment back in 6th grade telling us to create an essay about what we wanted to do in the future. Many kids probably wrote that they wanted to be an athlete or that they wanted to be a superhero, but at that moment, the only thing that I could write about was becoming an architect and building a home for me and my future family. I’m not 100% sure but I think that dream did come true.

    Over the last 15 years of my career, I’ve come to realize that each project is unique and that there aren’t any easy tasks. I have made lots of mistakes, but I never regret doing what I do because I am continuously following my dream.

    Happy. This is the most important word in my life. That is what I am working to achieve here in Dwell.

  • Ashvini Dinoy

    Associate Principal

    Ashvini Dinoy

    Associate 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!

  • 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!

  • Danielle Kennington

    Associate Principal

    Danielle Kennington

    Associate Principal

    As a kid, I spent most of my childhood investigating every art and craft I could get my hands on. I spent my Saturday mornings sitting 2’ away from the TV watching This Old House and Bob Vila!

    As an adult, that same nature to investigate has turned into a love of the dynamic problem-solving and coordination aspects of Architecture and Construction. I love that I constantly get to learn something new from the team members around me including fellow Architects, Clients, Engineers/Consultants, and Contractors in the common pursuit of a successful project.

    When I’m not working, I enjoy spending time with my husband and furkids. Most of the time channeling my inner Bob (sans the luxurious beard) while doing DIY projects around the house with my husband or grooming the perfect plant collection for our (sub)Urban Jungalow. And of course all the art and crafty things still!

  • 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.

  • Julie Filges

    Associate Principal

    Julie Filges

    Associate 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!

  • Bo Jayatilake

    Associate Principal

    Bo Jayatilake

    Associate Principal

    During my early childhood, my passion for architecture was ignited when I published two innovative children's books that envisioned futuristic living spaces, including underwater habitats and off-world colonies. These books marked the beginning of my illustrious career in architecture.

    Born and raised in South Asia, I was expected to follow my parents' guidance and pursue a career in medicine. However, despite obtaining the necessary qualifications to enroll in medical school, I chose my early childhood dream of pursuing architecture.

    Throughout my career what brings me the most satisfaction is seeing the joy on my clients' faces as they walk through the spaces I've designed, as well as the excitement on the faces of the people I mentor as they learn and grow under my guidance.

  • Lucinda Roberts

    Associate Principal, Interior Design

    Lucinda Roberts

    Associate Principal, Interior Design

    Meet Lucinda, a designer from the Marvelous City of Rio de Janeiro. With over a decade of interior design experience in the US, she focuses her energy on the multifamily world and would rather cut back on square footage than skimp on style. She is passionate about art, food, and furniture. When she is not busy collaborating with her team and curating beautiful spaces, Lucinda loves to travel and explore different cultures through their cuisine. Her current favorite? Bobó de camarão from Brazil.

  • 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!