Neil Cahalane, AIA, FRIAI

President

Neil Cahalane, AIA, FRIAI

President

Neil is the President of the firm.

Neil has more than 35 years of architectural design and management experience and has completed some of our most complex building projects. With an expertise in laboratory planning and design, he focuses on science research and teaching facilities for colleges and universities; his projects include new construction and renovations. Neil provides clients with a highly experienced and trustworthy voice throughout the entire course of a project, maintaining the primary point of contact between the client and the design team.

Neil is one of our representatives at and a former chair of The Architects’ Group (TAG), an association of architecture firms in the Boston area that meets regularly to discuss issues of interest across the profession.

Neil’s clients include Harvard University, Simmons College, the Massachusetts Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance, University of New Hampshire, and University of Rhode Island.

Kara Dunne

Managing Principal | Chief Financial Officer

Kara Dunne

Managing Principal | Chief Financial Officer

Kara Dunne oversees the firm’s administrative management, human resources, and financial operations.

Kara applies her extensive experience in building and real estate finance and management to the firm’s financial enterprise and physical office operations. In addition, she insightfully melds the firm’s administrative and human resources endeavors, and thrives on the interaction with project teams in developing work/life balance for our employees.

Kara is an active member of the Society for Human Resource Management. She serves on our Board of Directors and represents the firm at The Architects’ Group (TAG), an association of  architecture firms in the Boston area that meets regularly to discuss issues of policy and interest across the profession in order to elevate A/E/C practice.

James Blount, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

James Blount, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Jim Blount is a senior laboratory programmer and planner specializing in research facilities for academic institutions and life sciences companies.

Jim has dedicated his career to architecture for the sciences. A particular area of his interest and expertise is the exploration and development of innovative sustainable design solutions for research and engineering laboratories. Jim is a member of our Research Practice and Sustainability committees. He is the President of the New England Chapter of the International Institute for Sustainable Laboratories (I2SL). Jim regularly participates as a juror in the R&D Lab of the Year competition, and is a frequent speaker at many national forums addressing laboratory and sustainable design topics.

Jim’s recent clients include SUNY College of Environmental Science and Forestry, University of Kentucky, Northeast Ohio Medical University, University of Minnesota, Rowan University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of New Hampshire, Shire, and EMD Serono.

Charles Cook

Principal | Chief Information Officer

Charles Cook

Principal | Chief Information Officer

Chuck Cook oversees the firm’s strategic planning, management, and implementation of digital and communication resources.

Chuck drives the firm’s forward-thinking, integrated, and robust technology enterprise, optimizing service to clients, affiliates, and staff. He chairs our Practice Technology Committee, through which he enables technology endeavors spearheaded by multi-disciplinary staff.

Chuck inaugurated his practice technology career by winning the Harvard GSD Computer Graphics Prize and the Arris International Design Contest. He is a founder of the Think Tank for Contemporary Digital Application, which examines interdisciplinary computerization issues to evolve best practices. He is active in the National Institute of Building Sciences buildingSMART alliance, AIA TAP (Technology in Architectural Practice) Knowledge Community, ACADIA (Association for Computer Aided Design in Architecture), Boston Society of Architects, AEC/IT Leaders, and the CIO’s Forum.

Peter Herman, AIA

Principal | Creative Director

Peter Herman, AIA

Principal | Creative Director

Peter Herman is a senior designer who focuses on science teaching and research facilities.

He strives to conceive buildings, spaces, and places that stand in harmony with their surroundings while supporting both the basic and transcendent needs of the people who use them. For every design project, Peter explores environmentally sustainable water and energy management strategies; always in conjunction with innovative and compositionally memorable building design.  Peter serves as co-chair of our Design Committee.

Peter’s most recent clients include Michigan State University, Stony Brook University, Cuyahoga Community College, New York State College of Agriculture and Life Sciences at Cornell University, College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science, University of Vermont, EMD Serono, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth,  Framingham State University, and The Warren Alpert Medical School of Brown University.

Michael Lauber, FAIA

Principal

Michael Lauber, FAIA

Principal

Michael Lauber is a senior principal and recent past President of the firm.

As one of our most senior laboratory planners, Michael focuses on teaching facilities for the STEM disciplines and the health sciences. He brings the knowledge of the latest trends in learning and technology to the planning and design of contemporary teaching facilities. Michael is particularly interested in the relationship of pedagogy to lab design, and incorporates the latest thinking about how students learn into the design of teaching labs, classrooms, and student interaction spaces. He is exceptionally skilled in working with diverse constituencies and reaching consensus.

Michael is a frequent presenter at national conferences such as SCUP and Tradeline, where he speaks on issues relating to science and health sciences teaching facilities.

Michael’s most recent clients include Brown University, Michigan State University, Rice University, Rutgers University, Ursinus College, University of Massachusetts Amherst, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, University of Rhode Island, and University of Vermont.

Steve Mahler, AIA, LEED AP

Principal | Sustainability Leader

Steve Mahler, AIA, LEED AP

Principal | Sustainability Leader

Steve Mahler is one of the firm’s most experienced senior project managers and our sustainability leader.

His work encompasses large projects with complex programs, highly accelerated schedules, and a variety of delivery methods. He takes special pride in collaborating strategically with his clients to identify and overcome project challenges along the way to successful completion.

As a dedicated bicycle commuter, Steve brings an unparalleled commitment to sustainability, ensuring our projects are energy efficient, reduce embodied and operational carbon, resilient, and promote occupant well-being. He contributes to the firm’s continuing education and mentoring programs, and has spoken frequently at national conferences including SCUP, Tradeline, and IS2L on topics relating to laboratory design, sustainability, and cost management.

Steve’s most recent clients include the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Rice University, Yale University, Stony Brook University, and New York State College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at Cornell University.

Michael Nipoti, RA

Principal

Michael Nipoti, RA

Principal

Michael Nipoti is a project architect with special expertise in construction administration.

He is one of our senior construction administration managers, having served in that role on many of the firm’s largest and most complex projects. Michael provides technical detailing and construction supervision, and serves as a member of our Production Quality Committee, which improves and ensures the consistency of documents used for construction.

Michael’s clients include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, Syracuse University, Northeast Ohio Medical University, Rowan University, University of Pennsylvania, and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution.

Jeanne Kuespert Roberts, AIA

Principal

Jeanne Kuespert Roberts, AIA

Principal

Jeanne Kuespert Roberts is a Senior Project Manager with extensive experience in managing large, complex projects—particularly for clients with highly specialized programs.  Her detailed, collaborative approach to user-group visioning and space programming, along with a clear and thorough communication style, helps ensure that projects meet client needs and expectations.

As a life-long volunteer and current Permanent Town Building Committee Member for Westford, Massachusetts, Jeanne contributes professional expertise to her community on a variety of local architectural projects, including historic renovations and community spaces.

Jeanne’s clients include Stony Brook University, University of Massachusetts Amherst, Alfred State College of Technology, and North Shore Community College.

Janet Ross, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Janet Ross, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

Janet Ross is a senior laboratory planner, focusing on research facilities for academic institutions and life sciences companies.

She has completed many of the firm’s largest and most complex projects, as well as smaller, highly specialized projects. Janet guides clients through the programming and design process to achieve a facility that accommodates a range of research types with the flexibility to meet future needs.

Janet is a founding member of the Women Principals Group of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), and has served as a member of the BSA Board of Directors. She is a frequent presenter at national conferences such as Tradeline, where she speaks on the latest trends in research facilities.

Janet’s most recent clients include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Yale University, Michigan State University, Van Andel Research Institute, University of New Hampshire, University of Vermont, Smith College, and EMD Serono.

Gregory Berndt, AIA

Associate Principal

Gregory Berndt, AIA

Associate Principal

Gregory Berndt is an Associate Principal with the firm.

Greg is one of our most senior project managers, with more than 30 years of experience in new and renovated construction. His work on highly complex projects focuses on science and engineering facilities for colleges and universities and life sciences institutions. Greg is a highly skilled project manager whose collaborative style is appreciated by clients, consultants, and builders.

Greg’s clients include Stony Brook University, Ursinus College, University of Vermont, EMD Serono, and Broad Institute, and with previous employers, Yale University, WS Development, Tufts University, Rhode Island College, and University of Rhode Island.

Miltos Catomeris

Associate Principal

Miltos Catomeris

Associate Principal

Miltos Catomeris is a senior designer focusing on teaching and research buildings.

Miltos has led the design of many of our largest science and teaching projects. His emphasis is the exploration of the ways modern architecture can fit into and enhance traditionally older college campuses. Many of these projects have resulted in buildings carefully tailored to fit specific campus sites while still expressing contemporary sensibilities.

Miltos has participated in design studios at Columbia University and taught elective courses at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.

Miltos’s clients include EMD Serono, Harvard University, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Loyola University Stritch School of Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia, University of Maryland Baltimore, and University of Kentucky.

Catherine Hunt

Associate Principal | Director of Marketing

Catherine Hunt

Associate Principal | Director of Marketing

Catherine Hunt is our Director of Marketing.

Catherine works closely with the principals in developing strategies for all aspects of the firm’s outreach. In that role, she is responsible for the implementation of the firm’s business development, marketing, and public relations initiatives. She ensures rigor and attention-to- detail across these endeavors.

Catherine is an active member of the Society for College and University Planning, and participates in the organization’s regional and international conferences; she is also a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services and the Boston Society of Architects. Catherine is a Commissioner on the City of Boston’s South End Landmark District Commission.

Eric Mitchell

Associate Principal

Eric Mitchell

Associate Principal

Eric Mitchell is a senior designer with the firm.

He is involved in all aspects of project development, from conceptual design through documentation and construction. Eric’s ability to deliver imaginative design, supported by his technical knowledge, generates creative solutions to complex problems.

Eric serves on our Design Committee, participates in design charrettes, and curates in-house, project-based galleries. He has taught architectural design studios and served as thesis advisor to students at the Boston Architectural College.

His recent clients include Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Woods Hole Oceanographic Institution, Framingham State University, University of Maryland Baltimore, and Syracuse University.

Jacob Werner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC

Associate Principal

Jacob Werner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC

Associate Principal

Jacob Werner is a senior architect and laboratory planner who has devoted his career to the design of intuitive environments for scientific discovery.

Jacob focuses on creating inspiring spaces for colleges and universities.  He is particularly interested in the evolution of science education and how this evolution is changing the design of academic laboratories.  For example, interdisciplinarity and convergence in the sciences are trends that Jacob finds fascinating; through his work on both discipline-focused and thematic STEM projects, he has developed insights into planning for spaces that support these new directions in science education.

A passionate advocate for sustainable design and design research, Jacob holds credentials as a LEED AP, WELL AP, and Passive House Consultant.  He is a leader in the International Institute of Sustainable Labs (I2SL), serving on the Labs2Zero Technical Advisory Council.  Jacob has spoken extensively and authored numerous technical publications, about both laboratory design and sustainability; his latest research includes I2SL’s “Decarbonizing Laboratories: A Primer.”

Jacob teaches architectural design at Boston Architectural College.

Oguz Baykal

Senior Associate

Oguz Baykal

Senior Associate

Oguz Baykal is our Architectural Visualist.

Oguz creates study images, renderings, animations, and virtual simulations in order to convey the design of a building. In documenting completed projects as our architectural photographer, Oguz has brought the role of Architectural Visualist full circle. The products he creates are used throughout the life of a project, facilitating the transitions from the initial phases of conceptual design through construction completion.

As a core member of the Practice Technology Committee, Oguz contributes not only his technological expertise but his passion for implementing advances into our practice.

Gesse Faber

Senior Associate

Gesse Faber

Senior Associate

Gesse Faber is our Accounting Manager.

She handles client billing, consultant budgets, and payments. She prepares and submits compliance reports for state projects, administers the AIA contract software, and assists the CFO with all financial processes. Our clients and consultants appreciate Gesse’s collaborative spirit.

Christopher Hardy, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Associate

Christopher Hardy, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Associate

Christopher Hardy is a project manager and designer who has dedicated his career to the planning, design, and construction of academic teaching and research facilities.

Chris’s experience includes managing and coordinating multidisciplinary projects featuring large teams with service scopes ranging from feasibility and master planning studies to programming, design, and construction administration. His roles on these highly complex projects have included assistant project manager, project manager, and job captain.

Chris is committed to the design and construction of buildings that significantly reduce energy consumption and greenhouse emissions. He serves as the chair of the firm’s Exterior Wall Assembly Task Force, which focuses on researching new materials and methods that contribute to high-performance and sustainable design.

Chris’s recent clients include New York State College of Life Sciences and Agriculture at Cornell University, University of Massachusetts Dartmouth, SUNY College at Oneonta, Cuyahoga Community College, University of Massachusetts Lowell, and Van Andel Research Institute.

Junko Iwasaki, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC

Senior Associate

Junko Iwasaki, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC

Senior Associate

Junko Iwasaki is an architect committed to the design and technical detailing of high-performance buildings for academic institutions and life sciences companies; her work focuses on facilities for teaching and research.

In all of her projects, Junko collaborates very closely with structural and MEP engineers in developing building core and shell systems.  She enjoys the challenge of achieving designs that produce the highest possible efficiency in energy use.  Junko is one of the leaders of Ellenzweig’s Exterior Wall Assembly Task Force, which focuses on researching new materials and methods that contribute to high-performance and sustainable design.

Junko’s recent clients include Yale School of Nursing, SUNY College at Oneonta, Michigan State University, Cuyahoga Community College, University of Mississippi, University of Maine, University of New Hampshire, and The College of William and Mary/Virginia Institute of Marine Science.

Bryan Roi

Senior Associate

Bryan Roi

Senior Associate

Bryan Roi is a senior designer focusing on science research and teaching projects.

Bryan is involved throughout the entire course of a project, from development of concept diagrams and massing strategies through complete exterior and interior designs to review of construction submittals and mock-ups. In this process, he balances the multiple considerations of cost, program accommodation, sustainability, contextual design, site and landscape, organizational clarity, interior spatial quality, and overall aesthetics.

Bryan serves on our Design Committee, which explores new design software technologies that can help advance the practice and assist the design process. His clients include the Community College of Baltimore County, Rutgers University, and Central Michigan University.