Daniela Holt Voith

FAIA, ASID, IIDA, LEED AP BD+C

Founding Partner & Director of Design

Daniela sees her position as an architect as the steward of interconnected environments and is driven by her desire to make the earth a better place through careful architectural interventions and sustainable design practices. 

Daniela co-founded VMA in 1988 against a prevailing modernist/postmodernist architectural landscape as one of very few firms practicing in a traditional style and openly prioritizing beauty in their work. While her work has since evolved to become more complex and her interests have expanded to include more contemporary approaches to architectural design, she has always been guided by the belief that academic experiences can have far-reaching effects on students’ lives and her dedication to creating inspiring educational environments. 

Daniela sees architecture as a form of public art that is best created through the contributions of diverse voices and seeks to create an open, collaborative, and supportive work environment at VMA. She has overseen the firm’s growth from two to 40 people while training a new generation of architects dedicated to designing with respect for building traditions and codified proportional systems. 

Daniela’s expertise in designing for educational institutions is informed by her experiences as an educator. She first taught at Yale School of Architecture as a TA before leading a studio at UPENN and teaching Introduction to Architecture for three years at Drexel. She developed Bryn Mawr College’s design studio program where she has tutored over 500 students, over 30 of whom have since come to work for her at VMA. She also frequently serves on academic reviews and juries for professional awards in architectural design and construction qualities. 

A born-and-bred Philadelphian, Daniela consistently seeks opportunities to positively impact her surrounding communities. Mayor Michael Nutter appointed Daniela to serve on the city’s award-winning 2008 Zoning Code Commission to renew the city’s 50-year-old code. Daniela is President of the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art – Philadelphia Chapter, Director of the Carpenter’s Company of Philadelphia, and Board Member of the Design Leadership Foundation, whose mission is to ensure a culture of diversity, equity, and inclusion within the fields of architecture and design.

Daniela holds a BA from Bryn Mawr College in Growth and Structure of Cities and an MArch from the Yale School of Architecture. Daniela loves to travel, bike, and ride trains – passions inspired by a 6-week cycling/camping tour of Europe she completed when she was only 13. She frequently visits family abroad, attends design week in Milan, and has so far visited almost 60 countries and territories. She is particularly passionate about food (both cooking and eating), basketball, her family’s favorite sport, and playing the recorder. 

John H. Cluver

FAIA, LEED AP

Senior Partner & Director of Historic Preservation

John approaches every preservation project by seeking creative ways to incorporate important contemporary upgrades like technology, accessibility, and energy-saving measures while respecting a building’s original character and historical significance. John’s technical expertise in building performance means that VMA is uniquely positioned to help clients both preserve their historic buildings and achieve their sustainability goals. 

While John spends most of his time in the office, he relishes the hands-on components of preservation work like strapping on the harness to find the cause of a leak or reviewing the condition of a decorative plaster element with a materials conservator to develop a deep, first-hand understanding of every project. 

John’s innovative and traditional approach is exemplified in his work at the Paul Peck Alumni Center where he designed a new, universally accessible entrance at the former back door, leaving the front door and primary facade untouched. John has also completed award-winning work at Drexel University, the Bryn Mawr Film Institute, and Philadelphia’s renowned Academy of Music, a National Historic Landmark. 

John serves on the City of Philadelphia’s Historical Commission Architectural Advisory Committee, the Board of Advisors for the Master of Science in Historic Preservation program at Notre Dame, and the Board of Eastern State Penitentiary Historic Site. John is also a member of the Association for Preservation Technology and holds a Certificate in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design in addition to his professional degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture. John has published articles on sustainability and window restoration in the Association for Preservation Technology Bulletin and has presented for the Preservation League of New York, SCUP, and APPA. In 2006 John volunteered with the National Trust for Historic Preservation in New Orleans to complete urgent conditions assessments in the wake of Hurricane Katrina and in 2008 was honored by the American Institute of Architects Philadelphia Chapter as Young Architect of the Year. 

Outside the office, John is engaged in the long-term rehabilitation of his 1926 Foursquare house, which he affectionately calls “his hobby” to justify the time and money he spends on it.  His interest in leadership, service, and education, in addition to a long-standing enjoyment of camping and related activities, led him to a position as Scoutmaster before he was made a member of the Board of the BSA’s Cradle of Liberty Council and the Chair of the Constellation District Committee. John will take any opportunity to tap into his inner travel agent and help family, friends, or complete strangers plan trips to Italy, which he counts as his favorite place on Earth for its unique combination of culture, geography, architecture, and food (and by food, he really means gelato).

Sennah L. Loftus

AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner & Director of Interiors

As both architect and interior designer, Sennah loves working with clients on their most complex design problems to produce timelessly beautiful spaces that are resilient and adaptable enough to be loved by generations of users. 

Sennah brings to VMA a strong commitment to sustainability and has built her career on delivering beautiful and functional spaces to clients. She guides owners through every step of the process from planning to construction with an eye for detail, cohesiveness, and sensitivity to budget. Many of her finished projects have received awards including Lehigh University Business School Business Innovation Building (SARA, IIDA), Millbrook School Dining Hall (ICAA Trumbauer, ICAA Stanford White), and Penn Carey Law School Silverman Classrooms (AIA Historic Preservation, American Architecture, IIDA, Preservation Alliance). Her work at Rutgers University, the world’s first fully immersive technology-enabled classrooms that seamlessly connect learning spaces across the university’s expansive campus, is a testament to her ability to produce innovative and modern work. 

Sennah enjoys the collaborative nature of architecture and sharing her experiences and knowledge through mentorship. Sennah studied Mathematics and Physics at Bryn Mawr College and received her master’s degree in architecture from Syracuse University School of Architecture. She is a member of the AIA, IIDA, and ASID, and has presented at numerous conferences including SCUP, NeoCon, and APPA. 

Having grown up as part of a large family, Sennah was born a competitive athlete. She swam for her high school and college and currently plays second base on the VMA softball team.

Robert A. Douglass

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Partner & Sustainability Program Director

Rob believes that great architecture can have a lasting impact on community life and prioritizes carefully listening to people and diligently studying contexts to produce work that helps support our clients’ missions. 

Rob is guided by a strong sense of responsibility to steward and care for the natural world and champions VMA’s commitment to a resilient and sustainable practice. He was VMA’s first Passive House Designer and is now the leader of our firm-wide sustainability work, which has included drafting our AIA 2030 commitment and spearheading our JUST label initiative. Rob’s sustainability efforts extend to his work with our clients: Rob is passionate about helping independent schools reach their sustainability goals through both new builds and careful modifications to existing buildings. 

Rob is also interested in the effects design can have on student experiences and performance and works to design learning spaces that are attuned to clients’ unique pedagogical models. Rob has a deep appreciation for historic buildings and has worked with Yale University, Lincoln University, St. George’s School (RI), and others to make their older buildings more sustainable and responsive to contemporary student needs. 

Rob is on the board of the Thomas Jefferson University Center for the Preservation of Modernism, a member of the Alumni Council and Awards Committee Chair at the Shipley School, holds a BA in the Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College, received a 2010 Henry Adams Medal for his MArch at the University of Miami. Rob and his wife, an independent school educator, often take their two young boys biking when they’re not playing baseball and Rob is on a mission to visit every MLB stadium. 

J. Scott O'Barr

AIA

Partner & Director of Residential Design

Guided by an ethos of “listen first, draw second,” Scott sees every project as an opportunity to improve a client’s quality of life and strengthen a family’s important bonds through their home. 

Scott has always had an affinity for old houses that informs his approach to a traditional aesthetic with innovative solutions for contemporary lifestyles. He maintains a strong commitment to the value of craftsmanship, has a keen eye for details, and always seeks to solve architectural problems with beauty and grace.

As the head of VMA’s residential studio, Scott oversees all of our residential projects and works closely with clients to design solutions that reflect their unique needs and aspirations. Each of Scott’s projects — many of which have been featured in New Old House, Period Homes, and Architectural Digest — is carefully attuned to its context, site, and regional vernacular. Scott operated as the project manager on the Alumni House and Pulling House at Millbrook School, two jewels of the campus, and is the partner in charge of a new residential conservatory in Delaware. 

Scott graduated cum laude from the University of Tennessee with a Bachelor of Architecture, is a board member of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art Philadelphia Chapter, Co-Chair of the Trumbauer Awards, a member of the Philadelphia Athenaeum, and has served in leadership roles for AIA Philadelphia and AIA Pennsylvania. Scott is a competitive runner, recently completing his 20th half marathon in 2024, and calls Herring Cove Beach in Provincetown, Massachusetts his favorite place on earth. 

Kimberly Wajda

Director of Business and Human Resources

As the Director of Business and Human Resources, Kim is responsible for contract management, accounts payable, accounts receivable, and the overall financial management of the firm. She also manages all HR components, like onboarding every VMA team member and serving as an important first point of contact. Kim seeks to foster a family-like feel in the workplace where all members feel cared for and included. 

Kim first studied to be a teacher and is inspired by the careful attention VMA dedicates to classroom and education environment design of all levels. She is also drawn to the timelessness of traditional architecture and is passionate about the lasting impact the beauty of VMA’s architecture has on a community of users. 

Kim graduated Magna Cum Laude from Peirce College in 2009 with a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. She is particularly interested in early and elementary education and has been a volunteer religious education teacher since 2009.  Outside of work, she loves spending time with her family and all things Disney.

Nina Voith

Associate & Associate Director of Interior Design

While every project Nina works on is contextually specific, her work is consistently defined by its restraint and elegance as she pursues beautiful and efficient spaces that users love for generations.

As an Associate and Associate Director of Interiors, Nina helps VMA deliver cohesive and well-planned spaces from furniture and detailing to the broader architecture of each project. Nina manages a team of coordinators through each project phase from the development of conceptual furniture plans through full FF&E procurement in addition to interior architecture work. Her attention to beauty and efficiency is best exemplified in her work at Lincoln University’s Vail Hall and Berkshire’s new Dining Hall & Student Center. She is currently designing a hotel in San Salvador, El Salvador composed of two distinct buildings in the city’s historic center. 

Nina has worked at VMA for over a decade and now leads a team of three others in the design studio. She cares deeply about the growth and development of her team members and seeks to bring out the best in each of them by maximizing their individual skills across all projects.

Nina received a Henry Adams Medal for her Master of Architecture from the University of Miami and has a BA in Growth and Structure of Cities from Haverford College. She is an All-American basketball player and holds her college record for scoring. Her deep knowledge of the game helped her with the schematic designs for VMA’s Philadelphia Youth Basketball Center project. Nina has traveled to six continents and over fifty countries and loves experiencing both the architecture and the vast variety of cuisines.

Isabella Bartenstein

Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate

Associate & Director of the New York Studio

Isabella pursues clarity in complexity and seeks to balance the many diverse voices that are present in every project to produce work that both unites and inspires its community of users. 

As an Associate and Director of the New York Studio, Isabella leads the New York team and oversees firm-wide graphic standards. She is driven by a strong commitment to sustainability and seeks to balance existing aesthetic integrity with contemporary considerations across all typologies. Her work primarily focuses on academic campus projects for institutions of secondary and higher education and both single-family homes and apartments. She has worked on projects at Millbrook School, St. George’s School, and, more recently, comprehensive planning work for The Pingry School.

Isabella is a member of The Association of Boarding Schools and the Architectural League of New York and holds a master’s degree in Architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation in addition to her BA in Growth and Structure of Cities from Bryn Mawr College. She enjoys oil painting agrarian landscapes in her free time, inspired by her family’s farms in Rockbridge County, Virginia and Tolima, Colombia.

Andrew Lipschutz

Associate

When Andrew Lipschutz joined VMA in early 2012, he brought experience in educational design as well as transportation infrastructure like train stations and airports. He received his Bachelor of Arts in the History of Architecture from the University of Maryland, and his Master of Architecture from Syracuse University. At VMA, his wide range of experience has included campus planning reports and several complex large-scale renovation projects.

Andrew is one of the managers of the VMA softball team. He has been actively involved in the PACTS program (Partnerships for Achieving Careers in Technology and Science) at The Franklin Institute for over nine years, using his skills to expose young minds to the science behind design. When he travels, which is often, Andrew especially enjoys exploring different cities and cultures, a highlight of which has been running with bulls in Pamplona!

Luca Segato

LEED Green Associate

Senior Project Manager

Luca Segato, LEED Green Associate, joined VMA in August 2022 after practicing for almost twenty years in both the United States and Italy, where he received his graduate degree in architecture from Venice’s Università Iuav di Venezia. His varied portfolio includes a range of governmental, civic, hospitality, and multi-family residential projects.

Currently, he is applying his skill for managing significant renovations for projects like the phased renovation of an independent school in the Northeast and the reconfiguration and modest expansion of a mid-century university building. Like several VMA staff, he is passionate about soccer and has volunteered as a coach with the Swarthmore Recreational Association since 2017.

Mike Silberman

RA, NCARB, CPHC

Senior Project Manager

Mike joined VMA in October 2025 and earned his Master of Architecture from Syracuse University and holds a Bachelor of Arts in History and American Studies from Cornell University. His portfolio includes residential design, higher education facilities, and veterinary specialty hospitals. Before pursuing architecture, Mike worked as a carpenter and cabinet maker, experiences that continue to shape his approach to design, materials, and detail.

He values architecture that is thoughtful, enduring, and enhances daily life. As Clerk of the Property Committee at the Chestnut Hill Friends Meeting, Mike applies the same care to community spaces that he brings to his design work.

In his free time, Mike enjoys restoring his home, playing guitar, and exploring lakes and rivers by canoe—often in a wood canvas canoe he built himself, reflecting his love of craft and the natural world.

Viktoriya Aramyan

Financial Accounts Manager

Viktoriya joined VMA in January 2026, bringing a versatile background in business and financial management, payroll, HR, billing, and client relations across industries including law, life safety security, and landscape architecture. She earned an Associate Degree in Medical Billing and a dual Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies, building a foundation for organized, detail-focused work that keeps complex projects running smoothly.

Viktoriya enjoys hands-on problem solving and creative challenges, approaching every task with curiosity and care. She spends her free time tackling home projects, traveling to new countries, and attending concerts and comedy shows. An avid weightlifter, she balances her active lifestyle with a love of music, interior design, and architectural details.

Raised in Orlando, Florida, Viktoriya speaks Russian and enjoys taking on car and electrical repairs herself, combining practical skills with a passion for design and creative solutions.

Olivia Bartholomew

LEED Green Associate, Allied ASID

Interior Design Coordinator

Olivia joined VMA’s Interior Design Studio in Spring 2023 while completing her graduate studies at Temple University. She earned her Master of Architecture degree, graduating summa cum laude in 2024, after receiving a joint Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and Historic Preservation in 2023.

At VMA, Olivia’s work often begins with interior architecture and design and continues through FF&E selection and procurement. She enjoys guiding projects from concept to completion, helping clients bring their vision to life through spaces that are cohesive, functional, and thoughtfully detailed. Her approach is rooted in creating environments that not only look beautiful but also support the people who use them every day.

Olivia’s interests in sustainability, preservation, and materiality have been shaped by experiences beyond the design studio. She has worked on farms in California, where she developed a greater appreciation for sustainable practices and the connection between people and place, and on an archaeological site, where she gained firsthand insight into the lasting impact of craftsmanship and history. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, walking along the Schuylkill River, practicing yoga, and getting lost in a good book.

Michele Borgia

Office Manager and Assistant to Daniela Holt Voith

Michele Borgia has been our Office Manager since 2014 and is the smiling face that greets all our visitors. She received her Associates Degree in Applied Science from the Community College of Philadelphia as part of the Medical Assistant/Office Management Program and, prior to joining VMA, worked as a Certified Medical Assistant for a dental practice. Michele enjoys collecting Wizard of Oz items and can usually be found spending time with her three children.

Jenine Cavanaugh

LEED Green Associate

Interior Design Coordinator

Jenine Cavanaugh, LEED Green Associate, joined VMA’s interiors studio in Summer 2023 after working at a local residential construction firm. She graduated from Drexel University with a degree in interior design and had received multiple academic awards, including a Design Excellence Award and Excellence in Studio Work Award. Jenine has a strong passion for photography and for puzzles or mind games, and she can even solve a Rubik’s cube.

Miles Colescott

Designer

Miles joined VMA in September 2025 after graduating from Haverford College with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Growth and Structure of Cities. During his time at Haverford, he was a dedicated member of the Cross Country and Track Teams. He also served as a design studio Teaching Assistant, facilitating students and faculty in urban design and planning projects.

Miles is passionate about cycling and endurance sports. After Haverford graduation, he set out on a 6,000-mile bike trip across the country, traveling from the Atlantic to the Pacific and down the West Coast to the California-Mexico border. He continues to focus on cycling at a high level and hopes to ride professionally in the future. Miles’ dedication to training, perseverance, and goal setting carries over into his work, giving him a strong sense of focus, energy, and determination on every project he takes on.

Jason Cornelison

Visual Communications Coordinator

Jason Cornelison joined VMA in Fall 2023 after earning his undergraduate architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. His primary responsibility is the production of both press-quality and informal renderings for our current and prospective projects, but he is also involved in developing and enforcing the firm’s visual communications standards. Jason is an enthusiastic hobbyist fashion designer, working from conceptual design through the actual production of his pieces. He is also a talented track & field athlete and is an avid fan of our local Philadelphia sports team, especially the 76ers.

Benjamin Darby

Designer

Ben first joined VMA as a summer intern in 2024 and returned as a designer in July of 2025 after earning a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Miami School of Architecture. At the University of Miami, Ben spent three years as a Teaching Assistant, supporting design studio faculty and students while furthering his own understanding of the profession. He brings a highly creative background to his architectural work, with training in a variety of media including painting, classical figure drawing, graphic design, and wheel-thrown ceramics. His love for design lies in the details, and he feels a strong connection to the principles of the 20^th Century Arts and Crafts Architects.

Outside of work Ben is very involved in the arts and enjoys exploring anything that allows him to be creative, both through learning and hands-on engagement. His wide-ranging interests continue to inspire the way he approaches design, bringing imagination and a personal touch to every project. He loves to listen to post-rock and post-punk while drafting and can be seen nodding his head with his headphones on throughout the day.

Marifer Echeverri

Designer

Marifer Echeverri joined VMA in May 2026 after earning her Bachelor of Architecture and Minor in Art History from the University of Southern California. During her time at USC, she developed a strong interest in how culture, history, and storytelling shape the built environment.

Her professional experience spans higher education, civic, and multifamily residential projects, giving her exposure to a range of scales, programs, and communities. She currently serves as a mentor with the USC School of Architecture Guild and is actively seeking volunteer opportunities following her recent move from Los Angeles to Philadelphia.

Marifer grew up between Mexico City and Texas, an experience that continues to shape her perspective on design and place. Outside of work, she enjoys reading, cooking, and crocheting. Two buildings that hold personal significance for her are Casa Locken in Mexico City, her grandmother’s childhood home, and the Palacio de Bellas Artes, which was restored in part through her grandfather’s architectural work during his career in Mexico City.

Elena Ezzo

AIA, LEED Green Associate

Architect

Elena Ezzo joined VMA in July 2024 after three years working for a well-known institutional traditional design firm based in New York, where she contributed to several significant higher education projects. She had previously worked for a New York-based firm specializing in preservation, where her experience covered a wide array of projects. Elena earned both a Master of Science in Historic Preservation as valedictorian and a Bachelor of Architecture summa cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, where she also minored in Italian and concentrated on Historic Preservation.

In her personal life, Elena enjoys cooking, reading with a goal of 25 books a year, and exploring new neighborhoods. A lifelong music enthusiast, she played the violin for 15 years and is passionate about tennis. She is currently learning French, Spanish, and Italian, adding to her diverse skill set and interests. Elena is also eager to join local community groups and get involved in volunteer work.

Clifton Fordham

RA, IFMA, LEED AP

Affiliate Architect

Clifton Fordham, RA, IFMA, LEED AP is an Assistant Professor & Program Head of Architecture at the Temple University Tyler School of Art & Architecture and has also taught at his alma mater, the Howard University College of Engineering & Architecture. He was a member of our team earlier in his career and returned to VMA as an affiliate in 2020. Clifton received his Master of Architecture from Yale University, and his Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University. He is an active member of the Passyunk Square Civic Association, and in his free time he enjoys reading, exploring cities by foot, and working on his self-designed home.

Blake Harris

Designer

Blake joined VMA in October 2025 after earning his Master of Architecture from The Yale School of Architecture. He completed his undergraduate studies at the University of Michigan, earning a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2021. His experience spans residential renovations, energy retrofits, and K–12 and institutional projects.

Blake approaches design with a thoughtful, hands-on mindset, drawing inspiration from both craft and the everyday details of the built environment. He enjoys building small furnishings for his apartment—shelves, lamps, and other practical pieces that merge beauty with function. His travels, including a study program in Italy focused on preservation, have strengthened his appreciation for architecture’s connection to history and place.

When not designing, Blake loves hiking and trail biking, exploring new cities, and traveling. He recently crossed the Rockies aboard the California Zephyr from San Francisco to Chicago and is already planning his next adventure on the Empire Builder to Seattle, with a stop at Glacier National Park.

Adam Hoover

WELL AP

Designer

Adam Hoover, WELL AP, joined VMA in September 2022, bringing with him three years of experience working on primarily preservation-related projects. He has an undergraduate degree in architecture, with a minor in historic preservation, from Thomas Jefferson University. Adam was a community service coordinator at Jefferson and helped arrange student projects through Habitat for Humanity. He stays active by engaging in activities like rock climbing and hiking, and helps organize an annual field day with his friends that includes trophies and digital “trading cards” for participants. He also loves to cook and organizes weekly dinner parties with his roommates scheduled around their favorite show.

Alison Kass

AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Architect

Alison Kass, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, joined VMA in early 2021 after working on mixed-use projects and single-family residences in New York. She graduated magna cum laude from Tulane University with a Master of Architecture and a minor in Urban Studies, where she built a house from the foundation up as part of a public service-driven semester-long project during college.

Alison’s hands-on experience and understanding of how buildings are put together has led her to become a particular expert at complex renovations. Alison recently completed a 90,000 square foot renovation for Philadelphia Youth Basketball and is currently leading a 70,000 square foot Student Union project for Muhlenberg College.

When we developed our Sustainability Action Plan as part of our acceptance of the AIA 2030 Commitment, Alison led the committee responsible for evaluating our in-house practices & operations and helped develop metrics to improve our ecological impact. An enthusiastic athlete, Alison is a member of the VMA softball team, which participates in a local industry league, and regularly participates in local running events like the Broad Street Run.

Hilary Leifsen

Interior Design Coordinator

Hilary joined VMA in November 2025, bringing a background in sustainability, operations, and education. She earned a Master of Environmental Science in Sustainability from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Drexel University. Prior to joining VMA, she managed a farm-to-fork program at an independent school, teaching students about the food cycle through gardening and seasonal cooking. She also worked with IKEA on supply chain and sustainability initiatives, reducing the environmental impact of the company’s North American transport network.

Hilary is passionate about sustainability at both community and individual levels. During the pandemic, she organized a virtual trivia series that raised over $10,000 for local charities, and she continues to volunteer with a neighborhood mutual aid group supporting local families.

Outside her professional life, Hilary enjoys cooking, baking, gardening, crocheting, and long walks with her dogs. She recently crafted a handmade Gritty hat for her son’s first Halloween costume and loves exploring new recipes from her growing cookbook collection, a weekend tradition she shares with her husband.

Matthew McCarty

Project Manager

Matthew McCarty joined VMA in 2021 after working at the intersection of interior design and historic preservation, especially adaptive re-use projects. His experience includes high-end residential as well as civic, institutional, and hospitality projects. Matthew graduated from Roger Williams University with a Master of Science in Historic Preservation, and from North Dakota State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.

Matthew has applied his interests in preservation and interiors on a number of projects at VMA, including the ongoing renovation of a historic campus building that will house high-level administrative offices. He has served on the Board of the American Society of Interior Design (ASID) Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter.

He has lived/worked in nine states and has driven across America three times! He is also a seven-year veteran of the horticultural industry and still very much enjoys gardening. He also loves writing letters and has custom stationary and wax seals; he jumps at the opportunity to send a “thank you” card or hand-written note.

Elizabeth Anthony Nestor

LEED AP BD+C

Project Manager

Elizabeth Anthony Nestor, LEED AP BD+C, brings the perspective of both an owner’s representative and a university capital planning & facilities professional to our higher education project management. She holds a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania Weitzman School of Design as well as a Graduate Certificate in Sustainable Practices from Jefferson University and an MBA from Babson College. Elizabeth describes herself as a serial home renovator, but is currently spending time with her two border collies. Her earliest architectural memory is seeing the Geisel Library perched on a hill in LaJolla, “looking for all the world like a huge diamond solitaire.”

Logan Paulukow

Designer

Logan Paulukow joined VMA in August 2024 after completing his Master of Architecture at Temple University, where he also earned his undergraduate degree. He brings a personal enthusiasm to his focus on high-end residential work and his attention detail has been highly beneficial in support of our residential projects.

Outside of work, Logan is an avid endurance sports enthusiast, particularly enjoying running and cycling. He also loves outdoor activities like hiking and exploring new trails. A dedicated home cook, his favorite dish to prepare is ratatouille. Additionally, Logan finds inspiration in innovative architectural designs, with the San Francisco Federal Building standing out as a personal favorite for its groundbreaking approach to energy efficiency and engaging spatial design.

Gina Princivalle

Designer

Gina Princivalle joined VMA as a summer intern in 2025, gaining experience and developing a deeper appreciation for the relationship between design, history and place. Gina returned to the VMA office in August 2026 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame with a concentration in Historic Preservation.

During her time at Notre Dame, Gina served as a teaching assistant for two years, helping first- and second-year students develop foundational skills in building tectonics, drafting, sketching, and painting. At graduation, she received the Alpha Rho Chi Medal, recognizing her leadership, service, and contributions to the school’s architecture community.

Outside of work, Gina enjoys painting, reading, photography, and traveling. She has a particular appreciation for Queen Anne and Georgian architecture and enjoys exploring the details and craftsmanship found in historic buildings.

Chrystian Rangel

Designer

Chrystian joined VMA in September 2025 after graduating from the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Real Estate. During her time at Notre Dame, she was an active member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMAS), supporting efforts to promote diversity and inclusion within the field.

Chrystian is deeply committed to mentorship and giving back. She has volunteered with Matriculate and QuestBridge, helping high-achieving, low-income high school students navigate the college application process, in addition to tutoring fellow students throughout her university years. Her experiences mentoring others have shaped the way she approaches collaboration and problem-solving in architecture, fostering empathy and creative thinking.

Outside of work, Chrystian enjoys traveling, sketching, exploring new cities, and trying new foods.

Kate Schnitker

Designer

Kate Schnitker joined VMA in August 2026 after earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame, where she concentrated in Historic Preservation. Her interest in preservation began early while volunteering as a docent at Casa Feliz, a historic home designed by James Gambe Rogers II in her hometown of Winter Park, Florida. The experience sparked her appreciation for historic architecture and influenced her decision to pursue a career in design.

Kate enjoys numerous creative pursuits outside of work. She loves reading and has recently spent more time writing, along with painting.

Growing up with two parents who are teachers, Kate spent many summers traveling with her family to Colorado, where she developed a love for hiking and exploring the outdoors. She continues to carry that sense of curiosity and connection to place into her work and everyday life.

Jordan Schrad

Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate

Designer

Jordan Schrad, Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate, joined VMA after graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, seeking to expand on his interest in institutional and academic design. He has contributed to a variety of our campus design projects, both significant renovations and new construction.

Jordan helps manage the VMA softball team. He loves watching, playing, and discussing basketball and is a PIAA Basketball Official, an Official for Philly Sports Leagues/Heyday Athletic, and is a member of the Notre Dame Club of Philadelphia. Like many on the VMA staff, Jordan also enjoys traveling and has spent time backpacking in Europe which featured stops in Marrakesh, Morocco, and Budapest, Hungary.

Jonathan Sousa

Communications Manager

Jonathan Sousa joined the VMA communications team in July 2024, bringing a dynamic blend of marketing expertise and passion for teamwork. He earned his undergraduate degree in Marketing from Loyola University Maryland, followed by an MBA in Interdisciplinary Studies from Loyola in January 2022.

Professionally, Jonathan worked as a renovation specialist and fulfilled a lifelong dream by playing professional indoor soccer for the Baltimore Blast after playing as a member of Loyola’s men’s soccer team. In his personal time, Jonathan enjoys playing and watching soccer, cooking, and diving into movies and TV series. He is fluent in both Portuguese and Spanish.

Eric Spaeth

Affiliate Designer

Eric Spaeth, our resident scholar and renaissance man, recently returned to VMA as an affiliate after working with us for more than a decade before founding his own practice. He received his Master of Architecture from Yale University after graduating with a Bachelor of Arts in Jurisprudence from Oxford University and a Bachelor of Arts in Classical Civilization from Yale. Eric is the co-founder and co-manager of Squirrel Island Community Garden in Maine, an organic garden which focuses on produce. Along with the garden’s volunteers, he builds and maintains the garden’s fencing, raised planting beds, and shed using lumber leftover from storms on the island. He also enjoys baking and cooking, foraging, painting with watercolor and oils, cold-water swimming, and playing ukulele.

Juan Tejedor

Associate PHIUS, NCARB

Project Manager

Juan joined VMA in December 2023 as a Designer and was promoted to Project Manager in 2025. He brings a diverse array of project experience, ranging from high-end single-family residential commissions, private primary schools, and exhibit design. Many of his single-family projects have been sensitive adaptations of buildings in historically designated districts in Philadelphia and New York City. During his eleven years of practice, he has combined his passion for historic architecture with an eye towards contemporary contextual design.

Prior to architecture, he received a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Washington University, and worked at Washington, DC museums while working as an artist. Juan is also a graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a degree in Architecture and Urban Design. While at Penn, he was awarded the Lewis E. Dales Traveling Fellowship. His professional work has been featured in Architectural Digest, Elle Décor, and Introspective.

Credentialed in Passive House, Juan is an active member of Philadelphia’s sustainable design community, including Green Building United.

Jennifer Trzaska

LEED Green Associate

Designer

Jennifer Trzaska joined VMA in September 2022 after graduating with her undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Since joining VMA, Jenny has participated in the completion of several complex renovations and is currently acting as project management lead on a residential dormitory project for The Taft School.

Jenny has taken on additional responsibilities in the office, often mentoring junior staff in drawing standards and office culture. Jenny also has assisted in teaching architectural rendering studios at Bryn Mawr College. She credits Frank Lloyd Wright’s iconic Fallingwater as the building that sparked her desire to be an architect. Jenny was an active volunteer at Notre Dame and is participates in several service organizations in Philadelphia. In her free time, Jenny loves to play volleyball in a local league and practices furniture design and woodworking by building pieces for her apartment.

Eric Wang

LEED Green Associate

Designer

Eric Wang joined VMA in July 2024. He earned a Master of Architecture from Yale University in 2024, following his Honors Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Studies from the University of Toronto. His career thus far has included diverse projects in multi-family residential, educational, institutional, healthcare, and commercial design.

Beyond his professional work, Eric is passionate about architectural preservation and advocacy. He volunteered with the Toronto Society of Architects, where he organized architectural walking tours and helped raise awareness about Toronto’s mid-century architectural gems. His involvement in local organizations such as Planetarium Toronto and The Ontario Science Centre reflects his commitment to saving iconic buildings from demolition.

In his personal time, Eric enjoys exploring cities on foot, uncovering hidden corners and architectural details. A seasoned traveler, he has visited 28 countries, with Barcelona and Rio de Janeiro being his favorite destinations for their combination of beautiful beaches, amazing cuisine, and extraordinary architecture.

Kendal Wellbrook

Designer

Kendal Wellbrook joined VMA in June 2026 after earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Miami. While in school, she completed four full-time summer internships, gaining experience on high-end residential, higher education, and healthcare projects. The variety of work gave her the opportunity to explore different project types and build a strong foundation as she began her career.

In her spare time, Kendal enjoys painting and pottery and likes making things by hand. She’s also an avid record collector and is always looking for new music to add to her collection.

Originally from California, Kendal played the trumpet for eight years and was actively involved in Drum Corps International. The experience instilled a strong sense of discipline and teamwork that still propels her today.

Elie Zeinoun

NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC

Designer

Elie Zeinoun, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, CPHC, joined VMA in 2021 after graduating from Columbia University with his Master of Architecture. He previously earned his Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the American University of Beirut, and practiced landscape architecture in the Middle East before returning to school. Elie served as a Program Council representative at both AUB and Columbia, and often organized “6on6” social events at Columbia as well. His role as a teaching assistant and, ultimately, leader of Columbia’s Introduction to Architecture course in Summer 2021 has given him a passion for design pedagogy. He speaks six languages, including Arabic, French, and Italian, and loves to play soccer and tennis.