The team

Tom shepherds studioDSK’s commitment to thoughtful, beautifully crafted, timeless design at every scale. As leading principal in the Firm’s advisory, planning, and design practice, he fosters community, strengthens identity, and advances the mission of his clients. Tom was elected to the American Institute of Architects’ College of Fellows for contributions to the profession in design. Tom coaches an interdisciplinary team of designers who collaborate on diverse projects with creativity and care. Leading studioDSK’s advisory practice, he guides the presidents and boards of research and educational institutions, professional service firms, and non-profit organizations. For a decade, Tom was the academic program coordinator for Leadership and Design Thinking at Harvard’s Graduate School of Design and instructor in the Advanced Management Development Program. Tom is chair of Rensselaer’s School of Architecture Dean’s Leadership Council.

Alice is a registered architect and project manager at studioDSK. She works on a wide range of building typologies, including historic renovation and preservation, residential, and institutional. As a talented artist, Alice illustrates concepts, unlocking the essential DNA of each of her projects. As an architect with experience in higher education, residential, commercial, and mixed-use design, her advanced knowledge in BIM allows her to translate early concept sketches into technical 3D models. Alice received her Bachelor of Fine Arts, Architecture Design, from the University of Massachusetts, Amherst, and a Master of Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design.

Amy is a registered architect and director at studioDSK, with a focus on high-performance design in learning environments, custom residences, and water-focused infrastructure. Amy leads studioDSK’s commitment to AIA2030 and the AIA A&D Materials Pledge. She led the development of the Green Island Initiative for Moskito Island in the British Virgin Islands, has managed several California-based master planning initiatives, managed the design of Human Needs Project’s green technology micro infrastructure project, Kibera Town Centre, in Nairobi, Kenya, and was an integral part of the award-winning renovation of art studios at Marymount Manhattan College. Amy also serves as a peer review architect in Massachusetts. Amy chairs the Boston Society for Architecture’s Committee on the Environment, where she regularly presents as a panelist on sustainable practices.

Andy brings a wide range of experience in planning, design, and project management for projects spanning residential, commercial, institutional, and landscape design. Andy is a registered architect, USGBC LEED Accredited Professional, and a member of the Boston Society of Architects. He is interested in the artful integration of built structures within the landscape and seeks to create the best possible environments for his clients. Andy has been widely published and awarded for his innovative designs. Andy graduated from the University of Michigan’s graduate architecture program in 2007 with High Distinction, where his graduate thesis was published in the architectural journal, “Dimensions, Volume 22.” He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Ben is a Senior Associate at studioDSK with a background in healthcare design, having worked closely with several healthcare institutions in the Boston area. At studioDSK, he leads numerous camp, educational, and residential projects, helping clients translate complex needs and desires into tangible design solutions. Ben has extensive experience designing within Building Information Modeling platforms and a keen interest in contextual and sustainable design. He was a member of Team Boston’s Solar Decathlon team, a collaboration between the Boston Architectural College and Tufts University to design and build a solar-powered home. He also has his LEED NC from the Green Building Certification Institute. Ben has a strong connection to the surrounding community and has served as Co-Chair of the Town of Carlisle Historical Commission. He received his MArch from Boston Architectural College, where he focused on interstitial spaces between the built and natural environments.

Betsy has been an integral part of studioDSK for nearly three decades, contributing deep expertise in residential architecture and a passion for thoughtful design. She is intrigued by the creative problem-solving that each project demands, with a particular passion for transforming small spaces and crafting seamless additions. She enjoys hearing the clients’ perspectives and helping them discover technical space solutions that feel uniquely designed for them. Beyond her architectural project work, Betsy is actively engaged in the local community, having served on numerous boards. She also plays a key role in mentoring new team members, organizing training programs to foster professional growth, and serves as a historian to the Firm. Betsy leads studioDSK | Lunch + Learns, a program where industry leaders deliver construction and design knowledge to the studio, advancing the Firm’s design acumen. Betsy received her Bachelor of Architecture from Ball State University.

Bill’s experience in institutional, hospitality, multi-family housing, master planning, and commercial work, provides him with a unique perspective of the holistic project cycle. He enjoys navigating complex design challenges in all phases of the design process. Through community outreach and stakeholder engagements, Bill designs spaces that speak to the people who inhabit them, merging space utilization potential and design vision. Bill’s recent secondary education work includes the design of a new mass timber Wellness Center and the renovation and addition of a major academic center. Raised in his father’s auto body shop, Bill carried a maker’s curiosity through diverse art studies and into architecture, where he explores how people and objects shape space. Bill received his Bachelor of Architecture and Planning and Master of Architecture in Urban Planning from The Catholic University of America.

At studioDSK, Cindy provides short and long-term vision through her expertise in strategic financial systems, modeling, and forecasting. Her leadership skills and background in finance drive positive impact on Firm processes and accounting acumen, complementing studioDSK’s strong design-oriented thinkers and leaders. Over the past 20 years, Cindy has successfully led financial operations in the construction and travel industries. She has pioneered many initiatives, delivering financial excellence through transformational leadership. Cindy came to studioDSK from Ver-Tex Construction, where she served as Vice President of Financial Operations. Formerly, Cindy was CFO/SVP, Finance at StudentUniverse where she guided the financial, HR, and legal operations from startup to acquisition by a publicly held organization. Cindy earned her Bachelor of Science in Accounting from Bryant University.

Courtney has extensive experience with residential, institutional, and civic projects, including luxury high-rise condominiums and commercial office buildings within the City of Boston. Her ability to translate design to construction has cultivated her quick problem-solving skills. She also specializes in 3D modeling and rendering, creating intuitive visuals for her clients. Courtney grew up in her father’s machine shop, where she watched specialty tools go from concept to completion. Spending time in this environment showed her how much she enjoyed watching things being built, which translated into a summer co-op, building houses with a local carpenter. Courtney received her Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Outside of work, she spends time renovating her house, building furniture with her husband, hiking, and gardening.

David brings three decades of IT experience in the AEC industry to studioDSK. As a strong, creative-minded leader, manager, and communicator, David translates our needs into IT systems. David specializes in Apple and Microsoft technologies, Microsoft cloud, networking, and security. His work focuses on modernizing systems, driving cloud adoption, simplifying infrastructure, and enhancing internal workflows. Passionate about securing environments and streamlining processes, David enjoys traveling the world with his family, playing hockey, snowboarding, and golfing in his free time.

David has a wealth of design and management expertise backed by years of experience in both residential and institutional award-winning architecture. His work has honed his ability to guide multidisciplinary teams seamlessly from early concepts through construction administration. He is a graduate of the University of Massachusetts at Amherst with a degree in architecture. David also holds a LEED NC accreditation from the Green Building Certification Institute, underscoring his commitment to sustainable design and building practices. He sees each project through a lens attuned to the fundamental and holistic sustainability of the products and processes involved. He is especially interested in integrating the building life cycle with broader design intentions to enhance the harmony and cohesion in our solutions for clients in living and working environments.

Dillon works on renovations and new construction for institutional, commercial, higher education clients. These projects benefit from Dillon’s concerted effort to engage a rich dialogue with clients to realize a shared vision. Dillon is passionate and committed to improving society by engaging communities in the design process and reflecting on the relationship of people to their environment. Dillon received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Arizona with a focus on sustainable systems and design philosophy. His philosophy considers architecture as an interactive solution embedded in social, economic, and ecological systems. It is Dillon’s conviction that this design approach allows architecture to respond specifically to its context and emerge authentically, enhancing the character of a place. Dillon shares his passion with his colleagues through studioDSK|U, an internal continuing education program oriented on advancing our design knowledge.

Drule graduated from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with concentrations in Architecture and English. She is focused on sustainable design, repurposing and modernizing existing buildings, as well as urban design + planning. Drule works on a variety of projects, including residential homes, island projects, and sustainable initiatives. She supports the studioDSK team and contributes to project success. Drule aims to continue making a lasting impact on our future through design, to master the Living Building Challenge, and create a sustainable urban community in her home country. She has worked with children of all ages as a supervisor and a substitute teacher. In her spare time, she can be found reading, listening to an eclectic mix of music, or working out. She also enjoys live theatre and going to the movies.

Erin joined studioDSK with extensive experience in complex institutional projects. She has worked with both educational and healthcare clients to take projects from mission statements and sketch diagrams to complete buildings. She leads small and larger design teams, collaborating with conviction and compassion. Erin loves the smallest of details, such as the handrail connection at the wall, to the early visioning of an institutional master plan. Her portfolio includes digital teaching environments, university gathering spaces, residence halls and student unions, as well as surgical and imaging suites for pediatric patients. Her expertise in Revit has allowed for seamless integration of building systems in many of these projects. Erin also brings a deep interest in sustainable strategies and design to her work. Erin received her Bachelor of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Graziella (Grace) Pilkington received her Master of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College and received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a self-designed minor in Global Public Health from Miami University of Ohio. Grace is an accredited Certified Passive House Consultant (CPHC) with three years of experience spanning from SD-CA in the K-12 Realm. Grace's approach to architecture is to innovate at the intersection of design and global public health, advancing towards the goal of tackling society's greatest challenge: developing healthy, resilient, and sustainable communities.

Jeff brings over three decades of architectural expertise in the residential and commercial sectors. His career is defined by a commitment to design excellence, attention to detail, and a passion for creating spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Jeff heads our Quality Assurance Quality Control program, ensuring that every project meets the highest standards of craftsmanship and design integrity. Jeff’s extensive experience includes historic Boston waterfront offices, serene senior living villages, and many private residences on the Cape & Islands, paying close attention to ecological and environmental impact, introducing sustainable solutions to minimize impact on sensitive ecosystems. In addition, Jeff specializes in restoring and designing structures inspired by the timeless aesthetics of New England storehouses. His ability to blend historical charm with modern functionality has earned him a reputation for delivering projects that are both innovative and enduring.

A self-proclaimed “data geek,” Jim blends a strong background in mathematics with a deep passion for data analytics, delivering actionable insights for colleges, universities, and other mission-driven institutions. Jim advises senior leaders on strategies to optimize existing space use, unlock underutilized capacity, and align physical resources with long-term institutional goals. He integrates diverse perspectives to create innovative, data-informed solutions. His advisory work includes guiding leadership teams through complex decision-making processes that balance dynamic forces impacting organizations and fiscal realities. Jim has developed a suite of highly customized tools to help clients see the full picture, revealing the multivariate relationships between policy, space use, and demand. These tools not only illustrate current conditions but can also be used to model future scenarios, enabling leadership to explore the physical and financial implications of institutional change.

Katya leads studioDSK’s financial operations, ensuring alignment with the organization's fiscal responsibilities and objectives. She is responsible for managing and supervising all accounting operations, including general ledger maintenance, financial reporting, accounts payable, and accounts receivable. She has significant interactions with internal teams, external stakeholders, and clients while promoting and embodying studioDSK’s Core Values. Skilled in accounting process automation, process improvement, domestic and international consolidations, forecasting and budgeting, Katya excels at leading global teams through transformational change and financial software system upgrades. When she is not working, Katya loves to travel and is passionate about watching her daughter play college-level tennis. She also enjoys reading in English, Russian, or aspirational French. Katya has a dual MBA and Master of Accounting from the University of Oklahoma and is a licensed CPA.

Leanne designs both residential and institutional interiors. She enjoys the ongoing challenge of creating spaces that are both functional and timeless. Leanne translates colors, tones, and textures into tangible interior palettes, bringing her clients’ vision into focus. Leanne manages our Materials Library, informing our team of innovative materials and helping vendors, showrooms, and craftspeople display their newest pieces within our studio. With a passion for graphic design, in her post-graduate experience, Leanne earned certifications in Adobe Illustrator and Photoshop, deepening her knowledge of color theory and typography. Leanne received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Suffolk University. Her thesis focused on the importance of self-transportation within cities.

Margaret A. Daly is an accomplished interior designer with extensive experience creating spaces that foster learning, enjoyment, and comfort. Her more than two decades of experience in the interior design field is as diverse as it is impressive, ranging from the design of inviting medical office spaces, grand hotel foyers and conference centers, university lecture halls, open concept corporate offices, twenty-first-century secondary schools, and active senior living facilities. A graduate of Syracuse University’s College of Visual and Performing Arts, Margaret has prioritized her education, achieving both her NCIDQ and MCPPO certifications while constantly pursuing skills to master the latest in design technologies. She is an active member of the Boston design community and currently serves as the philanthropy chair of the annual IIDA Fashion Show. Margaret enjoys spending time with family, including her dogs Otto and Millie, at the beach on the north shore of Massachusetts.

Mary Lou is the lifeline between our studio and our communities. She captains studioDSK’s cultural initiatives, ultimately leading to the Firm being named 2023 Best Place to Work by the Boston Business Journal. Her deep care for the people who make our Firm special gives everyone the chance to excel on their journeys. Mary Lou’s professional managerial skills come from a broad range of positions with healthcare and education institutions. For a decade, Mary Lou managed the freshman dining program at Harvard University. In February 2016, she was the recipient of the Dean’s Distinction Award, noted for broad collaboration, inclusion, and a commitment to deliver excellence. Mary Lou received her Bachelor of Science from Plattsburgh State University. She has volunteered in the community at the Concord Public Schools as Nutrition Liaison, room parent, and as a committee member for Kicks for Cancer. She has also coached many boys and girls in the Concord Youth Soccer Program.

Monica supports studioDSK’s practice, plans cultural initiatives, and leads project research. She ensures that the communications, meetings, and deadlines of the studio are met. Monica’s background in the arts and digital media allows her to collaborate with project teams on a multitude of initiatives, including research, workshops, and presentations. Monica received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Digital Media with a minor in Art History from the University of Massachusetts, Dartmouth. Pursuing an MFA from UMass Dartmouth, her thesis explored the transformative qualities of animation and its energetic gesture of life. As the gallery manager at the Dedee Shattuck Gallery, she organized and implemented a variety of monthly exhibitions. Monica Administers the Art Drive, an annual juried studio artist tour throughout Dartmouth and Westport, Massachusetts, and freelances for The Portuguese Channel in New Bedford, a local Portuguese language television channel, keeping close community ties.

As a creative, Noelle conceptualizes cohesive and collective design opportunities for our clients. As a director, she provides mentorship in a collaborative space, allowing idea expression with a think-tank-like approach, pushing the group to elevate the design and team vision. Honoring historic design, celebrating the present, or envisioning tomorrow, she works to identify and build site-specific and contextual parameters from which design concepts and overarching themes stem. That framework ultimately results in a character defined and created for each project. Noelle’s experiences have grounded her process in massing and balance studies, visioning sessions, social platforms, and shared vision. Her portfolio covers 10M sq ft of development and $4B in construction costs. Project types include residential, hospitality, multi-family, mixed-use, retail, corporate, and education. Her work has a global span from Boston to Abu Dhabi and includes clients from Chanel to Masdar City.

Owen plays two significant roles at studioDSK. As project designer, Owen participates in residential and institutional projects from initiation to completion. Owen also manages BoilerWorks, studioDSK’s 3D maker environment, bringing together advanced digital and traditional hand tools. Assignments include architectural models, furniture designs, 3D object prototypes, and full-scale construction mockups. With a long-term goal of bringing the art of making back into practice by embedding it into the entire design process, from initial physical studies to final prototyping. Owen graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute with a Bachelor of Architecture, during which he explored the junction of architecture, digital, and physical fabrication, creating not only physical models and full-scale prototypes but also the tooling to create them. Owen has a passion for all things making; not limited to Ceramics, Robotics, Woodworking, CNC machining, Electronics, Coding, Welding, and Mechanics.

Patrick contributes to a diverse range of work, including institutional, planning, and island projects. He also plays a key role in developing visual representations that support and communicate designs. Patrick brings a thoughtful and forward-thinking approach to design. His interests center on adaptive reuse and the prioritization of education and equitable access to space. He is especially interested in the formation of spaces for all groups of people, particularly those who are often left out of design consideration. Patrick graduated summa cum laude from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He served as a Teaching Assistant and as President of the University’s chapter of Tau Sigma Delta, the national honor society for Architecture and Allied Arts. These roles gave him opportunities to lead design critiques, mentor students through the design process, and take on leadership responsibilities both in and out of the studio.

Richard Curtiss has three decades of experience delivering transformative projects across residential, hospitality, life sciences, and commercial sectors. Richard approaches every project as both a trusted advisor to clients and a facilitator of dynamic team-driven processes, leading to successful and fulfilling projects. Richard’s portfolio includes high-rise net-zero office towers, innovative urban compact living solutions, and destination resorts in the British Virgin Islands. His work reflects a strong commitment to lasting contextual design, environmental stewardship, and the belief that architecture can create lasting social and cultural value. A Certified Passive House Consultant and longtime AIA and BSA member, Richard combines deep technical expertise with a story-driven, human-centered design approach. Richard received his Master of Architecture from Syracuse University and a Bachelor of Arts from Bowdoin College.

Rob has three decades’ experience in the planning, design, and construction of higher education projects. Skilled in developing collaborative relationships between clients, construction managers, and the design team, he has led large, broadly defined teams through ambitious projects with complex programmatic, phasing, and funding mechanisms. He has worked with institutions of various scales and administrative structures. Projects have included buildings for research and secondary and higher education institutions. He is motivated by the idea that well-executed, thoughtful design does not simply address needs but augments the quality of people’s work and life. Rob is committed to sustainable design strategies that focus on resource efficiency, occupant well-being, and long-term operability.

Ryan translates our practice and studio culture to a broad community of creatives, leading to collaborations, partnerships, and opportunities. He steers the studioDSK narrative, linking people, projects, and partners into a single, compelling story that advances the Firm’s mission. He guides brand identity and public voice, coordinates community events, and manages press outreach. Day to day, Ryan stages project photo shoots, crafts multimedia stories, and converts web and social-media analytics into clear strategy. Ryan also supports design teams by shaping presentation graphics and client communications, ensuring big ideas land with clarity and energy. Ryan is always searching for the next visual language or cultural cue that will deepen audience connection and extend the studioDSK voice. His creative fuel comes from beyond the studio. Design influences come from cityscapes and skating culture, capturing clothing, cars, and people for inspiration.

Samantha received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She served as the MassArt Chapter President of the American Institute of Architecture Students and Marketing Director for AIAS’s FORUM. Samantha elevates graphic presentation programming and standards, facilitating the development of proposals and presentations. With a focus on residential projects, spatial awareness transcends her designs, enhancing the daily lives of our clients. She especially loves renovation and addition projects, and investigating how small adaptations and updates to older homes and outdated floor plans can improve and spark joy in residential life. Through these explorations, Samantha hopes to encourage the preservation and reuse of older and historic homes, revitalizing them through the lens of sustainability and resource management. Enrolled in Boston Architectural College’s graduate program, Samantha is continuing her path toward licensure.

Shaun is Senior Operations Manager with a penchant for building strong relationships with clients, consultants, contractors, and colleagues. Shaun is shepherding studioDSK’s approach to the design and construction of residential properties and resorts in the British Virgin Islands and U.S. Virgin Islands. Shaun was raised in a family of building craftsmen. His passion is the creation of beautifully crafted architecture across many building types. Shaun’s experience allows him to design, detail, and document projects within schedule and budget constraints. Shaun leads project teams to execute complex projects successfully. Shaun has experience in education, healthcare, and residential project types. His other interests include cycling, running, hiking, and traveling.

Stephanie leads studioDSK’s South Dartmouth office, with a broad portfolio of residential and public-sector projects that sit at the intersection of architecture, planning, and research. Stephanie received the LeBrun Travel Grant from the Center for Architecture in New York City, which enabled her to travel to Indonesia to study urban villages. She has facilitated visioning workshops centered on the effects of sea-level rise in Newport’s historic Point Neighborhood and presented at the inaugural ‘Keeping History Above Water’ conference. Her commitment to designing healthy, healing environments led her to pursue Living Future Accreditation from the International Living Future Institute. She has served as a guest critic at the Rhode Island School of Design, Roger Williams University, and the University of Rhode Island. Stephanie received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and a Master of Science in Sustainable Urban Development from the University of Oxford.

Tora Coursey is known for her ability to bring a hospitality feel and uniqueness to various project types, including restaurants, spas, multi-family amenities, corporate environments, healthcare, and education. Tora’s work reflects a commitment to creating spaces where people can thrive, recharge, and find peace in their everyday lives while celebrating a site's history. A graduate of Texas Christian University's Neeley School of Business, where she studied management and interior design, Tora brings a unique blend of creative flair and management expertise to every project she undertakes. One of Tora’s professional passions is crafting environments that not only look beautiful but can tell both wellness and sustainable stories through her LEED AP ID+C and WELL AP credentials. Tora has been featured as an Emerging Leader by IIDA in 2022 and in the Rising Star program with CREW 2023-2024. Her work has won IIDA Awards in Large Education Project and Multi-Family Amenity Design.

With a personal passion for travel and design, Tricia appreciates the architectural aesthetic of different regions and cultures around the world. She especially loves creating and reimagining flow and functionality in her own spaces. Tricia graduated from Hawaii Pacific University with a Bachelor of Arts in Hospitality and Tourism Management. Tricia previously worked in the hotel and travel industry. Tricia supports our South Dartmouth office and maintains operational databases Firmwide. As an essential link with consultants and vendors, Tricia manages interiors product samples, lunch and learn presentations, and the office interiors display walls.

Valentine glides seamlessly between interior design and architecture. Designing from the “inside-out” and “outside-in,” Valentine’s perspective allows her to conceptualize and interpret her clients’ needs, realizing shared vision through functional and elegant design. Valentine tells each project’s story through sketches, easily conveying early concepts to clients. Valentine graduated from the University of Massachusetts Amherst with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a background in drawing and painting. As a Teaching Assistant, she contributed to critiques and assisted students in solving technical and design problems.