"Together we worked through the most minute details and finished a stellar project... which sets a new high bar for excellence in terms of design, technical expertise, value, sustainability, and functionality."
Team Members
In a profession where principal owners are traditionally licensed architects, this is one Latina who broke the mold and commandeered the mother ship. Named the first female, non-architect owner, Denise is the firm's Director of Operations, overseeing day-to-day business matters, from accounting, human resources, and risk management, to IT and marketing. She navigates through all vital business functions to effectively streamline operations and maintain high quality uniform standards.
Her omniscient power and business acumen brings the perfect balance to her all male principal counterparts, who are bifurcated by conceptual, pragmatic and technical architects. As a natural nurturer, thanks in part to her culture and motherhood, she strongly advocates for staff always encouraging and empowering them to be their best self.
It's almost certain that her highly developed organization and time management skills come from two sources: the analytical nature of her job and regularly hosting get-togethers of 40+ family members (it's a cultural thing). Either way she is deserving of an occasional break, which ironically is spent as a "closet" designer; secretly drawing and painting, even though her 6th grade yearbook states she wanted to be an architect. Coincidence?
In his role as Project Executive, Paul affirms the firm’s promise of “always remaining true” to our clients - and consultants - by being invested, staying connected and fiercely advocating for delivering the highest level of service. He is a founding principal and a trusted architect and advisor to public institutions, as well as corporate clients who rely on his unified vision and values. He guides his clients through a discovery process of their existing and future operational needs to determine plans for consolidation, renovation and new construction projects, and the requirements necessary to bring facilities up to 21st century standards. His design aesthetic is crafted wholly by the goals and vision of each individual project, which creates a dynamic design that is responsive to the unique needs of his clients.
Having come on board in 1989, almost since the firm's inception, seems to entitle his co-workers to kid him about his age. He doesn't seem to mind, and instead embraces it as a badge of experience and honor, relishing in the very role his father had before him.
Growing up in a construction family, Armand worked alongside his father who was a Builder, and later a Construction Manager, which strongly influenced his gravitation toward Architecture. Today he serves as the firm's Director of Technical Services, which has nothing to do with IT, but rather everything to do with materials and proper methods of construction. In this capacity, he is as an advisor and mentor to all in the firm. Working from the "general to the specific," Armand has a systematic approach to his work that has contributed to the firm's reputation for excellence in design, as well as for technical soundness. Most notably, in the area of building envelope science.
One of Armand's finest qualities is his patience and willingness to share skills, knowledge, and expertise, not just with architects and designers, but with all personnel. He can turn assigning a task into a learning experience.
Most assume by Armand's buttoned-down appearance and professional manner, he’s all corporate, all the time. Ironically he lives a simple, country life on his farm, riding horses, quads, tractors, motorcycles or skis. It's what makes him "right" again, in order to come back to the office with purpose.
Andrew—“Andy” to many—was more than a gifted architect and respected business leader; he was a trusted mentor, a loyal collaborator, and a true friend to all who knew him.
Since joining USA Architects in 1998, Andy brought a steadfast commitment to design excellence and integrity in every project he touched. In 2016, he became a Principal of the firm, playing a vital role in our continued growth and in shaping the next generation of design professionals. His unwavering dedication to his clients, as well as the faithful mentorship of emerging architects, will remain a cornerstone of his legacy.
Andrew leaves behind an indelible mark—not only on our firm and our projects, but also in the hearts of those who had the privilege of working alongside him. As we move forward, we remain committed to honoring his memory by continuing the work he so passionately believed in and by fervently supporting the clients he served with such devotion. His impact on our team, our clients, and our work is immeasurable.
Susan brakes for two things: animals and architecture. Her love for all living creatures, notwithstanding humans, has transcended her career where she focuses almost exclusively on healthcare and higher educational design. Both fuel her fire to enhance wellness and the learning environment. She feels fortunate to have joined the USA family soon after graduating from Virginia Tech. Her ascension to an Associate of the Firm is indicative of her steadfast and true nature, the exhaustive effort she puts into every design project, the confidence in her decision making and the 'intensive care' she provides each and every client. For Sue, whether it's an animal or an old building, the best things in life are those that can be rescued, so she generously devotes her downtime to the Mylestone Equine Rescue.
