Ryan Carper

Architectural Designer

rcarper@kgdarchitects.com

Ryan Carper has an insatiable passion for understanding and excelling at all technical and creative aspects of the profession from realistic 3D renderings to complex architectural detailing. As an architectural designer with over 8 years’ experience at the firm, Ryan’s greatest strength is his extensive knowledge of the architectural design and documentation programs used by the firm including Autodesk Revit and Enscape. He is responsible for guiding projects through the various phases of design and construction and his knowledge base also includes planning, programming, aesthetic design, product selection, construction documentation and permit application. As part of the KG+D team, Ryan has lent his expertise to the development of the new Pelham UFSD Hutchinson Elementary School, the new Yonkers Public Schools Sonia Sotomayor Community School, additions to Chappaqua’s Horace Greeley High School, renovations to Greenwich Academy cafeteria, the Town of Harrison’s replacement Recreation Center, and additions and renovations to Middletown ECSD’s Twin Towers Middle School.

Ryan graduated with honors from Roger Williams University in 2011 with a Bachelor of Architecture. In addition to architecture, Ryan is passionate about fitness and nutrition. He grew up in Pennsylvania alongside his twin brother and 3 other siblings. He currently lives in Stamford, CT with his newest family member, a rescue puppy named Theo.

Andrew Allison

Associate/Construction Project Manager

aallison@kgdarchitects.com

Andrew joined the KG+D team in 2016 as a Construction Project Manager to provide seamless coordination and quality control when design becomes reality during the construction phase of each project. He was named an Associate in 2019. Andrew graduated from The City College of New York’s School of Architecture and started his career as a construction manager in the Tri-State area. He soon formed his own mid-sized construction company which he managed for 3 decades. He applies his knowledge of construction and architecture to KG+D projects, ensuring they are built in compliance with the contract documents and achieve the design intent. One of Andrew’s greatest strengths is his ability to work with clients, consultants, and contractors to find pragmatic solutions to unexpected conditions as they are discovered in the field. He has successfully managed over 100 million dollars’ worth of construction for KG+D’s clients, including the Enlarged City School District of Middletown, Putnam Valley CSD, Chappaqua CSD, and Greenburgh Eleven UFSD.

Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Andrew and his wife moved to a lake community in Putnam County, NY, where they raised their daughter and continue to enjoy living on a lake. Andrew likes to hike the trails in the Northeast and travel with his wife.

Janet Rotondo

Resource Librarian

jrotondo@kgdarchitects.com

Janet Rotondo is the Resource Librarian at KG+D. Prior to her position at KG+D, Janet held several design positions including positions at Scholastic, Sims, Freeman, O’Brien, Schumacher, Patterson, Flynn & Martin as well as resource librarian positions at Hillier Group and RMJM. She earned her BFA in Graphic Design from Pratt Institute.

An area native, Janet grew up in Collinsville CT and is a currently a resident of Peekskill, NY where she raised her two sons—James and Alex—with her husband Ed. Her favorite hobbies are cooking and ceramics. She loves to travel, and her bags are always at the ready. Janet’s travel destinations have been Machu Picchu and the village in Italy where her Grandparents were born.

Susan Annar

Assistant Project Manager

sannar@kgdarchitects.com

Susan Annar has been a valued member of the KG+D team since 2016. She is a lifelong New Yorker and loves northern Westchester, though living abroad is a future goal. She earned a Bachelor of Arts with double majors in English Literature and Women’s Studies from SUNY at Buffalo, where she never liked hot wings but once let go of an airplane wing at 3,000 feet.

Susan started her career on Madison Avenue as a Media Planner for Young & Rubicam and Ogilvy & Mather NY, strategizing multi-million-dollar advertising image campaigns. She transitioned into Public Relations with software giant, Computer Associates, focusing on national business press. Always looking for new challenges, Susan went into business management consulting as a Senior Project Manager, leading teams for the reconstruction and reorganization of MMC/Marsh and McLennan's headquarters in Manhattan.

Outside of work, Susan is an active member of the lake community where she built her house in 2009 and raised her bright, adventurous daughter, a recent college graduate. Susan loves travel, hiking with her dog and friends, gardening, reading, and her new hobby, motorcycling.

Teresa Jarrard

Assistant Project Manager

tjarrard@kgdarchitects.com

At KG+D Teresa is most interested in how our firm can be a model for responsible practices and sustainable resource management. With over twenty years’ experience, in what is known to be a tough profession, Teresa’s no-nonsense can-do attitude has helped her to contribute to amazing projects and build wonderful relationships.

Teresa began her career in the construction industry as a favor to a friend who was looking for a temporary help when his Office Manager went on parental leave – you never know where life will take you! Prior to this serendipitous start, Teresa had a career in real estate and studied yoga. After moving from NYC to the Hudson Valley to raise a family, she continued working in real estate and following inspiration was certified as a Hatha Yoga instructor and opened one of the first yoga studios in the area.

Teresa grew up in Washington state’s beautiful Puget Sound where she developed a strong connection to nature and appreciation for her gifts. Then and now, she can be found outside - riding her bike or hiking and camping in the nearby mountains.

Ashley Higgins

Marketing Coordinator

ahiggins@kgdarchitects.com

Ashley found her way to architecture and design through her love of words. As the firm’s Marketing Coordinator, she is the keeper and cultivator of the words that embody KG+D. In her support of the architectural team, Ashley lends her talents to the firm's marketing, communications, and business development efforts. She is a member of the Society for Marketing Professional Services.

Ashley earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from Manhattan College where a course driven internship at Interior Design Magazine began her journey in the world of design. After a few years as a Marketing Assistant at the magazine she transitioned to a marketing position with Artistic Tile. Ashley joined the KG+D team in 2012.

As a New Jersey native, in her free time can you find her on the beach in Brigantine, formally with a book in her hands but currently chasing one (or all) of her three children.

Richard Markgraf

Architectural Designer

rmarkgraf@kgdarchitects.com

Richard is an Architectural Designer and skilled master planner, experienced at managing and delivering projects. He has overseen the completion of building condition surveys totaling over $1 billion across nearly 100 different buildings. In addition to several leadership positions outside of the firm, Richard serves on the Business Development and Social Responsibility committees at KG+D.

Richard holds a Master of Architecture degree from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and AB degrees in Biology and Chemistry with focuses in economics and psychology. Additionally, he holds several post-degree certificates from Yale University, Pratt Institute, and Columbia University. Richard is the recipient of numerous accolades, awards and fellowships including the RPI Founders Award, the AIA Henry Adams Medal and the Bedford Fellowship, highlighting the intersection of architecture and engineering.

Prior to joining KG+D, Richard served in specialized roles in the consulting and financial services sectors, diversifying his leadership and managerial toolbox. His in-depth knowledge of economic and market factors provides a unique and valuable perspective to analytical organization and strategic long-term planning, which builds on nearly two decades of team leadership, architectural design work, and management roles across multiple industries.

Outside the office, Richard is actively engaged in conservation through local and national organizations. Richard enjoys traditional woodworking, spending time with his children, and traipsing through alpine wilderness. Richard focuses on craftsmanship in all things, which he considers to be a driver of his work and the culmination of effective design and planning.

Andrew Herring

Architectural Designer

aherring@kgdarchitects.com

Andrew brings his passion for 3D Technology to the KG+D team and has shared his unique perspective with the team. During his studies, Andrew applied his love for 3D modeling to physical CNC modeling, 3D Printing, animation, graphic design, and more. His unique combination of 3D techniques and sustainable design earned him the Top Architectural Design Award, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture from New York Institute of Technology. Andrew has lent his passion and technical expertise to KG+D’s projects for the Wilton Family YMCA, the Ossining Children’s Center, and the Brooklawn Country Club.

A Connecticut resident by way of New Jersey, Andrew attended Norwalk Community College where he discovered that his love of engineering, physics, and technology melded perfectly through the art of Architecture. Andrew graduated with an Associates in Architectural Engineering from NCC before completing a 5-year Architectural Program at NYIT. He worked as a Bartender at local pubs throughout his journey, often conversing with contractors, architects and designers, which provided insight in between school and work.

When not at work, you can find Andrew enjoying his time off at the gym or Candlewood Lake, boating with family and friends. Andrew hopes to one day design and build his own home on the water and visit historical architectural sites all over the world, including The Pyramids of Giza, Italy, and Japan.

Lauren Irons

Architectural Designer

lirons@kgdarchitects.com

Lauren is passionate about materiality, which demonstrates her affinity for the little things in life. By generating 3D images for KG+D’s projects, Lauren shows great enthusiasm for creating spaces that encourage the human experience through the placement and arrangement of materials. Working closely with the interiors department, Lauren aids in the selection of lighting, furniture, and materials for KG+D’s projects.

Lauren is a proud Rhode Island native. She grew up and studied architecture in Bristol; a quaint, historic town with charming seaports. As her family’s second Roger Williams University alumni, Lauren graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a Master of Architecture. Lauren first joined the KG+D team as a summer intern in 2018 and was hired as a full-time architectural designer the following year.

When not at work, she enjoys spending time with family, playing games, experiencing nature, and traveling. It would come as no surprise that Lauren would be the first employee to sign a petition for a KG+D office dog due to her sweet and cheerful personality.

Sarah Davis¸ AIA

Architectural Designer

sdavis@kgdarchitects.com

Sarah joined KG+D in 2021 as an Architectural Designer. Early in her career, she worked on projects ranging from multi-family residential in St. Louis and Boston to custom high-end residences on Chicago’s North Shore.

Following her passion for design, food and travel, Sarah then moved to Thailand, where she worked on commercial interior projects including the rollout of the Apple Reseller store prototypes throughout Southeast Asia. While there, she was also a lecturer in architecture at several universities in Bangkok, focusing on design studios and architectural history.

Sarah holds a Master of Architecture degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Arts degree from Smith College.

Marissa Alicea

Architectural Designer

malicea@kgdarchitects.com

Adopting her alma mater’s signature motto, “Why Not Change the World?” Marissa graduated Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute seeking to do work that would allow her to make an impact on her community. The Elmsford, New York native joined the KG+D team in 2018 as an Architectural Designer and has continuously worked on projects that have positively impacted the Westchester community.

During her time at the firm, Marissa has lent her drafting and graphic design skills to projects such as The New Pelham UFSD Hutchinson Elementary School; the interior renovations of the Nyack High School, Middle School, and Elementary Schools’ libraries; the classroom interior renovations for the Rippowam Cisqua School’s Upper Campus; and to the Indian Mountain Fieldhouse, which is currently in construction.

In her free time, Marissa enjoys running, experimenting with cooking and baking, and volunteering at different community events in her hometown of Elmsford.

Gabriela Fiorentino, Associate AIA, LEED BD+C

Architectural Designer

gfiorentino@kgdarchitects.com

Gabriela hopes to champion nature-positive and carbon-neutral projects. At KG+D, she provides architectural support as part of the team to deliver creative and purposeful projects.

Gabriela began her architecture journey at Pratt Institute earning a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Psychology. This pairing gives her a deeper understanding of how people embody space and its surroundings. Gabriela was awarded The Pratt Circle Award for Outstanding Academic Achievement and received Honorable Mention for the 2016 Michael Hollander Drawing Excellence Award from her Distinguished Thesis Project Nomination.

After Pratt, she attended Columbia University’s master’s program in Urban Design and Architecture to scale her knowledge of how good design can positively impact communities. She is also a proud member of the AIA and supports the World Wildlife Fund and Wolf Conservation Center.

Gabriela is from the Dominican Republic. She is fluent in English and Spanish and speaks Italian and French. In her spare time, she spends time with her family, learns about new nature and wildlife conservation initiatives, and travels around the world.

Russell Davidson

FAIA, President/Principal

rdavidson@kgdarchitects.com

Russell A. Davidson, FAIA is President of KG+D where in the past 28 years he has led the firm through the planning and construction of projects valued at approximately $700 million. Russ joined KG+D’s predecessor firm, Kaeyer, Parker & Garment in 1986 as an Associate, and was Principal of the firm for six years before becoming President in 2000.

With 37 years of experience planning educational, commercial, religious, and multi-unit residential facilities, he has extensive knowledge of the New York State and the region, educational planning requirements and trends, campus planning, and effectively building consensus to gain public approval for funding projects.

Russ plays an active role in furthering the profession of architecture and the value of public architecture. Russ has held leadership positions with the American Institute of Architects since 1999 culminating in his role as National President of the AIA in 2016. Russ was elected to this position by the 90,000 members of the AIA served as it’s 92nd president in it’s over 150-year history and was the first National President from Westchester County. As an AIA leader, he has advocated for policy reform on issues that are important to our clients including funding for social infrastructure projects specifically, schools and libraries. As president, Russ traveled internationally and nationally and spoke about the public impact of design. In the fall of 2016 Russ convened the “Build America Summit” at the New York Times Center in New York City. This two-day event focused on the critical need for our country to invest in the Public buildings that define our communities.

Erik Kaeyer

AIA LEED AP, Vice President/Principal

ekaeyer@kgdarchitects.com

As firm Design Principal and Vice President, Erik is responsible for a significant portion of the creative design work as well as project management overseeing the firm’s standard of design quality. Erik employs a unique design approach for every project drawing upon site context, orientation, daylight, and building materials to creatively interpret each design program. His interest in global sustainability and his ability to create designs that innovatively meet the owner’s program and budget goals, has helped deliver successful projects to our clients.

A graduate of Cornell University, Erik began his career in architecture at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in London and spent eight years working as a designer and lead project architect for two national/globally focused architectural firms. At KG+D, he has led the design of many award-winning projects including two that received accolades as 2 of the 10 Most Beautiful Buildings in Westchester County - the Seven Bridges Middle School in Chappaqua and the New York State Judicial Institute at Pace University Law School (the first facility of its kind specifically dedicated to the continuing education of judges and their staff). Erik continues to focus on community improving buildings and campuses that strength our towns and region.

Erik has served as President of the Boys & Girls Club of Northern Westchester and continues as a longstanding and active board member. He has also served as President and member of the Mount Kisco Rotary Club and President of the Wilton Riding Club. As a member of the American Institute of Architects, he served on the Westchester/ Mid-Hudson Board of Directors and Chairman of the Design Committee for over 10 years.

Art and Fitness are life activities which Erik takes seriously. When not developing architecture, he spends his time drawing, sculpting, running, kayaking, skiing, traveling and other outdoor activities.

Walter Hauser

AIA, Principal

whauser@kgdarchitects.com

Walter P. Hauser, AIA joined KG+D in 2004 and was named Principal in 2015. His broad range of educational and professional experience includes studies in Germany and Italy, project design and management of private school facilities and high-end residential buildings while working for Zarecki and Associates and the design and construction of equestrian facilities for Old Town Barns in Pawling, NY.

Since joining KG+D, Walt has led design and management of significant projects for Yale University, Middletown Enlarged City School District, Eastchester Union Free School District, Putnam Valley Central School District, Westchester Community College, Green Chimneys, Dutchess Day School, Indian Mountain School, Trinity-Pawling School, and Fordham University (Rose Hill and Lincoln Center Campuses).

Walt possesses strong management skills with attention to design detail and an outstanding ability to interface and communicate with owners, consultants, and contractors. Walt has also built a strong network of regional connections and has a deep understanding of how to deliver successful projects that exceed expectations.

Susan D. Davidson, Associate AIA

Associate Principal/Director of Interior Design

sdavidson@kgdarchitects.com

As an Associate Principal and the Director of Interior Design at the firm, Susan has a hand in virtually every project at KG+D handling more than $100 million dollars-worth of work over her 28-year tenure. Susan’s passion, ideas, innovation, and influence can be seen in the spaces and places she has collaboratively designed with her teammates at KG+D. Susan’s expansive knowledge of finishes, manufacturers, and product applications, as well as the durability and life expectancy of products helps clients gain the best possible products for their budget.

Susan’s interior design experience spans all project types and sizes, from small commercial offices and retail build-outs to educational facilities, municipal offices and large corporate headquarters. She works closely with clients to develop space plans; determine the interior layout and level of finish for a specific project; select and specify materials and colors; and to develop furniture budgets and bid specifications. She has received multiple awards for interiors from the AIA Westchester Hudson Valley Chapter, AIA New York State, Learning by Design, and American School & University.

Susan received her Bachelor of Science from the University of Illinois and went on to pass her N.C.I.D.Q qualifying exam, the industry recognized indicator of proficiency in interior design. She first joined KG+D’s predecessor firm Kaeyer, Parker & Garment in 1987. After five years with KPG, she spent time at several design firms including two years as sole proprietor for her own design studio before rejoining KG+D in 1999.

Susan has volunteered for committees at the local AIA chapter, served as an Elder at her church and mentored Elementary school children. In her free time, she plays golf, ballroom dances, cooks, and gardens.

Sarah Dirsa, AIA LEED AP, NOMA

Principal

sdirsa@kgdarchitects.com

Sarah is passionate about finding design solutions that address and improve social issues. As Principal, Sarah has taken on a leading role in advancing the firm’s Next Generation educational facility design expertise by examining overlaps between curriculum and design, working closely with project stakeholders to create spaces that support active learning and inspire users to work in new and exciting ways. She represents the firm as an educational facilities design expert for a national program entitled Reimagine America’s Schools where she participated in design workshops to create pilot projects for educational facilities and frequently presents on ways to create active learning spaces on a budget. Sarah was a panelist for an AIA New York State series, Reimagining School Design, where she spoke about Learner Centered Design and designing for student agency. Her leadership in some of KG+D’s key projects include the development of the new Pelham UFSD Hutchinson Elementary School as well as award-winning additions and renovations to Brewster CSD’s JFK Elementary School.

Prior to joining KG+D Sarah served as the first ever Chair of Social Responsibility for HOK, leading the firm’s social outreach efforts across 24 locations and 1,800 employees. In this role, Sarah was a core member of the pro bono design team for the William Jefferson Clinton Children’s Center, a replacement orphanage facility in Port-Au-Prince, Haiti that targeted LEED Platinum Certification. Sarah was the recipient of the Young Architects Award from the National component of the American Institute of Architects and was named a 40 under 40 by Building Design + Construction.

A lapsed runner and rugby player, Sarah dedicates her time outside of work exploring with her son and their pit bull rescue.

Brian Mangan

AIA, Principal

bmangan@kgdarchitects.com

With over fourteen years of architectural experience, Brian brings an expertise in project leadership, innovative problem-solving, and energy efficient building design to each of his projects. As Principal, Brian has spearheaded the firm’s work with several local BOCES including the development of a new Alternative High School and the renovation of the Career & Technical Institute for Dutchess BOCES, as well as the adaptive re-use of the former Arden Hill Hospital into a new campus for Orange-Ulster BOCES.

Brian’s commitment to design excellence is clear through his contribution and leadership for several of the firm’s award-winning projects including the historical preservation and expansion of the Bronxville UFSD’s 1929 auditorium, a Community Room addition for the Eagle Hill School and transformative renovations to Scarsdale High School that included the addition of a Learning Commons, Design Lab and Fitness Center. Brian’s design and project management skills have also been applied to several projects including the Wilton Family Y, Greenwich Public Schools, and the Bedford Hills Community House.

Travis Schnell

AIA, Principal

tschnell@kgdarchitects.com

Travis Schnell, AIA Principal of KG+D joined the firm in 2006 as an Intern Architect and held positions as an Associate and Associate Principal. Travis’ multifaceted experience encompasses a wide range of community centric facilities including educational facilities, nature centers. and recreational clubs.

Travis is currently leading the development of a sustainable new educational pavilion for the Wolf Conservation Center and a new fieldhouse for the Indian Mountain School. Travis has lent his technical and design expertise along with enthusiastic leadership to several of the firm’s award-winning projects, all of which involved the complete re-envisioning of existing facilities resulting in the transformation of the Rippowam Cisqua School, Shorehaven Golf Club, and the Great Neck Public Library. Travis’ experience also includes masterplan work for the Teatown Lake Reservation Center where he helped the organization imagine how a new visitor center can be incorporated into their historic bucolic structures. Recently, he completed work on the new Ossining Children’s Center, bringing to reality a dream of the 120-year-old community institution.

When he is not working, Travis has spent the last 10 years volunteering with the Jolly Rovers, a Non-Profit trail building organization that specializes in regional technical stonework, keeping him grounded to the local community and the outdoors.

Patrick Meany, RA

Associate

pmeany@kgdarchitects.com

As a Senior Technical Coordinator, Project Architect and Construction Administrator with over 23 years in the firm, Patrick Meaney has lent his expertise to many of the firms projects including Seven Bridges Middle School, Great Neck Public Library, Katonah-Lewisboro Public Schools, Somers Central School District, White Plains Public Schools, Brewster Central School District, and Pelham Union Free School District.

Prior to joining KG+D, Patrick spent more than 15 years at the New York office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill L.L.P. At SOM Patrick was involved in a wide variety of projects, which included JFK International Arrivals Building, Citicorp Building L.I.C., Tribeca Bridge in lower Manhattan, the Federal Courthouse in White Plains, and 383 Madison Avenue, Bear Stearns Corporate Headquarters.

In addition to his technical expertise in construction methods and management, Patrick is dedicated to developing high quality construction documents. His computer experience extends from 1984 at SOM, where a strong team approach to large projects developed his ability to extract the best from coworkers through effective leadership. Patrick’s team mentality and willingness to mentor staff members and intern architects is a valued asset and succeeds in enriching the knowledge base of the KG+D team.

Robert Fendler

Associate AIA, Associate

rfendler@kgdarchitects.com

Robert Fendler, Associate AIA is an Associate at KG+D. He originally joined the team in 1999 and after a 6-year tenure, gained experience in various positions with firms throughout the county before rejoining KG+D in 2015 as a Senior Technical Project Manager. Bob is also a senior adjunct professor at Westchester Community College teaching all levels of AutoCAD and REVIT, as well as a lecturer at SUNY Purchase on Auto CAD for Interior Designers.

In addition to his technical skills, Bob is KG+D’s resident expert on AutoCAD and REVIT and is an important part of KG+D staff mentoring. During his recent tenure at KG+D, Bob has managed projects for Middletown Enlarged City School District, Eastchester Union Free School District, Tuckahoe Union Free School District and Putnam Valley Central School District.

Fred Wells, RLA

Associate

fwells@kgdarchitects.com

With over 35 years of environmental planning and site design experience in the New York metro region, Frederick Wells, RLA is a Senior Landscape Architect + Planner and Associate. Prior to joining the firm in 2019, Fred collaborated with KG+D as a sub-consulting team member on many of the firm’s projects.

Fred provides expert services in land planning and environmental assessment and has a working knowledge of the regulatory requirements and environmental review procedures that land development and environmental mitigation projects must negotiate. Fred is conversant in the SEQRA and NEPA review processes and coordinating the professional disciplines that make a successful project.

Fred’s experience also includes the preparation of feasibility studies, land use and zoning analyses, visual assessments, environmental impact statements, site master plans, and support for litigation of land planning and environmental issues. He is experienced in representing clients at public hearings and interacting with regulatory agencies.

Lisa DelPercio, LEED AP

Business Manager

ldelpercio@kgdarchitects.com

Lisa brings decades long industry experience to the KG+D team with a unique variety of skills necessary to help manage a design practice. Working closely with the Principals of the firm, Lisa has responsibilities in business, finance, administration, human resources, and operations. She is a LEED Accredited Professional, and a long-standing member of the Society for Design Administration.

Having studied Art History and Interior Design, Lisa has worked for prominent cultural institutions as well as design firms and has formerly served in roles as Executive Assistant, Contract Administrator, Office Manager, and Operations Manager.

Lisa is a resident of Dutchess County, New York but given the opportunity, she would quickly relocate to Tromso, Norway. With a love of the wilderness and cold climates, Lisa has a great affinity for wolves and wildlife (her favorite KG+D project is of course the Education Pavilion for the Wolf Conservation Center) and she spends time on weekends as a volunteer for several animal welfare organizations. Whenever possible, Lisa loves to travel abroad and one destination on her bucket list is the Antarctic.