In recognition of their demonstrated leadership, dedication to our firm and our values, and passion for civic architecture, Dattner Architects is proud to announce the promotions of our 12 new Associates and Senior Associates. Alex Muller, Jon King, Patrick McAffrey, and Wei Wang have been elevated to Associate. Our new Senior Associates are Brian Nesin, Daniella LaRocca, Earl Jones, Jen Switala, Mary Beth Lardaro, Philippe Martelly, Robert Drake, and Shefali Sanghvi.
ASSOCIATES
Alex Muller AIA, LEED AP understands the social impact of design and views each project as an opportunity to enhance urban life. His experience coordinating the design and construction of complex buildings, ranging from large government facilities and cultural structures to multi-family housing and adaptive reuse projects, informs his advocacy for environmentally sustainable architecture.
Jon King AIA, LEED AP applies a deep understanding of high performance building practices to his projects informed in part through continual research and collaboration with industry experts on subjects including thermal envelope assemblies and building systems. His ability to integrate and manage functionality and design goals results in built projects with enduring and sustainable value.
Formally trained in both architecture and product design, Patrick McAffrey AIA has a deep understanding of how finished projects at all scales can affect and influence end users. A passion for intelligent urbanism has led him to focus his work on infrastructure and transportation projects, which he believes have profound impact on the building fabric and urban lifestyles they support.
Wei Wang AIA, LEED AP BD+C believes the architect’s role goes beyond design and function; it also uplifts communities and fosters social equity. She has experience managing projects, from mixed-use high-rise residential developments to various types of commercial buildings. Passionate about building materials and research, Wei is active within the firm’s Sustainable Practice Group.
SENIOR ASSOCIATES
Brian Nesin AIA, LEED AP’s design interest encompasses vastly different scales, from regional planning to furniture design. His portfolio comprises a similar range, from master plans to intricate building details, for clients including government agencies, not-for-profits, and businesses. Brian’s experience with woodworking and design-build informs his exploration of the materiality of buildings.
Daniella LaRocca AIA has focused her career on designing urban infrastructure and transportation projects. Her attention to the technical resolution of complex ideas and experience with the construction administration phase of multiple projects has given her the expertise to develop buildable details, critical to maintaining a project’s design integrity.
As Digital Design Director, Earl Jones Assoc. AIA manages the firm’s advanced computing, 3-D modeling, and BIM implementation. He is passionate about exploring software applications to advance technical resolutions and collaboration across disciplines. His architectural training and experience working for both architecture and engineering firms allows him to create cohesive, efficient workflows that support design.
Jen Switala AIA believes that architecture evokes different responses in each individual, and that this results in a meaningful complexity to the urban realm. With a diverse background of project experience, Jen has designed affordable and supportive housing, commercial buildings, and comprehensive master plans. She leads Dattner Architects’ R&D Co-Lab, which is focused on examining vital issues confronting the built environment.
As Human Resources Director, Mary Beth Lardaro supports the firm’s civic mission by nurturing a workplace culture that prioritizes mentorship and professional development and inspires designers to do their best work.
She leads recruitment, policy development, benefits, compensation, and pay equity.
Philippe Martelly AIA, CPHC is deeply invested in understanding the human experience and social impact of healthy, sustainable, and well-conceived affordable housing. Through community awareness and sensible design tailored for a given site and neighborhood’s needs, Philippe believes that civic-oriented architects are in a unique position to help create quality spaces as well as nourishing environments where the users and their communities-at-large can proudly prosper.
Guided by a belief that data gathering should always precede design, Robert Drake AIA strives to provide clients and project teams with support based on critical analysis. His experience and comprehensive understanding of the construction process allows him to focus parties on the joint goals of quality, budget, and schedule.
Shefali Sanghvi AIA, LEED AP BD+C has a deep background in affordable housing. She is dedicated to designing buildings that are socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable and has become an expert on urban Passive House projects. Shefali believes it is the architect’s responsibility to respect the power that we hold on the built environment by designing spaces that are welcoming to all members of society.
