In recognition of their outstanding contributions and dedication to our mission of creating beautiful, equitable, and sustainable civic-minded architecture, Dattner Architects is pleased to announce the promotion of nine distinguished professionals.
Aimee Hultquist, Annabelle Swain, Rachel Padowicz, Rebecca Vitone, Ryan Cusack, and Tara Marandino have been promoted to Associate. Alex Muller, Brandon Wang, and Lola Rodriguez-Fuentes are now Senior Associates.
“These promotions celebrate professionals who bring design excellence, client trust, and generosity to their colleagues in equal measure. They lead complex work with clarity, and we are proud to recognize their achievements.”—Kirsten Sibilia, Managing Partner
Ryan Cusack AIA, Associate, is passionate about the role housing and the built environment play in shaping stronger, more equitable communities. A skilled communicator and trusted collaborator, he builds lasting relationships with clients, colleagues, and stakeholders. Drawing on experience across diverse project types, he brings a spirit of knowledge-sharing, thoughtful leadership, and technical rigor to creating places that support everyday life. “I’m grateful to be part of a firm where the work is rooted in purpose and shaped by the communities we serve. In the housing studio, I have had the opportunity to contribute to projects that are technically complex, deeply collaborative, and meaningful to New York City. I’m excited to continue growing alongside colleagues who constantly inspire me.”—Ryan
Rebecca Vitone COEE, Associate, is dedicated to fostering a workplace where people can thrive. As Office Manager, she helps shape the systems, culture, and daily operations that support Dattner Architects’ practice, overseeing benefits administration, facilities, and employee resources. Her expertise in ergonomics and commitment to creating healthy, supportive environments reinforce her belief that strong organizations are built through care, trust, and investment in people. “Becoming an Associate is a meaningful milestone in my career, and I am grateful for the opportunities I’ve had at Dattner Architects. Working alongside passionate, talented professionals has been both rewarding and inspiring. I’m excited for what’s ahead and for the chance to continue contributing to the Firm’s success.”—Rebecca
Aimee Hultquist AIA, Associate, believes architecture is one of our most powerful tools for shaping a better future. A designer of exceptional curiosity and rigor, she brings a commitment to excellence to every project she undertakes. Her work is informed by a passion for research, discovery, and the creative process, as well as a belief that architecture encompasses the entire human environment. She approaches each challenge with thoughtfulness, imagination, and a dedication to design that creates meaningful, lasting impact. “The work we do at Dattner Architects is very particular and special, with its deep ties to the public realm. In my journey here, focused on projects with public clients and public funding, it has been fascinating and gratifying to be a small part of the bureaucratic processes that shape the physical reality of New York City and beyond. I look forward to meeting many future complex challenges with the civic-minded and collaborative energy that distinguishes our practice.”—Aimee
Tara Marandino AIA, LEED GA, Associate, brings together a background of architectural design and technical expertise in historic preservation and rehabilitation, much of her career has been focused on New York City’s uniquely layered urban environment. Tara’s work is grounded in the belief that design excellence and environmental responsibility are inseparable. She champions a methodical approach to design that elevates building performance, resilience, and long-term impact, creating architecture that benefits both people and the environment. “I am proud to be part of a firm whose culture is rooted in continually asking, “How can we do better?”— for our clients, the communities we serve, the environment, and each other. That mindset attracts incredibly talented and passionate people, and I feel fortunate to learn from them every day while being continuously challenged and inspired by the unique work we do. I’m deeply grateful for the colleagues and mentors who have helped shape my growth and for the supportive community that makes Dattner Architects such a special place.”—Tara
Annabelle Swain, Associate, is widely recognized as an educator and mentor within the practice, as BIM Manager she is dedicated to helping architects and designers develop new skills and adopt emerging technologies with confidence. Her expertise spans programming, digital fabrication, virtual simulation, and BIM, and she views knowledge-sharing as essential to innovation. By bridging design and technology, she empowers others to work more creatively and effectively, helping the practice continually evolve to meet the challenges of a changing profession. “I feel extremely lucky to work at a firm that gives me space to learn and grow. Our work feels incredibly rewarding, and I love seeing it constantly all over the city I grew up in and still call home. Dattner Architects designed my elementary school, PS 234, and working here has always felt very full circle.”—Annabelle
Rachel Padowicz AIA, Associate, has worked across a wide range of project types throughout New York City, giving her a versatile perspective on the many ways architecture can serve communities. She values the human element of design and believes the built environment should be shaped by how people experience and move through it. Known for her collaborative approach and thoughtful client engagement, she helps guide projects through complex challenges while fostering strong relationships among project teams, stakeholders, and users. “I have been lucky in my time at Dattner Architects to work across many of our civic typologies, from NYC public schools to hospitals to affordable housing. It is an enormous privilege to design and build the places where New Yorkers live, learn, play, and work. I’m proud to work alongside colleagues who bring passion, care, and skill to this work and advocate hard for the future occupants of their built space.”—Rachel
Brandon Wang AIA, Senior Associate, guides complex projects that create resilient, high-performing projects that support the infrastructural operations of cities and promotes civic spaces places for communities to thrive. His work is grounded in the belief that architecture can advance both environmental stewardship and social well-being. He champions research and collaboration between designers and non-designers alike, recognizing the creative process as a powerful tool for collective impact.“I’m thrilled and honored to be recognized for this achievement. Since joining Dattner Architects straight from undergraduate school, I have learned so much from my colleagues and friends—past and present, across all levels—who have supported me all along. It’s a privilege to see projects through that positively impact our communities and raise the public design standard.”—Brandon
Lola Rodriguez-Fuentes AIA, LEED AP, Senior Associate, began her career in her native Peru, and this international perspective has continued to define and shaper her work. Known for her technical rigor and steady leadership, she guides multidisciplinary teams through the most challenging aspects of project development, transforming ambitious visions into enduring, impactful, high-performing public architecture. “Restarting my professional career away from my home country has been humbling yet very rewarding with every step forward. I’m grateful to Dattner Architects for providing me with the mentorship and inspiration that has shaped this chapter of my career and now allows me to step into this new role. I’m excited to continue this growth alongside this incredible team and proud to contribute to its success.”—Lola
Alex Muller AIA, LEED AP, CPHC, Senior Associate, is driven by the social impact of design and views each project as an opportunity to enhance urban life. His experience leading the design and construction of complex buildings, with a focus on multi-family housing and adaptive reuse projects, informs his advocacy for environmentally sustainable architecture. “I am proud of Dattner Architects’ mission and work. We design essential architecture that improves urban life and supports communities. In the housing studio, we are creating thousands of environmentally sustainable, affordable homes in NYC and beyond. I am grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with talented colleagues on projects for clients committed to building a better future.”—Alex
The promotion of these members of our staff reflects their continued commitment to the sustainable and innovative architecture that is a hallmark of Dattner Architects’ architecture.