People

Willy Bermudez

Willy Bermudez is a dedicated and highly motivated senior designer with more than 20 years of experience in single and multi-family residential design as well as retail interiors. He has focused his career on new construction, renovation, and expansion. He also has significant experience in the planning of complex large-scale residential, student housing, hotel, and mixed-use projects. Willy is a valued leader at BKV Group and is known for his contemporary design aesthetic, attention to detail, and collaborative approach to leadership.

Melissa Brewer

Melissa is an accomplished design professional with a unique capability and reputation for successfully expressing a client’s culture through design. She has a proven track record as lead interior designer for a long-term high technology client ’s 10,000 employee corporate campus. Additional project experience includes a wide range of clients and project types with a similar focus. Melissa also has significant experience in managing long-term projects, materials sourcing, construction documentation and design communication.

Craig Carter

Craig Carter has more than a decade of nationwide experience in architectural programming, design, documentation, and construction administration with a focus on public facilities and government projects. He is a national leader in fire station design and construction, utilizing an innovative research-based approach. His projects have won awards for design as well as for demonstrating an exceptional level of cooperation between government and the private sector. Craig is an expert in the detailed requirements that enable public facilities to be effective tools for their users. With a family background in public service, Craig understands the culture of local government and strives to create an excellent working relationship with his clients by focusing on timeliness, follow-through, and clear communications, while keeping the best interests of the citizens at heart.

Charlie Charlton

Charlie Charlton represents both BKV Group and the project owners throughout the construction process. He uses his expertise as a Construction Administrator to ensure that design performance is achieved and verified during construction. Charlie enforces BKV Group’s tactical approach to quality control by focusing on clear communication, project controls, monitoring, and detecting potential schedule delays & cost overruns before they occur in the field. His strong client relations have fostered innovative ways to resolve complex project issues in a timely and effective manner.

Brian Cornell

Director of Structural Engineering (DC)

Brian is a professionally licensed structural engineer and LEED accredited professional with 16 years experience in building design and construction. His responsibilities include meeting with clients to review engineering needs and providing solutions. He analyzes design requirements, specifications and performance requirements to determine best and most appropriate designs.

Joseph Daly

Director of Electrical Engineering (DC)

Joseph Daly brings a wealth of electrical engineering experience to projects. His experience includes lighting and lighting controls, power distribution, UPS systems, generators and fire alarm systems. He believes the key to project success is abundant and timely communication throughout the design process.

Lionel Dayton

Lionel Dayton has completed major design projects using post-tensioned concrete, precast concrete, cold-formed steel, composite beam and joists, heavy timber, and conventional wood framing materials. Lionel has been a structural project manager and engineer of record on projects of variable size, from single-family home renovations to $115 million mixed-use building complexes. He also has an extensive background in fastener production, testing, and design for all connection applications.

Mike Dugan

Mike Dugan has more than 30 years of experience in the design and specification of plumbing, ventilation, air conditioning, process piping, high purity water systems, chemical and gas piping systems, fire protection, and building automation systems. His project design and management experience includes work in a wide variety of markets, including commercial and industrial buildings, housing, education, healthcare, hospitality, retail, laboratories, and correctional facilities. Mike also has experience with forensic and code research.

Larry Farris

Code Specialist
As dedicated part of our Construction Administration team, Larry Farris brings the expertise of a Certified Building Official and a Certified Building Inspector. Larry has a solid background in commercial and residential construction methods. As a Certified Code Specialist, Larry closely monitors BKV Group’s projects with his extensive knowledge in both national and statewide building codes and enforcement practices.  Larry is also a Certified Plumbing Inspector & Certified Mechanical Inspector. Quality assurance control in design and construction is critical in Larry’s role on BKV Projects.

Renato Gilberti

Renato Gilberti has more than 20 years of experience in residential, mixed-use, senior living, and hospitality practice areas. He is driven by his desire to be challenged, to develop high-quality architecture, and to create innovative and progressive designs. Renato’s experience includes design leadership, master planning, diagrammatic studies, and rendering development. His designs have been developed locally, statewide, and nationally. He is a LEED-Accredited Professional with experience on multiple LEED projects.

Brady Halverson

Director of Landscape Architecture
Brady Halverson’s work includes a broad range of project types including site design, master planning, corridor and transit-oriented development studies, comprehensive and redevelopment planning and process facilitation, and new town planning for both public and private clients. A common thread in all of Brady’s work is an emphasis on sustainability and creation of meaningful places that offer unique design solutions specific to each client’s needs.

Jim Hansing

Jim Hansing has more than 25 years of experience in architecture, construction administration, and project management on base building and interior construction projects. His project experience is primarily in housing, office, education, and government building types. He has a demonstrated knowledge of all aspects of project design and documentation from schematic design to project closeout.

Edward Heinen

Director of Specifications
Edward Heinen’s work includes maintaining a core practice in specifications writing and management of project manuals and managing BKV Group’s specialized specification writers, while pursuing expertise in high-performing, sustainable buildings and landscapes.

DuWayne Jones

DuWayne Jones has more than 20 years of experience, primarily with county and state government facilities. As a primary client liaison, his responsibilities include organizing, directing and executing work assignments, monitoring budget, scope and schedule for multiple projects at a time. DuWayne’s experience includes working closely with clients, often involving multiple stakeholders to understand their mission and unique project requirements and develop architectural solutions that enhance their operational goals.

Liza Kapisak

Liza Kapisak delivers design solutions that focus on aesthetic appearance while delivering functionality and efficiency. She has extensive experience in communicating with clients to develop programming and comprehensive concepts while exploring creative space planning solutions as well as finish and furnishing selections. She partners closely with architects, engineers, consultants and other professionals on all projects to ensure success.

Mark Manetti

Mark Manetti has extensive experience in programming, planning, and designing government and education projects. He is a loyal, conscientious, and hardworking professional with a proven track record of managing and successfully implementing all phases of design and construction related services. Mark has a service-oriented approach to design, with a history of effectively managing design team resources to achieve project profitability.

Lauren Myers Young

Director of Business Development
(Washington, DC)
Lauren Myers Young has more than 20 years of experience in business development, marketing, and strategic planning in the architecture, engineering and construction industry.  Lauren specializes in business development in the areas of housing, government and corporate clients. She is an active member of SMPS, DCBIA, CREW and DC Real Estate Group. Lauren joined BKV Group in 2012 and was instrumental in transforming a new practice site into a 30-person, multi-disciplined studio.

Kyle Olson

Kyle Olson is responsible for performing and directing others in the design, evaluation, and retrofit of metal, concrete, masonry, and wood structures. He’s experienced in the preparation of engineering studies, design documents, building and support structure layouts, engineering and construction cost estimates, and construction documents. Kyle is also responsible for supervision of design personnel, final project checking, and communication with clients pertaining to design and construction issues.

Henry Pittner

Henry Pittner is an award-winning licensed architect, author and presenter who has gained national recognition for his leadership managing, programming, planning and designing governmental projects. With more than 35 years of experience, he has led more than seventy projects in twelve states for city, county, and state clients including courts facilities, detention and correctional facilities, government centers, system and site master planning, and civic design.

Kyler Queen

Director of Marketing

Combining his advertising and marketing background with a Masters degree in Interior Design and previous leadership roles in the A/E/C community, Kyler Queen creatively builds the bridge between clients and BKV Group’s projects, people, and ideas. Kyler oversees all internal and external marketing efforts firmwide, leveraging the firm’s talent and comprehensive set of design services and processes to win new business, and develop successful outreach strategies aimed at growing the BKV brand nationally and globally.

Emily Rappe

Director of Professional Services
As Professional Services Director, Emily’s education and experience in the architectural profession provides an expertise in orchestrating the coordination of project scheduling and assignment of project teams, including professional staff recruitment and the hiring process for all practice sites.  She coordinates the professional service operational functions that enable teams to complete the project work including development and refinement of tools and standards to enhance BKV Group’s project delivery process and design efforts.

Charlie Robinson

Director of Structural Engineering – Minnesota
Charlie has many years of experience in structural engineering, including structural design and analysis of steel framed structures, timber, cold-formed metal framing, reinforced masonry, reinforced concrete, retaining structures, deep and shallow foundations, and the analysis, assessment, and renovation of existing structures. His expertise extends to many different project types, including multi-housing, municipal buildings, business centers, and many others. He is an excellent problem solver with an outstanding ability to learn new technologies and processes quickly.

Alex Sawka

Alex is skilled in offering innovative mechanical design solutions to projects. He is a highly motivated and resourceful individual who interacts productively with people from diverse backgrounds. Alex is a conscientious team player with excellent problem solving and troubleshooting skills, able to design innovative solutions that promote maximum efficiency while requiring minimal maintenance. He has experience with projects in many different housing markets, including multi-family housing, student housing, and hospitality.

John Treiber

John has experience in design and project management of multiple project types including mixed-use and build-to-suit commercial, residential and retail renovations and new construction. John’s role involves working closely with clients, often involving multiple stakeholders to understand their mission and unique project requirements, and developing architectural solutions that enhance their operational goals.

Matthew Brooke

Matthew Brooke offers extensive design and documentation experience and his primary experience is in institutional, commercial, and residential building types. He also provides an expertise in building technology and sustainable design. With experience in small to mid-sized projects, Matthew coordinates efforts with clients and consultants throughout all phases of a project.

Joe Brown

Joe Brown has many years of architectural experience with a specialization in adaptive reuse. His renovation projects include the award-winning Schmidt Artist Lofts and A-Mill Artist Lofts. Joe has also worked extensively with teams on historic buildings across the country, converting them into modern, urban environments.

Doug Devos

Doug is a team leader and collaborates with all disciplines from schematic design through construction phase to ensure projects meet expectations for building performance, code compliance, coordination, and constructability. He’s experienced in commercial and multi-family mixed-use projects. Douglas has been in the industry for over 20 years and with BKV Group for 11 years..

Eric DeYoung

Heather Gleason

Director of Business Development (Chicago, IL)
Heather Gleason is experienced in leading business development for companies across many different verticals and has focused on commercial/multifamily real estate for the past several years. She is a results-driven expert who strategically leverages our internal multifamily housing resources to exceed our clients’ goals through innovative thinking, creative problem-solving, and team collaboration. Heather is also an active member of CREW Chicago, ULI, LeadingAge IL, and the City Club of Chicago. For fun, she is a dedicated globetrotter and passionate yogini.

Rodney Howlett

Rodney Howlett brings over 20 years of experience in architectural design and construction to BKV Group. While specializing in multifamily residential projects, he also draws experience from his assisted living, hotel & hospitality, education, commercial, and industrial projects. In addition to his years as a project architect and a construction administrator, Rodney has also taught classes in construction management as a college-level instructor, with the goal of mentoring the next generation of young design and construction professionals.

Mark Jones

Mark is an architect with over 30 years of experience in design, implementation, and construction of affordable housing and other project types. His background also includes new construction and renovation of existing, long-term care facilities, multi-unit housing, religious facilities, and various governmental, institutional, and educational buildings including science and forensic laboratories. Mark has a broad range of skills and responsibilities including architectural design, construction administration, specification writing, and construction technology. He values the importance of integrating the client’s program and design with aesthetics, coordination, and problem-solving while providing cost-effective solutions. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and is a Certified Construction Specifier (CCS) with the Construction Specification Institute.

Jason Krogseng

Ashley LaRocca

Director of Pre-Development Services
(Dallas, TX)
Ashley LaRocca has 20 years of experience in the residential architecture, real estate, and development industry. In her role as Director of Pre-development Services, Ashley provides a strategic value proposition within the real estate development and architecture industry. BKV Group’s pre-development services address the critical first phase of a real estate development, which includes identification, evaluation, and owner acquisition of potential development sites.

Julie Lux

Director of Pre-Development Services
(Minneapolis, MN)
Julie Lux has more than 25 years of experience in commercial real estate, focusing on the multi-family market. She is an active member of CCIM, MNCREW, MHA and is board president of the East Bethel Economic Development Authority. Julie joined BKV Group in 2017 to head up the newly created Pre-Development Services group where she is leveraging her real estate experience to assist the firm’s clients source and acquire development sites.

Cher Petersen

With 39 years of experience, Cher balances a diverse workload, operating seamlessly across multiple projects and bringing great value to clients by comprehensively overseeing the standard detailing and pre-install phases of design and construction. In building a rapport with clients who trust her implicitly to review drawings, conduct quality control measures, and manage an effective team, Cher has built up an impressive track record which extends internally where at BKV Group she mentors staff in designing and coordinating the building infrastructure, while curating BKV Group standards in Revit and helping steer the firm’s small group standards committee.

Jeremiah Smith

Jeremiah’s experience spans mixed-use and residential, institutional, federal and municipal government, and higher education design for both public and private clients. He brings leadership in sustainability and project management to the team with an emphasis on fostering design quality and environmental stewardship. Jeremiah also co-chairs the Sustainability committee within BKV Group, helping to foster opportunities within projects and processes to include sustainable initiatives.

John Stark

As Project Manager, John brings over 30 years of experience on a myriad of project types with a specialty in sustainable and historic projects. He orchestrates timely communication between owners, architects, engineers and specialists to make projects successful. His consensus-building management style and mentorship provides everyone an opportunity to contribute.

Brad Sullivan

Brad has extensive experience in all phases of architecture from conceptual design to construction administration. His varied experience has ranged from very large complex projects such as high-rise, mixed-use residential housing, and master planning, to small- and medium-sized projects such as adaptive reuse historic renovations and interior tenant improvements. With an emphasis on organization and clarity, he coordinates the efforts of the project team, maintains document compliance with project criteria and facilitates communication with all members of the team.

Keith Traywick

Keith is a skilled architect with over 20 years of experience on a broad variety of projects from around the world. From high-rise residential, hospitals and medical offices, to universities and sports arenas, Keith is seasoned in all sectors of architecture. Through honed communication skills, Keith brings value through construction administration in regards to project management. He is highly conscientious and innovative as he develops forward-thinking and leading-edge architectural solutions that meet the needs of his client’s project objectives.

Megan Van Beck

Megan has extensive experience in the residential, corporate, and hospitality design sectors.  She is involved in all phases of a project, from planning and programming to construction administration, and her dynamic approach to the design process helps her to deliver unique and purposeful interior spaces.  Megan brings energy and passion to each project as she strives to create exceptional design for every client.

Bridget Wolff

Bridget’s background in administrative roles and client support led her to BKV Group in 2013. Starting in the accounting department, her passion for helping others steered her career path towards Human Resources. The best part of her job is helping teammates succeed; whether it is on-boarding a new hire or assisting current employees. She works closely with Lois Nicholas, our CFO, to continue to grow BKV Group while maintaining the commitment to full-service design.

Marisa Zambuto

Marisa’s work experience has focused on public, municipal, and government building projects. She is highly detail-oriented and has extensive practice creating basis-of-design documents, documenting existing conditions, and coordinating demolition and construction phasing.  Marisa’s commitment to sustainability includes a drive to retain the embodied energy in our existing structures, and her ease with BIM technology to manage phasing and communicate design intent make her the ideal architect to participate in any remodeling efforts. She is also experienced in sustainable design practices including the USGBC LEED certification process and has completed LEED documentation for numerous projects.