Bill Wilson, FAIA, Principal

Bill brings innovative programming and design solutions to college, university, and corporate clients. He creates buildings that enhance and reinforce the quality of a campus environment. Bill understands the power of collaborative settings, and designs buildings that respond to human behavior with a remarkable quality of openness, collaboration and collegiality.

With over 40 years of experience, Bill’s leadership approach focuses on facilitating consensus. Involving and inviting participation from all constituents in a project, Bill generates strong consensus and leads groups with diverse interests to a common understanding and a unified vision. Bill brings a uniquely personal approach to each client, and to the firm.

Bill’s passion for architecture extends beyond client work. He has served as a Trustee at the Preservation Society of Newport County since 1992. For 25 years, he has chaired the Properties Committee, which is responsible for upgrading and maintaining the historic properties.

Hobbies

Living an agrarian life at Greenvale Vineyards, reading, and travelling

Advice for Aspiring Architects

Find the thing you do best and become an expert in it. 

Connect with Bill Wilson

Chris Martin, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

"Successful projects result from a shared vision and journey between an owner and architect."

Chris inspires the firm’s architects through his high level designs and creative direction. He values the exploratory process, where the answers to ‘why’ and ‘how’ are discovered collaboratively with clients and lead to original, sophisticated solutions. His designs draw largely on memories associated with a campus, institution, or moment in time to produce an enduring facility that respects the character and history of an institution. Just as expressions of art, music or literature transcend time, Chris believes architecture provides a similar link, connecting the past to the future by blending innovation with an appreciation for the existing campus context.

Alternate Career

Originally, Chris intended to pursue a career in anthropology; but he discovered a true passion for architecture while excavating prehistoric settlements in the Illinois River valley.

Favorite Hobbies

Woodworking and globetrotting with his family

Connect with Chris

Breana Werner, Associate Principal

"I think a building reflects the communication and camaraderie of the team."

Breana is a talented designer and respected team leader. Since joining WA in 2002, she has provided elegant designs on projects, including the award-winning Chevron Annex on the University of Pittsburgh campus. She is thorough, efficient, and creative, and views a project in its entirety as the design develops. Her proactive communication style keeps clients up-to-date and inspires trust. In addition to her project roles, she mentors younger designers and leads the office in the use of BIM technology

Awards Earned

A few years after joining WA, Breana received the Robert James Eidlitz Traveling Fellowship from Cornell University, to study Hindu Temple Architecture in Tamil Nadu, India.

Alternate Career

If she couldn’t design buildings, Breana would love to be a doctor.

Connect with Breana

Matt Leslie, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

"As the firm has grown from a handful of us in 1995 to over 60 people today, I find it satisfying that we've maintained a consistent hands-on approach to our work and a friendly, collaborative office culture."

With over 30 years of experience, Matt has a proven track record of project management as both the firm’s Managing Principal and as a Project Manager on complex projects. Matt is an effective communicator who articulates complex information in an easy-to-understand manner. His collaborative approach enables him to successfully combine clients’ goals with budget and schedule constraints.

Favorite Aspect of Being an Architect

Working on projects that truly impact the community and world

Hobbies

Travelling near and far with his wife and three sons

Connect with Matt

Katie Courtney, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate

Katie Courtney of Wilson Architects draws on over 14 years of experience with complex projects for academic, commercial and life science clients. She brings an inclusive, hands-on approach to the design process, and is known for thoughtful, enduring and sustainable solutions that connect people and spaces. She is focusing her energies currently on spreading information on resiliency and climate impact both to architects and to other related design fields.

Katie earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame and is licensed in Massachusetts.

Most Inspirational Building

“Visiting the Haigia Sophia is one of my dreams.  I’m intrigued by the design innovation it took to construct and the cultural history that has maintained it. Its aesthetic solution to complex engineering challenges inspired dome construction going forward.”

Pastimes

“For me cooking is an adventure. There is excitement in discovering new tastes, flavors, and cultures. I rarely make the same thing twice. I turn to boating and snowboarding to get me outdoors.”

Connect with Katie Courtney

Mark Allen, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

"Great design is a team sport."

Mark joined Wilson Architects as a Principal in 2011. He brings more than 20 years of experience in the planning and design of corporate, life science, and academic buildings. His background complements and enhances the body of work at Wilson Architects. Mark believes cultivating a shared sense of investment with clients in the design of their building is the foundation for successful architecture. He is known for thoughtful, enduring, and sustainable design solutions that connect people and spaces.

Design Mantra

We admire the simplicity in beautiful design – whether a Shaker staircase or a modern Swiss house – that we unconsciously recognize is the result of great effort and precision.
Paraphrased from Alain de Botton in The Architecture of Happiness

Pastimes

Mark coaches youth sports, and serves on the Brookline Neighborhood Conservation District Commission.

Connect with Mark

Jacqueline Camenisch, Associate

“I believe that good design has the power to transform and enhance peoples' lives.”

Jacqueline brings 20 years of professional experience as a licensed architect. Her architectural back-ground includes a wide range of projects for top tier academic institutions in the United States and Switzerland. Jacqueline’s academic projects include technically complex classroom and performing arts buildings as well as teaching and research labs. Her life science expertise contributes to a diverse range of research and production environments for biopharmaceutical corporations. Jacqueline has been with Wilson Architects since 2011 and is a committed team player.

What’s your career / design mantra?

“’Less is more’, or ‘Perfection is achieved, not when there is nothing more to add, but when there is nothing left to take away’, a favorite quote by French aviator and writer Antoine de Saint-Exupéry. People often have a tendency for too much detail when we should be erring on the side of simplicity.”

Alternate Career

If she hadn’t become an architect, Jacqueline would have studied more languages and traveled the globe.

Samir Srouji, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

“I have come to appreciate the power of a building in capturing the imagination of an institution and preparing it for its future. It’s extremely gratifying when a client finds that our design successfully achieved this and ask us to do it again.”

Samir’s design sensibility is influenced by his broader involvement in the arts and film industry. His artwork and architectural installations have been exhibited globally, and a film for which he served as the Art Director received the Grand Jury Prize at the 2002 Cannes Film Festival. As a Principal in the firm, Samir is an advocate for creating sustainable, captivating environments that encourage collaboration. He skillfully blends high-performance technical solutions with elegant aesthetics.

Advice for Aspiring Architects

Architecture is more than just design.

Pastimes

Watching movies with his family

Connect with Samir

David Feth, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

"There is a 'right solution' to every project/problem, no matter the complexity. Our challenge is to discover the optimal answers to the problems through rigorous exploration, in a collaborative effort, to be certain it culminates in an appropriate and elegant solution."

For over 25 years, David has specialized in the design of teaching and research environments for higher education clients. He has led the design of numerous STEM (science, technology, engineering & math) projects which have fundamentally and positively transformed the environments of the campuses in which they are embedded. He is passionate about the rigorous exploration of ideas, problem solving, and creating environments which “lift up” those that inhabit them, believing that environmental stewardship, craft, and the focus of designing spaces for people, are integral to this end. Many of his projects, including the Dana Mohler-Faria Science and Mathematics Center at Bridgewater State University; the Center for Biotechnology and Life Sciences and the College of Pharmacy buildings at the University of Rhode Island; and the Don & Cathy Jacobs Science Building at the University of Kentucky, have been recognized with numerous design awards from both academic and architectural organizations.

*These buildings were authored by David during his tenure with Payette.

Career Influence

“Both sides of my family have a deep-rooted history in the Pittsburgh area, with both my father and grandfather having attended Carnegie Tech (currently, Carnegie Mellon University) for engineering and architectural degrees respectively. Knowing my passion for science and the arts, I was encouraged to attend a CMU architectural program designed for high school students, during the summer of my junior year. This experience was instrumental in crystallizing my desire to pursue an architectural education.”

Favorite Hobbies

Photography, woodworking, water and snow skiing.

Matt Ellsworth, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal

“After what is often years of design and documentation, seeing a project through construction is what I consider most rewarding.”

With over 25 years of experience, Matt knows how to motivate a team of internal staff, consultants and contractors. His ability to manage a large team coupled with his understanding of technical details, results in the seamless execution of each project he directs. He excels at transforming ideas for projects into reality while keeping sight of the stakeholders’ overarching goals. From the outset, he is deeply involved in the design process. He develops relationships with clients and guides the project through construction.

First Interest in Architecture

Growing up Matt’s two best friends’ fathers were architects. When they brought work home, he was enraptured by how ‘cool’ their jobs appeared. These days he laughs and says it should have been a warning when they brought work home!

Design Mantra

Follow through ­­­­­

Connect with Matt

Lisa Hellmuth, Director of Marketing | Associate

“I discovered this industry early on in my career; I enjoy it so much, I’ve stayed in it for 30 years, and have realized the impact a well-designed building can have on someone's life."

Lisa works closely with the Principals to implement the Vision and Strategic Plan and to strengthen the office culture. Her experience in marketing for the A/E/C industry includes senior positions at architecture firms located throughout the U.S. Lisa’s multi-faceted role includes leading the marketing department, business development efforts, and the administrative team while maintaining a consistent presence overseeing professional development and recruitment of staff. While directing day-to-day efforts, she explores new strategic opportunities in markets to support the firm. Lisa’s personable style allows her to effectively communicate the office’s strengths and objectives to employees and clients alike.

Words of Wisdom

Facts are important, but don’t forget to trust your instincts.

Interests

Growing up in Pennsylvania as a football coach’s eldest daughter, Lisa learned how to throw the perfect spiral by the age of 10. She enjoys watching Patriots, Red Sox and Bruins games with her family and friends.

Connect with Lisa

Scott Lebow, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate Principal

"There is a tremendous amount of job satisfaction that comes from standing in a building that you helped design and construct."

With over 24 years of experience, Scott is a talented architect possessing a complimentary balance of design, technical, and communication skills. He excels at problem solving, coordinating project teams, and developing strong client relationships. Equipped with construction administration expertise and a strong knowledge of sustainable design protocols, he has contributed to the firm’s numerous successful LEED projects. Scott became an Associate Principal with Wilson Architects in 2017.

Career Influence

Alvar Aalto who said, “Architecture is the synthesis of form and material.”

First Interest in Architecture

Since the age of 10, Scott knew he wanted to pursue architecture; so seriously, in fact, he began taking architectural and engineering courses in the 6th grade, and never looked back.

Connect with Scott

Jacob Werner, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Director of Sustainable Design | Associate

“I love designing labs. Although they’re amazingly complex and challenging, they exist at the creative edge of discovery, where some of the world’s smartest people push the envelope of human understanding.”

Jacob specializes in the planning, design and construction of laboratory buildings. As both an experienced project manager and architect, he successfully guides teams with collaborative listening and attention to detail. Jacob has extensive experience with sustainable lab planning and design, including a thorough understanding of the LEED rating systems for New Construction, Core and Shell, and Commercial Interiors. As the leader of Wilson Architects’ sustainable design efforts, he focuses on energy efficiency in laboratories.

A natural teacher, Jacob mentors young designers both in and outside the firm. He has taught design at the Boston Architectural College, including numerous advanced level architectural design studios. Jacob has received multiple academic fellowships to study architecture, including the Robert James Eidlitz Fellowship from Cornell University, which he received with his wife, Breana, to study Hindu Temple Architecture in Tamil Nadu, India.

Advice for Aspiring Architects

Find the why behind each design.

Advances in the Industy

In the next 50 years, Jacob wants to see significant improvements in energy efficiency that allow for more space for people, rather than less.

Connect with Jacob

Cristianne Peschard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate

“As an architect, I have the ability to shape experiences. It’s my responsibility to listen to clients and understand how their space plays a part in what they do. The reward is designing an environment that ultimately enhances their life.”

Cristianne is an energetic architect who is passionate about the way spaces affect human behavior.  She values the importance of the design process, where all parties are brought to the table to distill solutions and reach an agreement. Cristianne excels at managing both large and small projects and is an effective communicator who appreciates the art of keeping the team engaged. Inspired by architecture that encourages a healthier lifestyle, Cristianne believes it is crucial to place an emphasis on the health impact of living in buildings.

Alternate Career

A lawyer. A lot of the things Cristianne loves about Architecture translates to Law. In both professions, the ability to understand different perspectives, distill a solution, and defend the position is paramount. A professional may bring the expertise, but the client lives with the decisions.

Pastimes

Running marathons, traveling, football, and volunteering, especially at adult ESL classes

Connect with Cristianne

Kevin Triplett, AIA, LEED AP, Associate

“I am most proud of the projects where we manage to create highly flexible research platforms that are open and inviting, and become favored gathering spaces on the campus.”

Kevin has 35 years of experience working with academic and public clients developing outstanding design solutions. He works in a wide range of architectural styles from traditional to progressive to responsive to the unique aspirations of each institution. Kevin specializes in academic libraries, classrooms, courthouses, and laboratories.

Fun Fact

Kevin designed and managed the construction of his own home.

Hobbies

Photography, music, kayak building, woodworking and residential design.

Connect with Kevin

Michael Bushert, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate

“A successful architect should learn as much about people as they learn about buildings.”

Michael enjoys discovering the internal processes that shape organizational culture and understanding how these organizational goals are achieved. As an effective team leader, Michael’s valuable coordination skills are key to delivering a facility that reinforces the organization’s intent. Michael’s strong command of schedule and budget, combined with his participation in all phases of the design process, propel our projects to a successful completion.

Fun Fact

Michael recently earned both his Masters in Finance and a MBA while working full time at WA.

Pastimes

Motorcycle riding through Vermont and Quebec

Connect with Michael

Cecilia Drueding, Marketing Coordinator

Working with the Director of Marketing, Cecilia utilizes her professional experience in marketing, graphic design, and business development to contribute to Wilson Architects’ winning proposal pursuits and client relationship development. She utilizes her graphic and web design skills to create online content and printed marketing collateral to promote the firm’s mission and design expertise.

Aside from her marketing role in the industry, in her free time, Cecilia is taking Masters level courses in interior architecture, demonstrating her passion for the architecture and design industry.

Pastimes

Cecilia enjoys landscape and architectural photography, most especially, photographing old, abandoned structures such as mansions, hospitals, and hotels. She also enjoys traveling, cooking, and dancing.

Joe Morgan, RA, Associate

“What’s most rewarding in what I do is collaborating with faculty users. I am always pleasantly surprised that my expertise as laboratory architect and planner brings a unique and complementary perspective to the sophisticated infrastructure required for cutting edge research.”

Joe plans and designs complex scientific academic research and teaching labs. He enjoys collaborating with university faculty to determine the specific requirements that enhance their workflow. For over 30 years, Joe has gained in-depth knowledge of chemistry labs, condensed matter physics and optics labs, microelectronic cleanrooms, and microscopy suites. His established reputation reflects his understanding of science and technology buildings, as well as his ability to consistently provide users with superior research environments.

International Experience

Joe has worked in France, Ireland, and Spain.

Personal Interest

European travel and southern US and Indian cuisine

Connect with Joe Morgan

Martin Lu, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Associate

“As an architect, there is never a dull moment. Every day there is something new to design and create – a new challenge.”

Martin’s focus is on the details. With prior hands-on experience working in the built environment, he understands properly executed details, both large and small, have a significant impact on projects. It’s this knowledge that makes Martin instrumental on projects. Both in the office and on-site, Martin has the respect of his colleagues in how he engages the entire team. He’s quick to seek input from others and appreciates the collaborative nature of design.

Design Mantra

Build it in your mind.

First Interest in Architecture

In 6th grade, Martin had aspirations to design his own home. His dream turned into reality when his home’s addition was recently unveiled.

Connect with Martin

Joe Gibbons, Associate Principal

"Architecture is an art. My approach is to provide a collection of moments at multiple scales in which a detail is as influential as an entire building."

Joe specializes at planning and designing laboratory environments for chemistry, physics, and biology departments. He works directly with clients to provide effective design solutions to meet their needs. Specializing in condensed matter physics, Joe’s lab designs respect protocols and optimize functionality while integrating a high level of aesthetics. An award-winning designer, Joe provides innovative solutions that integrate contemporary architecture with cutting edge research. Joe became an Associate Principal with Wilson Architects in 2017.

Joe discusses, “Designing Space for Scientific Innovation” with PhysicsWorld: https://physicsworld.com/a/designing-space-for-scientific-innovation/

Pastimes

Motorcycling around Iceland, skiing, and playing the banjo

Alternate Career

Installation artist or industrial designer

Connect with Joe Gibbons

Adam Ferris, Director of Technology

"It is crucial to infuse the right technology with the design process. Ever changing technology must be supported with progressive training.”

Adam leads all technology related initiatives and supports the digital evolution at Wilson Architects. With over 25 years of professional experience, he oversees the firm’s technology standards, guidelines, and best practices. Adam delivers technology solutions to all aspects of the firm from architectural project teams to accounting to marketing. He is a published Author for AutoCAD® and It’s Applications, releases 2009-2013.

Prior to joining WA, he was an award winning Autodesk® Certified Instructor with over 20 years of experience training Autodesk products in the Boston area. Adam also owned a CAD consulting firm to aid local area businesses in efficient AutoCAD configurations and management, Network Management, and 3D Design with 3D Studio MAX.

First Interest in Architecture

Working as a carpenter’s assistant to his grandfather as a child.

Personal Interests

Adam is a musician, carpenter, car enthusiast/mechanic, and movie buff.

Connect with Adam