Mary Elizabeth Bland’s path to architecture can be traced to her upbringing. Her father and grandfather were both civil engineers; she credits them with her early interest in buildings. Her deep appreciation for Classical and Southern vernacular architecture, however, springs from her childhood domain: she grew up in an 1840s Greek Revival home in western Tennessee. At Centre College, a small liberal arts school, Mary Elizabeth was able to study both math and studio art, a subject that first awakened her attraction to classical proportions. While studying abroad, she began to see architecture as perhaps a truer expression of culture than the fine arts; buildings were “living art that people could become part of.” This epiphany led Mary Elizabeth to enroll in the Master of Architecture program at the University of Notre Dame. Here, the graduate student’s purpose and past began to converge; she studied classical architecture throughout Europe, but also explored the comparatively contemporary classicism in her own back yard, the American South. Upon graduation in 2015, Mary Elizabeth eagerly joined Historical Concepts based on the familiarity of the firm’s work. In the firm’s portfolio, she sees her own history and a strong sense of place, something she intrinsically values and strives to create for others. She is the recipient of the 2019 J. Neel Reid Prize given by the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. Her research involved studying architecture and urbanism from the Hapsburg Empire in Central Europe, specifically in Prague, Vienna, and Budapest.

The New England environment in which he was raised inspired DAVID C. BRYANT’s interest in traditional architecture and building techniques. Dave spent a lot of time around vernacular farms with wonderful houses and outbuilding such as barns, corn cribs, well heads, and privies. Ultimately, his exposure to some of the finest examples of Georgian and Federal architecture in the country led Dave to pursue an education that combines engineering and architectural design with practical experience in the field of traditional timber frame construction. Dave has been with Historical Concepts since 1995. Dave is a Design Specialist who supports each studio, applying his extensive studies of the patterns and massing of small buildings, as well as his passion for historic, vernacular residential architecture, detailing, and construction methods to the firm’s projects, from initial schematic design through the construction phase. Dave possess a unique ability to detail interior spaces and he creates hand sketches of these details in support of many design development efforts. He has been an integral member of several Historical Concepts teams to receive residential accolades, including a Shutze Award in 2008. Dave is an active member of the Institute for Classical Architecture & Art. In his spare time Dave enjoys sailing a 34’ sloop and perfecting his home brew.

ALISON BUERSMEYER, unlike many of her colleagues, made a “very late” decision to become an architect. She received her Bachelor of Architecture degree with a concentration in Architectural Practice and Entrepreneurship from the University of Notre Dame. An internship led to G. P. Schafer Architect in New York, where she worked on residential projects throughout the US, from guest house barns in Maine and Newport Beach to apartment and townhouse renovations in New York City.

Ali has volunteered with Big Brothers Big Sisters of New York City, served as an Intern Coordinator at GPSA, and was a Resident Assistant while a student at Notre Dame. She enjoys cooking and is always trying new recipes for her roommates. A huge sports fan, Ali is a regular at her neighborhood Liverpool Football Club supporters’ bar early on weekend mornings. She has loved playing The Sims (one of the best-selling video game series of all time) since middle school; her mother credits her initial curiosity in architecture to her time designing houses in the game.

From an early age CHRISTOPHER CARRIGAN had an affinity for drawing and math, but it was not until high school that he was introduced to architecture and became “hooked on the balance of design and building science.” Chris first joined the firm after graduating from the University of Notre Dame in 2002. In 2005, he decided to take a leave of absence to pursue graduate studies in town design, eventually returning to Historical Concepts with a Master of Architecture from the University of Miami in 2006. Chris has a deep passion for traditional architecture and neighborhood-scale master planning. He has been active in numerous civic and professional organizations such as the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, and previously served as President of the Atlanta Chapter of the Congress for the New Urbanism. His generalist approach to architecture and master planning, along with his eye for detail, is well‐recognized within the firm and by his peers. Chris has contributed to several custom residential, civic, and urban design projects, a number of which received Shutze Awards, and previously served as an Adjunct Faculty member at the University of Miami. Working remotely from a small town outside of Minneapolis, MN, Chris enjoys spending time with his kids on various outdoor activities, woodworking, watching baseball, and relaxing at the lake.

SANAA DUKES grew up surrounded by the structure and spirit of buildings in her hometown of New Orleans. With a mother who worked as a real estate broker and a grandfather who renovated homes, she was naturally drawn to the built environment. Fascinated by floor plans and how different people live within spaces; she spent countless nights poring over plan books and repeatedly checking out the same traditional architecture titles from the library. Her passion for architecture deepened in high school after attending an ICAA event, which transformed the way she viewed her city and opened her eyes to classical architecture. Having been homeschooled her entire life and completing her first year of college virtually, her first in-person academic experience came as a sophomore. Ironically, she began working in architecture before ever attending school—interning at a firm the summer before her college sophomore year.

Sanaa earned both her Bachelor and Master of Architecture degrees from The Catholic University of America, where she served as a Resident Assistant and Research Assistant. Her academic achievements include the Classical Concentration Director’s Award for her Master’s Thesis, a Special Commendation - Super Jury (Master’s Thesis), the Nathan C. Wyeth Award for highest undergraduate GPA in all design studios, as well as induction into Phi Beta Sigma and Tau Sigma Delta honor societies. After completing two summer internships with Historical Concepts, Sanaa officially joined the Atlanta office in 2025, excited to explore both the “how” and the “why” of building—finally able to step behind the curtain and engage deeply with the construction process and design intent. Outside the studio, Sanaa enjoys baking and wandering through cities without a set plan, discovering inspiration in unexpected places.

Originally from Fort Wayne, Indiana, MEREDITH FAIRMAN grew up sketching dream houses with her older sister Madeline, also a member of the Historical Concepts team. Their imaginative designs featured everything from ball pits to candy-covered walls. Years later, while visiting her sister during her studies in Rome, Meredith was brought into the courtyard and church of Sant’Ivo alla Sapienza. Looking up at the dome, she knew at that moment she, too, wanted to study architecture. Meredith earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, with a minor in Classical Civilizations and a concentration in Historic Preservation and Restoration. Her academic journey was marked by deep involvement in teaching and research: she served as a teaching assistant at the CSCA Summer School in Sweden and Cambridge in 2023, for the ICAA Summer Studio in New York in 2024, and led a drawing workshop while at the Iberian Summer School in Portugal in 2024. In her final year, she led the School of Architecture’s STOA magazine and earned several accolades, including the William Wilkins Award—a full scholarship to the 2022 CSCA Summer School—and the university’s Travel Supplement to study the works of the Adam brothers in Edinburgh. She also won a Faculty Choice Award for her thesis.

Having interned with Historical Concepts for a record four consecutive summers (2021–2024), Meredith found a rare blend of strong work ethic and vibrant personality within the firm—qualities she admired and wanted to grow alongside. She joined the New York City office full-time in 2025. Outside of work, Meredith enjoys exploring the streets of New York City with her roommate, coworker (and friend) Kalina.

MATT GAMBETTA acquired his appreciation of beautiful historical architecture while growing up in New Jersey and traveling with his family to Maine and cities in the Northeast. His interest became a potential career opportunity while enrolled in his high school’s AP Studio Art program, when he realized that practicing architecture would utilize his artistic and drafting skills. He continued to take drawing classes and draw in his spare time while earning his Bachelor of Business Administration degree at the University of Notre Dame and while studying philosophy for a year with the Congregation of Holy Cross. After a year of seminary, Matt pursued a Master of Architecture degree at The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C., studying classical architecture and urbanism under James McCrery. Matt’s desire for a precedent-based design approach and an emphasis on creating architecture rooted to places and climes led him to take part in Historical Concepts’ Intern Program in the summer of 2021 and to join the company in the summer of 2022. He is a member of the ICAA and the Council of Emerging Leaders for the School of Architecture and Allied Arts at CUA. He spends his free time cooking (especially for crowds), reading, listening to jazz and classical music, and visiting family and friends.

IAN GRIFFEY always knew he wanted to be an architect. His grandmother was a realtor, and even as a child he appreciated beauty in architectural detail as he visited properties with her. His parents, avid do-it-yourselfers, have renovated nearly every house Ian has lived in, and he learned much about the architectural process by assisting with those renovations. But his traditional architecture “aha” moment occurred while studying for his BS degree in Civil and Environmental Engineering at Brigham Young University, where studying engineering revealed the value and importance of permanence, durability, character and harmony in architecture.

Upon receiving his M. Arch from the University of Notre Dame, Ian joined Historical Concepts in August 2020 after two internships with the firm. He spends his leisure time with his wife and daughter.

PAUL HAISLMAIER first came to Historical Concepts in 2013 as a summer intern and returned as a full-time member of the team in 2014 after graduating magna cum laude from the University of Miami. Paul found the world of architecture through construction, building homes as a teenager in the family business. Experience in framing and finish carpentry instilled an appreciation for the planning needed to make a home feel right, and a fascination with how construction details come together.

A local class on the history of architecture, which examined the work of the ancient Greeks and Romans, solidified a burgeoning interest in traditional architecture. Paul’s education at the University of Miami, where he delved into the principles of vernacular and classical design, serves as a foundation for continued learning. When not working on residential designs or developer related projects, Paul enjoys the great outdoors with his family, playing classical violin, and working on home renovations.

HOLLIE HASTINGS grew up in the Turks and Caicos Islands, witnessing firsthand how the constructed environment can positively impact individual lives and an entire country. The building industry enabled the island to thrive; observing the large and small-scale joy it brought to the community always inspired her, and she realized she wanted to play a role in that industry to be a catalyst for change. Hollie joined HC in July 2021 upon graduating cum laude from the University of Notre Dame, earning her Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in Architectural Practice and Enterprise. She is a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Honors Society, American Institute of Architects (AIA), Institute of Classical Architecture and Art (ICAA), and recipient of the Ray Stuermer Memorial Award for Excellence in Design. Hollie is an avid hiker; treks in Wales and Costa Rica are among her favorites.

GRACE HAUSLADEN grew up moving from coast to coast nearly a dozen times. Experiencing a rich array of histories, architectural styles, cultures, and cities from a young age taught her to appreciate the unique beauty of each place she called home. Her interest in architecture was sparked when her father took her through the construction site of a house they were building. Crawling into the rafters and walking along the beams gave her a glimpse into what the space would eventually become. Seeing the blend of engineering and artistry involved in designing a home made her appreciate the care and creativity required to transform an idea into a built reality.

Grace earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Economics from Benedictine College and later completed a Master of Architecture at The Catholic University of America. Her passion for economics complements her architectural work, especially in exploring the intersection of the two fields. She is particularly interested in using economic principles to demonstrate the viability of traditional construction methods and materials in contemporary practice. In the winter of 2023, Grace interned with Historical Concepts, where she was drawn to the firm’s emphasis on integrating historical precedent throughout the design process, its focus on sketching and hand drafting, and its dedication to the vernacular language of place. She returned as a full-time employee in 2025. On weekends, you can often find Grace browsing local thrift stores for vintage architecture books, playing piano or tennis, painting, or crafting.

NAYUN HONG describes her path to architecture as “fortuitous”. Growing up in denser urban neighborhoods in Seoul, South Korea, and Honolulu, Hawaii, she was always interested in the built environment and the roles of buildings and infrastructure in activating public spaces. However, she wasn’t fully aware of that interest and its professional opportunities until she arrived at the University of Notre Dame where she discovered a program perfectly suited to her interests in placemaking. After receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from Notre Dame, Nayun joined the firm in 2022. She enjoys the opportunity to design at all scales through the firm’s wide range of projects, from studying the relationship between cabinetry and trim details to imagining the interstitial space between buildings as a new plaza. Nayun was a recipient of the Benton Family Foundation Scholarship for the 2023 ICAA Christopher H. Browne Drawing Tour, which was held in Venice. Outside of the office, Nayun enjoys solo traveling, playing the oboe with a local orchestra, and exploring Atlanta’s many neighborhoods on bike. She considers herself an amateur and experimental home chef, trying everything from her grandma’s Korean dishes to viral Internet recipes.

KALINA JASIAK’S path to architecture began in middle school, when a teacher noted her strengths in both math and art and encouraged her to consider the field. Her interest deepened during visits to Poland, where her mother would lead her on walking tours of Kraków, stopping to explore every church they passed—each experience adding to her appreciation for historic architecture and cultural context. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame, with a minor in Sustainability and a concentration in Historic Preservation. While at Notre Dame, she participated in the Iberian Traditional Architecture summer school in Peneda, Portugal, where she co-taught a drawing and watercolor workshop. Her academic achievements were recognized with the Faculty Choice Honorable Mention for Design Excellence in Architecture and the Michael and Julie Hanahan Architecture Prize.

Kalina interned at Historical Concepts’ New York office in the summer of 2024 and was drawn to the firm’s thoughtful design process and culture of collaboration. She returned as a full-time team member in 2025, excited to see drawings come to life and become spaces people can experience and enjoy. Outside the office, Kalina enjoys reading, hiking, and savoring the rare joy of having found an apartment in New York City with in-unit laundry.

PAUL KNIGHT joined Historical Concepts full time in 2011 and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. He holds dual Masters degrees from Georgia Tech in Architecture and City Planning and applies this expertise in his work with both public and private clients, from small towns navigating zoning reform to developers seeking to create walkable, enduring places. His research on the relationship between legal codes and the built environment has been featured at national conferences, in peer-reviewed publications, and on podcasts, and led Paul to co-found the Doug Allen Institute, a 501(c)3 non-profit dedicated to advancing the understanding and practice of city planning and urban design through rigorous historical research and public education, where he now serves as Director of Research.

KELLEN KRAUSE is a registered architect in the State of New York and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Since joining Historical Concepts in 2014, Kellen has applied lessons from the classical and traditional built environment to award-winning residential and planning projects along the eastern seaboard. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art and has been recognized by numerous design organizations and publications. In his free time, Kellen plays piano, bikes around Manhattan, and explores new cities.

SABRINA LEE grew up in Mundelein, Illinois and joined our team in 2023. Her love of architecture was inspired in part by her grandfather, who built his own home and several cabins in Wisconsin. While working towards her Bachelor of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame, she added a minor in Italian and a concentration in Architectural Practice & Enterprise. Sabrina grew up dancing and was part of the Notre Dame Dance Company for all 5 years of her program. She is excited to be with Historical Concepts for the fact that the firm does both residential and planning work, and she loves helping clients of all types turn their dreams into reality. In her free time, Sabrina enjoys going for walks on the Beltline, attending local neighborhood festivals, practicing yoga, and continuing her passion for dance through adult ballet classes here in Atlanta.

Originally from Austin, Texas, AVA LONGORIA joined Historical Concepts in 2023. During a childhood spent with her creative family, she loved to explore different neighborhoods with her mother, admiring the homes around her and dreaming of designing one someday. Ava studied at the University of Notre Dame, earning her Bachelor of Architecture with a concentration in Furniture Design, a course of study which not only heightened her appreciation for traditional craftsmanship but allowed her to acquire the fine woodworking skills needed to create her own pieces. As a teaching assistant at Notre Dame in hand drawing and watercolor rendering, Ava shared her enthusiasm for architecture as the ultimate connection between art and experience, not just to look at but to live in and create new memories. She is excited to be part of Historical Concepts, particularly for the firm’s emphasis on community and teamwork. In her free time, Ava loves to go to concerts with her family and friends.

Growing up in a military family, Evan Markley was accustomed to relocating frequently; his parents would purchase and renovate a home with each move, which influenced his interest in building design early on. Living throughout the United States introduced him to various local architectural languages, and he developed a deep passion for traditional design under the guidance of James McCrery at The Catholic University of America, where he received his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture and Master of Architecture with concentration in Classical Architecture and Urbanism. Evan took part in Historical Concepts’ Intern Program in the summer of 2021 and joined the firm in 2022. An avid sports lover, Evan played lacrosse for Catholic University while completing his master’s thesis on the integration of athletics and academics in the university setting.

CAMDEN MCCLELLAND was hooked on architecture the moment he heard it defined as “a profession in which science and art come together.” His interest in traditional architecture was solidified in college while studying the drawings of ancient buildings. Camden came to Atlanta and joined Historical Concepts in 2012. He graduated cum laude from the University of Notre Dame in 2009, and worked for a number of years for firms in Washington State and Washington, D.C. Camden particularly enjoys the personal connections he has with his clients and contractors and says his favorite aspects of the design process are “working out the symmetries and axes in a plan”. He appreciates that some of the earliest design decisions, like those concerning massing or program, can have an impact on the smallest details, like the curve on a molding or the shape of a handrail, or vice versa. Camden, who is from the Pacific Northwest, can always be found with a hot cup of coffee within arm’s reach and thinks that Fall is the best season because it offers the perfect weather for sketching.

Originally from Birmingham, Michigan, LUCAS MISRA joined Historical Concepts in 2023. Earning his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame with minors in Theology and Digital Marketing, he was a Dean’s List student every semester as well as a teaching assistant in Graphics Drawing and for the Architectural Career Discovery program. Lucas received an Honorable Mention for Design Excellence from the Royal Institute of British Architects (RIBA) for their collegiate design contest and is affiliated with the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU), the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the Georgia Historical Society, and the Dante Society of America. When Lucas first discovered the work of Historical Concepts, he was immediately taken with the firm’s project photographs, sketches, and commitment to classical design. He wanted to be part of a firm that considered mentoring young architects a priority. An avid lover of Italian culture, he has read the Divine Comedy four times. Outside of work, you will find him baking or playing piano.

ASHLEY MORRISON attributes her early passion for architecture to an elementary school exploration of the Lockerbie Square Historic District in Indianapolis; its narrow cobblestone streets and eclectic 19th century homes were her first exposure to a “place with soul.” An appreciation for craftsmanship followed: Her college participation with The Prince’s Foundation for Building Community furthered her understanding of traditional building, offering her practical experience in techniques such as joinery, pargetting, plastering, stone carving, and thatching. After graduating summa cum laude from the School of Architecture at the University of Notre Dame in 2017, Ashley joined Historical Concepts where she is immersed in an interest she discovered during her summer internship with the firm: architectural interiors. Ashley is keen to work on the parts of a home most intimately experienced, and has contributed to the design of the interiors for several homes in a variety of locations from the Northeastern coast to the Carolina Lowcountry. She is a new member of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, the Congress for the New Urbanism, and the Georgia Trust for Historic Preservation. When not immersed in architecture, Ashley states she is an “aspiring and very non-professional chef.”

CHIOMA OPARAJI joined Historical Concepts’ Atlanta office in 2025. Her passion for architecture was solidified through formative experiences, including a study abroad program exploring Chilean architecture and a summer architecture program in her hometown of Houston, Texas. These opportunities deepened her interest in how architecture reflects and connects communities through the cultural influences that shape the built environment, says Chioma, “I just loved that architecture offered me the possibility to create places based in tradition and serving people through design.”

Chioma earned her degree from the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture, where she was awarded the Alpha Rho Chi Medal for leadership and service and received a Silver Award at the Nanovic Undergraduate Research Conference for her presentation, “Practice and Reason: Understanding the Relationship between Byzantine Mosaics and Architectural Designs.” She was drawn to Historical Concepts for the firm’s commitment to timeless, context-driven design, as well as its supportive studio culture grounded in collaboration and authenticity. Outside the studio, Chioma enjoys running—having completed a 13K along the historic Via Appia in Rome—along with baking bread and building furniture.

Originally from Las Vegas, Nevada, CHRISTIAN ORME attended Brigham Young University where the study of music inspired a profound appreciation for the principles of classical composition shared across every artistic discipline. After graduating with a Bachelor of Music in piano performance, Christian pursued a Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame where he was honored to be the recipient of the Dean’s Graduate Award for Design Excellence in Architecture. Other accolades have followed, including the AIA Medal for Academic Excellence and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s 2024 Philip Trammell Shutze Award for Student/Emerging Professional. Christian has a particular interest in architectural and urban theory, acknowledging these are critically important, along with a thorough understanding of history, in continuing the classical tradition in the contemporary built environment. He joined Historical Concepts in August 2024 after interning with the firm in Summer 2022. Beyond architecture, Christian’s passions include playing piano, running, reading, and finding the city’s best local food dives.

REBECCA PENDLEY interned with Historical Concepts in 2007 and joined the firm in 2008, after receiving her degree in architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. Rebecca’s focus at the firm has been on custom residential design and the renovation of historic properties, mainly with the New York studio team. Although most of Rebecca’s attention in recent years has been raising her 5 young children, she continues to come alongside her studio team to support them however she can. From initial SketchUp concept models to final Construction Document redlines, Rebecca is grateful to plug into a variety of projects throughout the design process. Rebecca credits her parents; her mother is an artist, and her father is a civil engineer who “loves working with his hands,” for her interest in architecture; she believes the two professions are brought together in creating buildings and great places.

SARAH RODRIGUEZ has always been drawn to layout and design: as a child, she convinced her parents to let her rearrange the family living room (more than once) to create a more compelling space. These early explorations led to an appreciation for how architecture encompasses the harmony between form and function, its ability to evoke emotions, and its reflection of cultural values.

Sarah attended Benedictine College where she earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture with a Business Administration minor in 2024. While at Benedictine, Sarah had the honor of addressing more than 1,000 people as the lead speaker at the college’s annual Scholarship Ball, a fundraiser that assists students needing financial aid to pursue higher education. She also presented to the Atchison City Council on the importance of preserving beauty and architecture in Atchison, Kansas. Sarah was attracted to Historical Concepts for the quality of work and the firm’s commitment to helping their employees learn and grow, joining the firm in August 2024. Sarah is an avid cook and tennis player and has recently discovered the joys of pickleball.

JESSI ROKICKI’s architectural origins lie in her family’s annual gingerbread house decoration party. At these get-togethers, a young Jessi was encouraged to think beyond the ornamentation, to consider structural additions or outbuildings which could be added to the scene. When Jessi traveled in Europe during college she saw “gingerbread houses” again, in the traditional architecture of Ireland, Belgium, and Holland, and remembered the “passion and joy” she had for design as a child. Jessi joined Historical Concepts in 2007, after receiving her undergraduate degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology. She returned to Georgia Tech to pursue a Master of Architecture in Urban Design and Facilities Management while working for the firm. Since completing that program, Jessi has enjoyed coupling her interest in urban design with traditional architecture in an effort to make more satisfying and whole places. Jessi is an integral part of Historical Concept’s leadership team focused on production standards and applications, and her involvement with this area of practice allows her to participate in the mentoring and training of new staff. Jessi is an avid tennis player and was recently runner up for the city champion title in a local league.

MATT SCHAEFER joined Historical Concepts in 2017 after obtaining his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Raised in a suburb of Toledo, Ohio, he cared deeply for the environment at a young age and spent a great deal of time playing outside and drawing. While at Notre Dame, Matt explored the juncture of sustainability and traditional architecture. He studied time‐honored methods of construction, historic patterns of city development, and the public health benefits associated with community planning approaches such as the New Urbanism. Now, Matt is pleased to work on projects at a variety of scales and environments, from the fine details of a home on the water to the master plan of a town on wooded hills. Matt is a National Parks enthusiast and enjoys his proximity to the Great Smoky Mountains with an annual camping trip each fall. He is also a devoted student of the father of landscape architecture, Frederick Law Olmsted. On a nice weekend day, you can find Matt walking or running through Grant Park or Piedmont Park, two Atlanta gems designed by Olmsted’s sons.

ANDREW SEAGO acquired an early appreciation of Middle Tennessee’s charming vernacular buildings thanks to his parents and teachers’ insistence that beauty was an essential component of education. His love of classical architecture evolved during a school trip to the Parthenon in Nashville, and he has been pursuing that passion since.

Andrew joined the firm in 2020 upon receiving his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. While in school, his project with future wife and fellow Historical Concepts team member, Madeline, for a Seville, Spain master plan won a New Urban Guild award at the 27th Congress for New Urbanism. He is also the recipient of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art’s 2021 Philip Trammell Shutze Student/Emerging Professional award.

Andrew’s degree concentration in Furniture Design with a minor in Classics influences his pastimes as well as his career. He enjoys building furniture, sketching, and curating a home library with his wife and daughter.

MADELINE SEAGO always wanted to be an illustrator and artist. Homeschooled while traveling across the country in her family’s Airstream caravan, experiencing great cities and architecture firsthand was deeply influential in steering her toward architecture. After a summer 2019 internship with the firm’s New York and Atlanta teams, Madeline joined Historical Concepts in 2020 upon graduating from the University of Notre Dame. Her thesis proposal for a women’s boardinghouse in Manhattan was inspired by the Webster Apartments, where she lived during her internship in New York. The project won a 2020 Stanford White Student Award from the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art.

Madeline enjoys working alongside husband, and Historical Concepts colleague, Andrew Seago. While at Historical Concepts, Madeline and Andrew have been TAs for ICAA Drawing Tours in Washington, D.C. and Savannah.

Madeline loves spending time with her young daughter and husband – particularly playing with blocks. Madeline is on the construction side of things, her daughter is the demolition team.

At twelve years old, LORA SHEA decided the only logical way to combine her love of art and creativity (fostered by her mother) with her love of math and its practical applications (attributed to her grandfather, a former Bell Lab’s engineer) was to pursue architecture. She spent several summers while in college working in the construction field with her contractor father in order to understand how to build a structure before designing one. After completing her junior year of college, Lora worked at Historical Concepts as part of the firm’s 2013 summer internship program. A year later, after graduating from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in architectural engineering, she joined Historical Concepts full‐time where her affinity for design rooted in place, time, and culture thrived. At Historical Concepts, Lora has shared her interest in the impact of architecture on the environment in pursuit of sustainability with a like‐minded team. Lora spent six years working in the New York office (2016-2022) and is now back in Atlanta. In both places, Lora’s love of learning about history, art, music and science takes her to museums and lectures throughout the cities. Beyond architecture, Lora’s passions include painting, travel, and tending for a vibrant porch garden.

Raised in Upstate New York, in an old farmhouse built in the 1860s, FOREST Q. SICKLES enjoyed the elegance of the details that rural America was built upon. He was drawn to the historic architecture and vernacular styles that populate the small towns of upstate New York for the sense of comfort and tradition they provide. Forest joined Historical Concepts in 2008. He received both his undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from Andrews University which focused on traditional architecture. Forest’s graduate work focused on traditional urban design and the breadth of his educational foundation enables him to participate in both architectural and planning endeavors. Forest believes that a background rich in traditional architecture, vernacular design, and traditional urban design allows the architects at Historical Concepts to “create spaces that are loved for their scale, proportion, and walkability, emulating and building upon the places people love and are drawn to” when looking for a home and community. His project experience includes a wide variety of residences from small guesthouses to estates, campus planning, multi‐family housing, architectural guidelines for mixed‐use developments, and guidelines for historic downtown districts. Prior to joining Historical Concepts, Forest lead on a master plan and pattern book for the Michigan City, Indiana Governors’ Office, which included a calibrated SmartCode for the city’s downtown revitalization efforts and was recognized with a Charter Award from the Congress for the New Urbanism. He is a LEED Accredited Professional. When not at work, Forest enjoys spending time with his wife and four daughters, building wood furniture, camping and fly fishing.

JOSHUA SOARES has always loved building things from LEGO sets to sandcastles. He originally planned to be a civil engineer, but after his first year of college, he realized that Architecture was his true calling. He fell in love with the beauty of Classical Architecture during his travels to Portugal, Spain, and Sweden, which led to studying at the Catholic University of America and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture. He is a member of the Congress for New Urbanism (CNU) and The Institute of Classical Architecture & Arts (ICAA) and recipient of the David M. Schwarz Architects Thesis Fellowship Award. Joshua spends his weekends playing or watching soccer, 3D printing, and model making when he’s not designing or sketching. He also enjoys reading and audiobooks—he’s an ardent J.R.R. Tolkien fan and has spent two years reading his complete works.

LUCAS STEGEMAN is a man on a mission. Growing up in a small Amazonian village and extensive travel with his family gave Lucas a glimpse into a diverse range of architectural vernaculars and how each building tradition was adapted to suit climatic considerations and cultural aspirations; that experience led to his pursuit of a career in architecture. A graduate of Judson University, where he earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in architecture, Lucas believes architects are charged with capturing beauty through the creation and definition of meaningful spaces, and he is passionate about making transcendent beauty accessible to all through the built environment. Lucas hopes to grow into the role of architect as translator, translating the aspirational will of the client into the language of traditional design onto the page of the landscape. Prior to joining Historical Concepts, Lucas worked as a Town Planner for Dover, Kohl & Partners in Miami, and even spent a summer as a roofer in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. The son of missionaries, Lucas spent his childhood in Guyana and Papua New Guinea but now calls Chattanooga home. Outside of the office, he finds enjoyment and creative expression through writing, watercolor, archery, bonsai and spoiling his baby daughter, Eleanor.

TALIA STEINWALD grew up in Las Vegas with an innate love of physics, math, and history. She soon realized that architecture allowed for a combination of these disciplines while offering a chance to be creative. She first became interested in architecture by traveling to historic sites with her family throughout her childhood, intrigued specifically in how historic buildings created space and fit into their context, and served as backdrops for some of her fondest memories. Talia attended the University of Notre Dame, earning a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in real estate and a concentration in historic preservation. A Dean’s List student, she graduated cum laude and was a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society. First learning about Historical Concepts from classmates, she admired the way the firm’s structures always seemed to belong, tastefully balancing the contemporary and traditional. After participating in a two-week intensive internship with the firm in the summer of 2022, Talia moved across the country to join the Historical Concepts team full time in 2023.

ALLYSON VINCENT made good on a promise to herself by joining Historical Concepts in 2013. Allyson is originally from a small town in southeast Georgia that has a charismatic main street defined by a classical post office, a town hall, a Carnegie Library, and stately antebellum homes. There she was raised to respect history and tradition. As a child, she spent a lot of time with her older brother creating “a whole haphazard Lego town complete with neighborhoods, a main street, and, of course, a few spaceships” and realized that towns and spaces can be designed. These experiences led her to Georgia Tech where she began working on a degree in architecture. She took part in a traditional architecture studio sponsored by Historical Concepts and determined she would work for the firm one day. Later, Allyson attended the University of Notre Dame and obtained a Master in Architecture with a Classical Architecture Concentration. After graduating she stayed in Chicago, working on historic renovations and rehabilitation projects for several years. Eventually, she returned to Georgia and fulfilled her aspiration to become a member of the Historical Concepts team. Allyson appreciates a variety of project types and is especially passionate about exploring the impact of architecture and the built environment on our quality of life. Outside of the office, Allyson enjoys spending time with her husband and four sons, as well as running half marathons and doing renovation projects on her 1920s home.

KATHERINA ZDRAVKOV first became interested in architecture at the age of ten, influenced by her father’s work in civil engineering and her fascination with drawing and designing space. This interest grew alongside her love of art and math, and she came to recognize the study of culture as a pillar of well-contextualized architecture. Before joining Historical Concepts in 2023, she attended Notre Dame’s School of Architecture for her bachelor’s degree, earning a supplemental Italian Studies major and a Real Estate minor. The program’s classical teachings and emphasis on urbanism and vernacular design’s role in place-making attracted her to Historical Concepts, where she can share these passions and collaborate in the creation of home and place for each client. In addition to designing, Katherina takes great joy in studying languages such as Bulgarian, Spanish, and Italian. In her free time, she sketches, runs on the Beltline, and explores Atlanta. Katherina is a LEED® Green Associate™ and a CNU Accredited Member.

Raised in Pittsburgh, VAUGHN HILL earned his B.S. in Information Sciences & Technology from Penn State University. Alongside his professional journey, he has remained actively involved in faith-based initiatives, nonprofit organizations, and community outreach—dedicating his time and resources to support spiritual growth, charitable causes, and local engagement through ministry and entrepreneurial ventures. Long fascinated by the way design shapes the spaces where we live, work, and connect, Vaughn was drawn to Historical Concepts’ ability to blend timeless architecture with modern innovation. He saw a unique opportunity to contribute to the firm’s mission by ensuring the technology, systems, and infrastructure are in place to support creative collaboration and bring architectural visions to life—efficiently, securely, and seamlessly. As Information Technology Manager, he oversees IT operations firmwide, leads technical training on new systems and processes, mentors team members in incident response and troubleshooting, and works to improve efficiency and reduce system downtime across the board.

An innovator at heart, Vaughn founded Love Traveltry, a travel business dedicated to helping people turn dream vacations into reality—because, as he believes, everyone deserves a little adventure. He also launched yAAAs! Cookies, a cookie business he built while developing his IT career. These ventures taught him valuable lessons in entrepreneurship, time management, and how to create meaningful, joyful experiences from the ground up.

A third-generation employee, GINNY STERN has unique perspective on the company’s history; you could say that architecture and design is in her blood. Says Ginny, “Growing up, the design process was an integral part of family life. Seeing work evolve from a napkin doodle at family dinners, tagging along on the annual company trip - I got to experience Historical Concepts’ projects from a young age - and in all phases, from sketch to construction!” Ginny relishes her role in collaborating with the team and assisting with telling similar project stories through digital portfolios. Her grandmother Linda Strickland is our original “ambassador of cheer”, and Ginny approaches each day with the same positive attitude.

Ginny received her bachelor degree in Industrial Design from Appalachian State University with a focus in Product Design and has a background in Furniture Design and Interior Design. An accomplished equestrian, Ginny has ridden competitively and for fun all of her life and relishes both city and country life.

LAURA STRICKLAND has been an integral part of the Historical Concepts team since 2005. Laura’s degrees in public relations and business administration come into play daily in her duties as our Human Resources and Office Manager. In addition to the management of the office and its administrative team, Laura enjoys the role she plays in the firm’s recruiting efforts. As a mother of two “twenty-something” children, she finds it easy to build a rapport and give friendly advice to those entering the workforce. She has a competitive streak that reveals itself in fantasy football and Monday night trivia. When she needs a quiet moment, Laura heads out for a trail walk or binge watches historical docudramas.

Office Administrator ZAHIN MAHBUBA has always been a people person, motivated to serve communities in need and be a catalyst for positive change. She was drawn to Historical Concepts because she believes the work environment will further hone and support her development and aspiration to leave a legacy. Zahin joined the team in the summer of 2022 and is already well on her way to achieving that goal.

A graduate of Hollins University (Roanoke, Virginia) with a Bachelor of Arts in International Studies and a minor in Economics, she was President of the Entrepreneurship Club and was an international student peer mentor for three years. As a Stanford University Innovation Fellow, she co-taught a first-year class on sustainability and social innovation. Zahin has also volunteered at Feeding America and domestic violence shelters and is a fervent advocate for refugees and resettlement through her work with numerous refugee agencies.

Zahin’s student awards and recognitions include the Hollins University 2022 Sarah M. Cook International Studies Award, Global Commitment Scholar, and induction into Phi Beta Kappa and Omnicron Delta Kappa honor societies.

Zahin considers herself a global citizen; she loves to travel and explore new places. When she has down time, she loves curling up with a good book or jamming out to some Afrobeats while cooking.

GAY GIORDANO recently joined Historical Concepts as the Office Administrator in our New York office. Having worked for many years in the classical architecture field as well as at the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, she is excited to support the staff as they create the designs she has long admired. Gay has a Bachelor of Arts in Creative Writing from Carnegie Mellon University and a Master of Arts in Philosophy from The New School for Social Research. She is also a professional writer specializing in architecture and design and is the co-author of Illusion in Design: Trends in Architecture and Interiors (Rizzoli), New York Living: Re-Inventing Home (Rizzoli), and author of a poetry collection, “Waking from So Rich A Nightmare”. She was raised in New York City and the Bahamas and lives with her husband, who she met in the middle of a field in Ireland.

HANNAH BOLDT joined Historical Concepts in 2024 as Executive Administrative Assistant. Born in Houston but raised all over the United States, she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Marketing from Indiana University. Her love for exploring less-traveled streets and admiring historical architecture made Historical Concepts feel like the perfect fit. She jokes, “My career path was an accident; HC wasn’t.” Outside of work, Hannah loves to travel—she’s visited 47 countries so far and dreams of reaching 100 before she turns 60.

JACOB MORRISON joined Historical Concepts’ Atlanta office as Business Development Coordinator in 2022. Growing up with a father who remodeled homes and restored classic cars, Jacob has always admired historic architecture, good design, and the art of craftsmanship. Originally from Fenton, Michigan, he graduated from Grand Valley State University with a degree in Finance and worked for a few large companies before he realized he wanted to be part of a smaller company where he could join a team of talented, passionate people who shared his love of classic architecture. He is a member of the Georgia Trust, and in his spare time, he loves to walk through historic and well-preserved neighborhoods, many off the beaten path, and renovating the house he shares with his wife, Ashley.

LESLIE DAILY joined Historical Concepts in 2005. Her educational background includes a Bachelor of Science from Kansas State University in Apparel and Textile Marketing, but she calls upon her Master’s degree in Human Resources in her part-time role as Administrative Coordinator at Historical Concepts. In that capacity, Leslie is responsible for the company wellness program, the maintenance of multiple employee benefits programs, and ensuring that Historical Concepts employees understand each of those plans. When not involved with projects for the firm, Leslie enjoys traveling with her husband Aaron, visiting her twins in college at their alma mater, Kansas State University, and playing pickle ball and golf with Aaron.

LINDA STRICKLAND has been dedicated to Historical Concepts from day one. A graduate of the University of Georgia, Linda taught school for eight years and was a junior high school, elementary school, and special education teacher before going into business with her husband, Jim, Historical Concepts’ founder. Linda first served as his right hand in his custom home building company and then as business manager when Jim founded Historical Concepts in 1982. Jim credits Linda’s keen intellect, practical insight, and business sense for much of his success. Today, Linda is the upbeat receptionist and greeter at our Peachtree City office. Part office mom, part First Lady, Linda is devoted to family, friends, and fitness, and also brings her warmth and compassion to her role as a volunteer at the local hospital. Linda says her role in the business now is “extremely rewarding because of the interaction with our intelligent, creative, and clever staff members; as well as our interesting and enjoyable clients.”