We’re all a little weird and we love it.
As a studio that seeks to create meaningful experiences, the last three years have led us to evolve in unexpected ways. Facing uncertainty and inevitable change while working at an accelerated pace, we discovered unique skillsets and talents within our team and capitalized on them to reinforce our mission of Design with People in Mind®.
“We’re all a little weird and we love it,” said Tom Price – Strada Principal. Our clients come from all walks of life and so do we! Strada hires interesting and talented people with diverse perspectives because it makes our studios more robust. Embracing this specialness allows us to discover fresh potential and build intentional teams that focus on crafting design solutions that are thoughtful, engaging, and progressive.
Continuing along this path we are proud to announce the elevation of 5 Stradistas who regularly utilize their individual talents and interests to lead and enhance the evolution of Strada.
Mark Hensler, RA – Senior Associate
Mark is “On-Call” for every Stradista and manages to remain as calm as the sea during the fiercest storm. He rocks steady, delivering as promised with professionalism and Steve-Carell-like humor. Mark was elevated to Senior Associate from Associate for his exceptional and consistent display of leadership, project management, and technological prowess.
Kevan Rutledge, RA, AIA – Senior Associate
Kevan is our resident “Code Master.” He is known for his deep knowledge and strategic navigation of Building Codes. He is a mentor to many and a stranger to none. Kevan was elevated to Senior Associate from Associate for consistently demonstrating exceptional (complex) project management skills, outstanding professional development, and merciful mentorship.
Joanna Grace “Jo” Berchielli, NCIDQ, IIDA – Associate
On a scale from “No Diggity” to “An overwhelming surplus of Diggity,” there is no doubt that Jo pushes the envelope with clients, urging them to explore outside their design comfort zones. She was elevated to Associate for boosting the Studio’s design skills, excellent client engagement, and savvy business development aptitude.
Monika Gibson, Associate
Monika is our in-house Champion of Holistic and Inclusive Design. She has an innate ability to design through stories that powerfully connect people and place, coupled with a knack for communicating design intent beautifully through 2D & 3D mediums. Monika was elevated to Associate for her demonstrated ability to manage complex challenges, her leadership in project-based immersive design research sessions, and for being a unicorn in the world of hospitality design.
Mel Sloan, Associate
If Trailblazing were a person… it would be Mel Sloan. A big picture thinker with the chops to back it up, Mel is often praised for her visioning skills and sparking curiosity both internally and with clients. She was elevated to Associate for her ability to work through intricate opportunities, mentoring others, and driving/refreshing the Strada culture. Mel has simultaneously assumed our first-ever Experience Designer role (which she wittingly developed herself based on her talent and passions).
The future is bright at Strada. The firm is committed to turning visions to reality and helping to shape new places across the nation.