In order to enable our teams to be incredibly responsive, creating effective design solutions, we equip them with the tools they need:

• Dedicated project team for each client
• Education and training
• Inter-studio project showcases
• The most advanced architectural software, allowing them to maintain project integrity through accuracy and efficiency.
• Direct 24/7 internet access, providing a platform for client interaction and e-project management

Our team of dedicated professionals focus on three key elements:

• Listening to clients and understanding their needs
• Applying creative yet proven ideas to design solutions
• Ensuring personal accessibility to keep our clients informed

Over 50% of OTJs staff has taken it upon themselves to become LEED accredited, demonstrating the personal commitment to professional development within our team. OTJ has one of the highest percentages of experts in sustainable design and architecture in the Washington, DC, area.

Lance Jaccard, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner | Business Development

"The person who I am designing for intrigues me. It is something I never lose sight of, and I always maintain that somebody is going to live in this space—on many different levels."

As part of my masters program in architecture school, I had the opportunity to study abroad in Genoa, Italy. I lived in a working, provincial city -untainted by tourism like Florence or Rome- where I learned the most about architecture. I enjoyed going to the weight club with the local Italians where I ended up teaching them colloquial English. I let myself become entrenched in their culture, and it changed the way I viewed things. And, I've never lost sight of what I gained from the experience.

I have a deliberate and consistent focus on "the other person." This intention is what sets my client interactions apart from many of my peers. Therefore, I never take the given. I challenge people about their needs and analyze relevant information for them, so there's a common design intelligence that evolves between us, right from the starting point. I'm best known for my unending energy which spills into helping clients make sound decisions and proceeding forward with the design process. This personal commitment prevails until they move in and often beyond. I experience architecture and my profession not just as plans and projects, but as building relationships.

I am also a Professor at George Mason University where students earn a Certificate in Facilities Management. My students are professionals in this field, so it is an interactive teaching process. I share my expertise of how the architectural world relates to facilities management, and they reciprocate how a diverse range of businesses deal with facility issues-like outsourcing and computer aided design.

My favorite piece of architecture is St Peter's Cathedral in Rome. I saw it on a beautiful, sunny day after an exhausting train ride from Genoa. I wanted to see the Vatican before the sun went down. As I waited for my eyes to adjust to the space, I looked up into the dome. Rays of light beamed and projected in pure bands like a cloud break on a stormy day. I was spellbound. It seemed as if nature, rather than the hands of man had created it.

Roger Sola-Sole

Partner & Studio 1 Director

Laura Knox Kennington, LEED AP

Director of Business Development

As the Director of Business Development for OTJ Architects, Laura helps set the strategic marketing focus for the marketing/business development team and ensures that team goals are met. The majority of her time is spent developing relationships and finding private sector, government, and developer project opportunities.

Kevin Sneed, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner & Director of Architecture

Kevin Sneed is the Director of Architecture for OTJ Architects, and has worked as a Senior Project Architect/Quality Control Manager for several large architecture/interiors firms in the DC metropolitan area. He is both a registered architect and a member of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA) with over 20 years experience in the industry. He has earned his LEED AP accreditation as well as the Construction Specification Institute (CSI) Construction Documents Technologist certification (CDT).
Kevin manages a variety of projects, and is involved in marketing for the firm as well as providing quality assurance and quality control for the projects in the office. Kevin is the past chair of the American Institute of Architects Interior Architecture Advisory Group that is part of the AIA’s Knowledge Community, and was the recipient of the 2004 AIA's Young Architect Award.

Meg Murdock

Director of Finance

As the Director of Finance Meg leads all of the Billing and Accounts Receivables for our firm. She also serves as our Human Resources contact.

Anthony J. Martin, AIA, LEED AP

Partner & Studio 2 Director

"I admire the work we did on the Embassy of Liberia, because OTJ took a burned, wrecked and what appeared to be a totally unsalvageable building and transformed it into an elegant facility with historical integrity."

I manage various types of projects, market our work and keep a sharp eye on the studio's schedule. With more than 20 years experience, I've happily accepted my title as a "seasoned professional" in the industry. I have a Bachelor of Environmental Design degree and a Masters in Architecture from Texas A&M University. I was selected as a Graduate Teaching Assistant in the University's Foreign Studies Program where I taught structural systems classes in Florence, Italy. I think foundations such as these have allowed me to move easily from project to project- big and small. From corporate spaces to health clubs; historic townhouses to law firms, these projects have given me a full appreciation for project detailing. Although, I love nothing more than the construction of designed space.

I think some of this shows up in my personal life, since my interests are in millworking; artwork framing and carpentry; and landscaping design. I love Louis Kahn's Kimball Art Museum in Fort Worth, Texas. It is extremely simple and modernly elegant and yet its inspiring interior and exterior spaces never compromise functionality.

Julie Owens

Business Development Manager

Julie’s previous experience working for the government and in the medical field helps her understand our government and medical office clients. This background has led her to focus on government and medical outreach. She works with the architects and designers to efficiently put together proposals so that the design process can begin promptly.

Lou Gauci, AIA

Partner & Studio 3 Director

“The architecture and design of each project must integrate all client parameters including function, budget and schedule. It is also my objective to go beyond the expected and achieve a special sense of space which embraces those who work there.”

Justin Snyder

Business Development Manager

Justin’s background as a research analyst for a commercial real estate firm provides a great foundation for generating new business leads. As part of the business development team he focuses on building relationships with the private sector, as well implementing various marketing campaigns. He received a B.S in Business Administration from the University of Mary Washington.

John O’Dowd, AIA, IIDA, LEED AP

Partner & Studio 4 Director

John has received several IIDA Awards in his career, including the Pinnacle Awards in 2003 & 2004.

Dean S. Newins, AIA, LEED AP

Partner & Studio 5 Director

Dean is the past chair of the State of Minnesota Construction Code Advisory Council, responsible for reviewing and advising the State on construction related bills brought before the House / Senate.

Joanne Sarreas

Finance

Joanne assists Meg in collecting Accounts Receivable to meet our monthly goals. Her finance and administration background along with her customer relation skills allow her to communicate effectively with our clients.

Jennifer Lewis

Marketing

Jennifer has eight years of marketing experience in design and construction including the shipbuilding, steel, and architecture industries and has a Bachelor of Arts in Print Communications from Arcadia University. She focuses on assembling high-quality proposal submissions and presentations, producing our e-newsletter and blog online, and designing creative marketing materials.

Stacy Fruscella

Director of Administration and Operations

Now that OTJ is an owner/occupier our office manager is more important than ever. As the office manager, Stacy also acts as the facility manager, making sure both our building and office run smoothly. She plans various events throughout the year.

Amanda Heptinstall

Marketing Manager

Amanda has a Bachelor of Fine Arts from JMU with an Interior Design Emphasis. The application of her creative design skills strengthen our marketing team, which can be seen through our various marketing materials. She is the go to person when preparing presentations for interviews.

Caki Diehl

Designer, Project & Business Development Manager

Caki, a business development and project manager, has more than 14 years of interior design and real estate development experience. She has a comprehensive understanding of multiple disciplines, including creative design, product and services marketing, construction materials evaluation, architectural detailing, programming and space planning. Caki graduated from the University of Georgia with a B.A. in Interior Design and Art Studio. She then went on to complete her M.B.A. at Wake Forest University. She is actively involved in IIDA, NAIOP, IFMA, and CREW DC.

Omar A. Chakaki

Graphic / Web Design

Omar is a graduate of the University of Virginia's Architecture program (B.S. Arch. + Digital Art minor) and has over 7 years experience in design, marketing, & business development with OTJ Architects. His architectural background & graphic design skills have helped our firm secure many new clients, and receive several AIA & IIDA Awards in the process - including the coveted AIA Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design.