Our Team
Rodney Lewis
AIA
Principal | Founding Partner
As Principal and Co-Founder of ALW, Rodney Lewis is one of the architectural visionaries behind many of the firm’s award-winning work. He is a recognized leader in commercial and residential design. His dedication to architectural excellence has set the pace for the firm’s challenging, innovative, and collaborative atmosphere since 2000. Rodney oversees many of the firm's projects through every phase. From initial analysis, through planning, design development, and construction phases, he stays deeply involved; a true testament to the power of the hands-on, personable approach that defines our firm’s operational philosophy. Rodney has close to 30 years of design and management experience, and his portfolio includes some of today’s most critically lauded large-scale education, office, retail and mixed-use developments in Tallahassee and the North Florida region.
Emily Ely
RID
Principal | Interior Architecture
Emily Ely is a licensed interior designer with 17 years of dedicated expertise in commercial architecture and design. Her portfolio showcases a broad range of project types, from high-profile interiors to challenging institutional facilities. She is adept at managing projects with large and small budgets alike. Emily feels strongly that a project’s objectives should be viewed from the lens of the client and user first. Using empathy to shape a solution, and knowledge & skill to execute it, she aims to deliver a product that exceeds expectations and ensures a collective ownership of the project’s value. Emily invests in long-term relationships with clients, industry partners, mentors and mentees, and finds that developing trust is a crucial component of the design process. Her creative expression through beautifully crafted spaces is founded on innovation, experience, and an appreciation for the significant impact a space will have on our lives.
Educational Background:
Master of Arts in Interior Design, Florida State University
One Thing She Likes About ALW:
The team shares a common passion for functional creativity. It’s invigorating.
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Bradfordville Blues Club
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Deep sea adventures on my dad's salvage fleet
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Camping with family
Top Three Travel Destinations:
A family go-to: 30A; Next Up: Yellowstone National Park; Bucket List: Ireland
Hobbies:
Exploring new camping destinations, kayaking, live music, and gardening (if there were more time)
Nickname:
Rosie Posie
Pets:
Willow, the cutest of all kittens
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Children's Home Society
Matt Persinger
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal | Operations
Matt Persinger, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional with 13 years of high-quality architectural experience in several U.S. regions. He is a strong Project Manager who listens closely to project goals and works with clients to find open and engaging architecture that is both inviting - and surprising. His passion is to guide projects toward success by exceeding expectations with the hope of enlivening the experience of all who encounter each project. Matt adds another voice to the established values of our firm by providing value through excellence in design, thoughtful technical execution, and a desire for continued improvement in the office and for our community. At ALW, Matt sees each project as a search for the next iteration of a better place, town, or community. By understanding a place and its history, we can imagine fresh perspectives and configurations that are open and transformative for our future generations.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Yale University
Bachelor of Architecture, Ohio State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Tom Beeby in Chicago
Anne and Roy Decker in Jackson
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
Enforce a one street – one name policy
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The Old City Cemetery
Fondest childhood memory:
Helping on his grandparents’ farms – feeding the lambs and calves by bottle; Riding his bike over their sidewalk ramp with his brothers
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Working in the yard and disc golfing/swimming with the kids
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
Many strong individual voices that come together with common values
Pets:
Talley (named after his wife’s grandmother) a 2yr old lab mix
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
In between emails, and sometimes within them
Ryan Sheplak
AIA
Principal | Architecture + Design
Ryan Sheplak is a visionary creative with over a decade of experience in crafting spaces that inspire, harmonize, and elevate the human experience. With a unique talent for storytelling through architecture, he ensures that each of ALW’s projects narrates a compelling story, engaging users on multiple levels. As a champion of design excellence, he guarantees that every project not only meets but exceeds the highest architectural standards. His keen ability to shape projects according to their unique context and align them with client expectations, all while adhering to budgetary constraints, sets him apart in the industry. His proficiency in managing projects of all facets—from concept to completion—demonstrates his versatile expertise and unwavering dedication to quality.
Ryan remains steadfast in his commitment to clients, the community, and the relentless pursuit of design excellence, ensuring that ALW's work continues to inspire and innovate. His expertise lies in fostering innovation and maintaining strong relationships with long-standing clients, delivering impactful and visionary solutions that drive the industry forward. Ryan’s work is a testament to his dedication to creating architecture that not only meets functional needs but also elevates the spirit, leaving a lasting impression on all who experience it.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, Florida A&M University
ALW Project He's Most Proud of:
FSU Ringling Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Louis Kahn
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
A public bike share program near downtown
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The Spring House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
KCCI Tallahassee
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Spending the summer learning to fly fish in North Carolina with my grandparents
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Spending time near, on or in the water
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
Being surrounded by a family of talented and inspiring individuals
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Apalachicola, FL; Savannah, GA; New Orleans, LA
Hobbies:
Fishing, kayaking and sketching
Nickname:
Shedack
Pets:
Three dogs – a black lab and two dachshunds
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
In the wee hours of the morning
Hidden Talent:
Cooking!
Favorite Sports Team:
Florida State Seminoles
Kathryn Stivers
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Associate | Senior Project Architect
Kathryn has nearly 30 years of experience with regional architectural and civil engineering construction projects in capacities from Project Architect, Project Manager, Field Representative to BIM Technician. With her skills, talent, and knowledge, she provides strong leadership for a wide range of project types. Her approach to design excellence is deeply rooted in her commitment to meeting our clients' needs with innovative, on budget, constructible solutions.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Florida State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
“I believe that architecture has the power to inspire, to elevate the spirit, to feed both the mind and body. It is for me the most public of the arts.” – Richard Meier, Architect
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Cascades Park, integrating necessary stormwater mitigation facilities into much needed recreational, cultural, entertainment venues. It’s what every city should be doing, and Tallahassee has done it right.
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Chasing down the next scenic landscape/waterscape photo shoot
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The firm’s commitment to not just solve the problem at hand, but to elevate it as art
Top 3 Travel Destinations:
There is no way to limit my favorite travel destinations to just three! From hiking, exploring and photographing the U.S. western desert landscapes; to surveying the architecture along the River Thames in London’s Financial District, to hiking the Acropolis in Athens Greece, - I love it all!
Hobby / Passion:
When I’m not spending time with my husband and three children, I dabble in landscape photography and kiln-forming glass.
Pets:
I am owned by two cats: Miles & Zissou.
Sarah Ashcroft
MID
Associate | Interior Designer
Sarah has a Master’s degree in Interior Design and brings over 10 years of professional experience with a wholesome mix of artistic, creative and technical skills. Her ambitious spirit, attention to detail and production and product knowledge are an asset to our team. Outside the office, Sarah loves photography, traveling, mom life and our hometown FSU Seminoles.
Educational Background:
Master of Interior Design, Brenau University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Brenau Women’s College
Greatest Design Influence:
My thesis professor in grad school. She was amazing!
One Thing She Feels Would Improve Our City:
Indoor activities for kids
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Lichgate on High Road
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Ronald McDonald House Charities… go donate your pop tops!
Fondest Childhood Memory:
It’s a toss-up between fishing with my dad and seeing the big spear light up at Doak Campbell Stadium
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Italy, 30A, North Georgia mountains
Pets:
Quincy, a 3 year old fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Colt, a 12 year old mutt
Time of Day She is Most Creative:
4:00 am if she wakes up that early
Hidden Talent:
She can walk on her hands
Hannah James
Interior Designer
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design, Florida State University (GO NOLES!)
Time of Day She is Most Creative:
Early morning before sunrise
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Frank Lloyd Wright (The Lewis Spring House)
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Spending time at the beach or with family and friends
Pets:
Senior kitty cat, Oliver
On Thing You Like About Working at ALW:
Being surrounded by professionals with a passion for creative design solutions
Hobbies/Passions:
Antiquing, boating, finding new local spots in Tallahassee
Favorite Tallahassee Non-Profit:
Movers for Moms
Marisa Szymanski
Interior Designer
Marisa, a graduate with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Architecture and Design from Florida State University, has over three years of institutional design experience. Her expertise spans from construction documentation and administration to furniture and finish specifications and project management. Marisa serves as the Communications Director on the board of the American Society of Interior Design North Florida Chapter, a role that allows her to engage with the local Tallahassee design community and beyond. She is particularly excited about working with the ALW team, where she can gain experience in different design sectors and work alongside a team of highly talented individuals.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Interior Architecture & Design, Florida State University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Cascades Park. This is the perfect place for a run in the fall & spring.
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Brunch with girlfriends!
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Frank Lloyd Wright's Falling Water House. His philosophy of organic architecture and its implementation is awe-inspiring.
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Tuscany for the wine, Paris for the food, and the Swiss Alps for skiing.
Favorite Sports Team:
FSU Seminoles!
One Thing You Like About Working at ALW:
The comradery and workplace culture.
Ben Baylor
Associate | Design Technology Manager
Ben began his career in architecture in the residential design realm and developed a passion for details as he moved into commercial design at ALW over six years ago. His skills and passion bring a unique resource to our team as seen on projects such as the Jim Moran Building, the FSU Student Union, Urban Pod, Arive 850 Student Housing Development, the Waller Park Capitol Complex and more. Ben’s responsibilities as an ALW Associate, designer and CAD production team member include 3D modeling, 3D video and still frame rendering, architectural design, building systems detailing, graphic production and as-built field measuring.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
ALW Project He is Most Proud of:
201 E. Park Avenue
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Richard Meier, Renzo Piano, Christopher Alexander
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
Connections to community on smaller scale, things like breaking up some of the larger areas that are not being used into smaller places where people can interact and feel intrigued and excited
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The many parks and canopy roads
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
The creative environment; having the time and ability to look at problems from all perspectives and creatively come up with solutions
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Visiting the streets of Rome, experiencing the landscape of Ireland or visiting any of the historical small towns along the Appalachian Mountains
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Night
Hidden Talents:
Music Production and DJing (disc jockeying)
Favorite Sports Team:
St. Louis Cardinals
Brian Gladden
Associate | Project Manager
Brian brings eagerness, enthusiasm and experience with residential, commercial and educational projects that span all sizes and budgets. He believes in blending architecture with the municipal fabric, integrating surroundings, local lifestyle and sustainable design practices. He enjoys working with clients to establish innovative ways for them to use their space. His belief that architects have a social, environmental and economic responsibility propels him to realize the true value of each project. Brian is leading efforts to enhance the State of Florida Capital Complex– Waller Park. He is currently on the path to obtaining his architectural license, and when he's not working or studying, we find him DJing, producing films, building cool things with LEGO bricks, or racing cars.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Antonio Gaudi, Mies van der Rohe, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Zaha Hadid
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
All Saints’ Historic Coca-Cola Building
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Collecting baseball cards with my father
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Germany, Japan and Bora Bora/Maldives
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Leon County Humane Society
Hobbies:
DJing, Film, LEGO and Automobile Racing
Pets He Owns:
Mikoto, a 6 year old orange tabby cat
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Late at night
Favorite Sports Team:
Miami Heat (lots of MLB teams also)
John Scott, AIA
Project Manager | Architect
John is a licensed architect with 10 years of experience in the Architecture and Development fields. A recent addition to the ALW office, he is enthusiastic about contributing to the team with his passion for thoughtful design and client relations. With a keen eye for detail and enthusiasm for collaborative thinking, john brings a fresh perspective to our architectural endeavors.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Miami
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Studying abroad in Rome, I was able to experience some of the greatest architectural achievements in person!
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Saturday lunches at Bradley’s with my wife and son!
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Rome, Italy
Pinehurst, NC
Kiawah Island, SC
Hobbies / Passions:
Golf, fishing, cooking, fly tying, being outdoors
Time of Day You’re Most Creative:
Late night (usually when I am trying to sleep)
Amina Kassem
Associate | Designer
Amina recently moved to Tallahassee from Beirut, Lebanon where she received a Bachelor of Architecture degree with first rank honors and high distinction. During and after her studies, she completed various internships with local design firms in and around Beirut. Amina sees architectural design as a continuous whole and a fragmented mixture where the process becomes just as valuable as the end product. “I believe architecture is most valuable when it becomes a tool of communication between the designer and the client.” As she begins her career as a full-time designer with ALW, she brings a bright and unique talent for design rendering and detail.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, American University of Beirut
Greatest Architectural Influence:
The city I grew up in, Beirut. I am usually inspired from my surroundings, whether it is the scenery, the atmosphere, the people and the culture; Beirut never disappoints. There is always something to observe, something to learn from and something to reflect on. The city has its special way of making people feel something that they can always look back to. The city was rebuilt seven times and it never lost its essence or historical value.
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Unite Lebanon Youth Project (ULYP); they offer scholarships for displaced students in Lebanon to pursue their dreams and study at a university of their choice. I am so proud to be one of their alumni, and I hope that one day I can give back just as generously as they gave to me.
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Traveling with my parents and four siblings from one country to another in our Jeep while arguing about music choices.
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Cruising to unfamiliar destinations with my favorite people and having a satisfying meal at the end of the day.
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Cascades park, it combines architecture and nature while offering people a space to walk and socialize. It’s nice seeing people from different backgrounds going there to clear their minds from the routine of our daily lives.
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Haifa-Palestine (my homeland and city of origin that I wish to see one day); Tokyo-Japan (their architecture is fascinating and I am always interested in learning about other cultures); Singapore (it seems beautiful and I am an admirer of beauty)
Hobbies:
Arabic calligraphy, sketching and photography
Hidden Talent:
Low-key comedian
Favorite Sports Team:
Used to be Real Madrid, but then architecture school happened and sports were no longer in the picture
Andrea Butler
Designer
Andrea has experience with residential and commercial, renovations and new construction projects. She graduated in Spring 2023 with her Master's in Architecture from FAMU. Originally from South Florida, Andrea has lived, worked and been a student in Tallahassee since 2009. Before attending FAMU, she completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at FSU, which serves as a foundation to her human-centered approach to design.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Any of Tallahassee’s parks and hiking trails to get out in nature
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Rock climbing and tending house plants
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The collaborative nature of the team and our ability to continually evolve
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Italy, Germany, Iceland
Hobbies / Passions:
Crochet, origami, watercolor, yoga, all kinds of games
Time of Day She's Most Creative:
Mid-morning, after coffee
Nicole Spina
Designer
Nicole began her architectural studies in the Republic of Panama before graduating with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Florida A&M University. She brings a diverse set of skills to the team, with experience in drafting, creating architectural and urbanistic booklets for clients, and supervising construction sites in Panama. In addition to her architectural expertise, she also has a talent for graphic design, which she pursues as a side interest.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Luis Barragán is inspiring in how he intended his works not only to be functional but also to evoke emotions and memories. My two favorite works are the Chapel of the Capuchinas and “Casa Estudio Barragán”.
I also find vernacular architecture fascinating.
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Jiu Jitsu training and lunch with family
Pets:
3 dogs: a Beagle (Bear), a Bassett Hound (Marley), and a Bluetick Hound (Dixie)
Favorite Sports Team:
Panama National Team (soccer) and Real Madrid
Hobbies:
Painting, Sketching, Reading, and Brazilian Jiu Jitsu
Interesting Fact Few People Know About You:
I'm a Fraternal Twin - we don't look alike at all!
Favorite Tallahassee Non-Profit:
Cauzican Care
Kris McCaffrey
Director of Marketing
Kris brings over 20 years of marketing and brand management experience to ALW. She is responsible for the firm's marketing and business development efforts, from pursuing new projects and contracts to initiating client and community outreach, managing our website and social media accounts, and internal and external communication. Kris keeps our schedules full and our clients informed and up to date on all things ALW! Her diverse marketing initiatives, executed for the company locally and regionally, are driving our growth, obtaining new clients, and increasing ALW brand development and messaging in the marketplace.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Florida State University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Camping in Montana
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Visiting the beach or enjoying brunch
Why She Loves Working at ALW:
The collaborative team and having dogs at the office
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Dijon, France; Glacier National Park, Montana; Santorini; Greece
Favorite Non-Profit Organization
Refuge House
Pets:
Ripley, a 6-year old Chocolate Lab
Interesting Fact That Few People Know:
Worked for ABC Sports
Susan Goodwin
Office Manager
As Office Administrator/Manager and Bookkeeper, Susan’s role at ALW is a supportive adjunct to the creative minds that design and imagine the future landscape of our community. While our architects dream and design, Susan creates and manages stability in the functionality of the office. From supply ordering, to bookkeeping to espresso making, she ensures that the nuts and bolts of office administration are carried out in a seamless manner, giving the rest of the staff the opportunity to focus on design. A testament to the company, Susan began working with the firm 17 years ago; she left for a time to raise her two children, but now that they’re grown, she has returned to continue her tenure at ALW.
Educational Background:
General Studies, Arizona State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Tennis, reading, puttering
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The flexibility, benefits and the people (not necessarily in that order)
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Hobbies / Passions:
Reading, tennis, horseback riding
Nicknames:
Sooz; Snoozen (she loves afternoon naps!)
Pets:
3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses (this is the current count, at one time I had 56 pets between pigs, chickens, cats, horses, snakes, hamsters, dogs, etc.)
Time of Day She’s Most Creative:
Typically in the morning, but always at the last minute – things do come together quite nicely then
Favorite Sports Team:
Denver Broncos
Leo
Barkitect
Leo
Barkitect
Leopold Augustus Lewis ("Leo") is ALW's Junior Barkitect in training. Doing what King Charles Cavaliers are best known for, Leo is everyone’s cheerleader and best friend. He brings the sunshine in with him every morning. When he arrives at the office, he diligently makes his rounds to tell everyone good morning and makes sure each and every person is awake and ready to take on another exciting day. His happy, friendly demeanor warms the heart of even the toughest client. One sweet puppy smile from this little guy, and he has people coming back to the office just to visit him. Leo joined the firm in December 2016 at just 10 weeks old, and has become a very valuable member of our team.