Michael is a registered architect in the state of Pennsylvania and is a founding member of Alloy5 Architecture. With over 25 years of experience in the profession, he is fundamental in setting and guiding the design standards at Alloy5. Michael brings a unique blend of design creativity and technical construction skill to the table, leading client projects, advising internal research and direction, and giving back to the community through various philanthropic efforts. Michael’s projects have been recognized by the design community for their outstanding approach and implementation across various building types. Michael is a past President of the Eastern PA Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and currently serves as a President-Elect for the Pennsylvania Chapter of the American Institute of Architects. He is currently the Chairman of the Board for Kolbe Academy, the nation’s first faith-based addiction recovery school. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts and Architecture, Drexel University

Randy is a registered architect in the state of Pennsylvania and is a founding member of Alloy5 Architecture. He is a member of Pennsylvania’s Professional Selections Committee for the Department of General Services and serves as a trustee at Northampton Community College. In addition, Randy is a member of several professional organizations, including the American Institute of Architects and the Construction Specifications Institute. He currently serves on the Occupational Advisory Committee for the Career Institute of Technology and has served on the Board of Directors for the Greater Easton Development Partnership and the Boys & Girls Clubs of Bethlehem. Randy was named one of Eastern Pennsylvania’s “20 Under 40” by the Eastern Pennsylvania Business Journal due to his track record of achievement and leadership in business and the community. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts and Architecture, Drexel University

Vanessa is a registered architect who brings nearly a decade of experience to Alloy5. She is an expert in adaptive reuse projects and has experience in educational, institutional, and commercial sectors. In her role she supervises all aspects of a project – from planning through design and construction, and the coordination of clients and consultants. Vanessa has previously designed Easton’s new North Fourth Street parking garage as well as renovations of two Nazareth Area elementary schools and Seven Generations Charter School in Emmaus. As COO, her responsibilities include managing office operations, resources, and ensuring efficiency while providing high levels of customer satisfaction. 

Education

Master of Science in Historic Preservation and Certificate of Ecological Architecture, University of Pennsylvania

Bachelor of Architecture, Pennsylvania State University

Sean O’Brien is a Senior Architect with HKA5, where he manages all aspects of design, construction and renovation work, including Schematic Design and Planning, Design Development, Contract Documentation and Construction Administration. He also oversees staff management and HR duties for the office. Mr. O’Brien has been with the firm for more than twenty five years, and also worked in Indiana for six years as a program director at the University of Notre Dame. Mr. O’Brien is a registered architect in Pennsylvania and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He has served on the board of directors for the Eastern Pennsylvania component of the AIA and previously served as its president in 2010. Actively involved in the local community, Mr. O’Brien previously chaired on the Design Committee for the City of Allentown’s Main Street Program, while also serving as a board member for the Allentown Center City Association. Mr. O’Brien also served as an officer in the US Army Corps of Engineers, where he became a certified Army Engineer.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Notre Dame

Joe joined Alloy 5 in 2015 with over 20 years of experience in the profession. As Senior Project Manager, Joe is responsible for overseeing a project through design and development, construction documentation, and construction administration. Joe’s unique skill set includes orchestrating Building Information Modeling (BIM) technologies through AutoDesk Revit. He has established a reputation for service and attention to detail among his clients in higher education, healthcare, and commercial enterprises. He is actively involved as a multi-sport coach for the Lower Macungie Youth Association. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts and Architecture, Drexel University

Erika obtained her Associate of Applied Science Degree in Accounting from Northampton Community College, where she received the PICPA outstanding accounting student award. She then went on to earn her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Accounting and Business Administration from Muhlenberg College, graduating Magna Cum Laude. Erika started with Alloy5 in 2015, bringing over 15 years of corporate accounting experience to the firm. Driven by her passion for numbers, Erika takes pride in handling the day-to-day accounting functions at Alloy5. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Accounting and Business Administration, Muhlenberg College

Associate of Applied Science in Accounting, Northampton Community College

Tristan makes a valuable addition to the Alloy5 team as a project architect with over a decade of experience managing projects from concept through completion. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture at the Pennsylvania State University where she was awarded the John Stewardson Memorial Fellowship in Architecture. Tristan further elaborated her interest in visual communication and technology by obtaining her Master of Architecture in Digital Architecture at Universita’ Iuav Di Venezia in Venice, Italy. With extensive experience in master planning and multi-family residential design along with refined technical skills, she recognizes the unique opportunity for meaningful solutions in every project. 

EDUCATION

Master of Architecture in Digital Architecture MADI, Universita’ Iuav Di Venezia, Venice, Italy

Bachelor of Architecture, Pennsylvania State University

Jeff is a registered architect and certified Autodesk Revit professional with a broad technical understanding and a natural inclination for 3D design software. With over 15 years of 3D modeling knowledge and BIM Coordination, Jeff brings with him to the table a vast technological knowledge base and is an asset to any team. At Alloy5, he manages our Building Information Modeling software and has built custom templates that ensure efficient design communication throughout all phases of the project regardless of size or scope. With professional working experience in both the USA and Australia, Jeff also teaches as an adjunct professor at Kean University’s Michael Graves School of Architecture and Northampton Community College where he shares his specialty knowledge of digital modeling software in the architecture program and continues to set high standards for the profession. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, New Jersey Institute of Technology

Associate of Applied Sciences, Northampton Community College

Professor, Northampton Community College

As a Registered Architect, Emily Liuzza has established herself as a respected professional in the field. Her career has been marked by a commitment to excellence, with a primary focus on higher education, K-12 projects, and municipal initiatives. Emily’s enthusiasm and creative energy adds a fresh perspective to projects in the office. She brings extensive knowledge of facility trends and strategies to the Alloy5 team. Emily holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree and a Master of Science in Architecture from Penn State University.

Education

Master of Science in Architecture, Penn State University

Bachelor of Architecture, Penn State University

Bruce is a registered architect with experience in a wide variety of projects throughout his flourishing professional career. A Jefferson graduate, Bruce is a master at architectural modeling and visualization. While in school, Bruce held a leadership role in AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students) and was awarded the Tau Sigma Delta Honor in Architecture and the Allied Arts in 2018. He has previously earned an Associate in Applied Sciences degree in Architecture from Northampton Community College. Bruce is brought in on all phases of the design process – from concept to construction. His attention to detail and artistic interests in painting, drawing, and illustration are perfect complements to architectural design. Bruce is inspired by the relationship between technical elements, spatial creation, artistic expression, and how people engage in the combination. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Jefferson University

Associate of Applied Sciences, Northampton Community College

Professor, Northampton Community College

Gina brings over 20 years of experience to Alloy5 with a well-rounded background managing projects of all sizes in an array of industries including healthcare, higher education, multifamily housing, and municipal projects. She has specific expertise in master planning, project visioning, and facility assessments. Gina leverages her skills in communications to strengthen client relations and to thoroughly understand client needs for every space and project. She is actively involved in CREW (Commercial Real Estate Women) and enjoys hiking and golfing in her free time.

Education

Master of Architecture, University of Houston

Bachelor of Arts, University of Pittsburgh

Bekah Rusnock is an internationally published, award-winning writer with a background in journalism. She is an expert in social media and specializes in creating engaging content that spreads virally. Rusnock operates the popular Instagram account IGbethlehem, which features photographs and videos captured exclusively on an iPhone. The account has more than 27,000 followers. Bekah’s work has been featured on Buzzfeed, where it was viewed over 150,000 times. She was featured in Fig magazine and has lectured at events hosted by Historic Bethlehem Partnership, Lehigh University, and Penn State. While employed by the City of Bethlehem, Rusnock used her media experience to improve the City’s reputation and develop its brand as a home for young, talented, and creative entrepreneurs, a campaign that was integral to the city’s economic development. Bekah also implemented the City’s Enterprise Zone program and managed a $1 million revolving loan fund. She oversaw the development of Pi: Partnership for Innovation, an adaptive reuse project which created a technology center in a 100-year-old silk mill. Bekah is an excellent written and oral communicator and is proficient in the AP Stylebook used by major media outlets around the world. She sits on the board of directors for Bethlehem Chamber of Commerce and Treatment Trends Inc., chairs Southside’s Tomorrow Communication & Connectivity Committee, as well as serves on ArtsQuest’s Communication & PR Committee and Historic Bethlehem Museums & Sites Collections and Programming Committee. 

Education

Bachelor of Arts in Journalism, Susquehanna University

Starting the first three years of her career in the metropolitan NJ / NYC area, Michelle worked with large corporate campuses and coordinated with property managers to improve interiors and update tenants’ spaces. Now, after more than half a decade with Alloy5, Michelle’s professional career is centered on managing a wide variety of renovation and interior projects through all phases of design and construction. She is an expert in managing client and end-user meetings, coordinating site surveys, space planning, detailing, and finishing furniture selections. Michelle has started the process for NCIDQ certification while continuing to work in the professional field. 

Education

Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Marywood University

Boasting nearly 30 years of experience, Bill brings a designer’s eye for planning to Alloy5. Bill understands the functions of a building and has a unique ability to communicate architecture to stakeholders and the community at large. His experience in higher education brings a refreshing view to 21st-century education with clients including Penn State University, Elon University, Messiah College, and Bloomsburg University. Bill has also worked on notable workplace projects for XM Radio and music performance venue projects for XM Radio, ArtsQuest, and Kutztown University. An experienced professional with a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, Bill’s previous work experience includes the Lehigh Valley Planning Commission where he worked on regional design issues and implementation of large-scale planning projects. 

Education

Master of Architecture, University of Illinois at Chicago

Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Architectural Studies, University of Pittsburgh

A graduate of Syracuse University School of Architecture with 11 years of experience, Jamie joins the Alloy5 team with a passion for details and mentoring young designers. Throughout her career, Jamie has collaborated with diverse teams, architects, engineers, and clients to bring ambitious design visions to life. Her ability to manage complex projects, coordinate resources, and keep projects on track and within budget has earned her a reputation for excellence in the field. She is an avid member of CREW Lehigh Valley and currently sits on their planning committee.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University

Jason specializes in a project’s technical aspects, and he assists our Architects in translating designs and ideas into concise sets of construction details and documents. Jason also coordinates the various engineering disciplines into the construction documents and details. Jason earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Drexel University and his Drafting Certificate from Lehigh Career and Technical Institute. Jason constantly aims to push the current limits of his ability, and is currently working on 5.0 ARE’s.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Drexel University

Drafting Certificate, Lehigh Career and Technical Institute

With several years of experience in architecture, Rich brings a diverse design background to the Alloy5 team. He brings projects to life through his design and 3D rendering skills, excellently understanding client needs and communicating the vision to clients from project start to completion. In his role, Rich has worked on a variety of projects including multifamily housing, athletic facilities, and in both K-12 and higher education. Rich earned a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Hartford and has previously served as a guest architectural critic for Lafayette College. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Hartford

Mark brings over 15 years of experience that includes project management and design leadership roles on several projects in the Lehigh Valley. He has had an integral role in all phases of design and construction through the coordination of commercial, institutional, and hospitality projects. These projects range in scale from 600 SF to 135,000 SF. In addition, Mark utilizes BIM software and 3D digital rendering abilities to present design concepts to clients and to create detailed and comprehensive construction documents. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Pennsylvania State University

Brenna is a rising star in interior architectural design who brings a fresh perspective to the profession and practice. She is a graduate of Marywood University, where she was awarded the Edward Gayeski Commencement Medal of Excellence in Design. During her educational career, she was awarded two trips to High Point Market, the world’s largest furniture trade show, and studied abroad in Italy. Both experiences broadened her creativity within interior architecture. Clients recognize Brenna’s ability to create accurate and realistic renderings that help them imagine their unbuilt space for future projects. 

Education

Bachelor of Interior Architecture, Marywood University

James is a driven professional, educator, and designer with experience developing architectural design solutions, structuring 3-dimensional space and undertaking the creative process with always questioning why. He is a conceptual thinker and aims to bridge that gap between practice and education through understanding that they cannot exist without each other. James enjoys traveling, spending time with his large Italian family, and his dog, Sirius Black. 

Education

Master of Architecture, Boston Architectural College

BoS in Architecture, Temple University

James J. Petro is a Registered Architect at HKA5, where he manages and works on all aspects of the design, construction and the renovation process including Schematic Design and Planning, Design Development, Contract Documentation and Construction Administration. He also worked for more than eighteen years at USA Architects as a Project Manager of numerous educational and municipal projects. Mr. Petro has been a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI), where he served on the Executive Board for several years. He is currently working part-time for HKA5 on various hospitality projects for Wind Creek Casino – Bethlehem & Resorts World Casino – New York. Mr. Petro received a Bachelor of Architecture in 1980 from Kansas State University in Manhattan, Kansas. Upon completion of his B.Arch., Mr. Petro returned to the valley and pursued his career designing numerous renovations and additions for elementary and secondary schools.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Kansas State University

Nathan received his B.A. in Architecture from Thomas Jefferson University, previously named Philadelphia University, in 2020. Here he completed his senior thesis titled Connecting Campus: A shared multi-use Building on the campus of Thomas Jefferson University; where he worked alongside the President of the University to help restructure the campus master plan along with creating a multi-use building which would serve as an athletic facility for Thomas Jefferson Athletics along with a gathering place for the student body. While at Thomas Jefferson University he played on their baseball team for 5 years. During his time at Thomas Jefferson, he also studied abroad in the Fall of 2019 at the University of Arkansas Rome Center.

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Thomas Jefferson University

A seasoned professional, Christian has successfully overseen and managed numerous public projects, showcasing a unique ability to blend creativity with strategic execution. With years of management and leadership experience in the non-profit sector, Christian brings a wealth of expertise to both his design work and community-oriented projects. His passion for working with and for the public shines through in his commitment to community betterment. As a forward-thinking designer with a robust background in project management and non-profit leadership, Christian stands poised to continue making significant contributions at the intersection of creativity and social impact. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Marywood University

Associate of Applied Science in Architecture, Northampton Community College

Michael has a background in architecture and public bid construction work. He is hardworking with an extensive background in preparing drawings for various projects. He is experienced in working with diverse architects, vendors, customers, and contractors. Michael is currently pursuing his architecture license and is knowledgeable about the construction processes, construction details, and customer service. Michael joined the US Army Reserve in 2014 and has developed useful skills through his experience, such as reclaiming a flood plain, putting in ranges and access roads to state game lands, and rehabilitating a training area. 

Education

Bachelor of Architecture, Marywood University

University of Scranton ROTC

Krista has over 20 years of experience and has worked at several firms focusing on commercial architecture and interiors. Past projects have included AIA Award of Merit winners and a project that was named the “Coolest Office in the Lehigh Valley.” Ms. Best earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in 1995. She is an NCIDQ certified interior designer, which is the highest level of professional achievement for interior designers. She is a strong advocate for the advancement of commercial interior design as a profession. She also teaches at Northampton Community College as an adjunct in the Interior Design and Architecture Department. Active on several boards, she serves as Treasurer on the executive board of the Interior Design Legislative Committee of PA, and is active with her local neighborhood association in Historic Bethlehem, PA.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, The American College

Bre Hill is an Interior Designer with over 7 years of experience, joining Howard Kulp Architects in 2022. She is responsible for various aspects of Interior Design including defining user needs, space planning, and concept design development through final design. Bre received a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Kutztown University in 2012 and an Associates of Interior Design from Northampton Community College in 2017. She has worked in the architectural field as an Interior Designer since 2017 with various project experience, both new construction and renovation / addition work, for both commercial and residential clients. Prior to working as an Interior Designer, Bre’s professional career includes positions ranging from sales and management to color consulting for
an international company.

Education

Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Kutztown University

Associate of Applied Science, Interior Design, Northampton Community College

Emily is a graduate of the University of Maryland, where she obtained a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and a minor in Sustainability Studies. She is LEED GA certified and has an interest in sustainable design, specifically in urban environments. Emily provides great value to the Alloy5 team through her skills in Revit and Adobe Suite, providing critical support throughout the entire design process. While at Alloy5, she has worked on projects in K-12 education, municipal facilities, and several multifamily residences. Emily enjoys photography and watercolor painting. 

Education

BoS in Architecture, University of Maryland

Growing up with the internet at his fingertips, Alex always aspired to become a YouTube star. He taught himself Photoshop in middle school and has been exploring new programs ever since. Alex graduated from Moravian University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic and Interactive Design. He was Student Creative Director and lead Studio South, Moravian’s on-campus design firm. From video production and photography, to branding and animation, Alex is a force to be reckoned with.

Education

Bachelor of Fine Arts, Moravian University

Nick is a hardworking professional, with a strong foundation in architecture and design. He started his career in construction during high school, developing skills in project management and site operations. Nick’s senior year thesis titled “Designing for Climate Resiliency” showcased expertise in sustainable building practices, published in Jefferson University’s Space Works 11. Beyond work, Nick is passionate about diverse interests including playing guitar, exploring culinary arts, enjoying the shore, avidly supporting Philadelphia sports teams, and playing golf.

Education

BA of Architecture, Thomas Jefferson University
Minor in Construction Management

Education

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Temple University

Master of Architecture, Temple University

Katie Vietro brings over 20 years of operational experience in K-12 public schools. She began by developing custom software applications for various district needs such as human resources, transportation, and student systems. Over the past 8 years, Katie served on Easton School District’s administrative team, handling responsibilities ranging from budget planning and contract negotiations to overseeing facility usage. Her passion lies in system administration and creating tailored solutions that enhance daily operations and efficiency for end users. Managing a portfolio of over 10 software applications, including the district’s primary financial solution, was a key part of her role.

Additionally, Katie played a crucial role in the Capital Projects team at EASD, contributing to the construction of two new elementary schools, a stadium, and several building renovations. Collaborating closely with the Alloy5 Team during this time, she developed a profound admiration for their talent and energy, which inspired her to pursue a significant career change.

Vina-Andrea Aguirre
Ariana Braun
Christopher Connors
Danielle DiLeone
Anthony Formisano
Skylar Goldstein
Zach Hawk
Nathan Himmelsbach
Ryan Kennedy
Angela Kilburg
Tracy Anna Laurie-Lakhram
Elliot Nolter – East Spruce Design
Victoria Martine
Jackie Parks
Olivia Reese
Jack Rogers
Rylie Schoch
Lila Shokr
Joshua Soares