IRVINE, Calif. – KTGY, a Great Places to Work certified design firm focused on architecture, branding, interiors and planning, is proud to announce the elevation of 44 team members, including the appointment of a new board member and two shareholders. 

“The sweeping scope of these promotions shows our commitment to generation-to-generation growth. Each of these team members reflects KTGY’s values and I am so excited to see them rise,” said CEO Tricia Esser.

As one of the nation’s top design firms, KTGY’s diverse service offerings and local expertise, combined with its commitment to generation-to-generation leadership, continue to propel the firm’s growth. This winning combination drove the firm’s movement up 13 spots on ENR’s list of Top 500 Design Firms in 2023.

“We are excited to welcome William Ramsey onto the board of directors and Kyle Millar and Sarah Sindian as shareholders,” said Jill Williams, AIA, managing principal and chairman of the board. “Each of these leaders fosters KTGY’s visionary design and expert execution through their work and through the passion they instill in others,” continues Williams. 

NEW BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEMBER NAMED:

William Ramsey, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, based in the firm’s Denver office, is inspired by good design — not just “luxurious” design, but design that tackles challenging jurisdiction with a creative approach. With a holistic vision, he oversees all aspects of a project, including design guidelines, site planning, schematic design, and construction documentation. Licensed in 10 states, Bill recognizes how various trends and market-specific intricacies affect how a project is perceived. The ability to align all aspects of a project within the target demographic has made him a well-respected expert in his field. He is a frequent speaker at industry events, has been quoted in numerous publications nationwide and was a member of Professional Builder magazine’s 40 Under 40 Class in 2019.  

SHAREHOLDERS NAMED:  

Sarah Sindian, AIA, NCARB, based in the firm’s Irvine office, brings over 15 years of experience managing a variety of projects from single-family dwellings to high-density podium buildings, urban infill residential and mixed-use developments. She understands the complexities associated with differing regions and jurisdictions and is committed to carrying out a project that meets code compliance, while refining throughout the process and maintaining original design intent. Her belief that successful projects are the result of team collaboration helps her excel in fulfilling client needs. 

Kyle Millar, AIA, NCARB, based in the firm’s Denver office, is predominantly focused on the residential multifamily sector where he has led design teams for both market rate and affordable developments ranging in density from single-family to mid-rise. The core of Kyle’s experience has been in the technical phases beginning with design development, leading into construction documents and extending through construction administration. He is committed to comprehensive project management to serve clients and deliver a finished product that maintains the quality and character of the original design. 

ADDITIONAL PROMOTIONS:  

KTGY has also announced a wave of promotions across the firm, recognizing the following individuals for their achievements and contributions to the firm’s success.  

• Keith McCloskey, Principal (Los Angeles, California): Keith is responsible for establishing the overall vision for new architectural designs and leads a diverse, creative team in a broad range of development types.
• David Burton, Associate Principal (Oakland, California): David brings over 30 years of experience and is responsible for overseeing the design of single-family and low-rise multifamily projects.
• Brad Golba, Associate Principal (Irvine, California): Brad finds innovative design and code-compliant solutions for all developments he is part of. Relying on his years of experience and technical knowledge, he aims for each completed development to enhance the quality and character of the community.
• Geoff Graney, Associate Principal (Irvine, California): With more than 20 years of design and planning expertise, Geoff’s talents infuse unique and creative vision and design with client needs to create outstanding results.
• Sarah Hunter, Associate Principal (Denver, Colorado): Responsible for leading projects from conception through entitlement, Sarah has the unique ability to translate client and community goals into a cohesive design that meets all aesthetic, programmatic and budgetary concerns.
• Leah Pitts, Associate Principal (Denver, Colorado): Leah guides multiple projects throughout all phases from site feasibility to construction. She excels at maintaining strong client relationships, including analyzing client needs and developing design solutions to address those needs.
• Tien Shen, Associate Principal (Irvine, California): Tien brings over 22 years of experience and is responsible for overall project management from entitlement through construction observation, team coordination and client communications. His ability to coordinate with the city staff is one of the key elements that leads to the success of a project.

Executive Directors & Directors: Scott Bryans, Executive Director, Architecture; Jessica Candaele, Director, National Business Development; Cliff Hjelmstad, Director, Construction Phase; Rezan M. Prananta, Director, Design; and Brianne Wagner, Director, Demand Marketing.

Senior Project Managers & Senior Interior Design Managers: Dallas M. Brown, Senior Project Manager; Justin T. Brown, Senior Interior Design Manager; Jennafer Dauwalter, Senior Project Manager; John M. Green, Senior Project Manager; Susan M. Jacobs, Senior Interior Design Manager; Julie Lagunas, Senior Manager, HRBP; Daniel Music, Senior Project Manager; and Ena Sivcevic, Senior Project Manager.

Project Managers: Katherine Darter Bennett, Project Manager; Valeria Gabarra, Project Manager; Kelsey Grundman, Project Manager; and Jennifer A. Weigand, Project Manager.

Senior Job Captains & Senior Designers: Marya Adams, Senior Interior Designer; Michael C. Defries, Senior Job Captain; Victor I. Gonzalez, Senior Designer; Mihai Iacob, Senior Interior Designer; Catherine Joss, Senior Interior Designer; Madelyn R. Kodros, Senior Job Captain; Rosie Ou, Senior Job Captain; and Brandon K. Yates, Senior Job Captain.

Job Captains & Interior Designer II: Jack L. Hamilton, Job Captain; Kirsten E. Juskiewicz, Interior Designer II; Lea M. Moguet, Job Captain; Kevin Nugent, Job Captain; Avery Swartz, Interior Designer II; and Mary Lissy Tarabillo Roca, Job Captain.

Planners & Designers: Abby Choi, Planner; Aaron He, Planner; John D. Zogg, Designer; and Anson Sam Jacob, Designer.

About KTGY
Founded in 1991, KTGY is an award-winning design firm partnering with clients to deliver world-class architecture, branding, interiors and planning. Our firm and our work are guided by a continuous focus on innovation, creativity, collaboration, and a deep commitment we have towards making a positive impact on people and their communities. We use storytelling and design to envision and enliven spaces that transform people’s experiences. Visit www.ktgy.com.