We plan and design higher education facilities that harmonize long-term vision with essential space needs. As natural collaborators and skilled communicators, we build consensus. As thoughtful planners and accomplished architects, we build campuses.
For over four decades, we have cultivated genuine and long-lasting connections with our clients, consultants, and staff. Relationships mean more to us than commissions.
We work with passion and humility. We respect history and value new perspectives. We believe in big ideas and appreciate small details. We love what we do and it shows in our work.
We smile.
For over four decades, we have cultivated genuine and long-lasting connections with our clients, consultants, and staff. Relationships mean more to us than commissions.
We work with passion and humility. We respect history and value new perspectives. We believe in big ideas and appreciate small details. We love what we do and it shows in our work.
We smile.
We share a commitment to design excellence and technical expertise. As a Women-owned Business Enterprise, we embrace diverse points of view. At JMZ, everyone thrives.
We believe in the power of higher education. And we live it every day. As architects who plan, and planners who design, we continually share what we learn. By integrating our knowledge, our projects and our team grow stronger.
Tenée R. Casaccio, AIA
PresidentAs President of the firm, I work collaboratively with campus leaders to formulate strategies to address the issues facing higher education. With over 30 years of experience, I have led some of the firm’s largest campus planning and design assignments, including our work at Louisiana State University, the University of Alabama, and the University of North Carolina System. I drive the firm’s planning and design results to be both ambitious and achievable.
When I am not working, I can be found on my stand-up paddle board or in a beach chair doing the NYT crossword puzzle.
George Green, AIA
Vice PresidentI believe in the power of great design to transform campuses, and enrich lives. For over 30 years I have consistently turned complex programs, campus context, and project goals into thoughtful, sustainable, and exciting buildings for our educational clients. I strive to realize the potential of every project, from creating holistic, responsive concepts to crafting finely-honed technical details. As a result, my work has been honored with 21 design awards by the American Institute of Architects and has elevated the built environment of countless campuses.
When I am not drawing better buildings you will usually find me hiking, biking, or skiing in the Adirondack mountains.
Karin Kilgore-Green, AIA LEED AP BD+C
Vice PresidentI love creating spaces and environments for people to live and learn. From classrooms and laboratories to lounges and student rooms, I draw from 30 years of design and planning experience to arrive at thoughtful design solutions. As a LEED Accredited Professional, I constantly seek opportunities to incorporate meaningful approaches to sustainability into our projects. I enjoy forming long-lasting relationships with our clients as we all focus on the quintessential goal – a beautiful project, completed on time, and under budget.
I enjoy being outdoors – either hiking in the Adirondacks or starting my day with an early morning ride on my bicycle.
Sandy Helmig, AIA, LEED Green Associate
Vice PresidentIn addition to my role as a project manager, I apply my expertise in lighting design to all our higher education projects. I have managed complex, phased renovations at SUNY Plattsburgh, SUNY Adirondack, and SUNY Potsdam. My responsibilities also include resource management to be sure our projects have the talent and attention they deserve.
Jason Henault, AIA
Vice PresidentAs an architect, I apply my creativity and space analysis skills to campus master plans and strategic space studies. With over 18 years of experience, I enjoy collecting data, analyzing space needs, and developing clear graphics to illustrate planning concepts. Our work for Louisiana State University and the University of Alabama leveraged my ability to make meaningful recommendations to improve space utilization on large, complex campuses.
Andrew Parsons, AIA
Vice PresidentI apply my creativity to campus planning and design projects. I led the ground team through a detailed space audit of over four million square feet of academic space at Louisiana State University and contributed to a strategic STEM space study for the University of North Carolina System. As Project Manager of the new Advanced Technology Education Center project at Hudson Valley Community College, I am thrilled to have an impact on a campus so close to home.
James Raesly, AIA
Vice PresidentSince joining the firm over 25 years ago, I have led all the technical processes at JMZ. I manage and actively participate in the preparation of construction documents for our most complicated projects; I also serve as the firm’s quality assurance manager. My thoroughness and attention to detail - combined with my practical approach to design, documentation, and construction - have earned the firm frequent praise from clients, construction managers, and contractors.
As a stickler for quality and detailing, my free time is spent keeping my two vintage sports cars running smoothly and looking great.
Kristin Schmitt, AIA LEED AP BD+C
Vice PresidentFor over 20 years, I have planned and designed higher education projects that make a difference. To me, good design is about people; it should perform and inspire. I believe a new building has the potential to transform an existing campus while complementing its surroundings. I am passionate about sustainability and capitalizing on the intrinsic value of existing buildings. I love to find the simple, compelling solution within a complex challenge.
If I wasn’t designing buildings, I would work in an animation studio.
David Holbrook, AIA
Senior AssociateI use my award-winning design skills to create projects that delight our higher education clients. I always strive to elevate our capabilities through new techniques and innovative approaches to design.
David Hutchinson, AIA, LEED Green Associate
Senior AssociateAs a project manager, I pride myself in having great technical and people skills. I know how buildings go together and I appreciate the nuances of the process – in the office and out in the field.
Jeff Anderson, CSI, CCCA
AssociateIn my 30+ years at JMZ, I have grown to become the firm's leader of construction administration. My roots in technical detailing lend expertise and practicality to specification writing and field administration. My calm demeanor and “can do” attitude have been admired by contractors and clients alike.
Jeffrey R. Dolan, AIA
AssociateJoined JMZ: 2009
Degree: Iowa State University
Special Skill: Expert Spec Writer/Construction Administrator
Emily M. Gasperetti, AIA
AssociateI love solving complex challenges in creative ways, especially on the design of student housing and laboratory projects. My advanced Revit skills are complemented by my construction administration experience, making me a well-rounded architect.
Sarah Mojzer, AIA, LEED AP
AssociateI apply my creativity and space analysis skills to campus planning projects for the firm. I have developed a thorough understanding of the space needs of various academic programs and I use that knowledge to shape campus master plans and strategic space studies.
Danielle Signor, AIA
AssociateJoined JMZ: 2017
Degree: Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Hobby: Snowboarding
David R. VanGuilder, AIA
AssociateI specialize in the documentation and coordination of JMZ’s architectural designs. My thorough approach to project management and construction administration have contributed to the outstanding results of our projects.
Liz Cline
Data ManagerJoined JMZ: 2024
Degree: Villanova University
Passion: Data Crunching
Aneuris Collado
Joined JMZ: 2022
Degree: Rensselear Polytechnic Institute
Passion: Material Exploration
Anna A. Dente, CPA
Business ManagerJoined JMZ: 2021
Degree: Fordham University
Special Skills: Financial wizardry
Beth Devine
PlannerJoined JMZ: 2023
Degree: University of Vermont
Hobby: Crafting, Boating, & Traveling
Special Skills: Number Ninja!
Casey Granton
Architectural Planning SpecialistJoined JMZ: 2022
Degree: Columbia University
Passion: Design, Art, & Running
Special Skills: Campus Planning
Christina H. Haldt
Executive AssistantJoined JMZ: 2004
Degree: University of Southern Maine
Special Skills: Compliance, Transactions, and Research.
Holly LaFreniere
Joined JMZ: 2021
Degree: McGill University
Hobby: Going to concerts at SPAC
Theresa Loeber, AIA, LEED AP
Project ArchitectJoined JMZ: 2024
Degree: University of Colorado at Denver
Passion: Spending time outdoors with family
Ryan Marin
Marketing ManagerJoined JMZ: 2004
Degree: SUNY Fredonia
Special Skill: Graphics Genius
Zach Wiekierak
Joined JMZ: 2024
Degree: University at Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning
Hobby: Kayaking on Glen Lake
Jean Stark, AIA LEED AP
I excel in academic programming and space needs analyses. For 25 years, I have crafted higher education space programs, program studies, and master plans that creatively weave together strategic ideas and essential space needs with meticulous attention to detail. I thrive on analyzing complex data, determining its relevancy, and presenting it clearly – graphically and verbally – to diverse stakeholders. I enjoy sharing my perspectives as “an architect who plans” with boards of trustees, faculty members, and students.
Travel continues to enrich my life; I cherish the memories I make on family expeditions and the time I spend kayaking on the Hudson.
First Impressions Matter
November 2024
RCCA - Creative Ways to Maximize Impact with Limited Resources
September 2024
Designing for Neurodiversity
July 2024
Benefits of Right-Sizing
June 2024
Designing Student Centers
December 2023
Tradeline - UNC Systemwide STEM Planning Study
March 2023
SCUP Northeast - Albany, NY
March 2023
Tradeline - Boston, MA
April 2022
The Aging Campus - Breathing New Life into Older Campus Facilities
September 2021
The Tenets of Good Design are Timeless
July 2021
JMZ is a national expert in higher education planning and design. We have presented at numerous conferences and share our knowledge whenever opportunities arise.
The links to the left are our most recent topics.
Anna Dente
Business Manager
adente@JMZarchitects.com
JMZ is seeking a talented Project Architect to join our team. Successful candidates will be licensed architects experienced in leading the design process and collaborating with others. A track record of high-quality projects and strong technical building knowledge is highly desirable. See full job description here.
JMZ is seeking a talented Interior Designer to join our team. Successful candidates will be experienced in all aspects of the interior design process and interested in working within a team on the design of impactful projects for colleges and universities. See full job description here.
If you would enjoy working with us on exciting projects and living in a safe, beautiful community where home ownership is affordable, please connect with Anna Dente, Business Manager. For more information about what it is like at JMZ, please watch our brief YouTube video here.
Anna Dente
Business Manager
adente@JMZarchitects.com
