KSS Architects Recognizes & Elevates Dedicated Employees

KSS Architects, a design firm focused on architecture, interior design, and planning, is pleased to announce the promotion of several employees who embody the values & dedication of the firm. 

Mayva Donnon, AIA, LEED AP, has been promoted to Principal. Mayva, at KSS for 11 years, has distinguished herself as a leader in designing spaces for clients in the realm of community, with a particular emphasis on educational clients and clients who serve special needs communities. 

“Mayva is on a mission to improve the world,” says Merilee Meacock, AIA, LEED AP, PP, a Partner at KSS. “She is a great example of how our people align with our firm’s values—her energy, creativity, and thoughtfulness are integral to the way we deliver exceptional projects.”

Rebecca Udell has been promoted to Executive Director of Marketing Strategy.  With a long history at the firm, Rebecca’s career has been informed by over 20 years of experience as an Interior Designer, receiving her MBA at Temple University’s Fox School of Business, and her involvement in several industry organizations including serving as President of CREW Philadelphia. Her experience as a practitioner, ability to see the meta view, and strategic mindset has made her an integral part of the growth and transition of KSS Architects. 

“Rebecca has profound vision,” says Merilee. “She helps us understand where we’re headed as a firm and plants the seeds of change to help us get there. Rebecca is a key voice and representative of the values of our firm.” 

Nicole Hollenbeck, AIA, LEED AP, has been named an Associate. The AIA-New Jersey Intern Architect of the Year in 2014, Nicole is a dedicated member of the firm’s industrial team and also a leader of the technical practice group, which strives to elevate the firm’s use of technology and innovative tools to advance both KSS projects and the field of architecture. 

“Nicole has taken great initiative in developing the technical language with which we approach our projects,” says Ed Klimek, AIA, NCARB, Partner at the firm. “Her ability to understand a client’s needs, do research, and apply precise solutions is critical to the success of many of our industrial projects. Nicole earns the trust of our clients, and trust is everything in architecture.” 

Christina Marconi, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has also been named an Associate. A talented architect with an acute attention to detail, Christina works on the firm’s higher education team, and serves as a leader of the firm’s dedication to the future of architecture—Christina organizes the firm’s ACE Mentor initiative in Philadelphia, which has been nationally recognized by the White House and ACE National for its efforts to mentor local students for future careers in architecture, construction, and engineering industries. 

“Christina is exceptional at guiding the process from design through to implementation,” says Pamela Rew, FAIA, Partner at the firm. “The tact with which she navigates design opportunities and challenges is of incredible value to each client and  an example to architects everywhere—she understands a client’s needs, takes ownership over project management, and sees it through to completion in a way that enacts the true program and design aspirations of a project.”

About KSS Architects

KSS Architects is an award-winning architectural design firm with offices in Princeton, NJ and Philadelphia, PA.  Founded in 1983, KSS specializes in the design and planning of places for, and at the intersections of, learning, commerce and community. KSS believes that great architecture can create meaningful and lasting change for our clients, our society, and our world.

KSS delivers a breadth of work that spans corporate headquarters, innovation centers, mixed-use education consortiums, and special needs residential campuses. Through Burlington Coat Factory’s “workplace as marketplace”, Pennovation Center’s “inspiring future success stories”, Teachers Village’s visionary urban revitalization, and Bancroft’s pioneering efforts to aid those with special needs to lead independent and fulfilling lives, KSS believes that great architecture can create meaningful and lasting change.