At SWBR, we are thankful for our brilliant and committed team, who share their talents and expertise every day, empowering us to fulfill our mission – to positively impact lives through meaningful design. This year we are excited to celebrate two new Principals and four new Senior Associates on their well-deserved promotions.
Joe Kosiorek, AIA, Ed.D, Promoted to Principal
Joe Kosiorek, AIA, Ed.D, a forward-thinking education planner, designer, and leader, has spent his career developing a unique understanding of K-12 learning environments. Since joining SWBR in 2014, he has been at the forefront of K-12 educational design, guiding districts in creating equitable and inclusive environments that foster the potential of students’ learning preferences and progressive teaching methods that prepare students for success. His Pre-K-12 project experience spans building condition surveys, programming, master planning, energy assessments, design, and construction administration.
In addition to his design work, Joe volunteers with several organizations. He is the Founder and President of The Nautilus Scholarship which provides financial support for aspiring designers and construction professionals. He was a NYSED Safe Schools by Design contributor and has served on the City of Batavia Design Committee and the Village of Fairport Planning Board. He has a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture and a Master of Architecture from University at Buffalo and a Doctor of Education from St. John Fisher University and lives in Fairport.
“Joe’s innovative education solutions have created a foundation of trust with his clients, leading to several long-term relationships,” said Principal Steve Fernaays, AIA. “I have no doubt that his creative strategies will continue to help SWBR grow the K12 market.”
Allison Shannon, AIA, Promoted to Principal
Since joining SWBR in 2005, Allison Shannon, AIA, has focused on designing K-12 education facilities, leveraging her understanding of the challenges school districts face and developing creative solutions for her clients. She leads teams in designing and improving learning environments, increasing school security, and modernizing older buildings. Trusted by clients for her vision and by teams for her leadership, she has led some of the firm’s largest and most complex projects. Her clients include Greece Central School District, Rochester City School District, Susan B. Anthony Museum & House, and Victor Central School District.
“Allison is a leader that recognizes that K-12 work is critically important,” said Principal Steve Rebholz, AIA. “She manages large capital improvement projects to design schools that are safe, welcoming, and inspiring places for children to learn, having a positive impact on countless lives.”
Allison has been involved with several organizations outside her design work and mentoring SWBR team members. She’s been a Red Jacket PTSA member, Red Jacket Community Center Board Advisor, Girls in Architecture mentor, has volunteered as a tutor with the Help Me Read program, and helped lead SWBR’s American Heart Association fundraisers. She received her Bachelor of Architecture and Building Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and lives in Manchester.
Chris Goldan, Joe McNinch, AIA, Erik Reynolds, AIA, and Jeff Spenard, AIA, Promoted to Senior Associate
Marketing Director Chris Goldan oversees business development and creative services, combining his strategic vision with hands-on leadership to strengthen client engagement and brand identity. Since joining SWBR in 2013, Chris has led the shaping of the firm’s brand and creative direction. His responsibilities include driving new client acquisition, fostering lasting relationships, and overseeing the firm’s corporate communications and graphic design services. “Chris’s talent for design extends beyond graphics—he is an expert at incorporating brand messaging into building design,” said President Tom Gears, AIA. “His knowledge of our industry, honed over his entire career, makes him an invaluable asset to the team.”
As a Project Manager in our housing studio, Joe McNinch, AIA, manages all project phases, from design through construction completion, on affordable and mixed-use housing projects for clients such as Home Leasing and PathStone. His design portfolio includes large scale adaptive reuse projects, historic renovations, and the firm’s first Passive House projects. Joe has been with SWBR since 2012 and earned his associate degree in building science/technology from Finger Lakes Community College and a bachelor’s degree in architectural technology from SUNY Alfred. “Part of becoming a leader is having great clients and establishing trusting relationships and Joe does that,” said Principal Joe Gibbons, AIA. “He is also a supportive mentor for his team, always available to offer guidance, help, and encouragement whenever needed.”
Project Architect Erik Reynolds, AIA, has a design portfolio that includes several high-profile mixed-use, market rate, and affordable housing projects. He is responsible for building design, project coordination, and construction administration within our housing studio. He’s been with SWBR since 2012 and is currently managing projects for several key clients including DePaul, Oak Hill Country Club, and Visum Development. Erik received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from SUNY Alfred State College. “Erik is a creative thinker and a problem solver,” said Principal Rob Fornataro, AIA. “His technical expertise, design talent, dedication, and responsiveness make him an exceptional Project Manager whom clients trust and know they can rely on.”
Syracuse Office Manager Jeff Spenard, AIA, provides staff leadership and project and business operations management for our Syracuse team. He is an accomplished executive manager and architect with a record of high performance and accomplishment throughout his career, including work with multiple national design firms. In addition to his management role, Jeff is responsible for identifying and developing new business opportunities. Jeff has an Associates of Architectural Design from SUNY Onondaga Community College. “Since taking over as our Central New York leader in 2022, Jeff has successfully managed and help grow our Syracuse team,” said President Tom Gears, AIA. “I’m thrilled with what he has, and continues to, accomplish for his team and the firm.”