BOSTON, MA TRIA, a partner-led architecture firm with a focus on science and technology organizations bringing new discoveries to the market, announces that new design and professional staff have joined its growing inaugural team. Building a strong foundation with these key hires, TRIA welcomes Raffe Khazadian, AIA, LEED AP O+M, as Associate Principal and Senior Project Manager, Sean Cullen, LEED AP O+M, as Project Designer, and Jane Kepros, LEED Green Associate, as Lab Programmer and Planner. Staci Dello Russo joins TRIA as Marketing Coordinator, and Megan Sessa joins the firm as Office Administrator.

Founded by Managing Principal Sherwood Butler and Principal Jeannie Pierce Thacker, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, TRIA brings a deep understanding of the unique needs of science-based organizations, as well as decades of experience constructing the spaces that make breakthroughs possible. Having held senior research positions with Harvard Medical School and The Takeda Oncology Company before becoming an architect, Pierce Thacker provides high-level leadership for TRIA's science and technology projects, bringing equal parts scientific rigor and client service that result in innovative design solutions. TRIA's principal-driven approach puts its leadership team at the table with client decision-makers, enabling direct, honest, and open dialogue throughout every stage of the design process. 

"We are so pleased to welcome these talented and dedicated individuals to TRIA," said Sherwood Butler, Managing Principal of TRIA. "Raffe, Sean, and Jane bring exceptional experience in designing for science and technology organizations, and Staci and Megan offer the critical marketing and administrative support we need as an emerging architecture firm. They all understand that TRIA values client relationships above all, and we are thrilled to welcome them to the TRIA team."

Raffe Khazadian, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP O+M, CDT ~ Associate Principal / Senior Project Manager

As a practicing architect, Khazadian brings more than 18 years of building knowledge and expertise spanning multiple market sectors and building types. From high-tech laboratories to mixed-use commercial retail facilities to K-12 educational buildings, Khazadian leads the industry with in-depth experience working with and around existing conditions as well as new ground-up facilities. Raffe focuses on the importance of a team-led approach while being the main point of contact throughout the process - from conception to close-out. His portfolio includes projects for Procter & Gamble/Gillette, PerkinElmer, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and the University of Connecticut Health Center. He is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), American Institute of Architects, and Boston Society of Architects, and a former instructor at Boston Architectural College. A registered architect in Massachusetts and New Hampshire, Khazadian holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Sean Cullen, LEED AP O+M ~ Project Designer

Cullen brings more than 20 years of project experience to highly technical and complex projects. He continually sharpens his skills to better serve clients, while bringing efficient methods to bear on projects. With an eye for design and an ear for clients' needs, he strives always to integrate aesthetic aims and technical demands to satisfy project goals. Cullen brings extensive design experience with biopharmaceutical facilities, labs, clean rooms, and office space for biomed and high-tech clients such as Procter & Gamble/Gillette, PerkinElmer, Synageva BioPharma, and Capital Group Properties. Cullen received a Bachelor of Architecture (as class salutatorian) from Boston Architectural Center and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Pennsylvania.

Jane Kepros, LEED Green Associate ~ Lab Programmer and Planner

With a background in biology research, Kepros brings first-hand laboratory knowledge to provide in-depth insight to clients of the sciences. She has an ability to synthesize complex programming data into coherent space planning concepts, allowing the project team to create designs that meet the needs of clients and support the research development taking place in the lab. She has worked on new design, renovation and master planning projects for a variety of science and technology clients, including Pfizer, Biogen, Ironwood Pharmaceuticals, and Teleflex, among others. She is a member of the International Society for Pharmaceutical Engineering (ISPE), Women In Bio (WIB), and the Massachusetts Biotechnology Softball League. Kepros holds a Bachelor of Science in biomedical engineering from Boston University.

Staci Dello Russo ~ Marketing Coordinator 

As a strategic marketing professional, Dello Russo brings experience in targeted brand messaging, collateral creation, content management, proposal planning and development, B2B marketing and communications, and client account management. At TRIA, she works with the firm's principals to manage various marketing and communications programs to bring the firm's core mission and values to light. Dello Russo received a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Marketing from Suffolk University, and a Bachelor of Arts in Business and Certificate in Communications from Saint Anselm College.

Megan Sessa ~ Office Administrator

Sessa brings a strong work ethic and a marathoner's mindset to her job as office administrator. She not only manages the day-to-day office duties, but is the glue that keeps the team together. Her experience includes positions at Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and Analog Devices. Sessa received a Bachelor of Science in exercise and sports science with a concentration in clinical exercise physiology from Fitchburg State University. A personal trainer, youth sports coach, and avid runner, Sessa completed the 2016 Boston Marathon, raising $5,400 for the American Stroke Association.