Portsmouth, NH DeStefano Architects (D|A) has added well-regarded industry professional Joseph Almeida to the firm as the commercial design studio manager.  In this role, Almeida will be responsible for the management, development and delivery of all commercial projects. He will oversee and coordinate project teams while lending expertise to production and implementation of designs.  Almeida brings over 20 years of experience to the role in the design, management and delivery of detailed, high-quality projects throughout New England.  Almeida is well known throughout the Seacoast – he currently serves as the chairman of the city of Portsmouth Planning Department’s Historic District Commission and contributes to numerous boards and volunteer efforts around the city. “Joe is a consummate professional.  He is passionate about design, fastidious in construction detailing and oversight, and has years of collaborative experience." said Lisa DeStefano, founder and principal architect of DeStefano Architects. “I am pleased he is aboard and know he will be a great addition to the company.” Almeida is an expert in providing project management and facilities planning services.  He joins DeStefano Architects from the U.S. Navy, Department of Defense where he served as architect and project manager at the Portsmouth Naval Shipyard. Previously Almeida was a project manager for the New England Aquarium and the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, The Boston Conservatory, Simmons College and Harvard University. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture and an Associate Degree in Engineering from the Wentworth Institute of Technology. “I am excited to join D|A” said Almeida, “a firm I have always held the highest respect for.  I have watched the firm grow over two decades, resulting in a highly professional and talented force in the region.  I look forward to becoming an integral part of continuing the impressive standard D|A has set in the industry.”