New Haven, CT Svigals + Partners has promoted WELL-accredited interior designer, Katherine Berger, IIDA, NCIDQ, WELL AP, to associate principal, along with the addition of four professionals in architectural design and firm operations.
An experienced designer, Berger was promoted to director of interior design in July 2020 upon the retirement of Lynn Brotman, NCIDQ, IIDA, and has served as the lead interior designer and project manager for acclaimed works across several market sectors, including healthcare, education, and corporate workplace. Most recently, she led Svigals + Partners’ workplace efforts for Technolutions and Biohaven Pharmaceuticals at multiple locations on the East and West coasts. She has worked on projects for Yale University, CCSU, Hole in the Wall Gang Camp, and is working on the 160,000 s/f future headquarters of Arvinas, Inc. at 101 College St., New Haven.
Berger joins architect Ron Cooper, AIA, NCARB, CORA and architect and artist Marissa Mead, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, as associate principal. “Associate principals take the initiative to lead and develop vital strategies that support the firm’s mission, including input to executive decisions that affect the business,” said partner Chris Bockstael, AIA. “In addition to leading the interiors department with a spirited and sophisticated eye, Katherine is also critical on our Design Leadership team, a small group reevaluating our systems for ensuring our work meets a high standard of creativity and excellence. As well, she is a respected resource for mentorship and guidance of staff development with a real focus on the firm’s well-being.”
Svigals + Ptrs. has also made the addition of key positions within the firm as it meets new project commitments for a growing roster of clients. Four new team members have been welcomed to the firm including architects John Schenck and Bryan Moore, architectural designer Eric Cantar, and marketing coordinator Alex Tow. Last year, Svigals + Ptrs. also made news by naming architect Doug Lovegren, AIA, a partner with the firm.
“We’re proud to nurture and promote our talented architects and designers, as well as encourage their innovative and fresh approaches to longstanding challenges faced by our clients,” said Jay Brotman, AIA, managing partner of Svigals + Ptrs. “These professionals represent the strength of our future, and we are excited to see them grow as valued architecture and design leaders within the firm, in support of our clients, and in our communities at large.”
A graduate of the New England School of Art and Design at Suffolk University in Boston, Berger, has a keen ability to see potential where others may not — resulting in client accolades for their reimagined spaces fostering well-being and productivity. Notable in all her projects is the integration of design, artwork, and space that has resulted in inviting and effective designs enhancing the experience of occupants and others.
“Katherine is an immense talent whose leadership, passionate commitment, and collaborative approach have inspired creativity and excellence in our team members,” said Christopher Bockstael, AIA, a partner with Svigals + Partners. “The interiors studio couldn’t be in better hands. Her exceptional proficiency in design and ability to bring out people’s best attributes translates unique brands into engaging places that promote worker efficiency and well-being, strengthening relationships and thriving communities.”
Based in New Haven, Svigals + Partners is a full-service architecture, art and planning firm dedicated to building sustainable communities that uplift and inspire people. The firm is known for its success in the design and construction of educational facilities, community projects, research and science buildings and corporate workplaces since its inception in 1983. Known for their original and imaginative integration of planning, design, and artwork in the service of broad client goals, the firm is committed to creating meaningful change in the world.
Svigals + Partners is especially well recognized for its unified, collaborative approach with colleagues, clients, and community members, fostering shared knowledge and problem-solving, greater creativity and innovation for award-winning environments. Each of those projects is designed as meaningful expressions of the client mission and stakeholder needs. Among the firm’s recent, award-winning projects are the acclaimed Beehive Bridge in New Britain and the University of New Haven’s Bergami Center for Science. Other landmark works include the New Haven Botanical Garden of Healing, the Yale Child Study Center at the Yale School of Medicine, and the Sandy Hook School.