Aki Carpenter
Vice President, Chief Creative Officer
Aki Carpenter is Vice President and Chief Creative Officer for RAA’s Global Studios, leading the design and development of award-winning museums and cultural institutions worldwide. She is a lead voice of planning and design inside and outside the firm, and works closely with the President to promote holistic thinking about making public spaces for learning. She specializes in creating mission-driven experiences that engage communities and inspire action.
Aki’s work includes leading the exhibition design for the museum at the Obama Presidential Center in Chicago, the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center in Cincinnati, the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles, and advising the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool, UK. Her most recently opened projects included the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C.
Aki is co-founder of BIPOC Directors Collective and Creative Director of Ripple Effect, a New Orleans-based environmental education start-up.
Amanda Dimmock
Interpretive Director
Amanda Dimmock is an Interpretive Director in RAA’s London Studio. She holds over 16 years of experience developing content for museums and visitor attractions. She leads projects across the full interpretive process, from strategic masterplanning and concept development to detailed content and delivery, collaborating closely with curators, subject experts, and communities.
Prior to RAA, Amanda was an Associate Director at Museum Studio (formerly Event), where she worked on projects including Oman Across Ages Museum, EPIC: The Irish Emigration Museum, and the Carl Nielsen Museum, and led the firm’s Oman branch from 2016–2021.
She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Archaeology from University of Saskatchewan and an M.A. in Museum Studies from University of Leicester.
Andrei Vovk
Lead Physical Designer
Andrei Vovk is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, directing large-scale museum projects across the United States, Russia, Kazakhstan, and the UAE. He brings a global perspective to design, crafting spaces that merge cultural storytelling with architectural innovation.
Andrei led RAA’s design efforts for the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center and Museum in Russia, and directed the development of Kazakhstan’s first modern history museum and presidential library. He also oversaw the design of the world’s largest museum of Jewish history in Moscow.
Before joining RAA, Andrei contributed to projects at Perkins Eastman, SLCE Architects, Michael Sorkin Studio in New York, and MOSPROEKT-2 in Moscow. A dedicated educator, he has lectured and taught at Harvard University, City College of New York, the Drawing Club, and Pratt Institute.
Andrei holds both a BArch and MArch from the Moscow Institute of Architecture.
Andrés Ros Soto
Creative Director
Andrés Ros Soto is a Creative Director in RAA’s London Studio.
Andrés brings 19 years of experience designing exhibitions for museums and cultural institutions worldwide. He has led multidisciplinary teams and managed complex exhibitions both nationally and internationally, bringing strategic and creative vision to every part of the design process and visitor experience.
Prior to joining RAA, Andrés served as Head of Design at the Natural History Museum in London and Creative Director for the MOP Foundation, an organization focused on fashion photography exhibitions by leading photographers.
Andrés holds a B.A. in Product Design and M.A. in Narrative Environments from Central Saint Martins, University of the Arts London.
Andrew Papa
Head of Production
Andrew Papa is Head of Production at RAA Media, overseeing all technical aspects of media production and installation, including animation and visual effects. A visual storyteller with over 30 years of experience, he merges narrative, architecture, and technology to create immersive visitor experiences.
At RAA, Andrew has led media production for projects such as the Lost Shtetl Museum and the AT&T Executive Briefing Center in Dallas. Other highlights include the Holocaust Museum Houston, Royal Alberta Museum, and National Nordic Museum.
Before joining RAA, Andrew created motion graphics for networks including CBS, NBC, FOX, MTV, USA, Nickelodeon, and the History Channel. He previously worked at Eastman Kodak’s digital motion picture division as a Cineon Software Specialist and as an Art Director at batwin + robin productions.
Anne Binder
Lead Physical Designer
Anne Binder is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio. She brings a thoughtful, collaborative approach to spatial storytelling.
Her projects at RAA include the Focke Museum and Marienberg Fortress.
Before joining RAA, Anne worked with several exhibition design studios, including mm+ / HG Merz, büroberlin, and neo.studio. Her past clients include the Museum of Bavarian History in Regensburg, the House of History Baden-Württemberg in Stuttgart, and the Pergamon Museum in Berlin. Through her own studio practice, she also collaborated with the Jewish Museum Berlin.
Anne was a visiting scholar at the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México in Mexico City and holds a diploma in Interior Design from Coburg University.
Anne-Maike Ewert
Content Developer, Business Development Manager
Anne-Maike Ewert is a Content Developer and Business Development Manager in RAA’s Berlin Studio, specializing in planning, managing, and realizing major exhibition projects across a wide range of disciplines, including history, art, and natural history.
At RAA, Anne-Maike has contributed to projects such as the Antonín Dvořák Birth House Museum, Archeological Museum at Petriplatz, Ocean and Evolution Halls at the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History, and the Bavarian State Museum of Franconia.
Before joining RAA, she was a content developer at mm+/HG Merz, where she contributed to the Breitscheidplatz terrorist attack memorial. She also worked as a Research Assistant at the Zeitgeschichtliches Forum Leipzig, and as a curator and researcher at the Stadtmuseum Tübingen.
Anne-Maike holds a Magister degree in Empirical Cultural Studies and Art History from Eberhard-Karls-Universität Tübingen.
Arturo Padilla
Senior Project Manager, Associate
Arturo Padilla is a Senior Project Manager, Associate in RAA’s New York Studio, where he oversees contracting, design coordination, and project delivery. With extensive experience in the exhibition design process — from initial agreements to final oversight — Arturo ensures seamless collaboration between RAA teams, consultants, and architects of record.
At RAA, Arturo has led exhibition design and documentation for projects such as Making Modernity at the Science History Institute and Canadian Museum for Human Rights.
Before joining RAA, he worked with several New York City architecture firms, including Swanke Hayden Connell, Peter Marino, Hardy Holzman Pfeiffer Associates, and Tsao & McKown. In Mexico City, he ran his own practice, specializing in high-end residential design, and taught Design Studies at Anahuac University.
Arturo earned his BArch from Anahuac University in Mexico City and M.A. in Interior Design from Pratt Institute. A registered architect in New York since 2000, he is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).
Ashley Hetrick
Senior Project Manager
Ashley Hetrick is a Senior Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. A dynamic leader in operations and project management, she brings 13 years of experience guiding complex projects from concept through completion, building effective teams, and driving results in fast-paced environments.
Ashley began her career in commercial interiors and brand consulting. Prior to joining RAA, she served as Executive Director at SPMDesign, where she managed a broad range of design/build installations, led multidisciplinary teams, and ensured seamless client communication.
She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a B.A. in Art History from American University.
Bob de Graaf
Lead Physical Designer
Bob de Graaf is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s London Studio, specializing in 3D design across interiors, furniture, and exhibitions. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to creating immersive and memorable visitor experiences.
At RAA, Bob’s projects include World of Stonehenge at the British Museum and Intelligence Factory at Bletchley Park. He also contributed to the Midleton Distillery Experience in Ireland.
Before joining RAA, Bob worked across London’s design industry, contributing to projects for Studio Ilse, P-Joseph Architects, Fortnum & Mason, SWOON, and Studio Swine.
Büke Kumyol
Creative Director
Büke Kumyol is a Creative Director, Associate in RAA’s New York Studio. She spearheads projects creating content-rich environments at the intersection of design, storytelling, and public engagement. Her leadership of multidisciplinary teams seeks to cultivate the next generation of innovative design thinkers and storytellers.
Büke’s current work at RAA includes The Lost Shtetl Museum in Šeduva, Lithuania; Springs Preserve in Las Vegas; the Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Historical Site in Lancaster, Pennsylvania; and Kula Observation Deck ‘Deck 41’ in Belgrade, Serbia.
Previously, she led the design of University of Arizona’s Alfie Norville Gem and Minerals Museum in Tucson, Arizona; the University of Wisconsin’s Alumni Park in Madison, Wisconsin; and Göbeklitepe Zero Point In Time, an installation at the World Economic Forum in Davos, Switzerland.
Büke holds B.F.A.s from Parsons School of Design, where she received the Graduate Interior Design Award, and from Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul.
Carlin Wragg
Director of RAA Media
Carlin Wragg is the Director of RAA Media, where she leads teams in producing impactful stories for cultural spaces. A writer and documentarian, Carlin believes that cultural places — both digital and physical — shape society’s understanding of what is remembered, valued, and shared.
Carlin’s project highlights at RAA include the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Royal Alberta Museum, and National Nordic Museum in her hometown of Seattle
She holds a B.A. from Sarah Lawrence College and an M.P.S. from the Institute of Emerging Media at New York University’s Tisch School of the Arts. Her writing has appeared in Gulf Coast: A Journal of Literature and Fine Arts.
Caroline Sjöholm
Lead Physical Designer
Caroline Sjöholm is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s London Studio, bringing two decades of experience designing exhibitions for museums and heritage sites. With a background in art history, she is passionate about using design to craft meaningful narratives and visitor experiences.
At RAA, Caroline led design efforts for the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum and World of Stonehenge at the British Museum. She also contributed to projects at the National Museum of Scotland, Royal Albert Memorial Museum, and London Transport Museum.
Previously, Caroline worked at several London’s design studios and in-house at the Victoria and Albert Museum (V&A). Notable past projects include Tunnel: The Archaeology of Crossrail at the Museum of London, Designing 007: Fifty Years of Bond Style at the Barbican Centre, and Power of Making at the V&A.
Caroline holds an M.A. in Creative Practice for Narrative Environments from Central Saint Martins (with distinction) and a B.A. in Interior and Spatial Design from Chelsea College of Art and Design.
Catherine Shreeve
Business Development Coordinator
Catherine Shreeve is a Business Development Coordinator in RAA’s London Studio. She manages new business inquiries and opportunities, coordinates tender submissions from EOIs to RFPs, and develops marketing materials across RAA’s London and Berlin studios.
Before joining RAA, Catherine served as a Bid Assistant at Museum Studio and coordinated innovation funding at Digital Catapult. She brings extensive experience collaborating with multidisciplinary teams—supporting designers, project managers, and sub-consultants to develop engaging and impactful proposals.
She holds a B.A. in Modelmaking from Arts University Bournemouth.
Cindy Kubitz
Commercial Director
Cindy Kubitz is the Commercial Director in RAA’s Berlin Studio, where she oversees the financial, contractual, and operational performance of the studio.
She holds over 20 years of international experience in the architecture and planning industry, including 16 years at Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates in senior leadership roles across Berlin, London, and Shanghai.
Cindy holds a Diploma in Engineering, Urban and Regional Planning from Brandenburg University of Technology, Cottbus.
Claire Zimmerman
Lead Visual Designer
Claire Zimmerman is a Lead Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in brand, exhibition, and illustrative graphics for cultural spaces. She brings a thoughtful, narrative-driven approach to design that connects audiences with meaningful stories.
At RAA, Claire’s projects include Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, and RxART artist collaborations in children’s hospitals in Arizona, Utah, and New York.
Before joining RAA, Claire was a Senior Designer at Topos Graphics, where she developed branding, exhibition, and motion graphics for cultural and nonprofit clients. She also gained in-house design experience at the Jewish Museum in New York City and the Spencer Museum of Art in Lawrence, Kansas.
Claire holds a BFA in Visual Communication Design with a minor in Art History from the University of Kansas.
Clara Boesch
Lead Producer, RAA Media
Clara Boesch is Lead Producer for RAA Media. She specializes in creating innovative, award-winning digital experiences for museums and cultural institutions worldwide. Clara leads interdisciplinary teams in developing immersive media that connects audiences to cultural content in relevant and compelling ways.
Her projects at RAA include North Dakota Military Gallery, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and Holocaust Museum of Hope and Humanity.
Before joining RAA, Clara served as Digital Producer at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, where she led digital storytelling across more than 30 projects, including a global architectural video series. Her background spans museum, digital media, and documentary work, with a focus on engaging interpretation and audience-centered design.
Clara holds an M.A. in Decorative Arts, Design History, and Material Culture from the Bard Graduate Center.
Cora Andersen Bicknell
Senior Visual Designer
Cora Andersen Bicknell is a Senior Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she brings a multidisciplinary approach to creating engaging visual narratives for cultural institutions.
Her projects at RAA include the Wisconsin History Center, Clinton Presidential Library, and the Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
Cora is a graduate of The Cooper Union in New York City, where she developed a strong foundation in printmaking and design through the school’s interdisciplinary curriculum.
Corey Yurkovich
Creative Director
Corey Yurkovich is a Creative Director in RAA’s New York Studio, where he combines human-centered design and emerging technologies to craft impactful visitor experiences.
His projects at RAA include the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center and the Clinton Presidential Center.
For over a decade, Corey has taught at Pratt Institute in Brooklyn, offering courses in furniture design, fabrication, and exhibition design. Corey also brings extensive experience leading cross-functional teams and aligning business strategy with creative vision to produce memorable experiences for brands such as Nike, Disney, and Amazon.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Kent State University and a Master’s in Design Studies with a focus on Technology from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design.
Dac Campbell
Director of IT
Dac Campbell is the Director of IT for RAA’s Global Studios, where he manages all digital and technical operations for the firm.
With over 25 years of IT engineering experience, he blends technical expertise with a creative background shaped by his career as an Equity/SAG performer.
Dac studied at the University of Iowa and holds a degree from Parsons School of Design.
Daniel Chang
Senior Physical Designer
Daniel Chang is a Senior Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where he is committed to exploring how design shapes cultural expression and identity.
His projects include the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California, Carolina Museum of the Marine, and Washington International School.
Daniel holds an MArch from Columbia University and a B.A. in Architecture from UC Berkeley.
Daria Wolańska
Senior Physical Designer
Daria Wolańska is a Senior Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio. She brings a multidisciplinary background in interior and landscape architecture, film scenography, and graphic design to her work.
Her projects at RAA include The Whale, Archeological Museum at Petriplatz, and Elephantine: Island of the Millennia at Berlin’s Neues Museum.
After relocating to Berlin from Poland, she worked as an Interior Architect at Undplus and a Landscape Architect at Capattistaubach urbane landschaften, designing diverse spaces such as bars, shops, clubs, TV studios, offices, and city squares for clients including Nike, Jägermeister, Rbb, Kraftwerk Berlin, and Berlin Photo Week.
Daria earned both her BSc and M.A. in Interior Architecture, with distinction, from the Technical University and Academy of Fine Arts in Łódź.
David Tošik
Studio and Community Manager
David Tošik is the Studio and Community Manager in RAA’s Berlin Studio. He brings extensive experience in operations, team coordination, and programming for organizations across the tech and non-profit sectors.
Originally from Slovenia, David began his career working with art and film NGOs before relocating to Berlin. He is skilled at bridging creative vision with practical execution, adeptly managing logistics, budgets, and internal workflows across multilingual teams.
He holds a B.A. in Comparative Literature from University of Ljubljana.
Denada Dahriu
Lead Physical Designer
Denada Dahriu is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio. She brings a human-centric approach to spatial design, creating experiences that engage both emotionally and intellectually. Guided by empathy and a deep respect for content, her work focuses on crafting compelling narratives through space.
Prior to joining RAA, Denada spent seven years at Atelier Brückner in Stuttgart, where she contributed to a range of high-profile international projects.
She holds both a Bachelor’s and Master’s degree in Interior Design with distinction from Politecnico di Milano.
Eden Robertson
Physical Designer
Eden Robertson is a Physical Designer in RAA’s London Studio. She brings a multidisciplinary approach to spatial storytelling, grounded in contextual experimentation and material craft.
Before joining RAA, Eden worked on luxury retail projects and gained experience in the gallery and museum sectors through roles with London Art Week and HENI Talks. She enjoys integrating fine art methods, such as printmaking and photography, into architectural design research.
Eden holds a BSc in Architecture from The Bartlett School of Architecture, University College London and a Diploma in Art and Design from the City & Guilds of London Art School.
Elena Kindy
Executive Production Coordinator
Elena Kindy is an Executive Production Coordinator in RAA’s New York Studio, where she combines her passion for immersive storytelling with a strong proficiency in communications design. Known for her strategic organization and insight, Elena approaches every project with creativity and precision.
Her projects at RAA include the Lost Shtetl Museum, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and Wisconsin History Center.
Before joining RAA, Elena honed her expertise at Hogarth Worldwide and Peloton, where she helped craft compelling visual narratives. She holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the Maryland Institute College of Art and a professional certificate in Motion Design from Hyper Island’s Stockholm campus.
Emma Hayakawa
Visual Designer
Emma Hayakawa is a Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. Specializing in environmental and experiential graphic design, she investigates how people process visual information and uses these insights to create accessible, engaging, and educational experiences. Her approach emphasizes clarity, interaction, and user-centered design.
Her projects at RAA include Springs Preserve in Las Vegas and Clinton Presidential Center.
Emma holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design with a minor in Art History from the University of Florida.
Erica Blumrosen
Project Manager
Erica Blumrosen is a Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. She leads projects that seamlessly blend creativity with technical precision, specializing in integrating digital elements with physical spaces to craft compelling and immersive experiences.
Her projects at RAA include Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.
Erica began her career in theater as a production manager, contributing to over 20 productions on Broadway and Off-Broadway before transitioning to experiential installations. She has managed projects for clients including LaGuardia Terminal B, Electronic Arts, Sprint, and Salesforce. At Google’s Experience Studio, she led the design and maintenance of a global portfolio of Experience Centers. Most recently, she served as a Technical Producer at HUSH, overseeing digital experience design projects from concept to completion and collaborating with multidisciplinary designers and creative technologists.
A certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and Certified Technology Specialist (CTS), Erica holds a B.A. in Theater Studies from Emerson College.
Esteban Botero
Creative Director, Associate
Esteban Botero is a Creative Director, Associate in RAA’s London Studio, bringing extensive experience in master planning, exhibition design, and project delivery worldwide. With a deep understanding of client ambitions and the complexities of large-scale projects, he excels at coordinating multi-disciplinary teams to create high-impact, immersive experiences.
At RAA, his projects include the Natural History Museum of Utah, Museum für Naturkunde in Berlin, Natural History Museum in Denmark, and the Natural History Museum of Shenzhen.
Before rejoining RAA, Esteban was Creative Director at Event Communications, where he directed major projects including the Oman Across Ages Museum, EPIC The Irish Emigration Museum, and the Science Centre Singapore. He previously worked at RAA as a Senior Designer.
Esteban holds an MArch from the Bartlett School of Architecture and a BArch from Universidad Pontificia Bolivariana.
Fatoumata Diallo
Business Development Intern
Fatoumata Diallo is a Business Development Intern in RAA’s New York Studio. With a background spanning architecture, conservation, creative direction, and project coordination, she brings a cross-disciplinary perspective to strategies and initiatives that advance cultural production.
Prior to joining RAA, she held roles at The Central Park Conservancy and the Pan-African Biennale.
Fatoumata received her B.Arch., with a minor in Museum and Gallery Practices, from Pratt Institute.
Felix Schwan
Lead Physical Designer
Felix Schwan is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio, where he oversees the development of exhibitions and museums.
With more than 25 years of international experience, he has worked with studios including HolzerKobler Architekturen, neo.studio, and Milla & Partner as both planner and project manager. Operating at the interface between idea and realization, Felix has delivered projects for a wide range of private and public clients.
He holds a degree in design from the Berlin University of the Arts.
Gabriel Ivorra
Senior Project Manager and Discipline Director for Project Management, Associate
Gabriel Ivorra is an Associate, Senior Project Manager, and Discipline Director for Project Management in RAA’s New York Studio. An architect and exhibition designer, he brings extensive expertise in strategic planning, experiential design, and project coordination across all phases of development.
At RAA, Gabriel’s projects include the American LGBTQ+ Museum, National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, the Smithsonian’s National Air and Space Museum, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Museo Nacional de Energía y Tecnología (MUNET), Holocaust Museum Houston, Lavazza Headquarters, LEGO House, and the Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center.
Prior to RAA, Gabriel worked as an Architect at firms in Miami, Florida and Alicante, Spain. He holds a BArch from the University of Alicante and an MSc in Emergent Technologies and Design from the Architectural Association in London.
Gabriel Wadford
Content Coordinator
Gabriel Wadford is a Content Coordinator in RAA’s New York Studio.
At RAA, his projects include the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Japanese American National Museum, and Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for Democracy.
Prior to RAA, Gabriel worked at the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, and held research positions with the Radcliffe Institute for Advanced Study and the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Foundation.
He holds a B.A. in History & Literature and African American Studies from Harvard University.
Gene Kim
Senior Physical Designer
Gene Kim is a Senior Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio.
His projects at RAA include the Obama Presidential Center, McWane Science Center, and The People’s House: A White House Experience.
Previously, Gene worked for C&G Partners and Howard + Revis Design Services, contributing to projects for the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum and the National Civil Rights Museum.Gene holds an MArch from the University of Pennsylvania, an M.F.A. in Video Art from Parsons School of Design, and a B.F.A. in Time-Based Media and Sculpture from Carnegie Mellon University.
Geraldine Lo
Senior Project Manager
Geraldine Lo is a Senior Project Manager in RAA’s Berlin Studio. With extensive experience in architecture and exhibition design across Europe, Asia, and North America, she combines design excellence with technical expertise to create impactful, immersive visitor experiences.
At RAA, Geraldine’s projects include the Museum of the Viking Age in Oslo, Kasier Wilhelm Memorial Church competition, and Ocean X in Singapore.
Prior to RAA, Geraldine worked as an architect for firms such as Studio Daniel Libeskind, MAD, and hg merz architekten museumsgestalter. She also co-founded Space Modification Unit, a Beijing-based studio specializing in architecture, interiors, and exhibition design.
Geraldine holds a BArch with minors in Interior Design and Music from the University of Oregon, and an MArch from the Bartlett Faculty of the Built Environment at University College London. She is a licensed architect in Germany.
Grace Howe
Content Coordinator
Grace Howe is a Content Coordinator in RAA’s New York Studio. Her work focuses on public history education and the integration of digital technology in museums, with a commitment to making cultural spaces more accessible and engaging for all audiences.
Her projects at RAA include the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and North Dakota Military Gallery.
Prior to joining RAA, Grace interned at the American Museum of Natural History and participated in underwater archaeological research in Sicily.
She holds a B.A. with Honors in Archaeology from Stanford University, with minors in Classics and Physics.
Graham Kervin
Studio and Community Manager
Graham Kervin is the Studio and Community Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. He oversees studio operations and cultivates RAA’s creative and communal spirit across its global sites. With a collaborative, people-centered approach, Graham strengthens connections within and beyond the studio.
At RAA, Graham previously served as Model Shop Manager, producing hundreds of project visualizations from 2016 to 2019. Prior to RAA, he managed the Model Shop for Richard Meier & Partners Architects. While living in the Czech Republic, he worked as an English teacher and co-founded Křižovatka Olomouc, a nonprofit focused on service-based outreach programs.
Graham holds an MSc in Science and Religion from the University of Edinburgh, a Master of Divinity from Abilene Christian University, and a BArch from the University of Arkansas.
Grzegorz Makarewicz
Lead Physical Designer
Grzegorz Makarewicz is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio. He brings a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach to design, shaped by his background in architecture and urban planning.
At RAA, Grzegorz has contributed to projects including the Focke Museum, Economy Museum, and Museum of the Viking Age.
Before joining RAA, he worked at WWAA Architects in Warsaw, where he designed residential and public buildings, exhibitions, and urban spaces, including the Museum of Polish History.
Grzegorz holds an MArch from Poznań University of Technology.
Hao Guan
3D Designer, Project Manager, Media Designer
Hao Guan is a 3D Designer, Project Manager, and Media Designer in RAA’s Beijing Studio. He brings a multidisciplinary approach to his work, combining expertise in design and project management.
Prior to RAA, he worked at the China Building Research Institute, specializing in interior design. Hao holds a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Art from North China University of Technology.
Helen Thompson
Project Accountant
Helen Thompson is a Project Accountant in RAA’s New York Studio. She has over 17 years of experience supporting top architecture firms in Atlanta, with a background in both accounting and the arts. Helen graduated from Oglethorpe University in Atlanta, GA with a degree in Psychology and a minor in Fine Arts.
Ipek Erdöl
Visual Designer
Ipek Erdöl is a Visual Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio, where they have contributed to projects including Archeological Museum at Petriplatz, Elephantine: Island of the Millennia at Berlin’s Neues Museum, and Focke Museum.
Ipek has over a decade of experience collaborating with NGOs, universities, galleries, museums, and cultural institutions. Before joining RAA, Ipek worked as an in-house graphic designer at Haus der Kulturen der Welt (HKW) in Berlin.
Ipek holds a B.A. in Graphic Design from Mimar Sinan University in Istanbul and an M.A. in Visual Communication from Weissensee Kunsthochschule Berlin.
Jae-eun Chung
Creative Director
Jae-eun Chung is a Creative Director in RAA’s New York Studio. She is an accomplished creative leader with experience establishing design visions for institutional branding, exhibitions, visitor experiences, and public initiatives.
Her work at RAA includes The People’s House: A White House Experience, Declaration of Independence at the Library of Congress, Clinton Presidential Center, Washington International School, Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center, and environmental branding for UNICEF.
Most recently at Meta, Jae-eun played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s corporate art program, forming a global design team, and defining the future of art and technology within the organization. She has also led graphic design teams at global institutions such as the Guggenheim New York and Brooklyn Museum, driving projects across capital campaigns, educational programs, and building experiences.
Jae-eun holds an M.B.A. from Cornell University and a B.F.A. in Visual Communication Design from Seoul Women’s University in South Korea.
James Cathcart
Principal, Creative Director
James Cathcart is Principal and Creative Director in RAA’s New York Studio. Over his three decades at RAA, James has led a wide range of award-winning projects, including museums, science centers, pavilions, and corporate showcases.
James Cathcart is Principal and Creative Director in RAA’s New York Studio. Over his three decades at RAA, James has led a wide range of award-winning projects, including museums, science centers, pavilions, and corporate showcases.
Notable projects at RAA include Holocaust Museum Miami Beach, Zekelman Holocaust Center; Museum of Tomorrow; John Lennon: The New York City Years developed with Yoko Ono; THINK at Lincoln Center, celebrating IBM’s 100th anniversary; a concept study for a Tupac Shakur traveling exhibition; and Mandela Day, a temporary exhibition for Nelson Mandela’s 91st birthday at Grand Central Terminal’s Vanderbilt Hall. James also directed conceptual development for the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center and contributed to the permanent exhibition at the U.S. Holocaust Memorial Museum.
James holds an MArch from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has received two New York Foundation for the Arts architecture fellowships and the John and Magda McHale Fellowship from SUNY Buffalo, where he also taught graduate architecture studios.
James holds an MArch from the Cranbrook Academy of Art. He has received two New York Foundation for the Arts architecture fellowships and the John and Magda McHale Fellowship from SUNY Buffalo, where he also taught graduate architecture studios.
Jan Burdick
Director of Project Development, Senior Project Manager
Jan Burdick is the Director of Project Development and Senior Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. With over 25 years of experience in the museum field, Jan specializes in guiding complex projects from concept to opening.
Her work at RAA includes collaborating with the National Park Service and the Statue of Liberty-Ellis Island Foundation on the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Jan brings a unique perspective to project management, drawing from her background in both dance and computer science. She is particularly skilled at balancing creative aspirations with budget and schedule parameters, ensuring successful outcomes for clients and design teams.
Jazmine Johnson
Visual Designer
Jazmine Johnson is a Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in branding, art direction, and illustration with a mission to elevate unique voices.
Her work at RAA includes The People’s House: A White House Experience and the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center.
Prior to RAA, Jazmine worked with the Democratic National Committee and Biden for President during the 2020 presidential cycle. She holds a B.S. in Journalism and New Media from Towson University and is pursuing an M.F.A. at the University of Baltimore.
Jennifer Bell
Director of Business Development, London and Berlin
Jennifer Bell is the Director of Business Development for RAA’s London and Berlin Studios, overseeing marketing, tendering, and new business opportunities.
She directs, designs, and writes a wide range of business materials, including expressions of interest, RFPs, and creative proposals. As the primary liaison for new clients, she guides projects from initial contact through appointment and project start-up, ensuring alignment with client goals. She also manages pitch materials, collaborating with partners, sub-consultants, and creative teams to deliver compelling proposals.
Jennifer holds a B.A. in English Literature from the University of Wales, Cardiff.
Jenny Taing
Visual Designer
Jenny Taing is a Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. She has designed wayfinding and branding systems for clients in the medical, hospitality, and museum sectors, with a passion for preserving historical events and educating new generations.
Her work at RAA includes The People’s House: A White House Experience, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Center.
Prior to joining RAA, Jenny worked with the non-profit Preah Vihear Foundation to design and produce the award-winning short film Ghost Mountain: The Second Killing Fields, which screened on PBS and at major film festivals.
Jody Neal
Lead Content Developer
Jody Neal is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in interpretive planning and content development for museums and cultural institutions. She brings nearly 20 years of international experience in crafting compelling narratives that engage diverse audiences.
At RAA, Jody contributed to projects such as the Museum of Science and History (MOSH), Fort Churchill State Historic Park, and Arab Mining Company Museum in Jordan.
Before joining RAA, she was a Senior Consultant at Barker Langham, leading interpretive and narrative planning for global museum projects. Her curatorial experience includes leadership roles at the King Abdulaziz Center in Saudi Arabia, Christie’s Hong Kong, and the Institute of Contemporary Arts in Singapore. She has also worked with UNESCO Bangkok and Kathmandu on cultural narrative initiatives across the Asia-Pacific region.
Jody holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Archeology from James Cook University, an M.A. in Archeology and Egyptology from Macquarie University, and a Masters of Engineering in World Heritage Management from Università degli Studi di Torino, obtained through the UNESCO Scholars Program.
Johannes Bögle
Visual Design Director, Discipline Director for Visual Design
Johannes Bögle is the Visual Design Director and Discipline Director for Visual Design in RAA’s Berlin Studio. He approaches exhibition design as a medium for storytelling, creating spaces that invite visitors to pause, reflect, and explore.
At RAA, Johannes has contributed to projects including the Museum of the Viking Age, The Whale, Economy Museum, Focke Museum, Archaeological Visit Center at Petriplatz, and the Kaiser-Wilhelm Memorial Church.
Previously, he served as Project Manager and Art Director at Berlin-based design office chezweitz, where he led graphic design for major exhibitions such as the Wien Museum, Bauhaus Museum Dessau, and Deutsches Historisches Museum Berlin.
Johannes holds a B.A. in Visual Communication from Weißensee Kunsthochschule Berlin, where he also teaches spatial design.
John Blanchard
Principal, Creative Director, Director of London Studio
John Blanchard is Principal, Creative Director, and Director of RAA’s London Studio, where he leads creative direction and ensures the studio’s output aligns with the firm’s global vision. He provides strategic guidance, oversees the design process, and fosters a culture of thoughtful, holistic design.
His project highlights at RAA include the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum in Liverpool, Belfast Stories in Northern Ireland, Sheikh Zayed Grand Mosque Visitor Centre in Dubai, IKEA Museum in Sweden, and the Midleton Distillery Experience in Cork.
John is a key advocate for innovative public spaces, with a passion for projects that promote learning, reflection, and social impact. His diverse client roster includes Adidas, FIFA, IKEA, Pernod Ricard, and the UK Foreign & Commonwealth Office, National Parks Singapore, among others. Beyond RAA, John actively mentors emerging design leaders through the IKENGA Organization, fostering diversity in cultural and design spaces.
He holds an M.A. in Architecture (Din Associates Prize) from the Royal College of Art.
John Locascio
Senior Visual Designer
John Locascio is a Senior Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. He has extensive experience in the development and production of graphics programs for a wide range of cultural institutions. His work spans the full spectrum of the exhibition design process, from producing the initial exhibit concepts to the development and refinement of spatial and graphic identities to final documentation, fabrication specifications, and installation oversight.
Since joining RAA in 1983, John has contributed to projects large and small in the U.S. and abroad. Project highlights includes the Mignone Hall of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History, Boris Yeltsin Presidential Center, William J. Clinton Presidential Center, Indiana State Museum, Wings of Liberty Museum, Corning Museum of Glass, and the U.S. Capitol Visitor Center. John’s work also includes exhibits for the Library of Congress, Freedom Rides Museum, and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
John earned his B.F.A., with honors, from Pratt Institute
Johnny Mainwaring
Physical Design Director
Johnny Mainwaring is a Physical Design Director in RAA’s New York Studio. With extensive experience across Asia, Europe, the Middle East, and the United States, he specializes in the design and technical delivery of museums and exhibition environments.
At RAA, Johnny’s projects include the ILMI Science and Technology Museum, Jeddah Oceanarium, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Museum of the Viking Age, Japanese American National Museum, Natural History Museum of Utah, and the Museum of the Moving Image.
Trained as an architect in Australia, Johnny began his career in Shanghai, working across a range of scales and architectural typologies throughout the Asia-Pacific region, honing his expertise in design and technical execution. Beyond his professional practice, he contributes to research and technology initiatives in the built environment and serves as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Parsons School of Design’s School of Constructed Environments.
Johnny holds a B.A. in Architecture from Queensland University of Technology in Brisbane, Australia.
Joyce Wang
Art, Content, & Media Director
Joyce Wang is the Art, Content, and Media Director in RAA’s Beijing Studio.
With over 30 years in the global museum industry, Joyce specializes in developing exhibitions that engage diverse audiences through compelling storytelling, interactivity, and dialogue. She collaborates with curators, educators, designers, and media producers to shape experiences that resonate across learning styles and cultural contexts.
At RAA, Joyce has contributed to museum projects in New York, Singapore, Korea, Taiwan, and China, including the Museum of World Religions and the National Museum of Prehistory in Taiwan. Before joining RAA in 1997, she served as Special Assistant to the Director at the National Museum of History in Taipei and worked as an editor for the museum’s magazine and publications.
Joyce holds a B.F.A. from Tunghai University in Taiwan and an M.A. in Art and Art Professions from New York University.
Judith Ziemer
Visual Designer
Judith Ziemer is a Visual Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio, where she focuses on design work for exhibitions and memorials.
Notable projects at RAA include Elephantine: Island of the Millennia at Berlin’s Neues Museum and the extended exhibition and memorial at the Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche.
Before joining RAA, Judith worked as a freelance graphic designer, illustrator, and set designer. She holds a degree in Romance Philology and German from Leipzig University.
Katarzyna Kozera
Lead Media Designer
Katarzyna Kozera is a Lead Media Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. She believes that digital media and emerging technologies are powerful tools that can cultivate dialogue and support advocacy that protects human rights. As Lead Media Designer, Katarzyna leads the design process from concept to final delivery, developing a methodology for the use of media within an environment and designing functional digital solutions that suit every story. Her work encourages visitors to forage community connections at a museum and take action outside a museum’s walls.
Her projects at RAA include Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Wisconsin History Center, Zekelman Holocaust Center, Lost Shtetl Museum, Houston Holocaust Museum, and Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach.
Before joining RAA, she worked on the POLIN Museum of the History of Polish Jews and the United States Holocaust Memorial Museum.
Katarzyna holds an M.F.A. in Intermedia and Photography, as well as a PhD in Fine Arts from the Jan Matejko Academy of Fine Arts in Kraków. She is pursuing a Master’s degree in Jewish Studies at Jagiellonian University, where her research focuses on the memory and visual representation of the Holocaust. Katarzyna is broadening her research skills by studying the Hebrew and Yiddish languages as part of her M.A. program.
Kate Reutershan
Lead Content Manager
Kate Reutershan is a Lead Content Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, where she leads the development and management of content for various museum and cultural projects.
Notable projects include the International African American Museum, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals and Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History, and the Holocaust Museum Houston.
Prior to RAA, Kate worked at the American Museum of Natural History, managing content for over 20 traveling exhibitions. She holds an M.A. in Museum Anthropology from Columbia University and a B.A. in both Anthropology and Music from Brown University.
Keetra Dixon
Creative Director and Director of Creative Media
Keetra Dixon is a Creative Director and Director of Creative Media in RAA’s New York Studio, where she leads design and research for high-profile installations and exhibitions. With a keen eye for both aesthetics and function, she brings a creative, thoughtful approach to every project.
At RAA, her projects include Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Museum of the Moving Image, and Wisconsin History Center.
Prior to RAA, Keetra worked on installations at the Venice Architecture Biennale and the Tate, as well as exhibitions at the Walker Art Center, Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Museum, and Museum of Arts and Design.
Keetra holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Minneapolis College of Art and Design and an M.F.A. in 2D Design from Cranbrook Academy of Art.
Kerry Santullo
Communications Manager
Kerry Santullo is the Communications Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, bringing over 10 years of experience in digital communications for museums and nonprofit organizations. She specializes in crafting strategic campaigns that engage diverse audiences and elevate institutional impact.
Before joining RAA, Kerry served as Assistant Director of Communications at Children’s Museum of the Arts. Earlier in her career, she worked in the curatorial and live programming departments at the Whitney Museum of American Art and MoMA PS1.
She is the founder and owner of cassette tape label Soap Library, and has presented programs and events at The Museum of Modern Art, New York; Pioneer Works; New Art Dealers Alliance (NADA); and Giorno Poetry Systems. As a member of the volunteer steering committee of educational nonprofit Project Invent, she lends her expertise to middle and high school students as they develop impactful products that meet the needs of their community.
Kerry graduated magna cum laude from New York University with a B.A. in English and American Literature.
Kirsten Amundsen
Lead Content Manager
Kirsten Amundsen is a Lead Content Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in developing interpretive programs for cultural and museum projects worldwide. She brings a research-driven, collaborative approach to her work, enhancing the visitor experience through thoughtful design.
At RAA, Kirsten’s wide range of projects include the Lost Shtetl Museum, Museum of the Viking Age, Alfie Norville Gem and Mineral Museum, and Wisconsin Historical Center.
Prior to RAA, Kirsten worked as an assistant curator at the Suffolk County Vanderbilt Museum, where she managed collections and preservation efforts. She also spent time as a Historic Preservation Specialist for the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) ensuring all funded projects met Federal, State, and Tribal preservation laws and standards.
She holds an MSc in European Archaeology from the University of Edinburgh and a B.A. in Cultural and Historical Preservation and European History from Salve Regina University.
Larnies Bowen
Lead Content Developer
Larnies Bowen is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in interpretive planning for cultural institutions that elevate the histories of marginalized communities. Her approach combines research, collaboration, and creativity to develop compelling visitor experiences.
Her projects at RAA include the Obama Presidential Center Museum, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, International African American Museum, and Freedom Rides Museum.
Larnies holds an M.A. in Latin American and Caribbean Studies from New York University, where she received a CLACS Departmental Fellowship. She was also awarded a Fulbright Fellowship to conduct ethnographic research in Panama, and graduated with honors from NYU’s Gallatin School of Individualized Study.
Laura Epstein
Lead Content Developer
Laura Epstein is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she creates impactful interpretive content for museums and cultural institutions. She brings a thoughtful and research-driven approach to each project, ensuring that exhibits resonate with visitors.
At RAA, Laura’s key projects include the William J. Clinton Presidential Center, the Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center, the permanent exhibition at Tree of Life in Pittsburgh, and the Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach. Other highlights include The People’s House: A White House Experience, Women’s Voices, Women’s Votes, Women’s Rights at the Clinton Presidential Library, and the First Americans Museum.
Prior to joining RAA in 2016, she served as staff curator at The History Factory in Washington, D.C., where she developed content for exhibits and multimedia programs. Laura holds an M.A. in Museum Studies from George Washington University and a B.A. in American Studies and Judaic Studies from Franklin and Marshall College.
Laura Fronius
Lead Producer, RAA Media
Laura Fronius is Lead Producer for RAA Media. A seasoned media producer and project manager, she brings over a decade of experience leading complex, multi-disciplinary projects across exhibit design, interactive media, and digital content.
Her work at RAA includes the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Prior to RAA, she oversaw media production for high-impact installations at museums, corporate headquarters, hospitals, and universities across the U.S. and internationally.
Laura is a graduate of Bridgewater State University.
Laura Gunther
Lead Visual Designer
Laura Gunther is a Lead Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she designs immersive and impactful experiences. With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of user engagement, Laura shapes projects that visually enhance storytelling and encourage visitor interactions.
Her work at RAA includes the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Carolina Museum of the Marine, and North Dakota Military Gallery.
Prior to joining RAA, she led the experiential graphic design team at ESI Design, working with clients such as The Statue of Liberty Ellis Island Foundation, Edward M. Kennedy Institute, and Tryon Palace North Carolina History Center. She also spent several years working with the Wildlife Conservation Society, designing exhibits at the Bronx Zoo.
Laura holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Indiana University and an M.F.A. in Design from the School of Visual Arts in New York City.
Lauren Driscoll
Business Development Manager
Lauren Driscoll is a Business Development Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. She specializes in managing cultural projects, ensuring seamless execution while aligning with client needs. Her expertise spans nonprofit fundraising, programming, event execution, and venue rental programs, enhancing revenue opportunities within museum operations.
She previously served as a Project Manager at RAA, where her projects included the Wisconsin History Center, Clinton Presidential Center, and High Desert Museum.
Before joining RAA, Lauren served as the project manager for exhibition design at WHY Architects, leading multiple museum projects. She has held leadership roles at prestigious institutions such as MoMA, The Shed, the Whitney Museum of American Art, and LACMA.
Lauren is a graduate of Williams College.
Lauren Duguid
Lead Physical Designer
Lauren Duguid is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she leverages her expertise in concept development, physical design, illustration, label writing, diorama restoration, and soundscape composition. Specializing in the presentation of natural history and art, Lauren strives to create resonant experiences that celebrate the nuances of each subject matter.
Her projects at RAA include the Wisconsin History Center and Walmart Museum.
Before joining RAA, Lauren worked at the Academy of Natural Sciences of Drexel University. She holds a B.F.A. in Illustration from the Savannah College of Art and Design and an M.F.A. in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design from the University of the Arts.
Lily Remmert
Lead Content Manager
Lily Remmert is a Lead Content Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in interpretive development for museums and cultural institutions worldwide. She combines an empathetic and analytical approach to storytelling with creative and strategic organization to craft meaningful educational experiences.
At RAA, Lily has contributed to projects including the National Veterans Memorial and Museum, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Clinton Presidential Center, Ellis Island National Museum, and Pearl Harbor Aviation Museum.
Prior to RAA, she worked at the Barbara Goldsmith Preservation and Conservation Lab in New York City, managing projects and assisting in archive conservation for rare books and special collections.
Lily holds a B.A. in History and French from New York University.
Lindsey Petersen
Senior Physical Designer
Lindsey Petersen is a Senior Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she integrates storytelling and spatial design to create immersive exhibition experiences. With a background in architecture, Lindsey ensures that narrative and environment work in harmony to engage visitors.
Her work at RAA includes the Wisconsin History Center and Frederick Douglass Greater Rochester International Airport.
Prior to joining RAA, she was an Associate at Pentagram, where she led numerous projects, including Art and Ideals: President John F. Kennedy at the Kennedy Center. She holds an MArch from the University of Michigan and a B.S. in Architecture from the University of Minnesota.
Liz Wangenheim
Project Manager
Liz Wangenheim is a Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in coordinating complex logistics and aligning stakeholder needs to achieve project goals.
Her projects at RAA include the Armenian American Museum and Cultural Center of California and Holocaust Memorial Miami Beach.
Prior to joining RAA, Liz spent a decade at The Franklin Institute, where she managed traveling exhibitions and oversaw the maintenance of the museum’s permanent exhibits. She also worked in product design and innovation, focusing on front-end research and development projects.
Liz holds a B.A. in Entertainment and Arts Management from Drexel University, with minors in Business Administration and Art History.
Lucy Coxall
Director of Project Management and Operations
Lucy Coxall is the Director of Project Management and Operations in RAA’s London Studio, overseeing the successful delivery of world-class museums and visitor attractions. With over 20 years of experience, she specializes in managing large-scale, high-profile projects across the globe.
Lucy began her career at a leading exhibition design practice in London before spending seven years in project management at Lend Lease Projects. Since returning to the museum design industry in 2009, she has led award-winning projects spanning up to 7,500 square meters with budgets of up to £50 million.
She holds a BSc in Natural Science from Durham University.
Luke Ackerman
People Operations Manager
Luke Ackerman is the SHRM-Certified People Operations Manager for RAA’s Global Studio, committed to fostering a collaborative and engaging workplace.
With a formal background in education, Luke has worked across the higher education, housing, and pharmaceutical manufacturing industries.
He holds a B.A. from East Stroudsburg University in Pennsylvania.
María Alma Guede Piña
Lead Visual Designer, Discipline Director for Visual Design
María Alma Guede Piña is a Lead Visual Designer and Discipline Director for Visual Design at RAA’s New York Studio. She specializes in crafting immersive and impactful visual experiences for cultural institutions, using design to translate social issues into meaningful narratives that inspire change.
Her work at RAA includes the Obama Presidential Center, The Zekelman Holocaust Center, and Springs Preserve in Las Vegas. Other highlights include the International African American Museum and Museo Nacional de Energía y Tecnología (MUNET).
Originally from Mexico, María Alma graduated with honors from Pratt Institute, earning a B.F.A. in Communications Design with a minor in Art History.
Marina Felix
Project Manager and Lead Physical Designer
Marina Felix is a Project Manager and Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio, overseeing the development of exhibitions and cultural projects.
Her work at RAA includes the concept for the extended exhibition and memorial at Kaiser-Wilhelm Gedächtniskirche and Elephantine: Island of the Millennia at Berlin’s Neues Museum.
Before joining RAA, Marina worked at beier+wellach Projekte, specializing in design, planning, and cultural consultancy. She also gained experience as an architect at AVANTGARDE, a brand experience agency, and as a stage and costume designer for the Bavarian State Theater in Munich.
Originally from Brazil, she earned her undergraduate degree in Architecture and City Planning from Universidade Federal do Rio de Janeiro and holds an M.A. in Stage Design and Scenography from the Berlin Institute of Technology.
Mary Beth Byrne
Interpretive Director, Associate
Mary Beth Byrne is an Interpretive Director, Associate in RAA’s New York Studio, leading the development of interpretive strategies for museums and cultural institutions.
Her work at RAA includes the expansion of the Clinton Presidential Library and the Carolina Museum of the Marine. Other highlights include the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and National Nordic Museum. She has also contributed to projects such as the Holocaust Museum Houston, the Jewish Museum and Tolerance Center, and the American Folk Art Museum.
Before joining RAA, Mary Beth worked at the Museum of Jewish Heritage in New York, coordinating its permanent exhibition and helping establish its departments. She holds a B.A. in Art History from Harvard University and pursued graduate studies at NYU’s Institute of Fine Arts.
Mat Mason
Visual Design Director and Discipline Director for Visual Design, Associate
Mat Mason is the Visual Design Director and Discipline Director for Visual Design, Associate in RAA’s London Studio. With over 25 years of experience in visual and communication design for museums and exhibitions, he creates compelling storytelling through environmental graphics and interpretive design.
His work at RAA includes First World War in the Air at the Royal Air Force Museum, Museo Lavazza, and the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum. Other highlights include the London Transport Museum, World Gallery at the Horniman Museum, National Museum of Scotland, Intelligence Factory at Bletchley Park, and the interpretation of Magna Carta at Lincoln Castle.
He holds an honours degree in Graphic Design from Solent University.
Mathilde Daguzan
Lead Physical Designer
Mathilde Daguzan is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s London Studio. She is passionate about creating meaningful spaces with people, for people, and combining creativity, strategy, and collaboration to deliver engaging visitor experiences.
Before joining RAA, Mathilde spent seven years at Designers Unit, contributing to a wide range of temporary, permanent, and travelling exhibitions, and ultimately leading the firm’s London office. Her experience spans the full project lifecycle, including complex exhibition development, strategic visioning, and tender submissions.
She holds a Master’s degree in Interior Design (recognized by the CFAI – Conseil Français des Architectes d’Intérieur) and Exhibition Design from Ecole Supérieure des Arts et Techniques (ESAT).
Matt Pearson
Lead Physical Designer
Matt Pearson is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, bringing a diverse skill set in 2D and 3D design, visualization, copywriting, video production, motion graphics, and immersive media (AR, VR).
At RAA, his projects include the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, The People’s House: A White House Experience, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Prior to RAA, Matt was a freelance design director for clients including Adidas, HBO, Rolling Stone, and the Cucalorus Film Festival. He has also designed exhibitions for BMF Media, serving clients like Toyota, LACMA, and UBS Bank. Additionally, Matt contributed to public art education and access programs as an Associate Planner for the San Francisco Arts Commission.
He holds an M.F.A. in Interaction Design from California College of the Arts and a B.S. in Communications and History from Northwestern University.
Matthew Fowler
Chief Financial Officer
Matthew Fowler is the Chief Financial Officer for RAA’s Global Studios, where he leads the company’s financial operations, ensuring fiscal health and strategic growth.
With over 25 years of experience in professional services, Matthew has expertise spanning engineering, information technology, SOX compliance, geospatial surveying, and design services. His role encompasses financial planning, risk management, and working with executive leadership to optimize financial performance.
Matthew also serves as an adjunct professor in accounting, economics, and finance, inspiring future professionals to navigate the complexities of the financial landscape. He holds a PhD in Management/Forensic Accounting and a Master’s degree in Accounting.
Matthias McCoy-Thompson
Project Manager
Matthias McCoy-Thompson is a Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, focusing on creating innovative visitor experiences.
His work at RAA includes Springs Preserve in Las Vegas and Freedom Rides Museum in Montgomery.
Before joining RAA, Matthias served as Project Manager and Creative Director for Virtual Worlds, where he directed the development of history-focused immersive experiences for museums, including San Francisco’s De Young Museum. His projects have been featured at the Cannes Film Festival, and his Machu Picchu experience won the 2022 Lumiere Award for Best Use of VR. He also worked as a Project Manager for Kluge Interactive, collaborating with clients such as Deloitte, Samsung, and the City of Los Angeles.
A certified Project Manager (PMP), Matthias holds a B.A. (Honors) in International Studies from American University.
Megan Kerman
Project Manager
Megan Kerman is a Project Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, where she takes a special interest in mission-based work.
Her work at RAA includes the Obama Presidential Center, Japanese American National Museum, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and RxART artist collaborations in children’s hospitals in Arizona, Utah, and New York. Other key projects include the National Museum of African American History and Culture, International African American Museum, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, and Freedom Rides Museum.
Before joining RAA, Megan was a freelance graphic designer at Jenny Holzer Studio, and worked as a graphic designer and photo-art director on retail and branding projects at Graphiculture in Minneapolis.
Megan holds a B.F.A. from Iowa State University’s College of Design. She also attended the University of Iowa’s College of Fine Arts and Rice University’s School of Architecture.
Mica Bernhard
Media Production Coordinator
Mica Bernhard is a Media Production Coordinator in RAA’s New York Studio. She approaches visual storytelling as a vital practice for connecting audiences with public history and cultural preservation.
Her work at RAA includes the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration and Wisconsin History Center.
Before joining RAA, Mica worked on the documentary development team at Imagine Entertainment, contributing to a diverse slate of award-winning films and series.
She holds a B.A. in Anthropology and Linguistics with a minor in Film and Media Studies from Georgetown University, and an MFA in Documentary Cinema from Tel Aviv University.
Michael Maggio
Principal, Director of MENA Operations
Michael Maggio is Principal and Director of MENA Operations for RAA’s Global Studios. As the Director of MENA Operations, Michael is responsible for all aspects of RAA’s portfolio of work in the MENA Region. From business and relationship development to creative direction, Michael sets goals and objectives, leads project teams, monitors performance, and drives growth. His experience as a designer, architect, and educator allows him to best leverage architectural and multimedia design principles to express clients’ missions and goals to their audience.
His work at RAA includes The People’s House: A White House Experience, The Library of Congress Jay I. Kislak Exhibition, the interpretive program for seven regional museums throughout Saudi Arabia, and Kuwait Memorial Park. Other highlights include the Newseum; the Insectarium and Vivarium at the Richard Gilder Center for Science, Education, and Innovation at the American Museum of Natural History; AT&T Executive Briefing Center; Rutgers University Visitor Center; and the Columbia School of Nursing.
Michael received a Master of Architecture from the University at Buffalo, graduating magna cum laude, and recently was named one of Blooloop’s Top 50 Museum Voices of 2024. His national and international cultural history, science centers, and corporate projects have received numerous awards.
Michell Cardona
Lead Physical Designer
Michell Cardona is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she integrates space, technology, materials, and code to craft immersive environments and meaningful experiences that leave lasting impressions on visitors of all ages.
Her work at RAA includes the Obama Presidential Center, Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Smith Hamilton Historic Site and Museum, and First Americans Museum. She has also contributed to the Museo Nacional de Energía y Tecnología (MUNET), Canadian Museum for Human Rights, National Nordic Museum, and Kuwait Memorial Park.
Outside of RAA, Michell is an educator at City University of New York, New York University, and various non-profits, where she has taught BIM standards, multimedia, programming, digital fabrication, and electronics. She holds an M.P.S. from NYU Tisch’s Interactive Telecommunications Program and a BArch with a concentration in Visual Studies from Cornell University.
Mina Demiren
Visual Design Director
Mina Demiren is a Visual Design Director in RAA’s London Studio, where she focuses on branding and spatial graphic design, including wayfinding, exhibition, and environmental design.
Her work at RAA includes the Casa Lavazza 1895, Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station, Midleton Distillery Experience, The Harris Museum, Belfast Stories, and Besa Museum.
Prior to joining RAA, Mina worked at experiential design firm Spaceagency and the graphic design agency Kellenberger-White, where their work on the Glasgow International Festival identity was shortlisted for the 2015 Design Museum Designs of the Year award.
Mirko Cerami
Creative Director, Associate
Mirko Cerami is a Creative Director, Associate in RAA’s London Studio. An exhibition designer with expertise in architectural planning and interior design, he specializes in creating media-rich environments that seamlessly integrate space and content for compelling visitor experiences.
His work at RAA includes the Museum of Literature Ireland, Lavazza Museum, and Lift 109 at Battersea Power Station. Other highlights include The Harris Museum, Lavazza Flagship Store, Brazil 2014 Revisited at FIFA World Football Museum, and the World Gallery at the Horniman Museum.
Trained as an architect in Sicily, Mirko is a qualified member of the Architectural Association for Planning and Landscape in Palermo and graduated cum laude with an M.A. in Architecture from the University of Palermo.
Nafees Khan
Lead Content Developer
Nafees Khan is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio. He is a scholarly researcher whose areas of expertise include writing interpretive concept documents, exhibit descriptions, interactive media treatments, and content and script outlines. His work emphasizes centering diverse, often marginalized histories, experiences, and voices to support justice, equity, and inclusion in cultural heritage institutions.
His work at RAA includes the National Underground Railroad Freedom Center, Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, and Fighting for the Right to Fight at The National World War II Museum.
Nafees also serves on the Operational Committee for the Slave Voyages Consortium, leading numerous presentations on this digital humanities resource at conferences and workshops for educators nationwide. He is a member of the administrative team of the African Diaspora Consortium, where he helped develop a new Advanced Placement (AP) Seminar course with African Diaspora Content in collaboration with the College Board.
Nafees holds a PhD in Educational Studies from Emory University and a B.A. in Sociology with a minor in History from Tufts University. His doctoral research was on how the history of slavery was presented in secondary U.S. and Brazilian history textbooks, and his academic interests focus on the legacies of slavery in education and the experiences of Afro-Brazilians, African Americans, and other diaspora communities.
Nasly Vazquez
Accounting Associate
Nasly Vazquez is an Accounting Associate in RAA’s New York Studio.
Nasly holds a B.A. in Business Administration, Accounting from California State University, Long Beach.
Natalia Oliveri
Senior Physical Designer
Natalia Oliveri is a Senior Physical Designer in RAA’s New York Studio, where she focuses on storytelling and heritage preservation through an architectural lens.
Her projects at RAA include the Lost Shtetl Museum, ILMI Science Discovery and Innovation Center, and Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi.
Prior to joining RAA, Natalia served as a Senior Physical Designer at Local Projects. She is also an accomplished fine arts printmaker, combining her creative skills with her architectural expertise.
Natalia holds a BArch from the Irwin S. Chanin School of Architecture at the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York City.
Natalia Oudalova
Project Accountant
Natalia Oudalova is a Project Accountant in RAA’s New York Studio.
Prior to joining RAA, she worked as an accountant for a manufacturer and worldwide distributor of industrial machinery and equipment.
Natalia holds an M.A. in Linguistics and Intercultural Communications from Nizhny Novgorod Linguistic University and a B.A. in Accounting with a minor in Economics from Queens College, CUNY.
Nick Appelbaum
President, Chief Executive Officer
Nick Appelbaum is President and Chief Executive Officer of Ralph Appelbaum Associates (RAA), the world’s largest museum planning and design practice, where he oversees the firm’s global creative and strategic direction. His expertise lies in the integration of storytelling and space, with a focus on creating spaces for shared public learning.
Since joining RAA nearly two decades ago, Nick has participated in every aspect of museum-making. Over that time, the firm has continued its work on landmark cultural projects, including the Smithsonian National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Canadian Museum for Human Rights, and ongoing projects such as the International Slavery Museum in Liverpool and the UK Holocaust Memorial in London.
Today, under his leadership, RAA is advancing more than sixty projects worldwide. Nick is currently working on the Museum of Science and History in Jacksonville, Florida, and the San Diego History Center in Balboa Park. His past projects also include The People’s House: A White House Experience in Washington, D.C., as well as major initiatives for Jewish communities around the world, such as the first Jewish museum in India at Nariman House in Mumbai and the Lost Shtetl Museum in Lithuania, which reimagined the site of a former shtetl.
Nick was educated at Oxford and Harvard, holding a B.A. in Modern History and an M.Ed.
Olga Shcheglova
Marketing Design Manager
Olga Shcheglova is the Marketing Design Manager in RAA’s New York Studio, working closely with senior staff to drive both new and ongoing marketing initiatives. She specializes in crafting compelling content, developing submission materials, and coordinating support staff.
With extensive experience from leading real estate and AEC firms, including SOM, Jamestown, and Tishman Speyer, Olga brings a strong background in design and project management to her role.
She holds a B.F.A. in Photography from The City College of New York.
Olivia Brown
Creative Director
Olivia Brown is a Creative Director in RAA’s New York Studio. She brings over a decade of experience in experiential and spatial design, specializing in narrative-driven exhibitions that emphasize embodiment, clarity, and emotional resonance. Committed to social impact, she grounds her work in collaboration, cultural sensitivity, and transformative visitor experiences.
Her projects at RAA include the American LGBTQ+ Museum and the Clotilda Memorial.
Prior to RAA, she worked at Meow Wolf, where she directed multidisciplinary teams to transform pluralistic storytelling into immersive public environments.
Olivia holds a B.F.A. in New Media from the University of North Texas and actively pursues community projects that promote financial literacy, STEAM education, and civic participation.
Pamela Chami
Project Manager
Pamela Chami is a Project Manager in RAA’s Berlin Studio, working on projects across the MENA region and Europe.
Her current projects at RAA includes the ILMI Science Discovery and Innovation Centre, Jeddah Oceanarium, Al-Zaher Palace Museum in Mecca, and the Next Generation Museum in Neom, Saudi Arabia. She is also involved in European projects such as the Besa Museum in Albania and The Whale in Norway.
With extensive experience in the hospitality and retail sectors, Pamela has successfully managed large-scale projects across Canada and the MENA region. She has also led private residential projects as an independent designer. Beyond her architectural and project management work, Pamela is passionate about sustainable development and waste management.
She holds a B.A. in Interior Architecture from the University of Montreal and a digital fabrication diploma from the Fab Academy MIT program, specializing in innovative projects.
Patrick Swindell
Principal, Creative Director, Director of New York Studio
Patrick Swindell is Principal, Creative Director, and Director of RAA’s New York Studio, where he brings extensive experience leading global teams in designing and delivering cultural history, technology, and natural history exhibitions. His design approach is defined by the dynamic interplay of media, graphics, physical design, and authentic objects, all informed by a deep understanding of narrative and the transformative power of storytelling to shape a project’s vision.
Patrick’s work has earned numerous prestigious industry awards and has elevated regional museums into nationally and internationally celebrated destinations.
Patrick holds an M.A. in Narrative Environments from Central Saint Martins College of Art and Design and a B.A. in Graphic Design from Camberwell College of Art, for which he was awarded first class honors.
Paul Williams
Interpretive Director, Associate
Paul Williams is an Interpretive Director, Associate in RAA’s New York Studio. He specializes in creating thoughtful and impactful interpretive programs for museums and cultural institutions.
His work at RAA includes The Zekelman Holocaust Center, John Randle Centre for Yoruba Culture and History, Auckland Museum, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum. Other project highlights include Turkey’s first Presidential Library in honor of Abdullah Gül, Msheireb Heritage Houses in Qatar, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, International African American Museum, and Texas State History Museum.
Before joining RAA, he was an assistant professor in New York University’s Museum Studies program and has taught at the University of Melbourne and the University of Canterbury in New Zealand.
Paul holds a PhD in Cultural Studies from the University of Melbourne and an M.A. in Anthropology from the University of California, Berkeley.
Philip Drew
Lead Physical Designer
Philip Drew is a Lead Physical Designer in RAA’s New York studio, where he designs thoughtful, meaningful exhibits for museums and cultural centers.
His interpretive design work for RAA includes the Susan and Peter J. Solomon Family Insectarium at American Museum of Natural History’s Gilder Center, Encounters at the National WWI Museum and Memorial, the Toronto Zoo Master Plan, and the East End Galleries at the National Air and Space Museum.
Philip’s knowledge of zoological design is drawn from his six years at the Bronx Zoo / Wildlife Conservation Society, where he was Lead Designer of the Madagascar! exhibit. Other past projects include the Land & People Gallery in the National Museum of Australia, Petronas Science Center in Kuala Lumpur, and the Wildlife Rehabilitation Center at the Cleveland Museum of Natural History.
Philip holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and a Masters degree from the Yale School of Architecture.
Rachel Gershman
Interpretive Director, Discipline Director of Interpretation
Rachel Gershman is an Interpretive Director and Discipline Director of Interpretation in RAA’s New York Studio, where she collaborates with clients and design teams to shape project narratives and develop engaging exhibition content. Her approach to interpretive storytelling emphasizes the power of personal stories to foster connections and inspire dialogue.
Her work at RAA includes the Obama Presidential Center, National Veterans Memorial and Museum, Canadian Museum for Human Rights, Japanese American National Museum, and the Holocaust Museum Houston. She also developed interpretive concepts for the Buddhist Circuit in India and LEGO House in Denmark.
Prior to RAA, Rachel was an art collection consultant for private art collections and artist estates. She also worked as a senior publicist, managing New York, national, and international press representation for performing arts companies and artists.
Rachel holds an M.A. in Museum Anthropology and a B.A. in Sociology and Anthropology from Columbia University.
Rawaan Alkhatib
Lead Content Developer, Discipline Director for Content
Rawaan Alkhatib is a Lead Content Developer and the Discipline Director for Content in RAA’s New York Studio. A communications strategist and writer, she specializes in developing and preparing exhibition concepts that prioritize visitor engagement, fostering meaningful interactions with collections and the stories they tell.
Her work at RAA includes the interpretive program for seven regional museums throughout Saudi Arabia, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and Springs Preserve in Las Vegas.
Prior to joining RAA, she directed editorial and creative strategy at Backstage Magazine and Fab. She is the author and illustrator of Hot Date!: Sweet and Savory Recipes Celebrating the Date (Chronicle Books, 2025) and How to Visit a Museum (Chronicle Books, 2026).
Rawaan holds an M.F.A. in Poetry from the Iowa Writers’ Workshop at the University of Iowa and a B.A. in Creative Writing and English Literature from Brown University.
Rayna Weingord
Lead Visual Designer
Rayna Weingord is a Lead Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. Her design philosophy centers on clarity, accessibility, and storytelling, ensuring her work resonates with diverse audiences.
Her work at RAA includes the Wisconsin History Center, Japanese American National Museum, and San Diego History Center.
She brings extensive experience from her previous roles at the American Museum of Natural History and the Museum of the City of New York, as well as her work as an environmental graphic designer at GHD Partners.
Rayna holds a B.S. in Visual Arts and Psychology from Fordham University.
Riccardo Mariotti
Creative Director
Riccardo Mariotti is a Creative Director in RAA’s London Studio, specializing in both domestic and international projects, with a particular focus on the Middle East.
At RAA, he has played a key role in projects such as the Al Shindagha Museum, Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, and Shaped by the Sea at the Australian National Maritime Museum.
Prior to joining RAA, Riccardo was a Senior Designer at Cultural Innovations, contributing to the Sheikh Abdullah Al Salem Cultural Centre in Kuwait. Before that, he worked at MET Studio in London and Hong Kong, where his portfolio included high-profile projects such as the Manchester United Experience Macao, Ningbo Science Centre in China, the National Maritime Museum in Amsterdam, and a Drug and Addiction Centre in Mexico.
Riccardo holds a BSc in Product Design from Brunel University London.
Ruth Jennings
Senior Project Manager
Ruth Jennings is a Senior Project Manager in RAA’s London Studio. With over a decade of experience at design agencies and specialist fit-out contractors, she brings a balanced approach that champions the creative process while navigating the complexities of construction and delivery.
Her projects at RAA include 85 Gracechurch Street in London and International Slavery Museum & Maritime Museum in Liverpool.
Before joining RAA, Ruth worked on a range of cultural and heritage projects in the UK and internationally, including the Hong Kong History Museum, Elizabeth Tower, Al Ain Museum, National Army Museum, and restoration work at Blenheim Palace.
She holds a degree in Architecture from the University of Sheffield and studied Building History at the University of Cambridge.
Samia Husari
Lead Visual Designer
Samia Husari is a Lead Visual Designer at RAA’s New York Studio, where she specializes in creating impactful visual experiences enriched by bilingual storytelling. As a multidisciplinary designer, she crafts seamless digital and physical environments, working closely with architects, content strategists, and media producers to foster visitor engagement and social interaction.
Her portfolio at RAA includes interpretive programs for Natural History Museum Abu Dhabi, seven regional museums across Saudi Arabia, ILMI Science Discovery and Innovation Center, Arab Mining Museum in Jordan, and Al-Zaher Palace Museum in Mecca. She also contributes to U.S.-based projects including Ellen Johnson Sirleaf Presidential Center, Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, and Dig Deeper at the Corning Museum of Glass.
Samia earned her M.P.S. in Communication Design from The New School, Parsons School of Design, graduating Summa Cum Laude, and holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from the American University of Beirut.
Sanne van Haastert
Physical Design Director, Discipline Director for Physical Design
Sanne van Haastert is a Physical Design Director and Discipline Director for Physical Design in RAA’s New York Studio.
His projects at RAA include the Wisconsin History Center, Nationwide Children’s Hospital, and Museum of the Moving Image.
Originally from the Netherlands, Sanne has worked across multiple cities, including London, where he was part of MET Studio and RAA’s London Studio, Amsterdam with Northernlight, and Washington, D.C. with G&A. His portfolio includes high-profile projects such as the Hong Kong Wetland Museum, London Transport Museum, Utah Natural History Museum, and the Alamo Museum.
Sanne holds a B.A. in Interior Design from University for the Creative Arts.
Sarah Pollard
Associate, Physical Design Director, Discipline Director for Physical Design
Sarah Pollard is an Associate, Physical Design Director, and Discipline Director for Physical Design in RAA’s London Studio.
Her work at RAA includes Intelligence Factory at Bletchley Park, The Harris Museum, and the Second World War Galleries at the Imperial War Museum. Other notable projects include the World Gallery at the Horniman Museum, the Royal Albert Memorial Museum and Pitzhanger Manor.
Prior to joining RAA, Sarah worked with Land Design Studio, Ben Kelly Design and Met Studio on projects such as the National Media Museum, Petra Gateway, and traveling exhibitions for the British Film Institute.
Sarah holds a B.A. (Honors) in 3D and Interior Design from the University of Brighton and a Foundation Diploma from Kingston University.
Sasha Hamlin
Lead Content Developer
Sasha Hamlin is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s London Studio. She has a background in both heritage and branding, with a strong focus on projects with a social justice angle.
Her past projects range from national museums to archaeological sites, from sports-based experiences to community-led exhibitions. Her RAA projects include the Ulster Folk Museum and the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum.
Sasha has also co-curated, written, and researched heritage projects on topics including female enfranchisement, Black history, and human rights, and is a trustee of her local community-led history society. Before joining RAA, she worked as a creative copywriter at a branding agency.
Sasha holds a B.A. (First Class) in History from the University of Manchester and an MPhil (Distinction) in Modern British History from the University of Cambridge.
Scott Stanton
Technical Director
Scott Stanton is Technical Director in RAA’s London Studio, guiding projects from schematic design to contractor delivery. With over 25 years of experience in museum construction, he works closely with fabricators to translate design intent into built reality, identifying and resolving potential challenges before they arise.
His RAA projects include The Whale, Manchester City FC North Stand, and the International Slavery Museum and Maritime Museum.
Before joining RAA, Scott led the technical design of major projects including the Natural History Museum of Denmark, the Glenbow Museum in Calgary, and the Hong Kong Museum of History. His portfolio also includes award-winning projects such as the Riverside Museum in Glasgow, The Box in Plymouth, Canterbury Cathedral, The House of Fairytales in Odense, and the National Army Museum in London.
He holds a BA (Hons) in Interior Design from Ravensbourne University, validated by the Royal College of Art.
Sean Miura
Lead Content Developer
Sean Miura is a Lead Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio. His work centers on dialogue and archival research, fostering the organic growth of nuanced, community-driven narratives.
His projects at RAA include the Japanese American National Museum and the Museum of History & Industry (MOHAI).
Prior to joining RAA, Sean co-curated and authored content for the core exhibition at the Japanese American National Museum in Los Angeles. He began his career in traditional and digital advertising, serving as Senior Creative Strategist and later Supervising Producer at BuzzFeed. For over a decade, Sean has produced and curated Tuesday Night Café, the nation’s longest-running free Asian American public art series.
He holds a B.A. from the Annenberg School for Communication and Journalism at the University of Southern California, where he has also taught as an adjunct instructor.
Sean Pattison
Director of Creative Visualization
Sean Pattison is the Director of Creative Visualization for RAA’s Global Studios, leading the firm’s visualization efforts and workflow development.
Specializing in 3D software, video game engines, VR headsets, and photo and video editing tools, he creates renderings, animations, real-time walkthroughs, and digital media for a wide range of design applications. He also assists in creating visualization standards alongside designers, ensuring consistency and quality across all projects. Additionally, he mentors designers in visualization software, leads training sessions, and shares industry advancements to continuously enhance RAA’s visualization capabilities.
Sean works on nearly every project at RAA, ensuring high-quality visual communication across all phases of design. Project highlights include the Mignone Halls of Gems and Minerals at the American Museum of Natural History, National Museum of African American History and Culture, and numerous other cultural and museum projects worldwide.
Sean holds a B.A. in Computer Art from the School of Visual Arts, with a focus on Computer Animation and Visual Effects.
Sebastian Scheller
Senior Project Manager
Sebastian Scheller is a Senior Project Manager in RAA’s Berlin Studio. He has extensive experience in project management across various stages, including team leadership, design specification, procurement processes, scheduling, and construction site management.
His work at RAA includes Berlin’s Humboldt Forum, Marienberg Fortress, Ocean and Evolution Halls at the Stuttgart State Museum of Natural History, Focke Museum, and Archeological Museum at Petriplatz.
Prior to joining RAA, Sebastian was a project manager at Jangled Nerves, a Stuttgart-based exhibition design and media production firm, where he led projects such as the FLiP Science Center in Vienna and the Mercedes Benz Customer Center in Sindelfingen.
Sebastian holds a diploma in Architecture from Bauhaus University, Weimar, and an M.A. from Hochschule für Bildende Künste, Hamburg.
Shiyu Wei
3D Designer, Project Manager
Shiyu Wei is a 3D Designer and Project Manager in RAA’s Beijing Studio. She has extensive experience in all stages of the design process, from initial concept through to final installations.
Her work at RAA includes projects in Taiwan, China, and Europe, including the Zhuhai Museum and the Deng Xiaoping Memorial Museum.
Shiyu holds a degree in Public Arts and Space Design from the Hunan Institute of Science and Technology.
Simon Chang
Director of RAA Beijing Studio
Simon Chang is the Director of RAA’s Beijing Studio. An architect and exhibition designer, Simon integrates rigorous architectural principles into exhibition design, always maintaining the highest respect for space, content, and audiences.
He joined RAA’s New York studio in 1996, where he contributed to the design of the Hall of Biodiversity and the Rose Center for Earth and Space at the American Museum of Natural History. He also led the design and implementation of the Museum of World Religions and the National Museum of Prehistory in Taiwan. In 2003, Simon established RAA’s Beijing studio and has since directed over 20 museum and cultural projects across Asia, including in China, Taiwan, Singapore, Myanmar, and Korea.
His collaborations with renowned architectural firms such as Michael Graves, James Polshek, Norman Foster, Steven Holl, Ole Scheeren, and Daniel Libeskind have further shaped his extensive portfolio. Prior to RAA, Simon worked on several U.S. and international projects with the celebrated architect Rafael Viñoly in New York.
He holds an M.A. in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University and a B.A. in Architecture from Tunghai University in Taiwan.
Simon Pöschko
Visual Designer
Simon Pöschko is a Visual Designer in RAA’s Berlin Studio. His design approach blends expressive typography with thoughtful illustration to create visually engaging and emotionally resonant work.
At RAA, he has contributed to projects including the Museum of the Viking Age, the Leibniz-Zentrum für Archäologie (LEIZA), Economy Museum, and Marienberg Fortress.
Before joining RAA, Simon gained experience at Ta-Trung in Berlin and Schambeck/Schmitt Fotografie in Munich. He holds a B.A. in Graphic Design from HTW Berlin and studied abroad at the Bezalel Academy of Arts and Design in Jerusalem.
Stefanie Parkyn
Chief People Officer
Stefanie Parkyn is the Chief People Officer for RAA’s Global Studios. A seasoned people and operations leader with a strong foundation in architectural design, Stefanie brings extensive experience in personnel, project, and office management.
She joined RAA in 2022, after holding significant roles in design and academia. At Allies and Morrison Architects in London, Stefanie advanced to Senior Associate, where she was part of the management team overseeing operations, finance, and human resources. She later served as Chief of Staff at the Yale University School of Music, where she also held key roles in university-wide organizations as the Title IX Coordinator and the Discrimination and Harassment Resource Coordinator, focusing on addressing discrimination and promoting equity and inclusion.
Stefanie holds an MArch from the University of Texas at Austin and a B.A. in Architecture from Rice University. She is also a member of the Society for Human Resources Management (SHRM).
Taylor Norman
Content Developer
Taylor Norman, Esq. (Mvskoke), is a Content Developer in RAA’s New York Studio.
Her work at RAA includes Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, High Desert Museum, and Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration.
Prior to RAA, Taylor held legal externships with the Smithsonian Institution’s Office of the Under Secretary for Museums and Culture and Hobbs, Straus, Dean & Walker, LLP. She also worked with the National Museum of the American Indian, Art Bridges Foundation, and the Australian Museum.
Taylor is a member of the New Mexico State Bar, having received a J.D. from the Sandra Day O’Connor College of Law at Arizona State University where she was affiliated with the Indian Legal Program and Arizona Black Bar Association. She also holds an M.A. in Museums, Heritage, and Material Culture from SOAS, University of London, and a B.A. in Global Liberal Studies from New York University, where she helped establish the Native American and Indigenous Studies Minor. Taylor is the founder of the Professional Network for Indigenous Women in Museums, connecting over 300 Indigenous museum professionals worldwide.
Thea Vrentas
Content Coordinator
Thea Vrentas is a Content Coordinator in RAA’s New York Studio. She is passionate about museum work and dedicated to crafting meaningful content that enhances visitor experiences.
Her work at RAA includes Carolina Museum of the Marine, San Diego History Center, and the Museum of History and Industry.
Before joining RAA, Thea worked in collections management as a Gund Gallery Associate Leader in Gambier, Ohio. She holds a B.A. in Art History and English from Kenyon College.
Thomas Mason
Physical Design Director
Thomas Mason is a Physical Design Director in RAA’s New York Studio, specializing in schematic design, design documentation, 3D modeling, and project management. He collaborates with RAA design teams to create functional and visually compelling visitor experiences.
His work at RAA includes The People’s House: A White House Experience, a large-scale science center and a network of seven regional museums in Saudi Arabia, ilmi Science Discovery & Innovation Center in Riyadh, and The Library of Congress Jay I. Kislak Exhibition.
Thomas began his career designing local history museums in the UK before leading design projects in the Middle East, including five-star hotels, fine dining establishments, and commercial residential developments. He holds an M.A. in Interior Design from Edinburgh College of Art and a B.A. in Architectural Studies from Newcastle University.
Tiernan Grehl
Resource Manager
Tiernan Grehl is a Resource Manager in RAA’s New York Studio. He is skilled in optimizing operational best practices within matrix organizations, enhancing workflow communication, and fostering cross-discipline talent awareness.
He brings experience from Marks and Gensler, where he collaborated with specialized creative teams across app and website development, strategic consulting, and digital experience design.
He holds a B.A. in Business Administration and Management from Ursinus College.
Tiffany Willey
Physical Design Director
Tiffany Willey is a Physical Design Director in RAA’s New York Studio. An environmental designer with over 12 years of experience, she creates immersive cultural experiences at the intersection of spatial design, storytelling, and technology. Her expertise spans exhibit design, visualization, and illustration, guiding projects from master planning through fabrication.
Her work at RAA includes the Museum of Science and History (MOSH).
Prior to joining RAA, she has designed for institutions including the National WWII Museum, U.S. Olympic & Paralympic Museum, Mississippi Arts + Entertainment Experience, Tennessee State Museum, and the National Medal of Honor Museum.
Tiffany holds an M.S. in Exhibition and Interior Design from Pratt Institute and a B.F.A. in Painting.
Tim Ventimiglia
Principal, Director of RAA Berlin Studio
Tim Ventimiglia is Principal and Director of RAA’s Berlin Studio, where he leverages his 30 years of experience in all aspects of museum planning, including architectural, interior, and exhibition design.
Since leading the Berlin studio, Tim has overseen the design of permanent exhibitions for institutions such as Berlin’s Humboldt Forum, Weltmuseum Wien, the Józef Piłsudski Museum, the Museum of Natural History in Stuttgart, the Economy Museum, the Museum of the Viking Age, and The Whale. His work with RAA New York includes projects for the Ford Foundation Headquarters, the Smithsonian Arctic Studies Center at the Anchorage Museum, the Natural History Museum of Utah, the Science History Institute, and the National Nordic Museum.
Tim holds a BArch and MArch from Cornell University. He has taught architecture as a visiting professor at Cornell and served as an adjunct professor at Parsons School of Design and the Cooper Hewitt National Design Museum.
Tishon Woolcock
Visual Design Director
Tishon Woolcock is a Visual Design Director in RAA’s New York Studio, where he collaborates with multidisciplinary teams of designers, architects, and historians to craft exhibition graphics, typographic treatments, and conceptual elements for museum galleries.
At RAA, his work includes the National Museum of African American History and Culture, the Obama Presidential Center, Thaddeus Stevens and Lydia Hamilton Smith Center for History and Democracy, and The Hip Hop Museum.
He holds a B.F.A. in Communications Design from Pratt Institute, where he received a presidential merit scholarship.
Tyler Cheli
Lead Visual Designer
Tyler Cheli is a Lead Visual Designer in RAA’s New York Studio. A multidisciplinary designer, she creates branded experiences that inform, inspire, and empower—across print, digital, and the built environment. Guided by the belief that meaningful design begins with empathy, her work aims to foster strong connections between people and place.
Her projects at RAA include the Library of Congress and Chief Standing Bear Museum and Cultural Center.
Before joining RAA, Tyler worked at GHD Partners and Piscatello Design Centre, where she led environmental graphics and wayfinding programs for clients including Amazon, Google, Carnegie Hall, the Children’s Inn at NIH, and Washington National Cathedral.
She holds a B.F.A. in Graphic Design from Rowan University.
Tyler Jones
Content Manager
Tyler Jones is a Content Manager in RAA’s New York Studio.
His work at RAA includes the Wisconsin History Center, Springs Preserve in Las Vegas, and the National World War I Museum and Memorial. Other highlights include the Ellis Island National Museum of Immigration, Walmart Museum, and Zekelman Holocaust Center.
Before joining RAA, Tyler was a Visitor Services Manager at the Frick Collection in New York City. He holds an M.A. and B.A. in English Literature from New York University.
Vanessa Offen
Interpretive Director, Discipline Director for Interpretation
Vanessa Offen is an Interpretive Director and Discipline Director for Interpretation in RAA’s Berlin Studio. She is an experienced interpretive planner with expertise across history, literature, art, cultural and religious history, and natural history.
Since joining RAA in 2012, Vanessa has led interpretive planning for Berlin’s Humboldt Forum, TING: Technology and Democracy at the Norsk Teknisk Museum in Oslo, Leibniz-Zentrum for Archaeology (LEIZA) in Mainz, Bavarian State Museum of Franconia, Focke-Museum in Bremen and the Museum of the Viking Age in Oslo. She has also developed master plans and concept studies amongst others for the Jewish Museum in Berlin and the Evolutioneum Natural History Museum in Hamburg.
Before RAA, Vanessa worked at the curatorial office Praxis für Ausstellungen und Theorie [Hürlimann | Lepp | Tyradellis], developing and managing major interdisciplinary exhibitions. She holds a Master’s degree in History and Art History from Freie Universität Berlin.
Will Claxton
Senior Visual Designer
Will Claxton is a Senior Visual Designer in RAA’s London Studio. Trained first as an architectural technician, he offers innovative, considered design solutions that foster meaningful dialogue between people, places, objects, ideas, and materials.
Prior to joining RAA, he held roles at Nissen Richards Studio and Event Communications, where he contributed to a wide range of cultural projects — including Stonehenge, The Wallace Collection, the award-winning Sutton Hoo Visitor Centre, and projects for the Singapore Science Centre, Bristol Zoo, and Saudi Arabia’s Six Regional Museums.
Will received his B.A. in Graphic Design from Nottingham Trent University.
Wobin Sanou
IT Support Associate
Wobin Sanou is an IT Support Associate in RAA’s New York Studio, bringing a strong foundation in customer service, technical support, and creative problem-solving.
Prior to joining RAA, she held roles at NYCHA, Sephora, and the University at Albany, where she developed skills in client services, administrative support, troubleshooting, and multitasking.
Wobin earned her B.A. in Computer Science from the University at Albany, with minors in Informatics, Psychology, and Theater.
Xiaoling Li
Office Manager, Marketing Officer, Human Resource Manager
Xiaoling Li is the Office Manager, Marketing Officer, and Human Resources Manager in RAA’s Beijing Studio. She oversees legal and marketing efforts, as well as the day-to-day management of office operations.
Xiaoling graduated from China Women’s University with a major in Human Resource Management and later obtained a diploma in English from Peking University.