In her role as Associate Principal, Hilary finds plenty of opportunities to draw on her background in and love for vernacular design and history, which started in her childhood in southeastern Pennsylvania. As the daughter of a local carpenter and artist, her appreciation for beautiful details and fine craftsmanship was cemented at an early age; the architecture and history of the area further inspired her to eventually pursue architecture as a career. “I love being a part of the continued story of a place; I have a passion for building on the traditions that give it its unique character and identity,” says Hilary.

“[I’m inspired by] beauty and a sense of belonging. I love acknowledging the memory of a place as we design for its future.”

After studying architecture with a focus on classical and vernacular design at Judson University, her first job in the field was for renowned Philadelphia classicist Alvin Holm. Hilary also spent time doing university design in Richmond, Virginia, and in the high-end residential market on Chicago’s North Shore before returning home to work for Period Architecture. She currently resides in Downingtown, PA, and when she’s not at work, she enjoys traveling, hiking, camping, reading, sewing and crocheting, playing the piano, and gardening.

Education

  • Master of Architecture, cum laude in Honors Program, concentration in Traditional Architecture and Urban Design, Judson University, Elgin, IL
  • Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, Judson University, Elgin IL

Professional & Community Affiliations

  • American Institute of Architects (AIA)
  • National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
  • Construction Document Technologist (CDT) certified by the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
  • B.O.T.A | Fellowship of Christian Athletes Non-profit housing ministry serving the community of Tecate, Mexico

Professional Awards

  • Alpha Rho Chi Bronze Medal, 2011
  • Completion of the Honors Program, Judson University, 2011
  • Best Concept and Best Presentation, Judson University, 2011

Professional Registration

  • Illinois and Pennsylvania

People of Period

Kyle Gresh

Project Architect

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In his role as Project Architect, Kyle Gresh focuses on seeing designs through from start to finish. With a keen eye for detail, Kyle shepherds the myriad pieces of complex plans to ensure they seamlessly come together to create memorable experiences and exquisite homes for property owners. A natural relationship-builder, Kyle is able to unearth and articulate the homeowners’ unique wants and needs to bring their dream home to fruition.

After graduating from Temple University, Kyle spent several years at firms in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas until joining the Period Architecture team in 2015. He draws much of his inspiration from his world travels. “Seeing how people live in such varied areas, in everything from straw huts to houses built hundreds of years ago, has affected how I view the architecture here in our country, and specifically here in Pennsylvania,” says Kyle. Kyle lives with his fiancé Debby and their cat Shiloh in Boyertown, where he is currently renovating his family home. Outside of the office, he can often be found hiking, backpacking, exploring local microbreweries, and listening to old records.

Michael Chady

Project Architect

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Michael Chady uses his meticulous eye to detail, review and document construction drawings, from delicate, period-appropriate restorations to new builds suffused with a historic sense of time and place. Michael plays a role in creating Period Architecture’s stately and well-appointed homes, including managing construction, creating detailed cabinetry drawings, and more. His impeccable sense of detail and sophistication, appreciation for the local vernacular, and passion for how architecture influences one’s lifestyle drives much of his work.

“One of the best parts of residential architecture is meeting with homeowners directly and learning things about them that they might not even know themselves,” Michael says. Michael’s childhood affinity for architecture led him to Drexel University, where he spent time studying French design and engineering in Paris. “It was like reading a history novel through architecture,” he recalls. Prior to joining the team, Michael honed his impressive repertoire of skills with designs in coastal New England and New York. An avid runner, Michael lives in King of Prussia, where he and his wife often spend their weekends hiking.

Ben Eckhard

Project Architect

AIA, NCARB

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Ben Eckhard became an architect for one simple reason: to design for homeowners. “I could design all the homes in the world. But if there weren’t people to live in them, love them, and fill them with memories, my work wouldn’t mean anything to me,” he says. Now as a Project Architect for Period Architecture, Ben relishes the process of collaborating with homeowners and watching them light up over their finished home. His dedication to initially hand-drawing concept sketches and diving deeply into research at the beginning of the process is what ultimately allows him to successfully deliver designs from start to finish.

With an interior designer for a mother, Ben’s summer job as a teenager was to creatively photograph her work so he was raised with an intuitive understanding of residential design. It was through the lens of his camera that Ben developed an abiding fascination for architecture. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Marywood University and his previous work has included involvement in award-winning designs. Ben lives in Doylestown and spends his free time playing with his kids, learning new languages, and discovering local coffee shops.

Jamie Nester

Project Architect

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Jamie’s early career began interning while studying at Drexel University. During her Period Architecture internship, Jamie played a key role in launching the firm’s early 3D visualizations and has since overseen a wide range of commssions, from large-scale entertainment barns to intimate home renovations. Today, she leads designs from beginning to end and is known for her collaborative spirit, thoughtful leadership, and technical precision. Her ability to visualize how spaces come together allows her to guide each design with clarity, creativity, and purpose. Jamie is an attentive listener and thoughtful problem-solver, often exploring multiple design directions before refining the best solution. She believes great architecture should blend function, beauty, and authenticity—and always improve how people live and feel in their homes.

Jamie’s passion for architecture started early — sketching homes on index cards at recess, modeling dream houses for school competitions, and learning CAD from her father, an engineer. She grew up in Collegeville, PA, and now lives in nearby Pottstown with her husband, Eric, their two young children, and their beagle, Snoopy. Outside the office, she enjoys renovating their 100-year-old brick Colonial, cooking, baking, hosting family get-togethers, and exploring new cities.

Larry Sykes

Project Architect

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Larry Sykes brings a nuanced blend of precision, compassion, and analytical rigor to his role as Project Architect. Especially drawn to the “nuts and bolts” of architecture, he excels in technical detailing and documentation. Informed by his father’s architectural drafting work, along with hands-on construction and woodworking experience as a teenager, Larry’s fascination for how structures come together was fueled. Today, he channels that lifelong curiosity into designing beautiful and enduring homes at Period Architecture. “Authentic design emerges at the intersection of a property’s existing character and a homeowner’s goals” Larry believes. “The meaning for me is in uncovering the story of a place and helping people imagine how their lives can unfold within it.”

A Colorado native, Larry received his degree from the University of Colorado Boulder, where environmental design curriculum explored a holistic approach to architecture within the natural world. Compelled by his love of traditional architecture and historic places, he relocated to the East Coast and now finds daily inspiration in Pennsylvania’s rich architectural heritage. Outside the office, he enjoys photography, international travel, and the occasional DIY project at home.

Kaitlin McDonald

Project Architect

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As a Project Architect, Kaitlin McDonald is driven by a passion for transforming abstract ideas into actualized designs that feel character-rich and reflective of the homeowner’s vision. She thrives in the collaborative nature of residential design, engaging closely with homeowners and partners to translate design goals into clear, viable solutions. Kaitlin approaches each design like a puzzle—balancing function, aesthetics, and lifestyle to create homes that are as meaningful as they are beautiful. “For me, design is inherently joyful,” she says. “My goal is always to ensure that sense of happiness is felt in the home long after the design is complete.”

Raised in Chestnut Hill, Philadelphia and inspired by early exposure to historic homes, coastal architecture, and European travel, Kaitlin developed a deep appreciation for design that gracefully blends old and new. She earned her degree in architecture from Temple University, where she pursued a design-centric education grounded in both art and technical training. In the years after graduation, Kaitlin spent over a decade specializing in residential New Jersey Shore architecture, which sharpened her ability to navigate environmental constraints and solve complex design challenges. At Period Architecture, she continues to refine and develop her expertise in both coastal and inland design across the Eastern Seaboard and beyond. Kaitlin lives in Bryn Mawr with her husband and their two sons, and enjoys encaustic painting, baking, and exploring art scenes near and far.

Tyler Lambert

Project Architect

AIA, NCARB

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The stunningly realistic 3D models created by Project Architect Tyler Lambert help homeowners visualize their future homes during the early stages of the design process. As a sharp, creative thinker, Tyler is constantly brainstorming how we can graphically apply and enhance our designs with the owners’ experiences with them. “What I love about residential architecture is that it is an intimate, ongoing, and ever-evolving experience with a space,” Tyler says. “It’s so rewarding to be part of a team that’s creating these unique experiences for people.”

As a child, Tyler was always drawn to the personality and detailing of the old stone houses in his childhood town of Towanda, Pennsylvania. So it didn’t take him long to realize that he wanted to be an architect. When he’s not working, Tyler walks miles around Philadelphia, streams the latest shows on Netflix, and catches up with his close friends.

Olivia Fitzgerald

Junior Architect

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A dynamic thinker and skilled designer, Olivia Fitzgerald brings a versatile background to her role as Junior Architect. After earning a dual degree in architecture and graphic design, as well as a master’s in management from Lehigh University, Olivia sought a career path that would allow her to engage both her logical and creative thinking. With a trained eye for graphics, Olivia’s creativity shines through her ability to translate technical elevations into artistic perspectives. “I find being a part of the process from the beginning helps me to create inspired visualizations,” Olivia says. “I love seeing how designs evolve from an initial idea on paper into a tangible reality.”

Growing up in Massachusetts and spending summers in Cape Cod, Olivia developed an appreciation for traditional regional architecture that celebrates the history of a place. Now living in the Greenwich area, she continues to find inspiration in classic architecture and the variety of styles throughout New England. Olivia spends her free time cultivating her creative spirit by photographing nature or teaching herself new skills and crafts like crocheting, knitting, and baking. She loves to travel and often takes weekend excursions to visit family and friends along the East Coast.

Thomas Ryan

Junior Architect

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Thomas brings a vibrant enthusiasm and creative energy to his work at the firm. He focuses on generating presentation drawings or models that bring residences to life and ensure everyone is on the same page about even the smallest elements of a design. He also draws details and building surveys for the Period Architecture team.

For as long as Thomas can remember, he’s had a drawing pencil in hand, and this fascination with drawing eventually transformed into an interest in building design. “I wanted to be part of creating something that would positively impact communities and improve how we inhabit the world around us,” he says. Thomas is currently in his third year at Drexel University and is working towards his Bachelor of Architecture. On the weekends, you can find Thomas engaging in a variety of activities including powerlifting, watching live music at The Fillmore, painting, and meandering through the vibrant city of Philadelphia where he lives.

Sami Detwiler

Junior Architect

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Driven by her desire to create lasting, meaningful work, Sami is inspired by the dedication and care that goes into the architectural design at Period Architecture, and she is excited to contribute to that ethos. Sami excels at creating detailed and precise survey drawings of existing conditions and has a knack for building compelling design presentations. Leveraging her educational background in graphic design, Sami brings a unique artistic touch to digital drawings, elevations, and site plans, blending both precision and creativity in every endeavor.

Sami graduated magna cum laude from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) in Troy, NY, with a degree in Architecture and a minor in Electronic Arts. At RPI, she was awarded the Rickett’s Prize for academic excellence and promise of professional success. It was here that Sami discovered her passion for adaptive reuse and historic preservation. A transformative summer internship in Ireland, where she explored the country’s storied castles and cathedrals, deepened her love for preserving history through architecture. Sami also honed her leadership skills as a teaching assistant for four years, refining her 3D modeling and drawing abilities.

Sami was born in Buffalo, NY, where her early love for architecture and design was fueled by frequent visits to Frank Lloyd Wright buildings throughout western New York and her parents’ collection of Wright’s prints. Outside of architecture, Sami enjoys reading, archery, and spending time with loved ones. She’s also an avid traveler, with a special fondness for Avalon, New Jersey, the sleepy beach town she grew up visiting.

Mark Dosa

Junior Architect

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Mark Dosa utilizes his strong technical background to assist with plans, elevations, and renderings in his role as Junior Architect. Always eager to learn, Mark values collaboration and the sharing of ideas. “One of my favorite aspects of the design process is the feedback you receive from homeowners and colleagues,” Mark says. “I’m always striving to adapt to challenges and push the envelope of our work.”

With a degree in architecture and sustainable design from Pennsylvania College of Technology in Williamsport, Mark embraces new design tools and modeling instruments to ensure well-defined drawings and presentations for homeowners and partners alike. A self-admitted perfectionist, his eye for detail helps bring designs to fruition. Mark can be found by the water on the weekends. Whether the Jersey Shore or visiting his family in Florida, you will find him with a fishing pole in his hands.

Bethany Olivier

Junior Architect

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As a Junior Architect, Bethany supports the design process from conception through construction. She contributes to all phases of the process—from sketching initial layouts and refining designs, to attending site meetings and coordinating with consultants. She’s especially energized by building strong relationships and helping bring each homeowner’s vision to life. Bethany finds inspiration in blending functionality with beauty and is driven by a genuine curiosity about the “why” behind each design. She’s particularly drawn to the unique story behind each home and the opportunity to bring that story to life through architecture.

Originally from West Chester, Pennsylvania, the historic charm and rural beauty of Chester County sparked Bethany’s early interest in traditional architecture. With a grandfather who was a skilled carpenter and an architect uncle, she was drawn to the craft of building and design from a young age. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Art History from Penn State University. In her fifth year, she studied abroad in Rome and traveled throughout Europe, which broadened her worldview and deepened her appreciation for classical and vernacular design. Now living in Philadelphia, Bethany enjoys long walks through the city, spending time with friends and family, and being a proud cat mom.

Ashley Kirk

Junior Architect

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Ashley supports residential designs at Period Architecture through modeling, drawing existing conditions, testing out new plan ideas, and looking for design inspiration. She brings an artistic eye and attention to detail to every objective and is passionate about traditional design and historic preservation. Growing up in Kennett Square, Ashley was inspired by the Pennsylvania countryside and a family connection to the architecture industry—her grandfather worked in the field and shared his love of drawing and modeling. She earned her degree in Architecture with a minor in Architectural History from Penn State University, where she studied abroad in Rome and developed her skills through observational watercolor painting.

Ashley gained experience in the industry by contributing to historic preservation efforts in Philadelphia and the surrounding areas. In her role supporting the design team, she enjoys solving spatial challenges, especially in complex renovations, and finds it most rewarding when a design successfully captures the homeowner’s vision. Outside the office, Ashley enjoys thrifting, solving puzzles, pursuing an ever-growing list of artistic endeavors, and exploring local coffee shops near her home.

Noah Gomez-Dueso

Intern Architect

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For Intern Architect, Noah Gomez-Dueso, the most exciting and rewarding parts of the design process are the early and final stages, where big ideas emerge and ultimately come to life through thoughtful development. Noah’s journey toward architecture began with a childhood of constructing villages and homes from building blocks. This love for building evolved into an appreciation for the beauty and purpose of design, which continues to inspire him today. Noah is a student at Drexel University pursuing his Bachelor of Architecture. His views and approach to architecture are shaped by the diverse people he meets—and the conversations he shares with them—in the ever-changing and culturally rich city of Philadelphia.

Originally from Ramsey, New Jersey, a small town rich in historical charm, Noah’s early exposure to both traditional American architecture and the dynamic, diverse designs of New York City ignited his passion for the built environment. Growing up as a first-generation American, he frequently traveled with his family to Germany and Spain, where he encountered a range of architectural styles that deepened his interest in design. When he’s not working, Noah enjoys staying active, whether it’s working out at the gym, exploring Philadelphia, or playing pickup soccer. He’s an avid soccer fan and a devoted supporter of FC Barcelona.

Sam Bouchard

Intern Architect

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With an ever-growing curiosity for buildings and the stories they convey, Intern Architect Sam Bouchard brings genuine enthusiasm and careful attention to detail to every task. Raised in a scenic New England village in Massachusetts and influenced by his family’s Italian heritage, Sam developed a great appreciation for traditional architecture. His early love of drawing and composition later evolved into a deeper fascination with how people interact with the built environment. This foundation continues to inform his strong interest in human-centered design and architectural visualization.

Sam currently attends Drexel University, where he has complemented his academic studies with hands-on industry experience, from surveying and documenting existing conditions to rendering photorealistic, three-dimensional models. He is particularly drawn to residential architecture for its personal nature and the opportunity to create homes that reflect each homeowner’s individuality. In between his internship and coursework, he enjoys exploring Philadelphia and its thriving food scene, watching sports, and photographing architecture and nature on his travels.

Katelyn McNamara

Curator

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Katelyn’s journey into the world of design began in her hometown of Alexandria, Virginia. Surrounded by 18th and 19th century architecture, a class assignment prompted her to create a portfolio of drawings based solely on written descriptions of architecture. The creativity and challenge of transferring design from the mind’s eye to paper inspired her pursuit of a career in architecture. During her bachelor’s program at Lehigh University, she studied abroad in Italy, where her appreciation for classical design, art history, and observational drawing flourished.

“What I find most exciting about architecture is an idea coming to life visually,” Katelyn explains. “The way in which we translate imagination into reality is ever evolving and it’s exciting to be involved in that portion of design and visualizations.” She continued her education, receiving a master’s degree in management. She now uses her knowledge in architecture and business to focus her efforts on curating and presenting the firm’s visual endeavors.

Outside of the firm, Katelyn likes to stay active, both physically and mentally, by attending fitness classes, playing in a soccer league, reading, and watching films. She also loves to satisfy her adventurous spirit by spending time outdoors, exploring new cities, and traveling abroad.

Mary McCluskey

Administrative Assistant

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With a strong background in business development and relationship-building, Mary is energized by the opportunity to contribute to strengthening connections between the team and the local community. She is deeply drawn to Period Architecture’s dedication to historic preservation and its thoughtful approach to design, while learning from the firm’s meticulous approach to integrating new work within its historical context.

Mary attended Fordham University, where she double majored in psychology and music. Her studies, blending history, theory, and creativity, enriched her love for both the arts and community engagement. Mary’s time at Fordham is where she found deep fulfillment in community outreach and charity work, and also included a memorable semester in London and a chance to sing at Carnegie Hall.

Mary grew up in West Chester, Pennsylvania, where her creative family fostered her love for the arts. Her grandfather, a drafter, and her aunt, a real estate agent, were particularly influential in shaping her creative interests. Mary’s upbringing encouraged her to explore a wide range of artistic endeavors. Outside of work, she’s an avid musician, passionate about the environment, and enjoys outdoor activities like hiking, kickboxing, and exploring new places.