The Studio

Shane M. Burley, AIA, NCARB

founding principal

Shane is a founding principal at Studio Detroit. A Lawrence Tech grad, Shane was inspired by Detroit and saw a great future for the city early in his career. His multidisciplinary talents and unending passion for meaningful design, innovative problem solving, and critical thinking guide the direction and success of the firm. His commitment to outstanding customer service is second to none. He’s one of those guys that just gets it done–and done right.

shane@studio-detroit.com

Kevin J. Crosby, AIA, NCARB

founding principal

Kevin is a founding principal at Studio Detroit who believes architecture can (and should) uplift people and add something positive to our lives each day. Whether a large and complex project affecting thousands, or a simple home for a single family, Kevin’s attention to detail, ability to understand the user’s needs, and commitment to excellent design and project execution remain the same. When outside of the studio, you can find him sailing up the Detroit River out to Lake St. Clair with his family – weather permitting.

kevin@studio-detroit.com

Rebecca Haase

FInanace manager

Rebecca helps to keep the finances in order for Studio Detroit.  She gained her experience in bookkeeping and accounting early in her career through the jobs she worked while completing a BS in Business Management at U of M- Dearborn.  After college she continued to work on the finance side of business in financial management positions until taking some time away from the corporate world to start a family. These days, when not taking care of Studio Detroit’s finances, you will find her homeschooling her 3 children, helping her father-in-law balance his company books, cheering her son on at his gymnastics competitions, helping out at church, camping with her husband and kids, or relaxing at home with her family, friends and pet ducks.

rebecca@studio-detroit.com

Peter N. Pentescu, RA, NCARB

Project Architect

To Peter, the beauty of architecture is the union of the artistic concept and the technical details that make it work. Peter brings 10+ years of architectural experience to the studio and specializes in the technical aspects of construction documentation.When not in the office, Peter enjoys spending time with his family, taking his son to karate, and PC gaming. Peter is also highly involved in his home and is on the sound team as well as the praise team.

pete@studio-detroit.com

Anthony Biberston

Designer

The draw of architecture for Anthony is the interactions between people and the built environment. His focus is understanding these interactions and enhancing them through design. When he is not at the office, he enjoys spending time with his wife and four children and renovating his home in Port Huron.

anthony@studio-detroit.com

Cassandra Kail, LEED AP

Project architect

Cassandra has always felt that everyone; regardless of their social standing, deserves a comfortable inspiring place to call home. This has fueled her passion for architecture since she was a child. A graduate from the University of Michigan and the University of Oregon’s Urban Architecture Program, Cassandra has focused much of her career on sustainable design. She has worked on many types of projects and has had a leading role in all phases of design.

cassandra@studio-detroit.com

Riley Rinnan

Designer

Riley’s initial interest in architecture began as a combination of her passions for mathematics and art. Sketching interiors and buildings while traveling in Detroit and beyond remains one of her favorite hobbies. She attended the University of Detroit Mercy for both her undergrad and graduate degrees in architecture. Her thesis ‘City Buoyant’ was concentrated on the global ecological crisis of water. She continues to put architecture’s impact on our surroundings at both a micro and macro scale at the forefront of her design process.

riley@studio-detroit.com

Steven H. Fournier, AIA, NCARB

Project Architect

Steven’s affinity for architecture stems from a deep appreciation for craft and a firm belief that good design can improve the lives of those who interact with it. He began his schooling studying fine art with a focus on ceramics, but the allure of working with the variety and scale that architecture can provide was far too enticing. After graduating from the University of Detroit Mercy, Steven has honed his skills working on a multiplicity of building typologies.

steven@studio-detroit.com

Nicole Tischler

Designer

Nicole has a BFA in graphic design from Lawrence Technological University and a master's degree in Architecture from the University of British Columbia in Vancouver. Her architectural focus is on the proliferation of co-housing, ‘tall’ timber construction methods, and the psychology of representation. Since returning to Detroit, she has been making things and working towards licensure. She continues a ballet and violin practice inspired by her interest in Vaudeville performances and theatre generally.

nicole@studio-detroit.com

Adam Coppersmith

Designer

Adam’s interest in architecture started at a young age with an interest in building and drawing. Those passions have translated to his career, believing that by truly understanding construction methods it can translate to good design. He attended the University of Detroit Mercy, where his passion for Detroit’s history and future has inspired him to advance his own career alongside the city. When not in the studio Adam enjoys home renovation projects and getting out for a ride on his bicycle.

adam@studio-detroit.com

Ellita Ledesma

project architect

Ellita holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy. Her passion for design and making were fostered in school and abroad throughout Poland and Europe. Excited by the hands-on approach and involvement in every step of truly unique and one-of-a-kind projects, Ellita is eager to contribute her design and technical skills to aid in the successful completion of any project. Her enthusiasm for making fuels her free time as a home baker. You can find Ellita in her small kitchen feeding her sourdough starter and taking days to perfect the perfect loaf.

ellita@studio-detroit.com

Zach Rathwell

Designer

Zach, who has an undergraduate and graduate degree in architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, is a passionate aspiring architect whose fascination in architecture comes from an interest in detailing the built environment. His desire to participate in and influence each step of the design process leads him to work with small and intimate teams where he can make a meaningful impact on each project. Outside the office, Zach can typically be found at a local ice rink playing hockey or taking his Great Dane, Ekko, to the park.

zach@studio-detroit.com

Bennett Graham

Designer

Bennett’s interest in architecture comes from their desire to work creatively and make impactful and thoroughly planned spaces. Viewing their work as a puzzle to create exceptional designs that are also fully thought-out systems is what drives them during any project. Bennett received their BS in Architecture from Kent State University while also minoring in Art History. When not in the office, Bennett likes to make linoleum prints and wander around Ypsi, Detroit, Ann Arbor or wherever else the moment finds them.

bennett@studio-detroit.com

Andrew Ashby

Designer

andrew@studio-detroit.com

Alec Seaman

Designer

Alec sees architecture and design through the lens of human behavior. He strives to design places that are interesting, functional, and intuitive. He is also fascinated by the variety of design scales, from handheld objects up to city planning. Alec earned his BS and M. Arch degrees from Lawrence Technological University where he also was a captain of the hockey team. Living in Detroit, he is passionate about being a member of the Detroit Community. After work hours, you can see Alec riding his bike around the city.

alec@studio-detroit.com

Larissa

Architectural Intern

Larissa has always been attracted to the experience of space and the various ways it can be catered to its user. Driven by her interests in graphic design, architecture, and phenomenology she strives to design thought-provoking and interpersonal spaces. Larissa is currently pursuing a BS in Architecture at the University of Detroit Mercy, with the intent of obtaining a Masters in both Architecture and Scenic Design. Larissa believes that space should capture more than visual appeal but also act as a physical timestamp of the human experience. In her free time, you can find Larissa creating graphics and spending time with friends and family.

larissa@studio-detroit.com

Bella Wagener

Architectural Intern

Bella’s passion for architecture came from her interest in art, science, and the built environment. Growing up with a pencil in one hand and paper in the other, she has always carefully observed the world around her, drawing what she sees and what she hopes to see in the future. Bella is currently in the process of obtaining her undergraduate architecture degree at the University of Detroit Mercy. In her schooling thus far, she has been exposed to a variety of topics including commercial and residential design, sustainable design, and urban design - all of which she has grown a keen interest in. Bella is looking forward to pursuing her masters following her undergraduate years. Outside of the studio, you can find Bella exploring new places, out on the water paddleboarding, or off-roading in her Jeep!

bella@studio-detroit.com

MENU

The Studio

Shane M. Burley, AIA, NCARB

founding principal

Kevin J. Crosby, AIA, NCARB

founding principal

Rebecca Haase

FInanace manager

Peter N. Pentescu, RA, NCARB

Project Architect

Anthony Biberston

Designer

Cassandra Kail, LEED AP

Project architect

Riley Rinnan

Designer

Steven H. Fournier, AIA, NCARB

Project Architect

Nicole Tischler

Designer

Adam Coppersmith

Designer

Ellita Ledesma

project architect

Zach Rathwell

Designer

Bennett Graham

Designer

Andrew Ashby

Designer

Alec Seaman

Designer

Larissa

Architectural Intern

Bella Wagener

Architectural Intern

Studio Detroit is always seeking creative and qualified talent. If you are interested in furthering your design career with a collaborative studio, please email your portfolio and resume to careers@studio-detroit.com.