Andrew Ashey is Principal and Co-founder of AAmp Studio, based in Portland and Toronto. Andrew is a Registered Architect in Maine who holds degrees from Yale School of Architecture (M.Arch), The New School (M.Arts) and Northeastern University (B.Science). He currently serves as the Architalx Board President, is on the Board of Directors for AIA Maine, and is a studio instructor at University of Maine Augusta Architecture. He grew up in New Hampshire and lives with his husband in Portland’s Deering Highlands neighborhood.
Trained as a graphic designer and photo art director, Tanja Cesh is also the founder of a sustainable fashion brand called Mulxiply (pronounced "multiply"). While her studio and shop are based in Portland, Maine, the modern collection of apparel and accessories is produced in collaboration with artists and craftspeople in Nepal — keeping heritage handicraft alive.
Soren deNiord has been working in the field of Landscape Architecture for over 20 years. He has a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development from Hampshire College. Soren has worked extensively throughout the United States and abroad on projects ranging in scale from residential design to public art, educational facilities and state land planning. His background in land-use policy and fine arts strongly informs his design sensibilities and creative problem solving.
Danielle Devine is the editor of Maine Home+Design, where she thrives on the constant discovery that comes with covering the world of design. Every day brings new insights, deepening her appreciation for Maine’s creative landscape. Outside of work, Danielle embraces the outdoors, exploring the state’s beauty with her husband, an architect, and their two young daughters.
Steve Hoffman is an architect with over 20 years of experience in design, teaching, and community development. Before joining Simons Architects in 2021, he ran a design-build practice in New York City and worked on educational projects in Maine. His work spans public interest, retail, hospitality, and residential design, with a focus on efficiency and innovation. Originally from South Louisiana, he now lives in Portland, where he enjoys art, cooking, gardening, and the outdoors. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Auburn University and is a Certified Passive House Designer.
Kim is the founder of Doula x Design, based in Portland. She is a registered architect, certified birth and postpartum doula, and certified lactation counselor, focused on the intersection of design and birth. She examines the role that environment plays throughout the perinatal period, and seeks to reframe childbirth as a societal topic, rather than a women’s issue, with the goal of increasing awareness and improving the maternal healthcare system. Kim was an original founder of SHoP Architects in New York City.
Ashley Lepre is an architect based in Portland, Maine. She holds a Master of Architecture from UMass Amherst and an undergraduate degree from Bates College. After relocating to Maine in 2019, she began her career in commercial architecture with a focus on higher education projects. Ashley later transitioned to residential architecture, drawn to the distinctiveness of the homes that support the Maine lifestyle. Ashley began attending Architalx lectures in 2021 and was inspired by the diverse discussions and design perspectives the series offers. She joined the Architalx board for the 2022 season.
Grace is a landscape designer at Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture. At AKLA Grace has been involved with projects at every scale, from high end residential projects, to multiunit housing co-ops, to writing design standard ordinances. This variety of experiences makes Grace a versatile and adaptable designer, who ultimately is interested in fostering the growth and development of a world designed with our collective future in mind.
Greg Norton is a South Portland native with a background in civil engineering and architecture. His diverse experience includes nuclear facility design, historic renovations, and thermal energy modeling. Now at Knickerbocker Group, he focuses on scaling the Prefabrication Division with a commitment to sustainable design. Outside of work, Greg enjoys coaching softball, disc golf, camping, and pen-and-ink sketching—all while striving to be a strong role model for his daughters.
Lauren is the founding principal at LR/ARC, a boutique architecture firm committed to detail, craftsmanship, and a seamless integration between architecture and landscape. She has served on several committees to improve the architectural profession and public education. Originally from the Hudson Valley, she now lives in Portland with her husband and three children.
As a Creative Director working with the AEC industry, Kim uses good design to solve problems. Raised by parents involved in historic preservation, she developed a deep appreciation for design early on. Today, she channels that passion into working with like-minded people, leveraging branding to shape the built environment.
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Jacob Soley is the Director of Development at East Brown Cow - a real estate investment, development, and management company based in Portland, Maine. With a background in urban and architectural planning and design, he holds a B.S. from Cornell College of Architecture, Art, & Planning and has a longstanding passion for cities and the built environment.
Mike started his own residential design/build practice after several years in engineering design and consulting and commercial construction management. The focus of his practice is driven by his desire to create clean, modern spaces rooted in functional design and sustainable practices. Mike now splits his time with being a stay-at-home-dad as well.
Groundbreaking architects and designers who inspired Portland’s community through their innovative lectures.
Explore inspiring moments from our lecture series and community events. Discover the ideas, speakers, and connections that celebrate architecture and design in Maine.
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