Team Biographies
Joseph Sepot, AIA, Principal
As founder and principal of the firm, Joe oversees and manages a team of design professionals to ensure that each phase of every project successfully meets client objectives, timeline, and budget. Joe expertly navigates each project from initial conceptual sketch and design development through construction completion. He has extensive experience in healthcare design, laboratory space planning, workplace design, commercial, institutional, and residential design. Joe’s early training was with the renowned firm of Kevin Roche John Dinkeloo & Associates (KRJDA).
EDUCATION
Pratt Institute, Brooklyn, NY –
Bachelor of Architecture, 1985
Pratt Institute, School of Architecture Rome, Italy — Overseas Program
MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Architects
Connecticut Society of Architects
National Trust for Historic Preservation
REGISTRATION
Architect – Connecticut, Massachusetts, New York, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island
Interior Designer – Connecticut
NCARB Certified
James Reilly, Senior Project Manager
Jim has managed projects from initial sketch through to post-production completion at JSA since joining the firm in 2003. He has vast experience in design development and construction administration, especially in the areas of commercial and residential design. Jim communicates directly with clients, consultants, construction teams, and in-house staff. Prior to joining JSA, Jim was an architectural designer at KRJDA.
EDUCATION
Virginia Polytechnic Institute &
State University, Blacksburg, VA
Bachelor of Architecture, 1992
Randall Siress, Senior Architect
Randy has worked with JSA since 2012. As senior architect, he provides each phase of project development with comprehensive technical knowledge and experience in construction administration, working directly with clients, consultants, construction teams, and in-house staff. Randy was formerly affiliated with KRJDA. He is licensed to practice architecture in Connecticut and Illinois.
EDUCATION
University of Illinois,
Champaign, IL
Master of Architecture, 1978
Bachelor of Science in
Architectural Studies, 1975
École Nationale Des Beaux-Arts,
Versailles, France, 1975
MEMBERSHIPS
Guilford Preservation Alliance
REGISTRATION
Architect – Connecticut, Illinois
NCARB Certified
Marcela Staudenmaier, Architectural Designer
Marcela joined JSA in 2017 as an architectural designer with an expertise in interior design. Formerly with the firm of Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects, she brings twelve years of experience in the development and implementation of design concepts for healthcare and research centers, office and academic buildings, as well as mixed-use projects for private clients, businesses, and institutions.
EDUCATION
Universidad Nacional de Tucumán, School of Architecture and Urban Planning, San Miguel de Tucumán, Argentina
Degree in Architecture,
Graduated with Honors, 1996
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Certificate in Children’s Book
Illustration, 2014
MEMBERSHIPS
American Institute of Architects – Associate
Arts Council of Greater New Haven
Society of Children's Book Writers and Illustrators
REGISTRATION
Architect – Argentina
LEED Green Associate
Marilyn Gillion, Architectural Designer/Visualization Specialist
Working directly with Joe and the project team, Marilyn plays an integral role in all phases of the design process. By creating detailed 3D models that facilitate comprehensive visualizations, Marilyn works alongside Joe to develop a design from initial concept through final design. The extensive models Marilyn produces allow the refinement of detailing that provide both schematic and photo realistic views of the project. For ten years, prior to joining JSA in 2018, Marilyn was director of visualization at KRJDA.
EDUCATION
Rhode Island School of Design, Providence, RI
Bachelor of Architecture, 2004
Bachelor of Fine Arts, 2003
European Honors Program, Rome, Italy, 2002
REGISTRATION
LEED AP BD+C
Griffin Ware, Draftsperson
Griffin joined JSA as a draftsperson in early 2023 with one year of professional experience in a full-service architecture firm. He is well-versed in documenting existing conditions and is proficient in reviewing technical specifications and assisting in the preparation of construction documents for healthcare, commercial, and residential clients. Griffin was formerly with Tecton Architects in Hartford.
EDUCATION
University of Hartford,
Hartford, CT
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Design + Technology, 2022
Brenna Cofske, Architectural Designer/Draftsperson
Brenna joined JSA as an architectural designer/draftsperson in October 2023 with three years of professional experience in full-service architecture firms, including the NES Group in the greater Boston area. She actively contributes to the design and documentation of healthcare, institutional laboratories, and residential projects from the beginning of design through construction documents. Brenna is well-versed in documenting existing conditions in two- and three-dimensional formats.
EDUCATION
Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston, MA
Master of Science in Architecture, 2023
