TANYA CARRIERE
Tanya Carriere is President and a Registered Architect at KDI. She manages a wide range of project types from initial conception through completion, as well as the firm’s business operations. Since high school, she has been passionate about residential architecture and fascinated with floor plans, particularly seeing how spaces can be fully optimized for the occupant of the space. As a young child, and even still today, she was an avid watcher of This Old House and enjoys seeing the construction projects come to life on the show. This led to her decision to study Architecture where she decided to complete her studies at Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston.
Tanya is passionate about working on multi-family and mixed-use buildings, particularly urban infill developments, and thoroughly enjoys working closely with clients and the project team while engaging with the local community civic groups and city departments during the approval processes. She hopes that KDI will continue to focus on sustainable design projects and remain to play an important role in providing much needed and diverse housing options for the greater Boston area.
“You can’t use up creativity. The more you use, the more you have.”
– Maya Angelou
EVAN STELLMAN
Evan is a Partner and Registered Architect at KDI. He obtained his Master of Architecture degree from Wentworth Institute of Technology in 2015 and has been with the Khalsa Design team since graduating. From a young age, Evan had a passion for architecture and urban design that was fueled by building blocks, Legos, K-Nex, sketching, and computer games (Roller Coaster Tycoon, Sims, etc.…). A pivotal moment in Evan’s childhood came while he was haphazardly sketching out a floor plan with secret tunnels to bowling alleys and soccer fields. His grandmother looked over his shoulder and said, “a woman doesn’t want to walk all that way from the garage to the kitchen with her groceries,” which, unbeknownst to her, ignited a curiosity for Evan to observe how people interacted with the built environment. His current designs have not yet incorporated any secret tunnels or bowling alleys, but he has a repertoire in his portfolio for when the opportunity presents itself.
Evan enjoys pushing the envelope on how everyday materials can be used in unique ways and how typical building forms can be manipulated to create unique structures without breaking the bank. One of his favorite projects is the Façade Renovation at 300 Bent Street, where a windowless data center was used as a canvas for a series of gradient panels. He has also enjoyed working on “The Block,” which will be a collection of retail and maker’s spaces in Downtown Natick.
Evan’s vision for the future for KDI is to embrace diversification of project types and continue to expand KDI’s culture of providing staff the necessary resources to excel.
“The pessimist complains about the wind; the optimist expects it to change; the realist adjusts the sails.”
-William Arthur Ward
NERIJUS BUBNELIS
Nerijus Bubnelis is a Partner and Project Manager at KDI. Nerijus has always been interested in built environments. His interest began where he grew up, Kaunas, Lithuania. In Kaunas, he spent his summers helping on his grandparents’ farm where he built structures to make farming more efficient. His career path was planted then, where he went on to study Civil Engineering in Lithuania. After deciding to move to the United States, he continued his education in Architecture at Boston Architectural College. BAC is a practice-based school, which allowed Nerijus to work closely with multiple structural engineers. They exchanged knowledge of design and structure in residential architecture. He enjoys the process of how buildings come together and takes great attention to detail. In 2016 Nerijus joined Khalsa Design, and the story continues.
Outside of architecture, Nerijus enjoys playing basketball, going to the beach, and traveling with his family.
Nerijus appreciates the opportunity to be involved in all phases of projects, from design to occupancy. He has managed a wide range of projects – one of his favorites is 212 Hampshire Street, which is a mixed-use building that won a Cambridge Historic Preservation Award,
“Never say never, because limits, like fears, are often just an illusion”
– Michael Jordan
WILLIAM CHALFANT
William joined KDI in 2011 and has been integral in the success of numerous KDI projects. His passion for architecture started with his love of LEGO’s and carpentry. He finds great satisfaction in seeing something go from a concept sketch to a real-life building. Will also values how Architecture allows us to shape communities and create actual change in a concrete fashion through thoughtful design and collaboration with neighborhoods.
As a passionate advocate for reuse of space, Will particularly enjoys working on adaptive reuse projects, where he’s able to think outside of the box in order to repurpose an existing structure. Will’s strong problem-solving skills bring his work to the next level, as reuse projects typically present unique design challenges.
Will takes great pride in the EnVision Hotel in Everett. This building was a former shoe factory that was turned into a boutique 101 room hotel.
Will’s hope for the future is to include more green practices into KDI’s designs while focusing on creating flexible spaces that can evolve depending on the user’s current and future needs.
DANIEL MARTINEZ
Daniel Martinez is a Project Manager at KDI and works on a wide range of project types of different scales and complexities at the firm. He completed his Master of Architecture in 2020 and Bachelor in Sustainable Design 2016 at The Boston Architectural College and earned commendations for his degree & thesis projects, which involved different aspects of sustainable planning.
Daniel is a passionate designer with advanced creative and technical skills which brings fresh ideas to each project. Part of his artistic endeavor stems from his passion for dancing and competing at a young age, approaching design with the same critical mindset and attention to detail.
He has been on the KDI team since 2018. In relation to his experience with KDI, he enjoys the positive team culture and growth opportunities within the firm, while undertaking exciting projects.
JEFFREY RYAN
Jeff is a Construction Administrator here at KDI. At 16 years old Jeff spent a year exploring Barcelona. This is where his passion for change was cemented. From a young age to now he has been driven by the potential to create change through art and design. This introduction into urban life led to Jeff spending several decades living and working in New York City.
At KDI, Jeff has found a team who inspires him every day. He values how the firm fosters a desire to think beyond the obvious. It keeps him on his continuous path to reimagine a new built world.
Through these experiences, Jeff has embraced the words of Douglas Adams- “The answer to the ultimate question of life, the universe and everything is 42.”
MATTHEW BONACCI
Matt is one of KDI’s project managers. He received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture at Wentworth Institute of Technology and has over 10 years of experience working in the architectural field. Matt started out in the commercial design side of architecure before joining KDI and now enjoys working on different types of mixed-use and multifamily residential buildings, where his passions lay.
Matt enjoys spending time with his wife, his daughter, and his family, making memories along the way. He is a huge Boston sports fan and goes to many games. In Matt’s free time he makes cornhole boards, plays in softball and darts leagues, builds with Legos and travels. When he was at Wentworth, Matt was able to have an experience of a lifetime and studied abroad in Berlin, Germany. Here he was exposed to new forms of architecture and was able to travel Europe to expand his knowledge even more.
Matt really enjoys working at KDI because of the close relationships he has built with his colleagues.With KDI, Matt knows he will continue to learn and grow in the architectural field.
“Perfection is not attainable, but if we chase perfection, we can catch excellence.”
– Vince Lombardi
ILIA LERA
Ilia is a Senior Drafter and has been with KDI since 2004. Originally from Albania, Ilia had to learn everything about designing from scratch. Through the years, he’s been able to become an expert in his work and now actively works with all of our project managers, to design and build for numerous projects.
Coming from another country with different ways of designing and building, Ilia has learned a lot in this office. Wood construction isn’t common in Europe, so his first time learning and applying it was with KDI. Ilia’s dedication to learning and his work stems from his love of seeing a building grow from a simple idea to a full set of plans. Ilia chose architecture because he enjoys the emotions felt when he watches his projects come to life.
Aside from work, Ilia takes a great interest in soccer. He keeps up with the professional teams and watches games when he can.
An example of his favorite work is the West Roxbury Project, which he worked on with KDI’s founder, Jai Singh Khalsa.
VICMARIE SANTIAGO
Vicmarie J. Santiago is a young professional who graduated from the Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico with a Bachelor’s in Architecture and recently earned her Master of Design Studies in Historic Preservation from the Boston Architectural College. She also completed Urban Planning courses at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia in Barcelona, Spain. Vicki is an architectural designer with experience in Architectural millwork and adaptive reuse in historic buildings around the Greater Boston are, where she has lived since 2016 with her wife and daughter.
“Preservation engages the past in a conversation with the present over a mutual concern for the future”
-William Murtagh
MAJID ISHAN
Majid’s Experience at KDI since his start in 2017 has been extensive. He’s been able to help all of our project managers with proposals, zoning analyses, shadow studies, and project renderings.
Majid enjoys working on all projects at any size and scope as it’s given him the skill set to be a well-rounded designer. Majid chose Architecture becaue he likes how his work comes to life and architecture allows one to forger about all the moments of struggle when you get to walk inside, or pass by, a buildingtht you’ve designed, and see how happy people are to live or work ina beautiful and safe space. Majid is passionate about his position at KDI. His favorite part about his job is collaborating with architects, project managers, and principals to develop design proposals. He also enjoys the process of exploring design concepts that reflect the client’s criteria, while addressing the comments and requirements of the local municipalities. Majid is most proud of helping the company develop the rendering department as his focus is on the graphic presentation of projects.
Majid believes that KDI is a perfect platform for architectural designers to develop a wide range of skills to become a well-rounded Architect.
“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?”
-Zaha Hadid
KACI CREDEUR
Kaci as an Architectural Drafter and Renderer for KDI. She obtained a Bachelor’s in Architectural studies in May 2020 from the University of Louisiana at Lafayette. Kaci is currently working towards a Master of Architecture at Boston Architectural College. Kaci recently made the move to Boston from her home in South Louisiana. Outside of the office, Kaci likes to spend her time reading and visiting art museums.
Kaci’s favorite part about working at KDI is how helpful her coworkers are. she has been able to learn quickly through consistent help when questions arise.
“For me, becoming isn’t about arriving somewhere or achieving a certain aim. I see it instead as a forward motion, a means of evolving, a way to reach continuously toward a better self.”
-Michelle Obama (Becoming)
RENE ROBINSON
Rene is an Architectural Drafter at KDI, where she brings her passion for design and drawing to life. With an extensive background in the design industry, Rene’s contributions to the KDI team go beyond her technical expertise. Her creative journey began during a drafting class in high school, where her interests in fashion, sculpting, illustration, and design came together and fueled her creative spirit.
This unique blend of influences continues to inspire Rene’s dedication to design. For her, the transition from conceptual sketches to tangible structures mirrors her deep appreciation for the transformative nature of architecture. Rene firmly believes that architecture has the power to redefine people’s perceptions of their spaces and the surrounding environment. At KDI, this belief translates into shaping not only physical spaces but also fostering a shared identity within a dynamic community.
Rene’s commitment to her craft finds an ideal home at KDI, a place where she can continuously grow and expand her skill set.
PAXTON JONES
Paxton is KDI’s Office Manager and Bookkeeper. he began at KDI with a diverse background. His prior experience ranges from public libraries to nonprofit retail, and private sector logistics. He helps keep the office organized and plays an important role in the success of the company through his attention to detail. Paxton’s favorite part about working for KDI is the relaxed, yet competent work culture. This environment allows him to flourish in the work setting.
Outside of the office, Paxton enjoys online gaming and Worldbuilding. He also spends time with his two cats, named Itty Bitty and Alucard, whom he loves very much.
“The talented apprentice makes all things; the master makes all things possible.”
-Unknown
BERNIE DOODLE
Bernie enjoys his position as lead Barkitect and daytime security system. His favorite part of KDI is how friendly the staff is and all of the attention that he gets.
“Always bite the hand that feeds you.”
-Himself (chomp chomp)