IRVINE, Calif. - KTGY, an award-winning design firm focused on architecture, interior design, branded environments and urban design, is proud to announce the elevation of three leaders to the role of principal as well as the promotion of 77 team members across the firm. The elevations recognize those team members who consistently strive to make a positive impact within their studio and to elevate the role of built spaces in people's lives.
Geoff Graney, Timothy Schwarz and Zac Miles have risen to the position of principal and represent expertise in urban design, architectural and interior design. As long-time contributors who have grown within their studios, they bring deep experience as mentors and designers and are well positioned to help guide the firm at a leadership level.
"We are excited to celebrate Geoff, Tim and Zac who have each been with the firm for over a decade," says Jill Williams, chairman of the board. "During that time, they have shown dedication to mentoring the next generation of team members, supporting our clients with thoughtful people-centric approaches to design, and firmwide growth."
In conjunction with the recent promotions, the firm also celebrates being named one of the nation's Great Places to Work for a second year. This recognition reinforces the firm's belief that people are at the heart of KTGY.
"We are honored to be recognized again as a Great Place to Work," said Tricia Esser, CEO. "The overwhelming feedback from our team confirms that the culture we have built — rooted in collaboration, work/life balance, a strong sense of community and making time to have fun together — reflects what our people value most."
KTGY's diverse service offerings and local expertise, combined with its commitment to generation-to-generation leadership, continue to propel the firm's growth. In 2025, the highly ranked firm was named #30 on Interior Design's Rising Giants list and #35 on Architectural Record's Top 300 Architectural Firms.
NEW PRINCIPALS NAMED:
Geoff Graney, based in our Irvine, California office, is an urban designer and planner with more than 25 years of experience. Geoff's talent is to infuse the client's needs with a creative and clear vision that leads to exceptional design. He is accomplished at developing practical solutions for complex projects, creating outstanding results. With diverse experience, Geoff has provided innovative design services for resorts, sports, entertainment, waterfront, mixed-use, transit and master-planned communities.
Timothy Schwarz is a multidisciplinary designer focused on interior architecture and design and brand development. Creative but calculated, he puts his considerable experience into design that captivates the senses and forges an emotional connection with the user. Tim is a key leader and a decision-maker in the growth and ongoing operations of the firm's Chicago, Illinois office, with decades of design and leadership experience. He leads multiple, high-design and large-scale projects that encompass all aspects of development from the initial concept to final implementation.
Zac Miles is a principal in KTGY's Oakland, California office, where his leadership and attention to detail deliver high-quality housing in one of the country's most challenging development environments. As a thought leader in the industry, Zac speaks on construction innovation, sustainability and addressing market challenges through design. With 15 years at the firm, Zac is also one of the key leaders who guide KTGY toward new possibilities that can transform the built environment for our clients and communities.
ADDITIONAL PROMOTIONS:
KTGY celebrates our team members' successes in 2025, recognizing the following individuals for their achievements and contributions to the firm's growth.
Architecture, Interior Design and Planning Team Members
- Associate Principals: Patricia Booker, Lily Ciammaichella, Adam Hale, Federico Soifer
- Directors: Bindiya Agarwal, Jessica Alexander, Russell Flynn, Jeremy Haak, Jonathan Jaeger, Edward Kim, Jesse Robeson
- Senior Designers (Architecture & Interior Design): Kenny Cho, Anthony Corbin, Florence Graham, Jae Hwang, Cristy Worden
- Senior Job Captain: Jack Hamilton
- Senior Project Managers: Laura Blumberg, Jennifer FitzGibbon, Iomara Martinez, Manuel Roman, Priscila Sanchez, Christina Thackrey
- Project Managers & Interior Design Managers: Jesus Alfonso, Quinn Andersen, Cecilia Cardenas-Gomez, Miguel Lopez Espinoza, Rachel Feit, Madelyn Hianik, Ava Mohebbi, Amy Riondet, Andres Valdez
- Job Captains: Alyssa Barber, William Carreon, Evan Chang, Grace Choi, Kaila Colley, Cristina Difazio, Adrienne Gullia, Doohyun Kim, Jessica Lam, Robert Nishigawa, Ava Omidvar, Kovy Rojas, Syeda Shahed, Hyma Shibu, Rodolfo Urioste Parada, Melissa Uyuni, Allen Wang, Zhou Zhang
- Project Designers: Victor Gonzalez, Russel Rosales, Edgar Toledo
- Project Associates: Kristal Audish, Shilpa Gupta, Skaila Mendoza, Jared Pablo Perez, Steven Rodriguez
- Designers (Architecture & Interior Design): Rachael Barba, Landry Cazier, Eli Cordova, Evanna Diaz, Kirsten Juskiewicz, Shannon McQuaid, Eunice Roh, Will Rundquist, Brandon Saiz, JD Zogg
- Planner: Jeff Choi
Administrative Functions
- Finance/Accounting: Monica Cantu, Accounting Associate and Daniel Meneley, Senior Project Accountant
- Human Resources: Kai Duong, Human Resource Coordinator and Ashley Kang, Senior Human Resources Generalist
- Marketing: Colin McLeod, Senior Content Marketing Writer
- Operations: Alexandra Blanchet, Design Technology Manager, Ashley Bowlin, Administration Director, and Daniel Lopez, Knowledge Manager
About KTGY
Design lives at KTGY. Founded in 1991, KTGY is an award-winning firm of architects, designers and planners that realize new possibilities through inspired design. Everything we do, from architecture and interior design to branded environments and urban design is based on a people-centric storytelling and design process that creates memorable experiences nationwide. Guided by our mission to bring innovative design to all people and places, we partner with our clients to envision spaces that make a positive impact on people and their communities.
Visit www.ktgy.com.
Media Contact
Company Name: KTGY
Contact Person: Brianne Wagner, Director, Demand Marketing
Email: Send Email
Phone: 18884565849
Address:17911 Von Karman Avenue Suite 200
City: Irvine
State: CA
Country: United States
Website: http://ktgy.com
