ABOUT THE FIRM

We are experienced problem solvers with a thirst to “make it better”. We create consciously and innovatively. Architecture is our outlet for doing so. Plan Architecture is a full-service design firm which specializes in producing innovative client-driven program-based architectural design and budget appropriate problem solving. Plan Architecture's mission is to arrive at client and site specific architectural solutions to unique client demands. Our firm produces work for public, commercial and residential clients. Beyond architectural design, Plan Architecture's depth of services includes: Feasibility Analysis, Programming, Master Planning, Interior Design, Renovation, Alterations, Additions, Bidding and Negotiation and Construction Administration.


OUTREACH

Community outreach is tantamount to the virtues of Plan Architecture. We are proud to sponsor the Daniel D’Agostino, AIA ’06 / Plan Architecture Scholarship; awarded to five full-time undergraduate architecture or interior design students at NJIT, entering their second or third year with a 3.0 GPA and who demonstrate excellence in design.'



Founder

Dan D'Agostino, AIA
An architect with over two decades of experience, Dan D’Agostino has extensive experience working on projects of varying scales. Founding Plan Architecture, their portfolio of work ranges from new builds and renovations to single-family dwellings and high-rise mixed-use buildings in dense urban areas. Plan’s work has been recognized on multiple levels, having won an AIA Gold Medal for a mixed-use structure designed for Lower Manhattan, A 2021 Luxe Red Award, landing recurring appearances on NBC's George to the Rescue, and achieving the coveted "Best Of" award on Houzz. He received his bachelor of architecture degree from the New Jersey School of Architecture at NJIT, where he continues to serve as a visiting critic. Dan is also a member of the American Institute of Architects.


TEAM

Frank Troia, AIA | Project Architect
Frank Troia began his design career at Plan Architecture, which lands him as a senior member of our team. He exemplifies excellence in design and construction knowledge; and showcases a combination of functionality, simplicity, balance and clean lines while drafting. As a student at NJIT, he received three Design Showcase Awards, which prepared him to bridge the gap between Luxury Residential and Mixed Use Medium Density architecture. Frank’s key projects have been the Haworth Build, Amplitude House, Lofts on Main, Abbe at Little Falls.

Chris Lopez | Registered Architect
Chris Lopez is an experienced Registered Architect who recently joined Plan Architecture. He graduated from NJIT in 2006 and has since honed his skills in residential construction. With over 15 years of experience in the field, Chris brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to the team. He is dedicated to providing high-quality design solutions that meet his clients' needs and exceed their expectations. Chris is known for his attention to detail and his ability to work collaboratively with clients and other professionals to ensure successful project outcomes.

Tina Konstas | Lead Interior Designer
Tina Konstas is the lead interior designer at Plan Architecture whose philosophy is that design can be anything:  any color, style, or size. Her designs are often luxury-meets-functionality in the most prolific of ways. Often complimented on her creativity, Tina is not only an amazing communicator but she thinks “outside the box,” which allows our clients’ spaces to transform into visual masterpieces of personality. She received her degree from Kean where she continues to teach. While at KEAN, she received the Dean’s Award and 1st Dibs Pin to Win.  


Kim Palmer | Lead Interior Designer
Kim Palmer joins the Plan Architecture team with years of experience working in high-end residential spaces all along the East Coast. Her passion for interior design was planted at a young age and took root during her studies at High Point University and Florence, Italy. Often inspired by her travels abroad, Kim strives to connect the patterns of her client’s lives and personalities with the many layers of their home. She works closely with her clients to make sure that the design not only looks beautiful, but functions well for their everyday lives. Kim’s goal is to create an environment that you love to call home.

Jesse Lee DeRosa | Studio Director
With over a decade of designing experience, Jesse DeRosa serves as a Studio Director here at Plan Architecture. After receiving his Bachelors of Architecture degree at NJIT, he serves us as a leader in the field and, as such, handles our most in-demand luxury development. With a clean and simple design aesthetic, Jesse worked as the project lead on the Natty House, Lake Road House and Dono House. His taste for design and sense of humor not only allows him to create unique architectural spaces, but he also makes the process personal, engaging, and fun. When he is not designing, he enjoys listening to music, watching movies, and enjoying comics, backyard sports, camping, and…long walks on the beach.

A.J. Alvarez, C.D. | Studio Director, Lead Architectural Designer
A veteran to the design field, A.J.’s work exemplifies that which is unique and customized, yet balanced and functional. A.J. has won multiple design awards; starting with a design competition resulting in a First Place, Full Scholarship (by unanimous decision of the judges) at the NJIT National Scholarship Competition when he was a junior in high school. With over two decades experience in residential, commercial, and light industrial design; A.J. greets clients with his charisma, understands their needs, and can transform their spaces into proud masterpieces. A.J.’s personal mantra showcases his passion for architecture: “If music is the soundtrack to life, then architecture is the set design.”


Michael Vecchione | Controller, Office Manager
Michael Vecchione brings over twenty-five years of experience in finance, accounting and administration, and serves as Plan Architecture’s Controller and Office Manager. His close attention to detail not only inspires an efficient work space, but it also promotes structure and competence. Michael prides himself on being a family-man and is mostly proud of his beautiful and talented daughter. When he is not working, Michael can be found enjoying his grandchildren or reading the latest Roman novels.

Stephen Santana | Architectural Project Manager 
Graduating from Florida Atlantic University with a Bachelors of Architecture, Stephen has had the opportunity to study and research at the Bauhaus in Germany and Rhode Island School of Design. During his studies he has received awards such as the Tau Sigma Delta Honor Society in Architecture Award, Certificate of Merit for Excellent Performance from the American Institute of Architects and exhibited his work through his research of the Architecture of Constructed Paintings at the Wenzel Hablik Museum in Germany. With his passion for Architecture, Stephen has worked on a wide range of projects from commercial and medical to high end residential. He aims to develop creative and functional spaces that are aesthetically pleasing by showcasing them through his skills in three dimensional modeling, bringing your vision to reality.

Wil Gumucio | Project Manager
A graduate of NJIT, Wil Gumucio has over 2 decades experience working in architectural design. In this time, Wil has worked on numerous residential projects of varying sizes, allowing him a key insight into the design requirements of clients. Wil loves to travel and has done so extensively. He also enjoys freehand drawing, photography and comic books. 


MaryPat Podest | Office Administrator / Executive Assistant
Enthusiastic and a multitasker at heart, MaryPat brings with her a wealth of experience ranging from corporate recruiting to childcare. Her interpersonal and time-management skills have equipped her with the ability to facilitate all aspects of communications and day-to-day administrative functions. When she’s not communicating with clients or tackling a new task at the office, you can likely find her spending time with her family at her home in Washington Township or her favorite place, Long Beach Island.

Allyssa Silver | Office Administrator
With half a decade of experience, Allyssa’s main goal is to keep the office in order and on schedule. She assists with daily office tasks. Born and raised in Lyndhurst, she is a lifelong New Jersey native with a soft spot for animals!

Oscar Lopez | Architectural Draftsman 
Mr. Lopez is a highly effective and enthusiastic Colombian Architect with over 15 years of experience in all phases from conceptual design thru final construction document development. Through his experience with commercial projects, he has acquired the skills and knowledge necessary to create the existing conditions documents and to perform as an expediter. He has experience with high rise multifamily and single-family residential projects. Mr. Lopez graduated from San Buenaventura University (Cali, Colombia) obtaining his architectural bachelor's degree.


Justin Amir | Architectural Draftsman 
Justin Amir is our new spring intern, born and raised here in Washington Township. He is an aspiring architect eager to work alongside a team to create and evolve with. He is currently a senior architecture student at New Jersey Institute of Technology expected to graduate in spring of 2023 from the 5-year program. His passion for design is rooted at a young age when he was helping his grandfather in the woodshop. Justin’s goal is to one day lead a design team, designing sustainable homes for the future.

Cat Farley | Senior Interior Designer 
Cat Farley is the newest member of Plan Architecture and a graduate of Parsons School of Design. She grew up in Mount Olive, a northwestern New Jersey suburb. She spends her summer weekends at her family shore house on Chadwick Beach Island. She has experience designing coastal traditional homes along the shoreline and modern restorations of historic apartments in New York City. She has been recognized by distinguished professors and clients alike for her innovative custom millwork and kitchen design. Cat believes every person should feel a confident energy in their home and she strives to create that space for them. One design ethos she loves is summed up in a quote by architect Robert A.M. Stern: "Good design is about creating a dialogue between the past and the present." When she is not working, Cat can be found taking her dog, Zeppole, on long walks in Hoboken or trying new restaurants with her friends.

Cynthia Battaglia | Interior Designer
Cynthia Battaglia joins the Plan Architecture team after recently graduating from High Point University’s CIDA Accredited Interior Design program. Following her graduation, she began her career working in New York City, designing high end-luxury homes throughout the tri-state area. Her creative passion stemmed from a young age and was inspired by her family, travels, adventures and always being encouraged to recognize the beauty in the small things. Cynthia’s passion and desire for creative energy has now transitioned into curating uniquely eye-opening spaces, designed for you.


Gianna Pepe | Design Assistant
Graduating from Rutgers University and earning a Bachelor’s degree in Communication, Gianna began working in New York City in the fashion industry. After some time, she decided to pursue her passion of interior design and architecture. She will be receiving her second degree from Berkeley College in interior design. While at Berkeley, Gianna maintained a 4.0 GPA, her academic success placed her on the President’s list and Dean’s list. Gianna prides herself on her work ethic, organization and attention to detail.

Damian Summers  | Architectural Intern 
Damian attends N.J.I.T. where he is entering his fourth year of the 5-year B-Arch program. During his college career he has completed residential and community center space projects, and now assists our team in bringing projects to life, noting that he enjoys designing spaces that leave people with a positive feeling after experiencing them. This Julia Morgan quote highlights his feelings toward architecture: “Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves.” Damian grew up in Hasbrouck Heights, NJ and enjoys art and listening to music.

Martyrous “Marty” Beniamien | Architectural Intern 
Marty joins us as he enters his third year of study at N.J.I.T. As a designer, Marty strives for symmetry and has a strong passion for residential design. He enjoys expressing his visions most through the use of various types of renderings, utilizing different software. A recent project that allowed him to do this was last semester when he designed an art gallery. Born in Egypt and raised in New Jersey; Marty hopes to one day lead an architectural firm, quoting Aubrey Graham “Always felt that my vision was bigger than the bigger picture”.


Bahar Kocacal | Architectural Intern 
Bahar is a 4th year student at New Jersey Institute of Technology (NJIT), majoring in Architecture.   Her time at school has awarded her the opportunity to work on a variety of interesting projects.  One in particular required a proposal for an amphibious museum/research center along the Gowanus Canal with a green roof to collect rainwater and an outdoor pier for individuals to engage with the canal.  She is excited to be able to design sustainable yet high quality living spaces.  Bahar was born in Brooklyn, NY and raised in Clifton, NJ.