Daniel D’Agostino, AIA

Principal & Founder

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

AJ Alvarez, CD

Architectural Studio Director

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.”

Kim Palmer

Interior Studio Director

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.

  • 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.

  • With over 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!

  • Lori Orlando brings over 35 years of financial analysis and accounting expertise to Plan Architecture. As our Financial Analyst, she maintains the financial balance of the firm by overseeing invoicing, payroll, accounts payable, and financial reporting. Outside of work, Lori enjoys attending concerts, art exhibits, and museums, which provide her with inspiration and relaxation.

  • With nearly twenty years of experience in education, Andrea has honed her skills through the development and application of engaging mass media courses. Her passion extends further, as evidenced by her doctoral studies focused on various forms of media; as well as the intricate organization and implementation of school-wide events and fundraisers.

    Her expertise in marketing, social media management, and event coordination ensures keeps our studio active and the public updated on our latest accomplishments.

  • Juliana D'Agostino is our enthusiastic and imaginative intern, whose passion for design and helping others brings a creative spark to our workplace. Responsible for answering phones, organizing samples, and handling client requests, her attention to detail ensures smooth operations. Juliana's diverse achievements include winning several competitive dance, art, and bookmark competitions, reaching the highest belt on the recorder, and recently bridged to Junior Girl Scouts. Her fervent love for art, music, and dance, along with her admiration for Ed Sheeran and Taylor Swift, fuels her creativity and ambition. We are excited to see the unique contributions she'll bring to our team, making her a valuable asset.

  • 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

  • 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 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.

  • 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

  • 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

  • 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

  • Cheryl Fothergill, AIA, CDT, NCARB, is a Project Architect with over 20 years of CAD drafting experience across various disciplines, including civil and electrical engineering, planning, and design. In the last decade, she has focused predominantly on the architectural field, honing her skills and knowledge. A dedicated professional, Chryl actively volunteers with our local AIA chapter, contributing her time and expertise to the architectural community. Her commitment to the profession and her community makes her a valued member of our team and the broader industry. In her role as a Project Architect, Chryl oversees the design and implementation of architectural projects, ensuring they meet the highest standards of quality and are empathetic to the needs of users and the environment. Growing up in Oakland, NJ, Chryl's early experiences shaped her professional ethos and commitment to creating meaningful, user-centric designs. Her extensive experience, volunteerism, and empathetic approach to architecture make her a standout professional in our organization.

  • Daniel Hana is an ambitious intern at our firm, bringing fresh perspectives from his two years of study, where he earned an Associate's Degree in Drafting and Design. With a design philosophy rooted in contrast and balance, Daniel excels in planning and designing, primarily focusing on residential buildings and houses. Born and raised in Clifton, NJ, Daniel's lifelong connection to the area informs his designs with a deep sense of community and place.

    Outside of architecture, Daniel is an award-winning athlete who dedicates his free time to the gym, practicing Jiu Jitsu and kickboxing. His approach to life and work is summed up by his favorite quote from Pele: "Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrificing and most of all, love of what you are doing or learning to do." Daniel's passion and commitment make him a valuable part of our team, where he continues to learn and grow in the vibrant field of architecture.

  • 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.

  • Cat Farley is an Interior Designer at 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. 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.

     

    “Creativity is inventing, experimenting, growing, taking risk, breaking rules, making mistakes and having fun.” - Mary Lou Cook

     

    “The most important thing? Perfect lighting at all times." - Oscar de la Renta

     

    "Good design is about creating a dialogue between the past and the present." - Robert A.M. Stern

  • Lauren Barsa is a talented Junior Interior Designer at Plan Architecture with a solid foundation in high-end design for New York City residences. She holds a Bachelor's degree in Interior Design from High Point University and was born and raised in Norwood, NJ. Lauren's lifelong passion for design is characterized by creating online floor plans, watching design shows, and engaging in DIY projects. Her work is inspired by her surroundings, including moments spent with friends and family, traveling, and enjoying the outdoors. Enthusiastic about applying her skills to suburban homes, Lauren's keen eye for detail and love for innovative design make her a valuable asset to our team.

  • Casey Luikert is a junior interior designer from Dumont, NJ, who has her BFA in Interior Design from Kean University. With over four years of experience in the high-end residential industry in Northern New Jersey, Casey embraces the design principle, "design fiercely so you can live uniquely." she meticulously attends to the small details that enhance a home's experience and value. Guided by Joe Sparano's timeless wisdom, "Good design is obvious. Great design is transparent," Casey has garnered numerous recognitions, including the prestigious ASID's DEA Golden Award for Best Student Residential Project and the publication of her senior thesis in Dezeen. Beyond design, Casey finds joy in reading and spending time with her family and friends.

  • As a seasoned interior designer with over six years of experience in both residential and commercial design, Linda brings a diverse skill set and a passion for creative solutions to every project. Currently pursuing a master's in architecture, she has a background in graphic and industrial design, which adds depth to her approach. Her design inspiration often comes from her travels, where she immerses herself in different cultures and environments. She believes that 'the beauty is in the details,' and this philosophy guides her work as she creates spaces that are both functional and inspiring.

  • For as long as I can remember, I have had a love for the harmony of design and its ability to transform spaces. I am born and raised in Bergen County, growing up in Wyckoff, with a family of talented craftsmen, I have been lucky enough to be immersed in a world of design from a young age. Currently, I am raising my own family in Paramus, constantly drawing inspiration from the balance between functional living and aesthetic beauty that surrounds us every day.

     

    With over ten years of experience in both residential and commercial interior design, I bring a unique approach to every project. Originally studying to become a nurse, I quickly realized my calling was for interiors. My background in caregiving shaped my ability to deeply understand clients' needs and allow me to create thoughtfully functional personalized spaces that are as comfortable as they are aesthetic.

     

    Coco Chanel has once said "An interior is the natural projection of the soul." Similarly, I believe every space has a soul, and my passion is to bring it to life through intentional, timeless design. My goal in every project is to craft spaces that reflect the personality, lifestyle, and aspirations of those who live or work in them.