BUILT ON TRUST. BUILT FOR LIFE
Promises made.
Promises kept.
We attribute our ongoing success to the trust our clients place in us every day.
We are a team of fully devoted design entrepreneurs fusing our skills, talents, hearts, and souls each day to create spaces that solve our clients’ problems, elevate their options for new opportunities, and dramatically improve how they work, live, and play.
QA+M: 12 Promises
The first thing we do – before we envision an opportunity or a client space – is build trust. Long-term relationships are the foundation and lifeblood of our strength and growth, and our primary motivation to forever build great and lasting spaces.
The intention of our design is to create a physical space that reflects and activates each client’s unique purpose. That’s why we invite our clients to be part of our collaborative team. Together we dig deep to understand the project’s priorities, focus on every request and detail, and work side-by-side to ensure all the objectives are met.
Simply stated, our ultimate goal is to make our clients happy. Though we take great pride in being recognized with awards, the true metric of our success is the quality of what we produce for our clients. When their spaces work, our clients win. And when they win, so do we. That is what we live and work for. Every day.
Leadership
How to sum up our leadership team? Highly experienced and knowledgeable. Unconditionally devoted to their clients and team. Driven to build relationships based on meticulous service and trust. Perpetually passionate about creating architecture that brings out the best of life.
David Quisenberry
Principal
Thomas Arcari
Principal
Am'r Rusty Malik
Principal
Julia McFadden
Principal
Jason Davis
Principal
Michael Lane
Associate Principal
Kenton McCoy
Associate Principal
Rebecca Sarkosi
Associate Principal, Director of interior design
Andrew Tarpill
Associate Principal
Shubashree Balakumar
I believe that good design must be accessible to everyone. Throughout my career, I’ve learned that thoughtful planning, attention to detail, and durable design can have a meaningful impact on people’s daily lives. I am excited by the opportunity to bring those same principles to affordable housing—creating homes that are dignified, functional, and built to last. What motivates me is helping deliver quality housing that improves everyday life and creates lasting value for both residents and communities.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects, LEED AP BD+C, NGBS Green Pro
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Affordable Housing, Municipal
Shubashree Balakumar
Associate
Erin Benken
The parts I love most about working in architecture is helping to create better spaces for people to live in and work in, and watching the transformation from drawings on paper into functional, occupiable spaces.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Affordable Housing, Educational, Municipal
860 470 5037
ebenken@qamarch.com
Erin Benken
Associate
Carson Collier
What I love most about practicing architecture is the consistent act of creation. The process of visualizing and creating space from 2D geometry, and extruding that into a 3D environment in which people will interact with for generations is very fulfilling. Each project has its own unique set of challenges and constraints that we as designers need to process and provide appropriate solutions to, which makes every project different. So although a school may have similar program elements, project specific constraints help to distinguish each project from each other.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Education K-12
860 470 5040
ccollier@qamarch.com
Carson Collier
associate
Lori Donadio
As an architect I believe we play an important role in the future of our world by encouraging sustainability in our designs, being educated in the latest information, and sharing that knowledge with our clients and building occupants.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
AIA, NCARB
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Higher Education / Commercial / Residential / Sustainable Design
860 470 5036
ldonadio@qamarch.com
Lori Donadio
ASSOCIATE
Chris O'Neill
What I love most about working in architecture is my ability to create a lasting impression on the built environment that starts with ideas on pen and paper. These ideas become homes for families, gathering spaces for the public & places that can be used for anything you can imagine.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Multifamily Residential
860 470 5029
coneill@qamarch.com
Chris O’Neill
Associate
Brian Park
I really enjoy developing construction details because this is integral to how the design concept becomes reality.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Housing and Community Centers
860 470 5023
bpark@qamarch.com
Brian Park
Associate
Rocco Petitto
The most gratifying part of this profession to me is the creation. I like the conception, the problem solving process, and the final fruition.
Some projects are more dynamic than others but the process should always be the same, the form should be determined by the function.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
American Institute of Architects
AREA of SPECIALTY
Community Centers, Housing & Commercial
860 470 5031
rpetitto@qamarch.com
Associate
Erika Roberts
I love what I do for a living, every day I am appreciative that I was able to turn my love for art, architecture, drawing, and furniture into a career. The creative challenges we face on projects is what I enjoy most about my job, I am constantly problem solving. We are faced with unexpected challenges daily so my job is never mundane. Whether it’s space planning in a particularly difficult existing building or hunting down a product that’s an exact shade to match a logo. It’s very rewarding when all the parts and pieces come together and the space comes to life. I love that I get to use my creativity every day and design spaces that have a positive impact on the world around me.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
NCIDQ, IIDA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Interiors, Education, Housing, Corporate
860 470 5034
eroberts@qamarch.com
Erika Roberts
Associate
Team
Who makes things happen at QA+M? This incredible action team, that’s who! An ensemble of diverse innovators, entrepreneurs, implementers and more. Proud. Confidant. Driven. This professional team welcomes any challenge, makes even the most difficult feats look easy, and cares deeply about every single detail, and client.
Michael Capobianco
What I love about architecture is the satisfaction with a job well done, having a client look over your design and beaming with excitement about the fact their dream project is becoming reality. Similarly, in an industry like this one, you never know what kind of projects are going to fall into your lap, you never really know what you’re going to be a part of and what challenges are going to come next.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Housing, Education, Commercial
860.470.5039
mcapobianco@qamarch.com
Michael Capobianco
Design Professional
Peter Catapano
What I value most about architecture is that every project presents a new opportunity to learn and grow. The constant learning and problem-solving are what keep the work engaging and meaningful. Every challenge is different and I value the uniqueness each project brings. I especially enjoy the process of watching drawings transform into the built environment.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Residential
860 470 5048
pcatapano@qamarch.com
Peter Catapano
Design Professional
Kris Dargenio
As a Marketing Director in the A/E/C industry, I have the unique privilege of telling the stories behind the work—but it’s the people who make those stories worth sharing—who shape our communities for the better.
I’m constantly inspired by the smart, creative energy around me—colleagues who are passionate about making life better for others through thoughtful design and collaboration.
From architects and engineers to planners and builders, it’s incredibly rewarding to work alongside so many talented professionals who care deeply about the impact of what they create.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Marketing, Graphic Design, Event Planning
860 470 5033
kdargenio@qamarch.com
Kris Dargenio
Director of Marketing
Aubrey Espanta, IIDA
In this profession, I have the privilege of designing spaces that can make a positive difference in people’s everyday lives. Each project is a new opportunity to learn and to create environments that feel meaningful and thoughtfully tailored to those who use them. Being able to make this kind of impact is what makes my work so fulfilling.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS
IIDA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Interior Design
860 470 5041
aespanta@qamarch.com
Dinea Frasca
Every day, and every project is different, never a dull moment and never dull people along the way. Forty years from now the definition of architecture could be completely different and that’s what’s so intriguing about the architectural world. There are so many creative opportunities, and it is such a collaborative field.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Housing, Civic/Community/Senior Centers
860 470 5049
dfrasca@qamarch.com
Dinea Frasca
Design Professional
Nicholas Fucci
As a Project Manager in Healthcare, architecture is about translating complexity into clarity. Every project involves competing priorities—patient safety, staff workflows, operational efficiency, and regulatory requirements all need to work in harmony. Over the past decade, I’ve learned that the best spaces emerge when you listen carefully to all the stakeholders and help them see how their needs can coexist. My role is to shepherd our clients through that process, asking the right questions early and often so that what we ultimately design isn’t just compliant or functional—it’s genuinely safe and effective for the people who work and heal there.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Healthcare
860 470 5032
nfucci@qamarch.com
Lyndsey Giudice
There are so many possibilities when it comes to bringing a design idea to life. I really enjoy getting to problem solve and learning about all the ways you can create a space.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Animation, Graphic Design
860 470 5047
lgiudice@qamarch.com
Carolina Hernandez
I enjoy the ability to create spaces that can positively affect people.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Multifamily, Retail, Interiors, Education, Housing, Corporate
860 470 5038
chernandez@qamarch.com
Carolina Hernandez
Design Professional
Melissa Izzio
Design for me is about understanding each client’s story and transforming it into a space that feels unmistakably their own. By listening closely and responding with clarity and intention, I create environments that are functional, meaningful, and deeply connected to the people who use them. Each project becomes a chance to discover what truly matters to someone and express it through space. The goal is always to deliver design that feels personal, purposeful, and lasting.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
IIDA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Interior Design
860 470 5052
mizzio@qamarch.com
Melissa Izzio
Interior Designer
Daniel Lopez
I see architecture as the pursuit for a better society. The intricate and demanding process behind every building and design presents significant challenges. Yet, the true beauty of the profession is not found in the physical structures and spaces in themselves, but in the happiness and fulfillment of the individuals within them.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Residential, Education
860 470 5042
dlopez@qamarch.com
Design Professional
Giovanna Picone
I’ve been fortunate to be involved in many types of projects, new construction, renovations and historic restorations. Most of my work in architecture is behind the scenes, documenting existing conditions, modeling, detailing and assembling construction documents. I love to bring the architect’s designs to life. I accept and embrace the challenges each project presents, I’m a problem solver, bring it on!
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Drawing Coordination & Details
860 470 5035
jpicone@qamarch.com
Joann Picone
Design Professional
Andrew Reagan
Architecture is interesting to me because I am curious about the way spaces can affect people’s moods and behaviors. For example, I have always been interested in how the improvement of a person’s living space can lead to a healthier and more productive lifestyle. This has also led me to have a more focused interest in sustainable practices and understanding of the lifecycle of different materials.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Affordable Housing
860 470 5024
areagan@qamarch.com
Andrew Reagan
Design Professional
Melissa Saucier
I enjoy the creativity and challenges that the architectural field provides. The impact of architecture is tangible and you can see the structures and how they serve the community right before your eyes.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Healthcare
860 470 5051
msaucier@qamarch.com
Melissa Saucier
Design Professional
Kate Schmucker
I am inspired by the idea that architecture can create lasting impact, and that it is a lifelong pursuit of designing meaningful and sustainable spaces. Everyday is a new and exciting opportunity to learn, adapt, and think critically about the world around me.
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Housing, Community Centers
860 470 5043
kschmucker@qamarch.com
Conall Sweeney
Architecture is an ever-changing field that is driven by new technology, materials, and possibilities. I enjoy the constant challenge of adapting, learning, and finding innovative solutions through design.
I’m especially passionate about educational architecture, where thoughtful spaces can have a lasting impact on students during some of the most important years of their lives. Contributing to environments that support learning, growth, and community is one of the most rewarding aspects to me.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATIONS
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
K – 12 Education
Jack Tuohy
What I love about working in architecture is the ability to create physical structures from a simple sketch. The development of a concept, that may just be a few lines on paper, can lead to buildings large and small. I love the fact I have a real impact to shape buildings that will be enjoyed by countless people in our community.
PROFESSIONAL DESIGNATION(S)
Associate AIA
AREA OF SPECIALTY
Residential (Multi-Family & Affordable) / Commercial / Manufacturing
860 470 5046
jtuohy@qamarch.com
Jack Tuohy
Join Our Team
Free your passion and imagination and be the designer you want to be. No other firm offers as many opportunities to develop your own style, and make your own mark.
Services
Remaining current is imperative for our firm. That’s why we continually keep up-to-date on evolving trends and technology, and have embraced Building Information Modeling (BIM) as well as 3D Printing and Virtual Reality.
In addition to making the process of all our new design projects more effective and efficient, these tools allow our clients and building partners to better understand and collaborate in the development of these designs and projects.
SERVICE LIST
Full Architectural Services
Pre-Design Feasibility and Planning
Interior Design
Budget Development + Cost Estimating
Existing Conditions Assessments
Historic Preservation
Space Programming + Planning
Roof Replacements / Capital Improvements
ADA + Code Upgrades
Renovations + Facility Upgrades
Sustainable Design
Project Marketing Support + Branding
Selected Projects
QA+M Architecture is a full-service architectural firm that provides programming, planning and interior design for clients in commercial, community, education, healthcare, historical, housing, and recreational/athletic markets. Staffed by 39 dedicated professionals, including 15 licensed architects, QA+M has grown to be the 5th largest architectural firm in the Greater Hartford area.
ADDRESS
195 Scott Swamp Rd, Farmington, CT 06032
SOCIAL MEDIA