FCA, a full-service architecture, planning and design firm, ushers in the new year with a series of pivotal promotions, including three seasoned team members to Principal. This period of internal growth highlights FCA’s commitment to supporting the next generation of industry leaders. These advancements further embody the firm’s collaborative spirit and underscore its mission to change lives through transformative design. 

“These well-deserved promotions mark an exciting new chapter for our firm,” says FCA President Aran McCarthy, AIA, NCARB. “A natural next step for our FCA family, the elevation of these exceptional individuals is a testament to the dedication of our team and the continued growth across all aspects of our practice.”

The individuals promoted to Principal are:

• Christopher Marotto, Principal, Information Technology (IT), has been a cornerstone of the firm for nearly three decades, championing operational efficiency and collaborating with leadership to align FCA’s IT initiatives with evolving business goals. Empowered by his colleagues, Christopher spearheaded the adoption of numerous impactful technological systems, consistently implementing strategic solutions across the firm’s offices. A Temple University graduate in Architecture, Christopher furthered his expertise with a master’s degree in Information Systems Management from Penn State University. In his current role, Christopher is instrumental in supporting FCA’s design efforts, from streamlining internal operations to enabling collaborative project workflows. Christopher will continue piloting the integration of new programs that shape the firm’s forward-thinking processes and holistic business trajectory. 

• Francis Altieri Jr., RA, NCARB, Principal, is an accomplished healthcare architect fueled by a keen interest in the relationship between the built environment and human well-being. This passion, combined with over 20 years of industry experience, has led Francis to become a vital member of FCA’s team. Drawn to the firm’s dynamic culture and cutting-edge project portfolio, Francis joined the team in 2019 as a Senior Project Manager. A graduate from Temple University, Francis is a dedicated advocate for mentorship, exploring opportunities to guide younger staff both as a hands-on educator and role model. Now a firm Principal, Francis looks forward to continuing his work in the healthcare sector, enhancing patient care through thoughtful, human-centered design.  

• Marissa Dionne Mead, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Principal and Director of Art Integration, is an industry trailblazer driven by the intersection of architecture, art, and human connection. With 15 years of experience at Svigals + Partners, now an FCA company, Marissa leads teams on education, mixed-use and public space projects, and will be expanding the firm’s art integration capabilities across a range of sectors. With a degree in Architecture and Urbanism from the University of Notre Dame and a background in sculpture and furniture design, Marissa combines her artistic vision with a strategic, collaborative approach, infusing architecture with hand-crafted design elements that engage and inspire. With a passion for social responsibility, Marissa will continue using art to nourish the community experience and elevate the built environment. 

In addition to the new principals, FCA has named one new Director, six new Senior Associates, and six new Associates:  

Promoted to Director:

• Alex Wysocki, NCIDQ

Promoted to Senior Associate:

• Ansel Radway
• Brian Fullen, RA, NCARB, CPHC 
• Kasia Zielonka
• Michael Thurston, AIA
• Paul Degillio, CSSYB
• Peter Verne AIA, LEED AP

Promoted to Associate:

• Carolina Downey, RA, LEED AP, AIA
• Deborah Verne, AIA, LEED BD+C
• Eva Gjoncari 
• Heather Taylor, IIDA, LEED Green
• Mina Bellare, RA
• Sarah Harvey, CHID, CID, EDAC, NCIDQ

For more information about FCA’s team and recent work, visit www.fcarchitects.com.