New Associate Principals

Melissa Vaillancourt, AIA

For anyone who has ever worked with Melissa on a public project, you might mistake the process of coordinating with agencies, navigating funding sources, and leading public bid procurement as easy – but those of you who have done it yourselves know better! A credit to her exhaustive perseverance, Melissa has emerged as one of FM’s go-to leaders for her deft management of complex public and private projects. Melissa has recently led projects for the Niagara Frontier Transportation Authority, the Albany Airport, the Portsmouth International Airport at Pease, the YWCA of Central Massachusetts, and several municipalities – all with a steady hand and approachable manner that keeps teams and clients aligned and engaged no matter how bumpy the project terrain may be.

Gary Coccoluto, AIA

As FM’s Quality Integration Leader, Gary’s technical expertise is both detailed and extensive – but never dull. With a knack for explaining complicated concepts in a captivating and applicable manner, Gary is a ubiquitous resource for project teams of all types who have benefited from his broad expertise in community and recreational centers, natatoriums, institutional facilities, and aviation projects. Gary is also a devoted champion of inclusive accessibility, an area of design where he has deep specialization. Much to the benefit of FM, this spirit of inclusivity extends to Gary’s leadership style, he is always game to share his knowledge and help at all levels throughout the studio.

New Senior Associate

David Potter, AIA

David has been a Team Leader on two projects now that are recipients of the CMAA New England Project Achievement Award – hardly a coincidence given his aptitude for coordinating high-profile, multi-faceted projects that involve a bevy of stakeholders. Since starting with FM as a Northeastern Co-op in 2012, David transitioned to a full-time role, quickly becoming an essential leader through efficient problem solving, enthusiasm for our mission, and an ability to liaise at all team levels – from clients and project stakeholders, to contractors. David’s helpful demeanor and talent for troubleshooting has also enriched the FM’s toolbox committee which expands and improves the studio’s technical capabilities.

New Associates

Meghan Burke, AIA, IIDA, NCIDQ

Meghan is a resourceful architect who can skillfully conquer the devil in interior design details to deliver impactful spaces that unify and delight with sensitivity to the needs of our clients. Her project work is diverse and includes aviation and recreational facilities as well as office fit-outs and  higher-ed project work – an area of specialization. Within the studio, Meghan is an invaluable leader who elevates FM’s capabilities through direct mentorship and participation in several committees that include Interiors, Resources, and the BIM Management Group.

 

Aaron Udy, AIA, LEED AP

Aaron is best known at FM for the mountains he has climbed – literally and professionally. Like any good climber, Aaron is mindful not to take any step for granted, combining an architect’s creativity and vision with a builder’s attention to detail which has earned him admiration from both clients and contractors. Aaron provides leadership on some of FM’s most public facing projects for clients that include the Massachusetts Convention Center Authority and the Cape Cod Airport. Always happy to share knowledge and offer a helpful suggestion, Aaron is an insightful and accessible teammate who is actively involved at all levels.

 

Danielle Lax

Mindfulness and careful attention to detail characterize Danielle’s design approach. As one of the studio’s emerging Lean Design and Construction leaders, Danielle has the toolset along with the sense of inclusivity to align diverse team member perspectives. As a member of the studio’s Toolbox Committee, Danielle helps keep FM online and current, organizing lunchtime sessions aimed at introducing new tools, and educating the studio about approaches to common technology challenges. Danielle was notably essential to FM’s recent achievement of a Just Label, taking a proactive role in advancing the studio’s commitment to transparency and our pursuit of equity – one of our proudest accomplishments in the past year!