Principal
Karen Lika, NCIDQ
EDUCATION
University of Miami
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design
ASSOCIATIONS
NCIDQ Certified
Create as much beauty in the world as possible, and you will leave it better than you found it.
As a Principal of CPG, Karen has provided inspiring leadership and over 25 years of expertise on numerous high-profile and award-winning projects across the country. She combines her vast knowledge of interior design, architecture, and construction with her ability to seamlessly manage multidisciplinary teams to deliver projects with optimal results. At the heart of her success is her deep understanding of each client’s needs and concerns, passion for high-quality design, and talent for bringing together diverse experts to build a shared vision. Her empathy, determination, and selflessness add to her incredible leadership qualities. For relaxation in the warmer months, Karen and her family often can be found enjoying the fresh, salty air while boating on Long Island Sound.
Principal
Jenny Paik, LEED AP
EDUCATION
Pratt Institute
Master of Science, Interior and Environmental Design
Virginia Tech
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design
Great teams are like gardens. Every day, we nurture each seed or idea with our time, talent and energy. In time, it’s incredible to see the successes we have achieved together. You reap what you sow!
As a Principal of CPG, Jenny has been a pivotal force for design excellence, project leadership, and strategic vision. Over her 30+ year career, she maintains the secret to her team’s success by keeping the client’s mission and brand centered throughout the process, as well as fostering collaboration and communication among various stakeholders. She intently focuses on every aspect of the process, from preliminary planning through execution of fine detail work, ensuring each client’s vision is achieved. As a firm believer that success is in the details, Jenny lives the phrase “in the weeds” literally every weekend, where you can find her working in her garden and pully out those pesky plants.
Principal/CFO
Susan Wall
It gives me great pride and sense of fulfillment to see our talented team at CPG achieve their personal and professional goals. We are like family, and I’m proud to do what I can to help support them in all their endeavors.
As Principal and Chief Financial Officer, with over 33 years managing all aspects of the business, Sue continues to focus on the continued growth of the firm, and its commitment to building a winning team. In addition to her responsibilities supervising office, IT, finance and accounting operations, she balances many hats including human resource manager, corporate governance, and contract negotiator. Always looking for ways to implement cost saving measures, she enjoys recycling discontinued fabrics to create beautiful hand sewn and craft items for friends and family, including her four grandchildren.
Project Designer
Adrienne Allen, LEED AP
EDUCATION
Paier College of Art
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Interior Design
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED AP
NCIDQ Certified
It’s interesting being part of the evolution of a brand through reimagining their office space, including new build‐outs and rebuilding existing office facilities.
Client-focused, innovative. Adrienne’s project management skills elevate how people have experienced corporate, healthcare, senior living, higher education, corporate and municipal environments. As a LEED accredited professional, she makes a conscious effort to include green solutions for every project, including those that require lab and tech integrations. Enthusiastic for immersive experiences, she once traveled to meet family in Taormina Sicily which fueled her love for cooking, Italian cuisine, and unspoiled landscapes.
Project Designer
Albina Dobruskin
EDUCATION
Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Interior Design
Tight budgets don’t mean compromising on high-quality design. Clean lines, natural elements, neutral finishes, and powerful wall graphics can enhance a space with even with a tight budget.
Albina approaches design with a deep commitment to innovation and creating high-performing, functional spaces. She is recognized for her ability to integrate strong technical skills, such as 3D modeling and rendering using AutoCAD 3D, Accurender Nxt, Revit, and SketchUP, with her extensive knowledge of FF&E, custom furniture, and millwork. Her 11+ years of expertise has shaped key projects ranging from corporate interiors, residential to multi-family projects. Contrary to her high technical skills, Albina likes to unplug and enjoy horseback riding surrounded by the simple beauty of nature.
Senior Project Director
Amy Lanteri, LEED AP
EDUCATION
Michigan State University
Bachelor of Arts, Interior Design
We work hard to foster relationships with our clients and make sure that the trust given to us is well-deserved and guides our team’s interactions. It’s no wonder we see so many past clients returning to CPG.
As a specialist in architectural interior design, programming, and restacks, Amy has a diverse range of skills that enable her to translate each client’s requirements into innovative, one-of-a-kind solutions. She oversees and manages each project in thoughtful and creative ways that produce optimal outcomes and support the client’s mission while remaining sensitive to the timeline and budget. Amy has an impressive and varied portfolio, including corporate, municipal, healthcare, and civic executions. An admirer of the beauty in simplicity, she enjoys hiking and gardening which connects her with nature.
Senior Project Designer
Anita Conway, LEED AP
EDUCATION
SUNY Fashion Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Interior Design, Cum Laude
Good design is a personal experience that leaves an impression. You want to evoke the feeling of harmonious flow with a wow factor.
Specializing in commercial and high-end residential design, Anita’s experience includes corporate, healthcare, retail to hospitality spaces. She brings her extensive knowledge of products and resources to create one-of-a-kind yet functional design solutions. Highly qualified in all phases of design, she works closely with clients to create beautiful spaces that meet their needs and their budget. Whenever possible, Anita fuels her global aesthetic by travelling the world to find inspiration in off-the-beaten track experiences and unique cultures.
BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT DIRECTOR
Anne Bavier
EDUCATION
The New York School of Interior Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Cum Laude
St. Lawrence University
Bachelor of Fine Arts & English, Cum Laude
Kent School
Kent, CT
Understanding each client’s brand, their culture, and business drivers is essential to creating a design that reflects their uniqueness and individual needs. Success to me is seeing their delight as their brand comes to life in a new space.
With over 38 years of award-winning global architecture and interior design experience, Anne has a full understanding of CPG’s incredible caliber of talent and expertise that we provide to our clients on both large- or small-scale projects. She has been a Principal and Design Director at other firms, as well as Founder and President of her own firm for 16+ years. As Business Development Director for CPG, she strives to understand the clients’ needs for upcoming projects and to outline the appropriate process for the desired results. Always on the lookout for unique objects of beauty, she enjoys hunting for antiques and renovating homes in her spare time.
Director of Workplace
Anthony Younes
EDUCATION
University of Texas
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Science, Architecture
It’s all about curiosity and knowledge – the more one knows, the more one realizes how much more there is to learn.
At the core of CPG is our mission to create environments that can serve our clients’ ongoing needs with innovative and thoughtful solutions that adapt as our clients’ needs progress. Anthony’s workplace strategy expertise has taken years to perfect as he creates environments that seamlessly balance the client’s identity and practical needs. As Director of Workspace, Anthony believes that we should constantly evolve and anticipate future challenges, resulting in designs that transcend rather than trend-set. His tenacity follows through in his personal passions. He is known as the best “long-distance” customer of a tiny restaurant in Rome called Piccola Roma since he makes it a point to come back every year.
VP of Technology
Arnold Trauth
EDUCATION
University of Iowa
Master of Business Administration
Montclair State University
Bachelor of Arts
There are endless possibilities on what we can achieve with technology. As always, I look forward to discovering emerging tech and tools that can advance our projects and pursuit of innovative ideas.
For over 22 years, Arnold has spearheaded the design, building, and support of CPG’s network infrastructure, hardware, and software. Deploying a broad range of technology, including server and application virtualization, he evaluates and customizes each platform for critical projects and corporate-wide use to propel our business forward. Arnold not only keeps CPG up and running internally but also is a key resource for seamless communication and interfacing between CPG and our clients. Similar to his passion for high altitude skiing, such as when he tackled the Swiss Alps, Arnold anticipates the path to success with focus and precision, making him the ideal partner to ensure our projects are running smoothly.
Senior Project Designer, LEED AP
Barbara Varacchi
EDUCATION
Parsons School of Design
Bachelor of Science
Interior Design
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED AP
The most fulfilling moment is working with a client or organization that touches so many lives and does a lot of good in the world.
As Senior Project Designer, Barbara taps into her diverse experience, ranging from restaurant and hospitality to corporate interiors, which infuse her projects with unexpected style and sophisticated finishes. With an eye towards emerging trends, she combines each client’s vision with a user-centered design process to create meaningful experiences for people to engage with their environment. Like many at CPG, Barbara values giving back to the community and supporting local causes close to her heart, such as volunteering with the March of Dimes at their annual real estate breakfast fundraiser.
Technical Associate
Brendan P. Roche
EDUCATION
Roger Williams University
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Arts, Graphic Design
I view architecture as holistic in nature, understanding the Parti is as important as understanding the details & constructability. The push & pull between these elements is integral to the completion of our projects.
As Lead Revit BIM Manager for some of the firm’s largest projects, Brendan is deeply involved in the delivery process from schematic design through construction administration. Driven by precision and efficiency, he ensures the production of a high quality, tight set of construction documents minimizing change orders, and meets the client’s goals, and delivers the team’s vision. This includes developing the Revit Model, documentation, and coordination with vendors, construction team members, and consultants. Committed to his goals but flexible in his approach, it’s no wonder Brandan enjoys any activity on the water or snow, which also relies on his agility, perseverance, and skilled talents.
Senior Project Director
Bruce Avandi
“Beauty perishes in life, but is immortal in art” – Leonardo da Vinci
Throughout his career, Bruce has built an impressive portfolio of work from Boston to Fairfield County, including commercial interiors, high-end residences, multifamily, hospitality, educational, medical and retail design projects. An expert in design, implementation, CA, and project management, he approaches his work organically and holistically from a proper synthesis of research, exploration, and experimentation, but most of all, from listening and understanding the needs and visions of the client. A true craftsman at heart, he designed his first house and built it by his own hand.
SENIOR PROJECT DIRECTOR
Michele Guenin
EDUCATION
Art Institute of Pittsburgh
Associates Degree
Specialized Technology-Interior Design
The coming together as a team to collaborate with a client toward a common vision is inspiring. The ability to direct individual talents, from contractors and design specialists to client stakeholders, to create a final product, allows us to attain remarkable results
With over 25 years in the industry, Michele is a seasoned leader in project management and client interface, guiding design teams in the development and implementation of commercial projects within the retail design, commercial interior, and aviation industries. Her years of experience working with city and airport governing authorities such as PANYNJ, MTA, and state departments of aviation, bring unique and valuable industry relationships and resources across New England. Working with brands such as British Airways, United Airlines, and Delta Airlines, it’s no wonder that Michele finds inspiration from her travels, such as Santorini and Jerusalem, whose dramatic scenery and history move her desire to create holistic and meaningful designs from inception to creation.
Project Designer
Christina Pagano
EDUCATION
New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Interior Design
Summa Cum Laude
There is nothing more satisfying than seeing creative ideas and designs come to life through skilled collaboration and carefully planned execution.
Combining technical skills and an eye for detail, Christina takes great care in ensuring that projects and clients are supported with the most accurate and comprehensive plans for success. Along with strong rendering skills, she produces constructions documents and furniture plans for clients. Christina first joined CPG as an intern while she was completing her degree, and was later welcomed back full time, exemplifying our mission to cultivate in-house talent and mentor promising young designers and architects. She puts her design talents to good use at home too, tackling new home renovations with the same thoughtful planning and passion.
Senior Project Director
Damion Martin
EDUCATION
Howard University
Bachelor of Architecture
ASSOCIATIONS
AIA Member
The best days are when everything comes together – the challenge of a complex project, the collective drive for innovation and the thrill of working with new clients.
Damion is an award-winning architectural designer that specializes in new constructions, including program development, space planning, and conceptual designs. With over 18 years of experience that ranges from ground-up commercial and residential, to corporate interiors and retail architectural design, Damion aims to consistently exceed client expectations. His projects have been awarded by the CT Trust for Historic Preservation for adaptive reuse, and Best Custom Home award by the Home Builders & Remodelers Association of CT. His high achieving mindset also reflects his impressive personal achievements – completing half marathons across 3 continents and 15 states. Just 3 more continents and 35 states to meet his goal!
Project Director
Elisabeth deLuca
EDUCATION
New York School of Interior Design
Bachelor of Fine Arts
Interior Design
Client relationships are extremely important. Creating a positive working relationship with teams and clients makes the project enjoyable and successful for all.
With over 15 years of experience, Elisabeth knows how to leverage her strong relationships with vendors, consultants, and contractors to work for her clients and ensure successful results. As Project Director and talented interior designer, she works closely with clients to capture the nuances and vision for each project, while creating a functional and beautiful space. Her client sectors range from finance, real estate, corporate and pharmaceutical brands. Moved by the powerful beauty of nature, she cherishes immersive experiences, such as scuba diving, that remind us that we are just a small part of this beautiful world.
Senior Project Director
Eric Hamilton, LEED AP
EDUCATION
University of Bridgeport
Bachelor of Engineering
Industrial Design
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED AP
Methodical problem seeking and solving are the fundamentals of producing design solutions that produce successful results.
Eric is an accomplished client-focused leader with over 35 years of experience and an impressive portfolio that includes Fortune 500 clients on a national scale. Coordinating multi-disciplinary teams, Eric is deeply involved in every facet of his client’s projects, including design, fabrication, engineering, and construction management. Eric has a keen understanding from both GC and architect perspectives, and leverages his resources to work for some of CPG’s most high-profile projects, including Citibank’s flagship branches, Danone, General Electric, and his most recent project, the development of The Village in Stamford CT. His design philosophy mirrors that of his architect hero Antonio Gaudi, which respects nature and the effect of architecture on the cityscape.
Exhibit & Graphic Designer
Gilda Scorza
EDUCATION
University of the Andes
Merida, Venezuela
Degree in Architecture
National Council of Culture
Caracas, Venezuela
Exhibit and Museum Studies
France Ministry of Education
National Museum Council
Dijon, France
Exhibit Studies
A successful project comes from not only understanding each client’s unique goals, mission, and vision, but relying on clear and constant communication to ensure their needs are prioritized and addressed from start to finish.
Gilda leverages her 30 years of exhibit, museum, and architecture experience to create impactful and moving designs that connect brands, places, and people. She has honed her ability to combine each client’s unique brand positioning and global consumer trends, to conceive, design, fabricate and install custom brand displays and signage. At each stage of the process, from initial design to construction documents to implementation, Gilda ensures optimal and cost-effective results for CPG clients. Inspired by her family visits to Stonehenge and Pompeii, Gilda would like to someday follow her childhood dream and immerse herself in archeology studies.
Senior Project Architect
Harry Gittlitz, RA
EDUCATION
Pratt Institute
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
ASSOCIATIONS
Registered Architect (RA)
Always keep in mind that we build for future generations. As John Ruskin once said “When we build, let us think that we build forever. Let it not be for present delight nor for present use alone. Let it be such work as our descendants will thank us for.”
As a Senior Project Architect, Harry is an instrumental team member responsible for executing complex and captivating architectural designs for both interior and exterior applications. Once a founder of a manufacturing company specializing in prefabricated exterior and interior walls, his extensive construction, and design knowledge is a key component in many of CPG’s innovative design concepts. A lifelong learner, Harry studies Hebrew calligraphy which he sometimes incorporates into his graphic design work besides bespoke gifts to family and friends.
Senior Technical Associate
Jane Greene
EDUCATION
Washington University
Bachelor of Arts, Architecture
The Covid pandemic shut down many projects, but it also has brought out the best in our team’s strengths – patience, a harmony of coordination, hyper attention to detail and unwavering work ethic. Our projects haven’t missed a beat and our clients are thrilled.
With over 30 years of experience, Jane has completed a wide range of projects from commercial to municipal projects, with a focus on corporate interiors. She participates in all stages of design and construction paying careful attention to every detail through project completion. She approaches every project, regardless of scale, as an opportunity not only to fulfill each client’s vision but also as a challenge that propels design teams towards new and innovative solutions. Always believing society can do better, she participates in her town’s newly formed Council of Racial Equity and is helping create an anti-racist handbook, adding her voice to important community work.
Executive Assistant/Marketing Coordinator
Janice Genetti
The secret to multitasking is not doing multiple tasks at once, but instead, prioritizing, organizing and completing each task with focus and efficiency.
As part of CPG’s commitment to impeccable customer service, Janice provides the personal touch and attention to the detail that our firm is well known for. As an Executive Assistant, from initial client communications to project completion, she works tirelessly to help teams keep projects organized. As Marketing Coordinator, Janice shares news about CPG happenings via our website, social media and marketing campaigns. A born communicator, she can spend hours talking to anyone about anything – except when she is in Zumba mode.
VP Director of Design
Jim Sackett, AIA
EDUCATION
New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Architecture
St. John’s University
Associates Degree, Art
ASSOCIATIONS
AIA Member
Align your career with your passions, and you will always have fulfilling work.
As VP, Director of Design, Jim brings a wide range of experience designing complex commercial projects, including out-of-the-ground buildings, repositioning projects, core and shell redesign base building work, and design of client’s spaces, whether existing or new. He applies his vast resources and knowledge in space planning, building design, production detailing, and building codes to provide effective solutions for CPG clients. As an expert in his craft, Jim challenges his teams to constantly elevate designs while respecting the client’s goals and image. His greatest passion is architecture and design, which he enjoys even in his spare time whether through inventing a new idea or woodworking.
Senior Project Director
John Danko, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
EDUCATION
University of Cincinnati
Bachelor of Architecture
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED BD+C
AIA Member
NCARB Certified
There’s an excitement to construction administration for those who thrive in fast-paced environments. I take great satisfaction from seeing the immediate benefits of being onsite, whether catching a potential mistake before it becomes a larger problem, impromptu sketches to keep vendors in sync, or answering a slew of questions to keep the project moving.
New to the CPG team, John joins us with nearly 30 years of experience and an extensive portfolio of projects across the Northeast region. He has led projects in commercial interiors, higher education, and financial institutions, with a proven track record for quality control and delivering projects successfully. Clients value his commitment to excellence in all phases of design and construction. Always enjoying a challenge, John and his family once took an impromptu road trip across the country traveling 9,000 miles in 3 weeks.
ADMINISTRATIVE ASSISTANT
Julia Chen
Resourcefulness borne out of imposed restrictions and limitations is an undervalued form of creativity.
Always lending a helping hand, Julia is one of CPG’s Administrative Assistants and is one of the welcoming faces you see when you arrive at CPG! Whether pitching in on presentations or administrative work, her editorial and IT experience is invaluable to the success of each project and moving our business forward. Her troubleshooting skills don’t end after work. She enjoys sprucing up her yard and tackling home improvements in her spare time.
Project Architect
Lee Williams, RA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
New York Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Architecture
Summa Cum Laude
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED AP
The joy of seeing a project through from start to finish never gets old.
As Project Architect, Lee works on a variety of productions of all sizes and complexities, and through all phases of the design and delivery process – from layout development through design to production of construction documents and construction administration. Leveraging his technical skills in Revit, AutoCAD, sketch-up, and model building, Lee is immersed in the fine details of each project. His dependability and discipline to the design process are centered around one goal – superior client service and delivery of the highest design quality in a timely manner. His lifelong dream? To build an amusement park – the perfect challenge blending technical, design, and construction skills.
VP of Architecture
Mickey Mallardi, AIA
EDUCATION
University of Notre Dame
Bachelor of Architecture
ASSOCIATIONS
AIA Member
It’s important to keep the big picture in perspective but be a master of the details.
Mickey begins each project with a full understanding of his client’s goals which influences the overall design down to the smallest detail. As an architect, he favors the clearest, most direct approach that will express the character and spirit of the client. He seeks out innovative alternatives, and carefully integrates materials and details that create an experience that is unique to each project. Like a true craftsman, Mickey hopes to one day build a modest house from scratch – low-maintenance, self-sufficient, capable of being off the grid, and feels like being on vacation every day.
Technical Associate
Nico Carcelen Espinosa
EDUCATION
Catholic University of Ecuador
Bachelor of Architecture
Technical University
Darmstadt, Germany
Master of Science
Urban Development, and International Cooperation
International University of Catalonia
Master of Science
Sustainable Architecture, and International Cooperation
Historical architecture can immerse you into the culture of a destination. Just like trying each region’s cuisine, it’s an experience you can’t miss the next time you travel.
Nico spent the first years of his career in the public sector, overseeing large-scale projects, including bus terminals, public spaces, a university campus, and many mixed-used buildings. More recently, he has specialized in commercial design, including corporate, hospitality, education, and health care projects. With his international education background, Nico provides a global lens to our architectural and sustainable projects and a unique design perspective to our work and team. His cosmopolitan sensibility extends to his passion for global cuisine, whether it’s discovering authentic Lebanese moussaka in the neighborhoods of Barcelona or holiday dishes like fanesca in his home of Ecuador.
Senior Project Director
Paul Johnson
EDUCATION
Wentworth Institute of Technology
Bachelor of Science
Architectural Engineering Technology
Southern Maine Technical College
Associates Degree
Building Construction Technology
I enjoy the challenge of sporadic timing and varied nature of projects. It requires us to be agile in our work, provide simple or complex studies, and fine tune our skills in everything we do.
For over 25 years, Paul has overseen the successful design and delivery of over 2,000,000 SF of corporate interiors throughout the Tri-State area and across the US. Combining decades of best-practice methods and technical experience, Paul focuses on producing the highest caliber of design that meets his client’s goals while creating a wholly functional and inspiring space. Key to his success is understanding the priorities of each project, fostering teamwork and open communications, and foremost, ensuring the client’s best interests remain paramount. Always focusing on what’s next on the horizon, it’s no wonder his favorite hobby is sailing, which requires skill, confidence, and years of practice.
Senior Project Architect
Philip Weiner, AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Bachelor of Architecture
ASSOCIATIONS
LEED AP
Fitwel Ambassador
AIA Member
As the world seemingly grows more and more complex, you need to adapt to change and learn new skills to solve today’s problems.
Highly regarded for his craft, Philip brings over 30 years of experience in quality design, construction, and implementation for CPG clients. His versatility in high-profile commercial, retail, and residential projects, combined with expert design development and project administration provides the foundation for making visions into reality. Philip’s work has been recognized in The New York Times, Metropolitan Home, and Interior Design Magazine, and has been published in Architectural Record. With all these publications, it’s no wonder his next personal goal is to write a novel!
VP of Interiors
Phillip Meyers
EDUCATION
Tulane University
Master of Architecture
Bachelor of Architecture
My most memorable projects are those with clients who are giving back or doing good in the world. Not only do I feel part of a common cause, but the people are also a joy to work with.
For more than 24 years, Phillip’s award-winning design and implementation of a variety of architectural projects have earned him recognition in several publications, from Architectural Record and Vanity Fair to Metropolis. He strives for a greater understanding of his client’s concerns that results in better design insights, custom innovative solutions, and seamless production from initial concept and planning to technical design. A designer of diverse interests, Phillip is also an avid art collector with over 30 years of curating his personal collection.
Office Manager
Yvette Gaynor
EDUCATION
Norwalk Community College
Associates of Science, Management
Cum Laude
Building trust is important for our clients and within our team. I want our clients to feel confident that I will get back to them in a timely manner. And, at the same time, my fellow colleagues know that I’m here to support their needs, problems or just to be there to listen.
Multi-tasker extraordinaire, Yvette is CPG’s reliable team player who keeps the office running smoothly, our bookkeeping ledgers up-to-date, and our staff schedules in sync. Yvette is a calming presence who works hard to make sure nothing slips through the cracks including timely payments to vendors and partners. With everything running so smoothly, it’s no wonder she always sees the bright side of any situation. Her optimism helps fuel the positive energy in the office and among the team.
