Three architects and AIA Pennsylvania members in the Lehigh Valley have been named to the Lehigh Valley Business’ Power 30 for Construction and Real Estate recognizing those who shape the local community and influence quality of life by ensuring our access to safe and secure housing, buildings, roads and more.
Congratulations to Christa Duelberg-Kraftician, AIA; Silvia A. Hoffman, AIA; and Joe Landrigan, AIA!
Read on for more about how they make an impact through the profession of architecture.
Christa Duelberg-Kraftician, AIA | Principal, Spillman Farmer Architects
A partner since 2011, Duelberg-Kraftician started with Spillman Farmer in 1990 as an architectural designer. She is one of three partners at the firm, where she oversees multiple projects, serves as liaison to project owners, and collaborates with teams to develop design ideas and strategies. “I also work closely with our marketing team and office manager on … daily operations and business development efforts.”
She said that “following in the footsteps of Bob Spillman and leading the firm is an exceptional honor. Helping others advance, especially women, is a major priority for me. I encourage employees to become licensed architects, determine where their strengths lie, and follow their dreams.”
Duelberg-Kraftician said she has “learned to remain humble and not take myself too seriously. Firms are composed of teams where everyone plays a role and is valued for their individual talents. Teamwork is essential to be successful in today’s environment, both business and private.”
To “recharge and remain balanced,” she takes long walks, reads, gardens, volunteers and spends time with friends. “My family pets – a dog, cat and two chickens – make me smile every day,” she said. “I love everything related to design and enjoy visiting museums, art exhibits, and admiring designer furniture.”
Silvia A. Hoffman, AIA | President and Architect, MKSD architects
Hoffman said she was inspired to become an architect at age 16. “I’ve been one for 25 years, partner for 17 years, president for six years.”
Her job is to lead the firm and create the vision “that continues to take MKSD ‘Beyond the Building’ to better serve our clients and community.” She is responsible for business development, fostering client relationships, financial management and team development. Plus, “I still perform my first job as architect: designing buildings (and keep the office snack bar stocked!).”
Hoffman said she is proud of the trust clients have in MKSD “to create beautiful, inspiring and useful environments.” And as a business owner, “having weathered many challenges and risks, I’m proud of founding and successfully growing MKSD to the firm it is today, particularly as a woman-owned business.”
“Don’t let where you come from stop you from where you’re going,” advised the daughter of Italian immigrants, neither of whom completed high school. “They taught me anything is possible if you pave the road to your dreams with passion, integrity, grit, resilience, hard work and never giving up.”
As far as relaxing, “I’m generally a joyful person and wake up grateful for the privilege of living this life, finding fun in everything: from my work at MKSD, winning and designing great projects with our awesome team and clients, to experiencing everyday life with my family (and our dog) … sometimes it’s hard, but it’s still fun!”
Joe Landrigan, AIA | President, SAGE Design-Build Inc.
As president of a small commercial construction management company for 10-plus years, Landrigan said he is “actively involved in every aspect of the business, from resolving issues on a project jobsite with our superintendents and project managers, to conceptual design and detailing, to business development, client presentations, and overall business operations and strategic planning.”
He is proud of becoming an architect. Ten to 15 years ago, “I had that goal … and spent about five years working in a setting that enabled me to accomplish that goal,” which “has opened up doors that would never have been available to me without it.”
Landrigan said he has learned to adhere to “a stoic philosophy of truly being grateful for the life I have, including not worrying about things outside of my control, accepting of the ups and downs that come with the decisions I make, and giving of myself regardless of the outcome.”
For fun, he enjoys outdoor exercise activities, including walking his dogs, hiking, running, golf and “tennis as well as any family activities as a way to laugh and relax.”