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Our Leadership

Abstract cube design

Brian Kelley, RA

President

Since becoming President of Mach Architecture in 2013, Brian has utilized his leadership skills to guide the strategic planning and development as well as the day-to-day management of the firm. Brian continues to remain active in project management where his thoughtful approach to design has provided school communities with inspiring and sustainable environments. Collaboration comes naturally to Brian and the partnerships created in the team environment contribute to the success of his projects. Brian’s accessibility and his singular focus on creating a win-win project for everyone is appreciated by clients and consultants alike.

In May 2016 Brian graduated from the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership CORE Program after a year-long in-depth study of business best practices. He continues to participate in the CORE Mastery Program and incorporates these best practices into the fabric and culture of Mach to ensure the firm’s continual success and improvement.

Douglas Schaefer, AIA

Executive Vice President

Doug Schaefer has been with Mach for over 30 years. His commitment to the firm mirrors his commitment to his clients. Doug brings his exceptional design and project management skills to school districts as well as higher education clients. His natural ability to build rapport and connect with clients and the extended design and construction team have been the foundation of his successful project approach. He works hard to understand and embrace each client’s goals and values and adeptly translates those into successfully built projects. His genuine desire to improve school communities and individuals through design while guiding the next generation of architects fuels his passion for architecture.

Doug has designed and managed projects on campuses across New York State and is currently managing projects from the Southern Tier to the North Country. Doug is especially cognizant of the role student housing plays in the life of a college student. As an architect and as a parent, he wants the experience of living in student housing to support and encourage the academic, social, and personal success of each student.

Darlene Fagan, CID, LEED AP BD+C

Associate

Associate Darlene Fagan has years of experience managing complex projects ranging from small targeted renovations to $20 million dollar new construction projects. Her ability to keep the big picture in mind while managing the details of a project is key to her project management success. In addition, her 18+ years designing interiors for education projects has resulted in a keen understanding of the needs of modern schools and universities. Darlene thrives in the creative design process from conceptualizing to realizing thoughtful ideas for environments that delight and inspire. On every project she keeps the end user in mind, creating designs and selecting finishes to not only enhance the lives of those utilizing the space, but to uplift them as well. Her experience with creative sustainable design solutions has been an asset to numerous successful LEED projects.

Darlene is a leader in the firm and continues to develop her leadership training through key programs at the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Jacob West, AIA

Project Architect

Jacob brings to each project exceptional communication skills, whether coordinating with consultants, clients, or in-house team members. Cultivated during his 10 years of experience, his creativity in design is combined with creative problem solving in project management. He is adept at resolving and coordinating responses to issues that arise throughout a project. Jacob’s talent with rendering and sketching software helps clients visualize their new spaces, supporting their decision making.

Brian Kelley, RA

President

Since becoming President of Mach Architecture in 2013, Brian has utilized his leadership skills to guide the strategic planning and development as well as the day-to-day management of the firm. Brian continues to remain active in project management where his thoughtful approach to design has provided school communities with inspiring and sustainable environments. Collaboration comes naturally to Brian and the partnerships created in the team environment contribute to the success of his projects. Brian’s accessibility and his singular focus on creating a win-win project for everyone is appreciated by clients and consultants alike.

In May 2016 Brian graduated from the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership CORE Program after a year-long in-depth study of business best practices. He continues to participate in the CORE Mastery Program and incorporates these best practices into the fabric and culture of Mach to ensure the firm’s continual success and improvement.

Douglas Schaefer, AIA

Executive Vice President

Doug Schaefer has been with Mach for over 30 years. His commitment to the firm mirrors his commitment to his clients. Doug brings his exceptional design and project management skills to school districts as well as higher education clients. His natural ability to build rapport and connect with clients and the extended design and construction team have been the foundation of his successful project approach. He works hard to understand and embrace each client’s goals and values and adeptly translates those into successfully built projects. His genuine desire to improve school communities and individuals through design while guiding the next generation of architects fuels his passion for architecture.

Doug has designed and managed projects on campuses across New York State and is currently managing projects from the Southern Tier to the North Country. Doug is especially cognizant of the role student housing plays in the life of a college student. As an architect and as a parent, he wants the experience of living in student housing to support and encourage the academic, social, and personal success of each student.

Darlene Fagan, CID, LEED AP BD+C

Associate

Darlene’s ability to keep the big picture in mind while managing the details of a project is key to her project management success. Her 15+ years designing interiors for education projects has resulted in a keen understanding of the needs of modern schools and universities. Darlene thrives in the creative design process from conceptualizing to realizing thoughtful ideas for environments that delight and inspire. On every project she keeps the end user in mind, creating designs and selecting finishes to not only enhance the lives of those utilizing the space, but to uplift them as well. Her experience with creative sustainable design solutions has been an asset to numerous successful LEED projects.

Darlene is a leader in the firm and continues to develop her leadership training through key programs at the UB Center for Entrepreneurial Leadership.

Jacob West, AIA

Project Architect

Jacob brings to each project exceptional communication skills, whether coordinating with consultants, clients, or in-house team members. Cultivated during his 9 years of experience, his creativity in design is combined with creative problem solving in project management. He is adept at resolving and coordinating responses to issues that arise throughout a project. Jacob’s talent with rendering and sketching software helps clients visualize their new spaces, supporting their decision making.