Our Team
Rodney Lewis
AIA
Principal | Founding Partner
As Principal and Co-Founder of ALW, Rodney Lewis is one of the architectural visionaries behind many of the firm’s award-winning work. He is a recognized leader in commercial and residential design. His dedication to architectural excellence has set the pace for the firm’s challenging, innovative, and collaborative atmosphere since 2000. Rodney oversees many of the firm's projects through every phase. From initial analysis, through planning, design development, and construction phases, he stays deeply involved; a true testament to the power of the hands-on, personable approach that defines our firm’s operational philosophy. Rodney has close to 30 years of design and management experience, and his portfolio includes some of today’s most critically lauded large-scale education, office, retail and mixed-use developments in Tallahassee and the North Florida region.
Cam Whitlock
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Principal | Founding Partner
Since co-founding Architects Lewis + Whitlock in 2000, Cam Whitlock has earned a reputation for his modern aesthetic, elegant design solutions and his ability to listen to clients. His thoughtful designs reflect a commitment to the study of place: climate, natural resources, cultural precedents, and historic building traditions throughout Tallahassee and North and Central Florida. A registered architect in Florida and Georgia with NCARB certification and LEED accreditation, Cam is a graduate of Florida A&M University’s School of Architecture and has nearly three decades of design experience. His portfolio of work includes some of today’s most successful and innovative education, retail and commercial developments. In addition, his contemporary residential designs helped support a rebirth of modern architecture in Tallahassee. Cam's detail-oriented mentality is reflected in his leadership style, and his influence is evident in all aspects of the firm's operation.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmarks:
Springhouse and Chain of Parks
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Sailing
Hobbies:
Sailing, travel by sailboat, mountain biking, diving and hiking
Pets:
One dog, Rafi (our barkitect)
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Morning or when driving
Favorite Sports Teams:
Team Ineos Cycling
Kathryn Stivers
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate | Senior Project Architect
Kathryn has nearly 30 years of experience with regional architectural and civil engineering construction projects in capacities from Project Architect, Project Manager, Field Representative to BIM Technician. With her skills, talent, and knowledge, she provides strong leadership for a wide range of project types. Her approach to design excellence is deeply rooted in her commitment to meeting our clients' needs with innovative, on budget, constructible solutions.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Florida State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
“I believe that architecture has the power to inspire, to elevate the spirit, to feed both the mind and body. It is for me the most public of the arts.” – Richard Meier, Architect
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Cascades Park, integrating necessary stormwater mitigation facilities into much needed recreational, cultural, entertainment venues. It’s what every city should be doing, and Tallahassee has done it right.
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Big Bend Habitat for Humanity
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Chasing down the next scenic landscape/waterscape photo shoot
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The firm’s commitment to not just solve the problem at hand, but to elevate it as art
Top 3 Travel Destinations:
There is no way to limit my favorite travel destinations to just three! From hiking, exploring and photographing the U.S. western desert landscapes; to surveying the architecture along the River Thames in London’s Financial District, to hiking the Acropolis in Athens Greece, - I love it all!
Hobby / Passion:
When I’m not spending time with my husband and three children, I dabble in landscape photography and kiln-forming glass.
Pets:
I am owned by two cats: Miles & Zissou.
Ryan Sheplak
Assoc. AIA
Associate | Project Manager
Ryan serves as Creative Director and Associate at ALW. He is a talented designer with comprehensive experience with design concepts and BIM modeling of higher education, commercial, public, and residential buildings. Over the six years that Ryan has been with ALW, his design and leadership skills have blossomed. He has made significant contributions to some of the firm’s signature projects, including the Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion, FSU Student Union, Envision Credit Union and many others. Most recently, Ryan led the design team for the new Envision Credit Union in downtown Tallahassee, and the FSU Campus Recreation Master Plan. Ryan supports the industry through both studio and community mentorship and support. He is insightful, creative and has exceptional technical abilities to prepare detailed drawings of architectural designs including plans, elevations, sections, 3D renderings and graphics.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies, Florida A&M University
ALW Project He's Most Proud of:
FSU Ringling Kotler-Coville Glass Pavilion
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Louis Kahn
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
A public bike share program near downtown
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The Spring House by Frank Lloyd Wright
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
KCCI Tallahassee
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Spending the summer learning to fly fish in North Carolina with my grandparents
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Spending time near, on or in the water
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
Being surrounded by a family of talented and inspiring individuals
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Apalachicola, FL; Savannah, GA; New Orleans, LA
Hobbies:
Fishing, kayaking and sketching
Nickname:
Shedack
Pets:
Three dogs – a black lab and two dachshunds
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
In the wee hours of the morning
Hidden Talent:
Cooking!
Favorite Sports Team:
Florida State Seminoles
Ben Baylor
Associate | Project Manager
Ben began his career in architecture in the residential design realm and developed a passion for details as he moved into commercial design at ALW over six years ago. His skills and passion bring a unique resource to our team as seen on projects such as the Jim Moran Building, the FSU Student Union, Urban Pod, Arive 850 Student Housing Development, the Waller Park Capitol Complex and more. Ben’s responsibilities as an ALW Associate, designer and CAD production team member include 3D modeling, 3D video and still frame rendering, architectural design, building systems detailing, graphic production and as-built field measuring.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
ALW Project He is Most Proud of:
201 E. Park Avenue
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Richard Meier, Renzo Piano, Christopher Alexander
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
Connections to community on smaller scale, things like breaking up some of the larger areas that are not being used into smaller places where people can interact and feel intrigued and excited
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The many parks and canopy roads
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
The creative environment; having the time and ability to look at problems from all perspectives and creatively come up with solutions
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Visiting the streets of Rome, experiencing the landscape of Ireland or visiting any of the historical small towns along the Appalachian Mountains
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Night
Hidden Talents:
Music Production and DJing (disc jockeying)
Favorite Sports Team:
St. Louis Cardinals
Matt Persinger
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Manager
A licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional, Matt joins our team as a Project Manager with a Master’s degree from Yale University and over 12 years of high-quality architectural experience in several U.S. regions. After stints in IL, OR, and MS, Matt, his wife, and kids moved to Tallahassee to be closer to family. As an architect, his resolve that each project should elevate the experience of all who encounter the project and be executed with excellence in design and craft adds another voice to the established values of our firm. Bringing his experience and design thinking to the table, Matt is excited to grow ALW’s capacity for doing great work and for developing strong relationships in the Tallahassee community.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Yale University
Bachelor of Architecture, Ohio State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Tom Beeby in Chicago
Anne and Roy Decker in Jackson
One Thing He Feels Would Improve Our City:
Enforce a one street – one name policy
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
The Old City Cemetery
Fondest childhood memory:
Helping on his grandparents’ farms – feeding the lambs and calves by bottle; Riding his bike over their sidewalk ramp with his brothers
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Working in the yard and disc golfing/swimming with the kids
One Thing He Likes About Working at ALW:
Many strong individual voices that come together with common values
Pets:
Talley (named after his wife’s grandmother) a 2yr old lab mix
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
In between emails, and sometimes within them
Alana Taylor
AIA
Associate | Interiors Studio Lead
With a broad community project portfolio and knowledge of regional context, Alana is able to meet diverse program requirements while creating spaces that feel meaningful and tied to their particular place. She contributes significantly to both interior design projects and architectural design projects. She began her architectural career at ALW in 2012, and has been involved with projects of varying scales and programs, including higher education and continuing service contracts. As Interiors Studio Lead, Alana focuses her efforts on the interior environment, running small to medium scale projects in higher education, hospitality, and residential. Collaboration is a huge element of the design process for her, developing the story and identifying critical project elements through energizing interactions with our clients, designers, and consultants.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, University of Florida
Bachelor of Design in Architecture and Urban Planning, University of Florida
ALW Projects She’s Most Proud of:
Shores Innovation Hub, il Lusso Restaurant, and Dirac-Dittmer Plaza
Greatest Architectural Influence:
The whole world!
One Thing That She Feels Would Improve Our City:
More spaces designed for the people - corridors created between our city's districts to promote exploring by foot or bike
Favorite Tallahassee Landmarks:
Cascades Park and Bike Trail and the Railroad Square Art District
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Riding on Tallahassee's great mountain bike trails
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
We’re a family of extremely fun and creative individuals with passion for our work
Hobby / Passion:
All kinds of design, cooking, reading, and yoga
Nickname:
AT
Pets:
Kahlo and Molly – an orange tabby and a ball python!
Time of Day She is Most Creative:
4:00 pm or after a really great cup of coffee
Emily Ely
RID
Senior Interior Designer
With a Master’s degree in Interior Design from Florida State University, Emily views her profession as a creative form of communication. Relying on design instinct and 14 years of experience, she is committed to creating thoughtful environments that elevate the interior experience. She sees architecture and interior design through the eyes of the client, bringing an empathetic, human-centered lens to the process. She brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the ALW Interiors Studio.
Educational Background:
Master of Arts in Interior Design, Florida State University
One Thing She Likes About ALW:
The team shares a common passion for functional creativity. It’s invigorating.
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Bradfordville Blues Club
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Deep sea adventures on my dad's salvage fleet
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Camping with family
Top Three Travel Destinations:
A family go-to: 30A; Next Up: Yellowstone National Park; Bucket List: Ireland
Hobbies:
Exploring new camping destinations, kayaking, live music, and gardening (if there were more time)
Nickname:
Rosie Posie
Pets:
Willow, the cutest of all kittens
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Children's Home Society
Sarah Ashcroft
MID
Interior Designer
Sarah has a Master’s degree in Interior Design and brings over 10 years of professional experience with a wholesome mix of artistic, creative and technical skills. Her ambitious spirit, attention to detail and production and product knowledge are an asset to our team. Outside the office, Sarah loves photography, traveling, mom life and our hometown FSU Seminoles.
Educational Background:
Master of Interior Design, Brenau University
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Brenau Women’s College
Greatest Design Influence:
My thesis professor in grad school. She was amazing!
One Thing She Feels Would Improve Our City:
Indoor activities for kids
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Lichgate on High Road
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Ronald McDonald House Charities… go donate your pop tops!
Fondest Childhood Memory:
It’s a toss-up between fishing with my dad and seeing the big spear light up at Doak Campbell Stadium
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Italy, 30A, North Georgia mountains
Pets:
Quincy, a 3 year old fluffy Pembroke Welsh Corgi and Colt, a 12 year old mutt
Time of Day She is Most Creative:
4:00 am if she wakes up that early
Hidden Talent:
She can walk on her hands
Anna Ellis
Interior Design Intern
Anna Ellis
Interior Design Intern
Brian Gladden
Designer
With nearly a decade under his belt in architecture, Brian brings eagerness, enthusiasm and experience with residential, commercial and educational projects that span all sizes and budgets. He believes in blending architecture with the municipal fabric, integrating surroundings, local lifestyle and sustainable design practices. He enjoys working with clients to establish innovative ways for them to use their space. Brian's belief that architects have a social, environmental and economic responsibility propels him to realize the true value of each project. He is currently on the path to obtaining his architectural license and when he’s not working or studying, we find him DJing, producing films, building cool things with LEGO bricks, or racing cars.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Antonio Gaudi, Mies van der Rohe, Toyo Ito, Kengo Kuma, Zaha Hadid
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
All Saints’ Historic Coca-Cola Building
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Collecting baseball cards with my father
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Germany, Japan and Bora Bora/Maldives
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Second Harvest of the Big Bend and Leon County Humane Society
Hobbies:
DJing, Film, LEGO and Automobile Racing
Pets He Owns:
Mikoto, a 6 year old orange tabby cat
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Late at night
Favorite Sports Team:
Miami Heat (lots of MLB teams also)
Amina Kassem
Designer
Amina recently moved to Tallahassee from Beirut, Lebanon where she received a Bachelor of Architecture degree with first rank honors and high distinction. During and after her studies, she completed various internships with local design firms in and around Beirut. Amina sees architectural design as a continuous whole and a fragmented mixture where the process becomes just as valuable as the end product. “I believe architecture is most valuable when it becomes a tool of communication between the designer and the client.” As she begins her career as a full-time designer with ALW, she brings a bright and unique talent for design rendering and detail.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Architecture, American University of Beirut
Greatest Architectural Influence:
The city I grew up in, Beirut. I am usually inspired from my surroundings, whether it is the scenery, the atmosphere, the people and the culture; Beirut never disappoints. There is always something to observe, something to learn from and something to reflect on. The city has its special way of making people feel something that they can always look back to. The city was rebuilt seven times and it never lost its essence or historical value.
Favorite Non-Profit Organization:
Unite Lebanon Youth Project (ULYP); they offer scholarships for displaced students in Lebanon to pursue their dreams and study at a university of their choice. I am so proud to be one of their alumni, and I hope that one day I can give back just as generously as they gave to me.
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Traveling with my parents and four siblings from one country to another in our Jeep while arguing about music choices.
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Cruising to unfamiliar destinations with my favorite people and having a satisfying meal at the end of the day.
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Cascades park, it combines architecture and nature while offering people a space to walk and socialize. It’s nice seeing people from different backgrounds going there to clear their minds from the routine of our daily lives.
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Haifa-Palestine (my homeland and city of origin that I wish to see one day); Tokyo-Japan (their architecture is fascinating and I am always interested in learning about other cultures); Singapore (it seems beautiful and I am an admirer of beauty)
Hobbies:
Arabic calligraphy, sketching and photography
Hidden Talent:
Low-key comedian
Favorite Sports Team:
Used to be Real Madrid, but then architecture school happened and sports were no longer in the picture
Andrea Butler
Designer
Andrea has experience with residential and commercial, renovations and new construction projects. She graduated in Spring 2023 with her Master's in Architecture from FAMU. Originally from South Florida, Andrea has lived, worked and been a student in Tallahassee since 2009. Before attending FAMU, she completed an undergraduate degree in Psychology at FSU, which serves as a foundation to her human-centered approach to design.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture, Florida A&M University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Any of Tallahassee’s parks and hiking trails to get out in nature
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Rock climbing and tending house plants
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The collaborative nature of the team and our ability to continually evolve
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Italy, Germany, Iceland
Hobbies / Passions:
Crochet, origami, watercolor, yoga, all kinds of games
Time of Day She's Most Creative:
Mid-morning, after coffee
Sean Morgan
AIA, CBC
Construction Administration
Sean has over a decade of experience in the design and construction industry and holds licenses as an Architect and Certified Building Contractor. He has been instrumental in some of ALW's most high-profile projects, including Waller Park Capitol Complex Improvements, 201 E. Park Avenue, FSU Student Union Study and Replacement Designs, Leon County Jail Renovations, and Leon County Sheriff's Office Renovations, among others.
Educational Background:
Master of Architecture with Certificate in Sustainable Design, University of Florida
Bachelor of Architecture, Florida A&M University
ALW Project He's Most Proud of:
201 E. Park Avenue
Greatest Architectural Influences:
Glenn Murcutt and Tom Kundig
One Thing That He Feels Would Improve Our City:
Growth and enhancement of public space
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Wild karst formations
Hobby / Passion:
Traveling
Time of Day He's Most Creative:
Early morning
Kris McCaffrey
Director of Marketing
Kris brings over 20 years of marketing and brand management experience to ALW. She is responsible for the firm's marketing and business development efforts - from pursuing new projects and contracts to initiating client and community outreach, managing our website and social media accounts, and internal and external communication - Kris keeps our schedules full and our clients informed and up to date on all things ALW! While executing these marketing and business development tasks for the company locally and regionally, she implements a diverse range of marketing initiatives to obtain new clients and increase ALW brand development and messaging in the marketplace.
Educational Background:
Bachelor of Science in Communications, Florida State University
Favorite Tallahassee Landmark:
Goodwood Museum & Gardens
Fondest Childhood Memory:
Camping in Montana
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Visiting the beach or enjoying brunch
Why She Loves Working at ALW:
The collaborative team and having dogs at the office
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Dijon, France; Glacier National Park, Montana; Santorini; Greece
Favorite Non-Profit Organization
Refuge House
Pets:
Ripley, a 4-year old Chocolate Lab
Interesting Fact That Few People Know:
Worked for ABC Sports
Susan Goodwin
Office Manager
As Office Administrator/Manager and Bookkeeper, Susan’s role at ALW is a supportive adjunct to the creative minds that design and imagine the future landscape of our community. While our architects dream and design, Susan creates and manages stability in the functionality of the office. From supply ordering, to bookkeeping to espresso making, she ensures that the nuts and bolts of office administration are carried out in a seamless manner, giving the rest of the staff the opportunity to focus on design. A testament to the company, Susan began working with the firm 17 years ago; she left for a time to raise her two children, but now that they’re grown, she has returned to continue her tenure at ALW.
Educational Background:
General Studies, Arizona State University
Greatest Architectural Influence:
Antoni Gaudi’s La Sagrada Familia in Barcelona, Spain
Favorite Weekend Activity:
Tennis, reading, puttering
One Thing She Likes About Working at ALW:
The flexibility, benefits and the people (not necessarily in that order)
Top Three Travel Destinations:
Montana, Wyoming, Colorado
Hobbies / Passions:
Reading, tennis, horseback riding
Nicknames:
Sooz; Snoozen (she loves afternoon naps!)
Pets:
3 dogs, 2 cats, 2 horses (this is the current count, at one time I had 56 pets between pigs, chickens, cats, horses, snakes, hamsters, dogs, etc.)
Time of Day She’s Most Creative:
Typically in the morning, but always at the last minute – things do come together quite nicely then
Favorite Sports Team:
Denver Broncos
Rafi
Senior Barkitect
Rafi
Senior Barkitect
Rafi Whitlock is our resident Senior Barkitect. A black lab/flat coated retriever mix, she is sweet, gentle and laid back, but she has the astuteness for which these breeds are well known. Rafi has been on staff at ALW for over 12 years, providing encouragement and moral support when the team is under pressure with deadlines, or anytime they need a break and some unconditional love and approval. She loves to nudge your arm for attention and lay her head on your lap while she bats her big brown eyes. Much of the day she naps while guarding the stairwell, making sure no one travels too quickly going up or down, but she is most productive during her prime play times - early morning and late afternoon when the staff take turns playing fetch with her in the hallway, studio or out in the yard.
Leo
Junior Barkitect
Leo
Junior Barkitect
Leopold Augustus Lewis ("Leo") is ALW's Junior Barkitect in training. Doing what King Charles Cavaliers are best known for, Leo is everyone’s cheerleader and best friend. He brings the sunshine in with him every morning. When he arrives at the office, he diligently makes his rounds to tell everyone good morning and makes sure each and every person is awake and ready to take on another exciting day. His happy, friendly demeanor warms the heart of even the toughest client. One sweet puppy smile from this little guy, and he has people coming back to the office just to visit him. Leo joined the firm in December 2016 at just 10 weeks old, and has become a very valuable member of our team.