Emily Dovey Buchwalter – Founding Principal Architect, AIA
Medici Architects was established in 1989 by Emily Dovey Buchwalter, AIA, a seasoned architect and interior designer.
Emily’s academic journey includes a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Syracuse University in 1985 and a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from the University of Washington in 1980. With over four decades of industry experience, Emily brings a wealth of expertise to every project, aiming to craft buildings and spaces that seamlessly integrate functionality with aesthetic appeal. Her approach prioritizes the practical needs of occupants while ensuring harmony between interior and exterior environments.
Emily is a licensed architect in Washington, Idaho, and Arizona, holds an NCARB© certificate, and maintains membership with The American Institute of Architects (AIA), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice.
Nicole Ramey – Principal Architect, AIA
Nicole’s architectural journey began with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Utah, followed by a Master of Architecture from the University of Idaho. With over 15 years of experience in the luxury residential sector and stints at various commercial architecture firms in Boise, Idaho, Nicole brings a wealth of expertise to her craft.
In 2015, Nicole’s passion for design and leadership led her to serve as President of the AIA Mountain Section Executive Board. She firmly believes in the transformative power of good design and enjoys collaborating closely with clients to bring their dream visions to life.
A true Idahoan at heart, Nicole resides in Ketchum with her two children, embracing the vibrant mountain town lifestyle. Whether she’s hitting the slopes, exploring hiking trails, cycling through picturesque landscapes, or soaking in the serenity of the lake, Nicole finds joy in all that mountain living has to offer.
As a licensed architect in Idaho, holding an NCARB© certificate, and an active member of the AIA, Nicole remains dedicated to advancing the principles of architectural excellence and client-centered design.
Matt Shannon – Managing Principal
Matt is a versatile professional with a diverse background in sports, government, business, and communications. He attended the University of North Carolina, where he played lacrosse on scholarship for four years, developing strong teamwork and leadership skills that continue to shape his career.
After graduating, Matt spent three years as a Senate staffer, gaining valuable experience in government affairs and policy development. During the pandemic, he earned his MBA, further honing his business acumen. Since then, Matt has worked in business consulting and communications, where he blends strategic thinking with a passion for storytelling to help organizations navigate complex challenges and drive growth.
Ed Buchwalter – Principal Operations
Ed holds a Bachelor’s degree in Electrical Engineering from the University of Washington and a Master’s degree in Electrical Engineering from Cornell University. With more than 40 years of experience in developing complex hardware and software systems, he brings a wealth of technical expertise and strategic insight to his role leading Medici’s operations.
Ed’s leadership vision for Medici Architects is inspired by the precision and efficiency of a finely crafted Swiss watch, aiming to streamline processes and drive excellence at every level of the organization.
Max Foley – Senior Design Architect
Max is a creative registered architect, collaborator, and problem solver. His architecture considers the human experience of spaces and how a project is contextually responsive.
With 16 years experience in the profession, his diverse portfolio includes private homes, mixed-use, wineries, offices, higher education, and industrial architecture. His blend of skills in architecture, music, sculpture, and industrial design contribute to his unique approach to design and innovation.
Over the course of his career, Max has developed a design process that prioritizes clients’ values through a tailored consideration of materials, details, and function. His ability to conceptualize and visualize compelling architectural ideas brings clients’ visions to life, creating spaces that resonate on a deeply human level.
Jackie McDowell-Logen – Senior Project Manager
Jackie began her creative career with a Bachelor of Fine Art degree from the University of Washington. When her sculptures became too large, she pursued a larger medium! In June of 2014 she graduated with a Masters of Architecture from the Newschool of Architecture and Design in San Diego, CA. While studying in Southern California she expanded her love to landscape architecture and participated in many community park building events. She has built parks in San Diego, Mexico and Taiwan, and looks forward to continuing her volunteer efforts in her home state of Washington.
Brianna Miles – Senior Project Manager
Whether building forts in the backyard, log shelters on a beach or just playing with building blocks in the warm comfort of the living room, Brianna has always had an eye for detail and designing perfect spaces. Following that love of design, she graduated in 2006 from Lake Washington Technical College with degrees in Architectural and Civil Graphics. Working at a local Architecture firm for nine years, she gained experience in various commercial building applications with projects ranging from tenant improvements to office spaces and community centers. She has also spent time on many project sites working alongside the contractors, increasing her understanding of the construction process. Joining the Medici family in 2015, Brianna looks forward to furthering her knowledge in the field of single- and multi-family residences.
James West-Herr – Project Manager
James graduated from the University of Oregon with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2009, but has been actively working in the industry since 2002. His early career focused on design/build residential architecture in Oregon, later high-end residential and commercial developments in China, recently on type 1B & 2B commercial projects in the Bay Area, and since 2017 has been very happy to be back in the vibrant northwest working on residential design with Medici Architects.
James strongly believes that by applying progressive environmental principles and conscientious building techniques that homes will feel more livable and sustainable. His design approach relies upon both sketches and technology to visualize the project effectively with his clients to reduce the number of design cycles and achieve a beautiful scheme that meets his client’s budget and expectations.
When not designing and helping take care of his daughters, James likes to explore the remote parts of the PNW on the back of his motorcycle.
Silvija Jakovljevic – Project Manager
Born in Belgrade, Serbia; Silvija graduated from the University of Belgrade’s Civil Engineering School in the Department of Planning and Building Settlement with a Major in Urban Planning in 2003. With 3 years of experience at the Urban Planning Institute as an Associate Urban Planner, Silvija moved to the US in 2003, and earned an Engineering Design Technology Certificate from Renton Technical College in 2007. Prior to joining Medici Architects in 2013, she worked for 6+ years at DesignARK.
While her multi-tasking ability and attention to detail are invaluable through all phases, Silvija plays a key role in site design and development for multi-family projects as well as smaller single family work. She would like to continue her education at UW in Construction Management.
Kelly Hallstrom – Project Manager
Kelly graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelors of Architecture in 2011 and a Masters of Architecture in 2012 from UI’s urban design center in Boise. Prior to starting grad school, he spent time studying environmental architecture around England and Wales. During his career in architecture, Kelly has gained experience in education, healthcare, urban planning, and residential design.
Being raised in Idaho, he has always appreciated the natural beauty of the Northwest. In 2015, moving to Western Washington became a great opportunity to gain experience in urban architecture while being closely intertwined with nature. Kelly joined Medici in 2017 where he continues to work on residential projects.
When not working, Kelly enjoys exploring the coastline of Washington, British Columbia, and getting “lost” in the Cascade mountains.
Jeffrey Glad – Project Manager
In 2014 Jeffrey graduated from Washington University in Saint Louis with a Master of Architecture degree. Prior to graduate school he attended the University of Florida where in 2011 he received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree. In 2014 Jeffrey moved to Seattle to gain experience in urban architecture and has over 4 years’ experience designing single family, townhouse, rowhouse, and apartment residences. He has always been intrigued by how architecture fits within its context and believes each design should create usable spaces in which occupants can enjoy.
Jeffrey loves exploring new places, in his free time you can find him hiking or skiing on the many mountains in and around the Pacific Northwest.
Jeffrey is currently working toward his professional Architecture License.
Kate Kennedy-Hubler – Design Associate
Born and raised in the Pacific Northwest Kate knew she wanted to be an architect when she found herself drawing floorplans in 9th grade geometry class. She then proceeded to get her Master of Architecture degree at Montana State University. When not working she enjoys reading, hording plants and exploring all the nature the Pacific Northwest has to offer.
Evan Weinman – Design Associate
Evan discovered architecture during his undergraduate studies at Middlebury College and was immediately drawn to its interdisciplinary nature. Early in his career, he worked with a residential design/build firm, where he gained valuable experience collaborating closely with the construction team and developed an appreciation for construction as a mode of thinking.
Building on his design/build experience, Evan spent two years working as a carpenter on custom homes in Washington and Michigan. He later earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, focusing on integrating emerging design technologies within an iterative architectural process.
Outside the office, Evan is an avid skier with more pairs of skis than he can count on two hands. He can often be found chasing snow in the Pacific Northwest’s alpine regions or playing frisbee with his dog, Taz.
Brendan Lempesis – Design Associate
Brendan graduated from the University of Idaho with a Bachelor of Arts & Architecture in 2020 and a Master of Arts & Architecture in 2022. He developed a hobby of creating residential plans and forms through Minecraft in high school which laid the foundation for a love of architecture. He has experience in various forms of construction from speculative residential to large scale wind farms.
Raised in Boise, ID and living in Moscow for 7 years, moving to the Seattle area offered new opportunities in a larger market while staying close to home. Brendan enjoys watching sports and experiencing the vibrant food and drink culture in the area.”
Michael Stears – Design Associate
Michael has a Master’s Degree in Architecture and a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Design from Arizona State University. His engineering mindset and attention to detail comes from years of building cars and tinkering with machines. He approaches Architecture from a similar direction, hoping to create artful experiences balanced between what they require and what is asked of them.
Ratana Suon – Design Associate
Ratana has a Masters Degree in Architecture from Washington State University and a Masters Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Oregon. Prior to graduate school, she attended the Royal University of Fine Arts in Cambodia where she received a Bachelor Degree in Architecture. Prior to joining Medici Architects, Ratana worked in Cambodia, China, and the United States where she worked for over 5 years at BLRB Architects and Caron Architecture.
When not designing, Ratana enjoys reading, cooking, hiking and exploring different parts of the United States and the world. One of her main goals in life is to travel to as many countries as possible and learn about different cultures, lifestyles and especially residential architecture.
Dan Alexander – Design Associate
All it took was a Lego brick to kickstart Dan’s journey into architecture, though architecture is just a part of who he is. After graduating from New England Institute of Technology with a degree in Architectural Science and Technology, he moved back home in 2018 to the Pacific Northwest to be closer to family. Dan worked at the ground level of an architectural firm as well as a design-build company prior to joining Medici, and has a passion for working on single family residences.
Out of the office, he enjoys learning and playing classical piano; his favorite composers to learn and listen to being Chopin and Lizst. When the sun is out, you can also catch him riding his motorcycle wherever the pavement is smooth. During the fall he coaches high school football at the local high school where he lives. His home life is shared with his wonderful partner Abby, their two dogs Clancy and Roland, and their cat Kairi.
