Paul Rosenblatt AIA, Principal Founding SPRINGBOARD Principal Paul Rosenblatt AIA NCARB (pictured at right) earned his bachelor’s and master’s degrees from Yale University, where he received the Yale School of Architecture’s Anne C.K. Garland Award. He was Editor of Perspecta, The Journal of the Yale School of Architecture. Since 1987, Mr. Rosenblatt has taught at the Carnegie Mellon University School of Architecture, where he is currently an Adjunct Associate Professor.
Best known for his museum architecture and innovative residential and exhibition designs, Mr. Rosenblatt has developed nationally recognized status for his expertise in these areas. His reputation as an excellent collaborator with a constructive voice has led to consistent invitations to contribute design expertise to many non-profits and civic undertakings. Confirming his stature as a leader in this arena, the National Academy of Design awarded Mr. Rosenblatt the prestigious Orville Lance Prize for Architecture. The Pittsburgh Business Times selected him as one of 50 “2004 Fast Trackers” in recognition of outstanding contributions to his profession and the community. Paul is a former board member of the Society for Contemporary Craft, one of the nation’s leading craft museums, and Cool Space Locator, an innovative real estate organization.
Bill Szustak AIA, Associate Mr. Szustak has provided strong design and management direction for all phases of numerous types of architectural projects nationally. His fellowship at The Ohio State University and high honors from SUNY at Buffalo have instilled a healthy balance of aesthetic innovation and attention to detail and constructability. Mr. Szustak is a past board member of the Three Rivers Center for Independent Living and has lectured on innovative accessibility design and been involved in many projects that improve the lives of persons with disabilities. Thoroughness, effective communications, and meticulous organization in process and delivery are the hallmarks of Mr. Szustak’s exemplary project management skills, which have contributed to several award-winning projects.
Petra Fallaux, Creative Director From her 11 years of experience as the Director of Carnegie Mellon University’s Art Galleries – including the founding and building of the 10,000sf Regina Gouger Miller Gallery – Ms. Fallaux has developed a sharp and informed perspective on directing non-profit cultural institutions, as well as the planning and creation of successful contemporary exhibitions. She has organized well over 100 exhibitions in 2D and 3D media ranging from paintings, prints, photography, sculpture, video, architecture, communication, industrial and theatrical design to multimedia and site specific installations.
Ms. Fallaux is also an active artist who brings a refreshing perspective to SPRINGBOARD’s selection of materials, colors, textures and other surface design issues. An active contemporary quilt artist since 2003, her credo in her own work is: shape, color, and simplicity.
Born and raised in the Netherlands, Petra Fallaux is most attracted to spare geometric forms in art. Modern painting and design are major influences. Degrees from the Universities of Leiden (BS Psychology) and Amsterdam (MS Film Studies) and a Master of Arts Management degree from Carnegie Mellon University’s Heinz School for Public Policy are underpinnings of her background and knowledge.
Shannon Ashmore, Project Architect After receiving her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Virginia Polytechnic Institute, Ms. Ashmore moved to San Francisco where she worked with Skidmore Owings and Merrill and Esherick Homsey Dodge & Davis. A licensed architect, Ms. Ashmore has extensive professional experience with a variety of award-winning projects including library and classroom buildings, community centers, urban design, and master planning. Her skills include a distinctive talent for hand drawing that, coupled with proficiency in computer modeling, enhances her communications with clients and consultants. Complementing her professional practice, Ms. Ashmore is an Adjunct Instructor for Architectural Studies at the University of Pittsburgh. She currently serves on the Sewickley Planning Commission and is a former member of the Sewickley Historic Review Commission. Her volunteer activities also include the Community Design Center Ren-Plan Program.
Nicolas Hawken, Project Designer Educated in the United Kingdom and the United States, Mr. Hawken received a Bachelor of Arts degree from New York University and a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the City College of New York. Before moving to Pittsburgh, Mr. Hawken was a Project Designer at Gwathmey Siegel & Associates Architects where he worked on a variety of building types. Mr. Hawken’s emphasis on sustainable design has led to his professional involvement with many LEED certified projects. A strong sense of construction detailing and innovative building methods has contributed to his ability to produce thorough and complete design and construction documentation for various cultural, commercial and residential projects including the Crocker Art Museum in Sacramento, California.