WHO WE ARE

Firm Overview

Christopher Williams Architects, LLC (CWA) is an award-winning design firm that offers full architectural services for new construction, renovation, restoration and interior architecture. As a firm that takes it’s cues from the master-builder tradition, we view ourselves as the project director and “responsible entity” that protects the whole while keeping all the parts moving in the right direction — we integrate a hands-on approach with 21st century technology in order to make the best buildings possible.

Founded in 1986 and based in New Haven, Connecticut, CWA’s staff includes 3 registered architects with over 30 years of experience each.

Representative project types

  • Classrooms / Learning Environments
  • Multi-Unit Residences / Dormitories
  • Research Laboratories
  • Theaters / Music Practice Spaces
  • Athletic Facilities
  • Offices
  • Retail Spaces
  • Dining Services / Restaurants
  • Landscape / Site Improvements
  • Infrastructure Upgrades
Download CWA’s Statement of Qualifications

Staff Bios

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CHRISTOPHER WILLIAMS, AIA, Principal

As CWA’s founding Principal, Chris is a hands-on leader who is involved in all aspects of the firm’s projects from conception through completion. As project director, he makes every effort to put the owner’s best interest at the forefront while maintaining the building’s integrity and keeping end-users interests at heart. Since its inception, he has overseen more than 500 projects that have included new construction, renovations and restorations for institutional, industrial, office, retail, restaurants and housing projects. Prior to CWA, Chris worked as a designer and project architect with Cesar Pelli and Associates (Pelli Clarke Pelli Architects) where he was an integral team member on a number of the firm’s high profile projects including The World Financial Center, The Plaza of the World Financial Center (New York City, NY) and the Pin Oak Office Complex (Houston, Texas).

Education

Cornell University, Bachelor of Architecture

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MARK H. POZZI, AIA, Project Manager

Mark is an experienced architect and project manager whose career in architecture and construction spans more than 35 years. He brings extensive experience in all levels and phases of design and construction with an emphasis on educational, public, private and commercial projects.An effective communicator and collaborator, Mark has a proven track record of delivering projects on time and on budget. Well-versed in renovations and new construction, his approach is to identify and solve problems through analysis and understanding while making informed decisions based on the reasoning, common sense and intuition of an experienced professional.

Education

Carnegie-Mellon University, Bachelor of Fine Arts

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LAURA BOYER, AIA, Project Architect

Laura Boyer is a practicing architect with over twenty five years’ experience designing, managing, and consulting on residential, institutional, municipal, and historic preservation projects. She maintains a particular interest in the intersection of building design with material science and performance. As past Co-Chair of AIA Connecticut’s Committee on the Environment Laura has organized professional education seminars on topics related to sustainability including ‘Forestry Salvage and Wood Supply’; ‘International Strategies for Sustainable Design’; ‘Preservation and Sustainability’ and others.

Education

Yale University, Master of Architecture
Yale University, Bachelor of Art

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SERGE KHOUDESSIAN, RA, Project Architect

Serge brings over 17 years of experience as a project designer and project architect. He is most interested in how digital exploration and investigation can be applied to the design process and integrated into construction. At Cornell University, he earned his Master’s Degree (M.Arch II) in Architecture and Computer Graphics and has applied this approach to subsequent professional projects.| His experience is diverse, including large mixed-use projects, school and university buildings, medical clinics, exhibit design and residential work. Through this experience, he has gained expertise taking projects from concept through construction in Portland, New York City, China, and the Middle East, dealing directly with clients, contractors, consultants, vendors, neighborhood committees and local architects.

Education

M. Arch II: Cornell University
B. Arch: American University of Beirut

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PORTIA WATSON ELMER, Senior Architectural Designer

Portia brings more than eight years of experience in architectural design and on-site project management to the CWA team. Her wide range of project experience includes work on hotel towers, museums, universities, and private residences. On such projects she has managed on-site coordination and extensive document review with contractors & consultants. With a background that also includes scenic design for theater productions, Portia enjoys supporting a collaborative process and brings a keen eye for detail to her work – likewise, she understands the rigor and demands of keeping projects on-deadline, on-budget and on-schedule; be it opening night or opening doors.

Education

Yale University, Master of Fine Arts in Scenic Design
Cornell University, Bachelor of Architecture

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JOE PICONE, Architectural Associate

Joseph, a graduate of the University of Hartford with a Master's degree in Architecture, has proven his expertise in 3D modeling and construction documentation since joining CWA. He has contributed to various ongoing projects, demonstrating his valuable skills and dedication. His ability to seamlessly integrate 3D modeling into the architectural workflow has made him an invaluable asset to CWA. His contributions to various projects have been instrumental in ensuring the smooth execution of design and construction plans.

Education

University of Hartford, Master of Architecture
University of Hartford, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology,

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NOBLE OO, Intern

Noble Oo recently received his bachelor degree in architecture from the University of Hartford. Born in Thailand, Noble moved to the United States when he was eight years old. He speaks fluent Karen, Myanmar and English and is currently working as an Intern Architect.

Education

University of Hartford, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology

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DANIEL HANISKO, Associate AIA, Assistant Project Manager

Dan wears many hats within the organization at CWA. In addition to office management, he contributes to the preparation of construction documents and assists in all aspects of construction administration. Well versed in Revit and AutoCad design programs, Dan is also an integral team member on projects utilizing BIM.

Education

University of Hartford, Bachelor of Science in Architectural Engineering Technology

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KATHLEEN MARINO, Accounts Manager

Kathy has been the Accounts Manager of CWA since its inception as an LLC in 2001. During the course of her tenure she has been instrumental in managing the firm’s growth by overseeing and managing account activity. Though her primary responsibility is cash and accrual accounting, she also oversees the payroll department, comp audits, client proposals and various other moving targets.

Education

Fairfield University, Accounting CEU