Adding to the buoyant atmosphere of KMA’s 50th anniversary celebration and open house showcasing our office expansion and renovation was the elevation of three valued staff members to associates of the firm. Abby Freed, Michel Saewert, and Jillian Berry each expressed how meaningful the promotion is to them:
Abby Freed
“I joined Kelly/Maiello Architects as a summer intern during my undergraduate education. The past seven years have been a whirlwind of fulfilling community-based projects, late night detailing crash courses with Joe (IYKYK!), lunchtime brain dumps with the gang, and an incomprehensible number of hours in Revit.
“Architecture has given me a platform to examine the crossover between the human experience and the built environment, and our work with community and user-oriented projects has provided me with the opportunity to see this firsthand. I look forward to what the future holds for this profession and I’m excited to be a part of it, both as an adjunct professor at Temple University and now as an associate at KMA.”
Michel Saewert
“When I was much, much younger, I wanted to be an astronaut, then later a meteorologist; eventually instead I became an architect. While my interests over time have certainly come down to earth, I remain awed by the power of human creativity and our ability to achieve great things when we work together. With this opportunity I look forward to continuing my work helping both KMA and our clients achieve great things. When I’m not in the office, you can probably find me at home with my cat Barley (who is a very good boy and is very spoiled) or out riding my bike: Please allow four feet of distance when passing.”
Jillian Berry
“I’ve always been drawn to architecture for the way it brings together art, science, and the everyday experiences that shape how we live. My education at Temple University helped me understand that architecture is about more than buildings; it’s about the people, communities, and experiences that those spaces support. Having made Philadelphia home, I’ve come to appreciate the city’s layers of history, its diversity of neighborhoods, and the opportunities to make a meaningful impact through thoughtful design. I bring that perspective to my work, with a particular interest in how the built environment influences our daily lives and how good design can strengthen communities.
“As I continue to grow professionally, I’m excited to take on greater responsibility, expand my role in shaping projects, and help develop the next generation of designers through teaching and mentorship. I’m grateful for the experiences and people who have shaped my path so far, and excited for what comes next.”
