Team

Emily Dovey Buchwalter – Founding Principal, 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, and maintains membership with The American Institute of Architects (AIA), reflecting her commitment to professional excellence and ethical practice.

emily@mediciarchitects.com

Schuyler Tutt – Principal, AIA

From his early days tinkering with blocks and Popsicle sticks, Schuyler’s fascination with building and organizing spaces evolved into a profound passion for design. Armed with hands-on experience in construction, including carpentry and welding, he possesses a keen eye for detail and a knack for creative problem-solving.

Prior to joining Medici Architects in 2013, Schuyler honed his skills with landscape and design-build firms across Mississippi, Nebraska, and Texas. He graduated from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln with a Master of Architecture and further enriched his knowledge through studies in Europe.

Schuyler is a licensed architect in the state of Washington and an esteemed member of the AIA, embodying a commitment to excellence and professional integrity in his craft.

schuyler@mediciarchitects.com

Jennifer Kim – Principal, AIA

Jen’s journey in architecture began at the University of Washington, where she earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 2000, followed by a Master of Architecture in 2004. While her early career centered on high-end custom residential design, she recently transitioned to serving as the in-house architect at a regional production home builder. With a firm belief in the profound impact of architectural design on daily life, Jen strives to create spaces that blend beauty, functionality, and individuality seamlessly.

Outside of her professional endeavors, Jen finds inspiration in exploring the world and immersing herself in diverse cultures. From studying abroad in India and Mexico to leading Habitat for Humanity trips in El Salvador, Thailand, and Kenya, she embraces every opportunity to broaden her horizons. An avid photographer, Jen captures the essence of her adventures through her lens, preserving memories of her global explorations.

Since 2009, Jen has been a licensed architect in the state of Washington and an active member of the AIA, continuously enriching her practice and contributing to the architectural community.

jenn@mediciarchitects.com

Nicole Ramey – Principal, 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.

nicole@mediciarchitects.com

Jackie McDowell-Logen – 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.

jackie@mediciarchitects.com

Brianna Miles – 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.

brianna@mediciarchitects.com

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.

james@mediciarchitects.com 

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.

silvija@mediciarchitects.com

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.

jeff@mediciarchitects.com

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.

kelly@mediciarchitects.com

Joshua Thomas – Project Manager

Born in the Pacific Northwest, Josh graduated from Washington State University with his Bachelors of Architecture degree in 2015 and a Masters of Architecture in 2016.  After graduation, his life has focused around the Pacific Northwest. Surrounded by hi-tech, yet with the ability to quickly venture into the mountains with family and friends, it is the perfect place to explore architectural and artistic interests.

With interest in both commercial and residential architecture, Josh has worked briefly in the field of commercial design. Having always been intrigued in residential architecture he has decided to pursue design where the relationship between client and designer can be more closely articulated. He believes that the design should be conscientious, meaningful, and memorable to those who design or inhabit the space. In his spare time, he designs and fabricates custom furniture.

When not designing he loves to have fun, from hiking the Pacific Northwest with his Bernese Mountain dog or exploring world with close friends. He believes life should always stay interesting.

josh@mediciarchitects.com

Ratana Suon – Project Manager

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.

ratana@mediciarchitects.com

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.

kate@mediciarchitects.com

Anastasia Spassennikova – Project Designer

Growing up touring new-built homes with every move, Anastasia’s curiosity for residential architecture started at a young age. Every time it would be an exciting new exercise to envision how each unique room of the wood-framed structure would eventually become a cozy, livable space to come home to. Initially starting off in residential architecture after her Bachelor and Master’s Degrees in Architecture from the University of Washington, Anastasia took a detour working on larger market-rate and affordable housing developments. After a few years, she returned to her passion in residential design to work on smaller-scale projects that provides more personable opportunities to create new homes for individual families.

Outside of the office, Anastasia enjoys spending time staying active by biking, swimming, snowmobiling, and hiking across the many gorgeous trails and lakes Washington has to offer. Touring and traveling different countries helps Anastasia not only spark new design ideas but share memorable moments and adventures with her friends and family.

anastasia@mediciarchitects.com

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.

dan@mediciarchitects.com

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.”

brendan@mediciarchitects.com

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.

michael@mediciarchitects.com

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 over four decades of experience in building complex software systems, he brings a wealth of expertise to his role in directing Medici’s operations.

Ed’s vision is for Medici Architects to function with the precision and efficiency of a finely crafted Swiss watch.

ed.buchwalter@mediciarchitects.com

Karen Hisey –  Office Manager

Karen retired in early 2022 and was asked soon after to join Medici in a part-time office support role.  She quickly learned the architecture business and now manages contracts, helps streamline new project setup, and keeps invoices moving.  The world of designing and creating beautiful homes is fascinating to Karen.  Her remote position has allowed her to move from the Pacific Northwest to sunny Tucson, Arizona where she can keep up with the busy Medici team and still play golf year-round!

karen@mediciarchitects.com