JAMES LUCERO, AIA
James Lucero AIA is a Principal owner and has been with ROMA since 2004. James was born and raised in Santa Fe, New Mexico before completing his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of New Mexico. Prior to joining ROMA, James worked with other notable firms including Antoine Predock, Flatow Moore Schaffer McCabe, and Antonio Ortega. Over his career of 20 plus years, James has acted as principal designer and project manager on many building types including educational and community facilities, performing arts centers, custom residences, and hotels/spas.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2003, The University of New Mexico
2003 AIA Gold Medal Award winner for Design Excellence
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2000, The University of New Mexico
Registration
New Mexico Registered Architect (2007)
Professional Affiliation
Member, American Institutute of Architects
DEAN COWDREY, AIA
Dean Cowdrey AIA is a Principal owner and has been with ROMA since 2009 and has designed and collaborated on numerous award-winning projects in that time. Dean was raised in Gallup, NM before moving to Albuquerque to pursue his architecture education at the University of New Mexico. Prior to joining ROMA, Dean worked with other notable firms including Antoine Predock Architect in Albuquerque. As a native of New Mexico, Dean understands the importance of creating architecture which responds to both time and place, and explores inventive and contextually exciting architectural solutions in response to a site’s opportunity and the user needs. He argues in favor of challenging “best practice” generally accepted by the architectural profession by embracing a responsive design approach for creating innovative environments.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2009, The University of New Mexico
2009 AIA Silver Certificate Award Winner
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2000, The University of New Mexico
Registration
New Mexico Registered Architect (2020)
Professional Affiliation
Member, American Institutute of Architects
NATE BIA
Nate joined the ROMA team in 2017, bringing over 10 years of experience in Revit and BIM modeling. He has proven himself to be a key member across all phases of a project, utilizing his comprehensive background in Revit and BIM Modeling to quickly provide solutions and strategies for increased efficiency and project workflows. Nate is a valuable asset in producing drawings and building models. Throughout every phase of the project Nate will be ensuring the quality and accuracy of drawings and models, as well as coordinating with consultants to resolve building conflicts. Growing up on the Navajo Reservation he developed an interest in sustainability and culturally appropriate design. He strives to incorporate these concepts in innovative ways to create architecture that is both meaningful and rooted to its context.
2017 AIA Henry Adams Medal Winner
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, 2014, Calvin College
Nate joined the ROMA team in 2017, bringing over 10 years of experience in Revit and BIM modeling. He has proven himself to be a key member across all phases of a project, utilizing his comprehensive background in Revit and BIM Modeling to quickly provide solutions and strategies for increased efficiency and project workflows. Nate is a valuable asset in producing drawings and building models. Throughout every phase of the project Nate will be ensuring the quality and accuracy of drawings and models, as well as coordinating with consultants to resolve building conflicts. Growing up on the Navajo Reservation he developed an interest in sustainability and culturally appropriate design. He strives to incorporate these concepts in innovative ways to create architecture that is both meaningful and rooted to its context.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2017, The University of New Mexico2017 AIA Henry Adams Medal Winner
Bachelor of Arts in Studio Art, 2014, Calvin College
Registration
New Mexico Registered Architect (2022)
ELLIOT HIELD
Elliot Hield is a licensed architect at ROMA since 2017. Elliot appreciates the unique opportunity and responsibility presented by the practice of architecture to transform our experience of the world. His passion for his work lies in helping to realize places that inspire and enrich people's lives.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2018, The University of New Mexico
Elliot Hield is a licensed architect at ROMA since 2017. Elliot appreciates the unique opportunity and responsibility presented by the practice of architecture to transform our experience of the world. His passion for his work lies in helping to realize places that inspire and enrich people's lives.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2020, The University of New MexicoBachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2018, The University of New Mexico
Registration
New Mexico Registered Architect (2022)
TANIA NEVAREZ
Tania graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing licensure. Tania embraces the challenge of opening the dialog between disciplines, context culture, and identifying problems as potential inspiration for unique solutions. As a licensed drone pilot she specializes in developing aerial views, sightline analysis, topography mapping, and construction documentation. As part of the ROMA team she is also involved in BIM modeling, documentation, and visualization
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2018, The University of New Mexico
Tania graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing licensure. Tania embraces the challenge of opening the dialog between disciplines, context culture, and identifying problems as potential inspiration for unique solutions. As a licensed drone pilot she specializes in developing aerial views, sightline analysis, topography mapping, and construction documentation. As part of the ROMA team she is also involved in BIM modeling, documentation, and visualization
Education
Master of Architecture, 2020, The University of New MexicoBachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2018, The University of New Mexico
Registration
Actively pursuing licensure
THOMAS BEJCEK
Thomas graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing licensure. Thomas thrives on transforming complex challenges into creative architectural solutions, often utilizing emerging technology to bring design to life. He is dedicated to crafting spaces that foster community, enhance well-being, and inspire connection. As part of the team at ROMA, Thomas focuses on design development, documentation, and project visualizations.
Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2021, The University of New Mexico
Thomas graduated with his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from the University of New Mexico and is currently pursuing licensure. Thomas thrives on transforming complex challenges into creative architectural solutions, often utilizing emerging technology to bring design to life. He is dedicated to crafting spaces that foster community, enhance well-being, and inspire connection. As part of the team at ROMA, Thomas focuses on design development, documentation, and project visualizations.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2023, The University of New MexicoBachelor of Arts in Architecture, 2021, The University of New Mexico
Registration
Actively pursuing licensure
SHELBY PODGORSKI
Shelby graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of New Mexico in 2023, bringing her passion for landscape and graphic design. She is involved in developing presentations, document production, site and building analysis, and material selection. Shelby enjoys the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a team in addition to participating in design. She is dedicated to continue learning and plans on returning to school to earn a graduate degree.
Shelby graduated with her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of New Mexico in 2023, bringing her passion for landscape and graphic design. She is involved in developing presentations, document production, site and building analysis, and material selection. Shelby enjoys the opportunity to connect and collaborate with a team in addition to participating in design. She is dedicated to continue learning and plans on returning to school to earn a graduate degree.
Education
Undergraduate, 2023, The University of New Mexico
Registration
Actively pursuing licensure
BRENDA HUYNH, AIA
Brenda is an architect and LEED Accredited Professional. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Interior Design from the University of Georgia. Her approach to design is informed by thorough research and site analysis of regional context and social and cultural factors. She is particularly interested in the thoughtful and intentional consideration of place. Originally from Atlanta, she now calls Albuquerque home and finds value in being able to contribute to the growth and development of the state in any way possible.
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, 2015, Georgia Institute of Technology
LEED AP BD+C
Brenda is an architect and LEED Accredited Professional. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Fine Arts with an emphasis in Interior Design from the University of Georgia. Her approach to design is informed by thorough research and site analysis of regional context and social and cultural factors. She is particularly interested in the thoughtful and intentional consideration of place. Originally from Atlanta, she now calls Albuquerque home and finds value in being able to contribute to the growth and development of the state in any way possible.
Education
Master of Architecture, 2019, Georgia Institute of TechnologyBachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, 2015, Georgia Institute of Technology
Registration
New Mexico Registered Architect (2021)
Professional Affiliations
Member, American Institutute of Architects LEED AP BD+C
JON ANDERSON, FAIA
Jon Anderson AIA has been a licensed architect registered with the State of New Mexico since 1978, and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1984. He has 47 years of diverse architectural experience, including significant responsibility in nationally and internationally recognized award-winning projects. Founding the firm in 1991, he has won numerous design awards for his commercial and residential work. His soft spoken, comprehensive approach to project management has given him the highest respect of his peers and clients. He is able to gain a superior level of workmanship from contractors and unparalleled satisfaction from clients. In honor of his significant contribution to architecture, Jon was elected to the AIA College of Fellows in 2012.
Liberal Arts, 1968-1970, University of Wisconsin
NCARB, 1990, Certificate No. 39947
Jon Anderson AIA has been a licensed architect registered with the State of New Mexico since 1978, and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 1984. He has 47 years of diverse architectural experience, including significant responsibility in nationally and internationally recognized award-winning projects. Founding the firm in 1991, he has won numerous design awards for his commercial and residential work. His soft spoken, comprehensive approach to project management has given him the highest respect of his peers and clients. He is able to gain a superior level of workmanship from contractors and unparalleled satisfaction from clients. In honor of his significant contribution to architecture, Jon was elected to the AIA College of Fellows in 2012.
Education
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture, 1973, The University of New MexicoLiberal Arts, 1968-1970, University of Wisconsin
Registration
New Mexico Architect: 1978, Certificate No. 1100NCARB, 1990, Certificate No. 39947
Professional Affiliation
Fellow, American Institutute of Architects, member since 1984