Kraig Kalashian, RA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal
Kraig Kalashian is the Managing Partner and founder of KKAD. To others, Kraig’s schedule can seem a bit overwhelming, but to him, it’s just another day on the job. Kraig plays an active role in every single project, from beginning to end. Making a difference in the world and having a positive impact on people’s lives is Kraig’s favorite part of his job. If you can’t find Kraig, he’s probably playing the guitar, but just ask Lori.
Lori Tatum
Operations Director
As KKAD’s Operations Director, Lori works closely with Kraig to manage all projects and businesses. Lori brings strong organizational background to the firm from her years of experience as an English teacher. Lori manages project schedules and KKAD’s own development projects. Outside of work, Lori is likely reading, spending time outside, or making a recipe from one of her favorite cookbooks.
Chelsea Alvarez
Design Director
Homegrown from the beaches of Western Florida, Chelsea graduated from International Academy of Design and Technology in Tampa with a degree in Interior Design and Fine Arts. Chelsea oversees design work on all current and future projects. Chelsea sets the course for each project, provides design support through each phase, and makes regular project site visits to oversee construction and FF&E installation. Outside of work, you can find Chelsea traveling, indulging in a good meal or book, and spending time outside in nature experiencing all the seasons of New Jersey.
Akanksha Gaur
Senior Designer
Originally from India, Akanksha is a graduate of the New York School of Interior Design. As the lead designer at KKAD, she brings a global perspective to her designs and oversees design work through all project phases, ensuring a seamless workflow from concept to completion. When not immersed in design, you’ll find her knee-deep in soil, tending to her vegetable garden, jet-setting on travel adventures, or indulging in a meditation class.
Kassandra Castillo
Architectural Designer
Kassandra Castillo (KC) is KKAD’s Architectural Designer, which means that she works on all sorts of construction documents, presentations, but does a little bit of everything. KC has always had a penchant for design, and has fulfilled her childhood dreams by becoming an architect! Outside of work, KC is probably training for a marathon in the near future or traveling!
Walter Brandt
Job Captain
Walter Brandt is the Job Captain, which means he works with consultants on project coordination, documentations, interior designs, and literally everything that goes into starting a project. Walter has a hand in taking a project from 2D to 3D. If he is not working, Walter is probably reading, playing chess or jiu jitsu, baking, or practicing yoga and meditation. Basically anything that makes you relax and reset.
Kristen O’Bara
Procurement
Kristen O’Bara is responsible for taking FF&E designs and bringing them to life. Kristen gets to work with everyone in the industry, while also doing one of her favorite hobbies all day - online shopping! She orders everything you could possibly need for any project. Kristen always has a smile on her face and is letting you know about all the new celebrity gossip. And she is currently working on improving her green thumb by taking care of her flower gardens at home!