PERSPECTIVES

RODE is proud to announce the promotion of five its team members to Associate. Each of the distinctive individuals are recognized for their dedication to the firm, superior client service and design ability, as well as mentorship and care for the profession. The promotions cover positions across the full range of the firm’s capabilities, from operations to interior design.

“Our team is a truly unique group of individuals, and we inspire each other to achieve success and find the most amazing solutions for our clients. This group in particular represents our best skills, attitude, and sense of service,” said Kevin Deabler, Principal. “It’s important to recognize our leaders as the breadth of our work is increasing. We see these promotions, our very first at RODE, as a critical step in forming the future of firm.”

Promotions include:

• Mike DelleFave, AIA, LEED AP has been with RODE since 2014. He brings more than a dozen years of experience to the firm and has dedicated himself to teaching within the firm and at local colleges. DelleFave strives to support the creative energy of the office and fosters collaborative connections across the studio. Key projects he has been involved in include Dorchester Brewing Co., The Flats on Savin, Forbes Street Townhouses, and the mixed-use development at 110 Savin Hill Ave. Originally from Smithfield, RI and now a resident of Dorchester, DelleFave holds a Bachelor of

Architecture from the Wentworth Institute of Technology and a Masters from the Pratt Institute.  

• Jessica Haley, Associate IIDA has been with RODE more than 5 years and brings 12 years of interior design expertise to the firm. Her unique approach has been realized in a range of project types including hospitality, multi-family, commercial, institutional, and academic research. Her award-winning design work has brought acclaim to the firm’s hospitality projects such as La Brasa, Commonwealth, SRV, Southern Proper, and the Cambria Hotel at 6 West Broadway. Originally from Peterborough, NH, now residing in Boston, Haley holds a BFA from Suffolk University and Masters in Interior Architecture from the Boston Architectural College.  
• Lucas Herringshaw, AIA, LEED AP has been with RODE for 3 years and in the industry for nearly 15. Herringshaw’s attention to detail, focus on design integration, technical expertise and project coordination help him lead complex projects including the soon-to-be-finished Cambria Hotel at 6 West Broadway and the anticipated boutique hotel at 150 Kneeland, among others. Originally from Slidell, LA and now a resident of Dorchester, he is a graduate of Tulane University with a Masters in Architecture.  
• Shelley Kolesar, PHR is responsible for the firm’s human resources, financials, and overall operations. Kolesar has been with the organization since 2013 and brings close to two decades of professional experience, including industry-specific expertise to help navigate the business forward. At RODE, she has presided over an exciting period of firm-wide growth and cultural transformation. Originally from Ballston Spa, NY, Kolesar now resides in Boston, and is a graduate of the University of New Hampshire.  
• Ben Wan was RODE’s first full-time employee and has been impacting the architectural design of the firm’s projects for more than 9 years. He has been a leading team member on RODE’s most complex, transformative projects such as Radian, DOT Block, 105 Washington Street Development, Commonwealth Kitchen at Pearl, and the Appalachian Mountain Club. He also plays a key role in mentoring and fostering the firm’s culture and mission statement. Originally from Billerica, MA and now a resident of Malden, he is a graduate of Northeastern University with a Masters in Architecture.

‍

RODE and Hudson Group North America have won the approval of the Boston Planning and Development Agency for a 230-room, 21-story boutique hotel on Kneeland Street in the Leather District. The team is uniquely qualified to deliver this small footprint project, which will bring much-needed hotel rooms to this dense and transit-connected urban neighborhood, having completed the nearby Radian Boston residences in 2014.

This approval is the culmination of a community review process that secured the support of an overwhelming majority of neighbors, adjacent businesses, and nearby Chinatown residents.

The development transforms a blighted site to bring new life and activity to the streetscape, introducing a dramatic double-height ground floor with publicly accessible café and lounge. The building celebrates the Leather District’s unique historic qualities by drawing on its strong cast-iron language, with a facade that is both a solid metal frame and a transparent skin that engages with the bustling Kneeland St. corridor.

‍

RODE hosted a national audience from the Urban Land Institute Fall Meeting as they toured our landmark Hotel and Residences projects at 6 and 14 West Broadway. The two projects create a prominent gateway into South Boston, and express the excitement of building within the dense urban fabric.

The tour highlighted RODE's urban place-making in the dynamic hotel lobby that opens up to the streetscape, explored the complex logistics of the shared basement and valet parking, and took in expansive views from both buildings' roof decks. Special thanks to Consigli for their help in facilitating and guiding tours of the hotel, and to City Point Capital for opening both projects to ULI.

The projects were the final stop on the "Southie on the Rise: Growth and Expansion of Boston's Most Popular Neighborhoods" Tour, during which the group also visited the former Boston Globe site and learned of Nordblom's vision for the former HQ, and National Development's ongoing efforts at Ink Block.

‍

If you took a stroll down Washington St in the South End this past Thursday, you would have seen a display of athletic prowess and admirable gamesmanship as the inaugural match of RODE-Ball took place at Peters Park.

In the waning evening light, team ‘DE’ took the victory, overcoming both a formidable team ‘RO’ and untraversable mud pit obstacle at second base. Special thanks to Amanda and Iany – executive RAC committee members – for organizing the event!

‍

RODE Architects is excited to be working with award-winning local chef Karen Akunowicz on her newest restaurant in South Boston. The design will transform the former Maiden restaurant into a comfortable, neighborhood space with an approachability that aims to directly complement the restaurant's cuisine.

Stay tuned for more design updates, and in the meantime read more at Boston Magazine:

Boston Magazine - Early Details on Chef Karen Akunowicz's New Restaurant in South Boston

‍