Felder & Associates, an award-winning Savannah-based architectural firm specializing in historic preservation, religious facilities, and high-end residential and commercial design, is pleased to announce the promotion of Cathryn Sinclair to Project Manager. Additionally, the firm has expanded its team by welcoming four new talented professionals: Sean Devlin, Alex Garber, Cole Jarman, and Emily Vilas.

Sinclair has been with Felder & Associates for five years, starting her career as a Project Associate after an internship at the firm. Her talent for designing and space planning corporate offices and commercial interiors was recognized and encouraged. As she gained more experience in the disciplines, her management capabilities developed. 

“She learned to be a leader and proved she was a finisher. She’s now working on a complete suite of projects, from historic residential renovations to the Savannah Bees’ new production facility. Cat manages the younger staff effectively and completes her projects,” said Brian Felder, Founder and Principal Architect at Felder & Associates. “A vacancy in a senior staff position really allowed her to grow and excel.”

Sinclair’s new role provides her with increased responsibilities in both creative design and administrative oversight, ensuring each project is completed on schedule and within budget. 

"This promotion is an opportunity to learn and expand my skills in new areas. Since I've been here, I’ve had many great mentors helping me along the way. I am excited for this opportunity and hope to be able to do the same for others," Sinclair said.

The addition of Sean Devlin, Alex Garber, Cole Jarman, and Emily Vilas reflects the firm’s commitment to fostering next-generation talent within a collaborative and diverse environment.

Originally from Philadelphia, PA, Sean Devlin is a Project Associate completing his Master of Architecture in the prestigious Integrated Path to Architecture License (IPAL) at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Devlin earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture at The Catholic University in Washington, DC, and interned at David M. Schwartz Architects, also in the nation’s capital. He recently interned at Lominack Kolman Smith Architects in Savannah where his unique approach to design and enthusiasm stood out. Devlin is in the seventh and final year of the IPAL program, an optional track that allows students to earn a professional degree faster by integrating education, experience, and examination requirements into an existing NAAB-accredited architecture program.

“While pursuing my B.S. in Architecture, I took a very analytical approach to my education. Now, pursuing my Master of Architecture, I have become a more well-rounded designer who can blend functionality with beauty,” Devlin said.

Alex Garber, Project Associate, is one of the four new team members added to Felder & Associates’ growing roster of talent. He earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability from Ferris State University in Big Rapids, MI. He previously interned at Colliers Engineering and Design, a Canada-based global powerhouse with 400 offices in 65 countries. The Owosso, MI, native uses his solid foundation in Autodesk Revit to create schematic designs, prepare construction documents, and assist in design development. 

“Working with seasoned experts provides valuable insights that come from years of experience. Additionally, the diverse projects enhance my versatility and problem-solving skills. The mentorship and the wide variety of buildings is a great environment for my professional growth,” Garber said.

Cole Jarman, an Architect in Training, received his Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture degrees from North Dakota State University. A native of Savage, MN, Jarman served as an intern and enjoyed the warm weather in Las Vegas at Klai Juba Wald Architecture + Interiors, where he helped develop the Hard Rock Athens, now under construction in Greece. He has also worked as a Teaching Assistant at his alma mater and hopes to return to the classroom eventually to educate the next generation of designers. Jarman assists in all facets of production, including space measurements, initial designs, renderings, and helping to finalize projects. 

“I am looking forward to seeing the realities of architecture. How the buildings come together, what compromises cascade into the final design, and how to effectively communicate with all parties involved to get a building from paper to reality. I know I’ll get plenty of experience from the wide variety of work, but more importantly from the people who work here,” Jarman said. 

Originally from Ceres, California, Emily Vilas recently joined the team as a Project Associate. Vilas earned her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, with a minor in Interior Design and Architectural History at the Savannah College of Art and Design. Vilas expresses her passion for community-driven projects. 

“At Felder & Associates, every project truly feels personal. The love the designers here have for Savannah shines through in both their client relationships and their work. As an employee of Felder and Associates, I feel an immense responsibility of doing good for my community and producing meaningful work,” said Vilas.

Brian Felder’s commitment to finding next-generation talent is reflected in the personalities and the geographical diversity of the new team members. He also looks for certain qualities when considering new staff. 

“What we search for is natural intelligence and evidence the person is a self-starter, can find answers, solve problems, and see a path forward on their own. We’re very pleased and expect them all to achieve great things,” Felder stated.