Charissa holds an undergraduate degree in Architecture from the University of Maryland and a Master of Architecture degree from The Ohio State University. She is a registered architect and architectural historian with nearly 30 years of experience in architecture and cultural resources management. Charissa established the firm in 1990, and currently focuses on the rehabilitation of historic buildings, including new additions, as well as new design in historic neighborhoods. In addition, she is the firm’s preservation planner. Charissa is NCARB-certified and a Leadership in Energy Efficient Design™ (LEED®) accedited professional. She is also a founding member of the American Cultural Resources Association (ACRA).