The DFA Team

Daniel Frisch, RA, AIA, Architect, Founder and Senior Partner

Daniel Frisch began his architectural studies at the Harvard University Career Discovery Program in Architecture (’82). He received his undergraduate degree from the University of Virginia School of Architecture (’87), and a Master in Architecture from the Columbia University Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation (’91).
Immediately following commencement exercises at Columbia, Mr. Frisch teamed with graduate school friend Edward Cabot and Amy Lesser, RA to found an architecture and design firm in Midtown Manhattan. The company moved one block west in 1994 to its current offices at 127 West 56th Street. Mr. Cabot left the firm shortly thereafter, and when Ms. Lesser retired in 1997, Daniel Frisch Architect, PC was incorporated.
Mr. Frisch is involved in every phase of DFA’s professional service, whether for custom commissions or for the DFA STUDIO Program. Mr. Frisch is also excited to help bring to market the DFA HOUSE, an attainable and environmentally sustainable modular house concept. He is also the designer of products including the DFA Fire Chair, the DF Line Drawings collection of bath fixtures currently in production with AF New York, and DFA Box Architecture, a wall-hung system for storage and display. Mr. Frisch has also written a collection of essays, Looking Forward to Monday Morning which is under editorial review with publishers.
And finally, Mr. Frisch is pleased to share that he has begun teaching, having joined the UVA Veneto Programs in Venice and Charlottesville in the fall of 2023 as a visiting critic.

Kate Jiranek, RA, AIA, CPHC®, Architect, Managing Partner

Kate Jiranek began her career in architecture at DFA as an intern during the summer of 2012 and obtained her license to practice in 2016. Kate holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon, and a Bachelor of Engineering from Vanderbilt University. In addition to designing and overseeing individual projects at DFA, Kate also helps to set firm strategies and priorities. Kate is licensed in New York and Connecticut and is committed to sustainability in design as a Certified Passive House Consultant®.
Kate was born and raised in Seattle and loves to visit as often as she can. In her free time, she plays the flute with the acclaimed not-for-profit Brooklyn Wind Symphony where she also serves on the Board of Directors.

Devon Mott, RA, AIA, Architect, Director of Special Projects

Devon Mott joined the DFA team in 2014 and obtained her license to practice in 2018. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Business Law from the University of Southern California. In addition to designing and overseeing some of DFA’s largest projects both in and out of the City, Devon also coordinates the work of outside consultants, from engineers to interior designers. Devon is licensed to practice in New York, Connecticut, and Maryland.

Caitria Boomsma, Design Associate

Caitria joined DFA in the summer of 2022 after completing both a Bachelor’s and Master’s of Architecture at the University of Virginia. Throughout her time at UVA she gained a love for residential design and she’s excited to pursue this passion at DFA. Her other artistic endeavors include drawing, painting, and crochet. In her free time, she enjoys rollerblading and volunteering at homeless shelters. Caitria is originally from Arlington, VA and is excited to start her career in New York City.

Camille Rider, Design Associate
Camille Rider

Camille Rider attended the University of Southern California, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Consumer Behavior in 2022. Upon relocating to New York City, she found DFA to be the perfect place to pursue her passion in residential design and gain exposure to east coast architecture. She is passionate about building meaningful connections between people and architecture, and enjoys complimenting her work with other interests, such as interior design and architectural photography. Camille is originally from Columbus, Ohio and in her free time loves to travel and run.

Clara Gardner, Design Associate
Clara Gardner

Clara Gardner joined DFA in the fall of 2023 after graduating from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Architecture and a minor in Art History. Clara has long fostered a love of residential architecture. An excerpt of her Honors Thesis entitled, “Living on Water: Re-Visioning the Floating Settlements of Chau Doc, Vietnam, through the Implementation of Homestay Tourism,” is set to be published in Lunch 18: The Everyday, a student-led design research journal based at the University of Virginia School of Architecture.
Clara was born in Hanoi, Vietnam, adopted, and raised on the Upper West Side of NYC. Growing up, Clara danced ballet pre-professionally – her claim to fame, four consecutive years in the New York City Ballet’s The Nutcracker at Lincoln Center.

Kent Shell, Director of Approvals and Construction Administration

Kent Shell joined DFA after a thirty-year career as a general contractor specializing in New York City co-ops and condominium renovations. As Director of Approvals and Construction Administration, Kent works closely with owners, contractors, managing agents, and co-op boards to make sure projects run smoothly. Kent is also the firm’s point of contact with clients regarding contract and billing matters. Kent holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Virginia Commonwealth University, and in addition to his work in the construction and architecture fields, has charted a course as an independent artist and writer.

James Schriebl, Marketing, Technology, and Photography

Jamie came to DFA as a summer intern 30-plus years ago, soon after the firm was founded, and has been linked with DFA ever since. Jamie is a jack of all trades, with a lifelong love of architecture. He has worked as a freelance travel, design, and resort photographer, and has photographed most of the firm’s portfolio through the years. In 2012, following time abroad, Jamie joined DFA full-time to oversee DFA’s marketing, brand identity, book design, and technology platforms.