Andrew Ashey is Principal and Co-founder of AAmp Studio, based in Portland and Toronto. Andrew is a Registered Architect in Maine who holds degrees from Yale School of Architecture (M.Arch), The New School (M.Arts) and Northeastern University (B.Science). He currently serves as the Architalx Board President, is on the Board of Directors for AIA Maine, and is a studio instructor at University of Maine Augusta Architecture. He grew up in New Hampshire and lives with his husband in Portland’s Deering Highlands neighborhood.
Trained as a graphic designer and photo art director, Tanja Cesh is also the founder of a sustainable fashion brand called Mulxiply (pronounced "multiply"). While her studio and shop are based in Portland, Maine, the modern collection of apparel and accessories is produced in collaboration with artists and craftspeople in Nepal — keeping heritage handicraft alive.
Soren deNiord has been working in the field of Landscape Architecture for over 20 years. He has a Master’s Degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Sustainable Development from Hampshire College. Soren has worked extensively throughout the United States and abroad on projects ranging in scale from residential design to public art, educational facilities and state land planning. His background in land-use policy and fine arts strongly informs his design sensibilities and creative problem solving.
Danielle Devine is the editor of Maine Home+Design, where she thrives on the constant discovery that comes with covering the world of design. Every day brings new insights, deepening her appreciation for Maine’s creative landscape. Outside of work, Danielle embraces the outdoors, exploring the state’s beauty with her husband, an architect, and their two young daughters.
Kim is the founder of Doula x Design, based in Portland. She is a registered architect, certified birth and postpartum doula, and certified lactation counselor, focused on the intersection of design and birth. She examines the role that environment plays throughout the perinatal period, and seeks to reframe childbirth as a societal topic, rather than a women’s issue, with the goal of increasing awareness and improving the maternal healthcare system. Kim was an original founder of SHoP Architects in New York City.
Anna is the founder of Gachi Marketing, a consultancy that provides fractional CMO leadership and marketing strategy to early-stage startups and growth-minded businesses. She brings deep experience in B2B SaaS and brand building, with a track record of helping companies clarify their positioning, strengthen go-to-market strategies, and scale high-performing marketing teams. Outside of her consulting practice, Anna is an active member of Maine’s entrepreneurial and creative communities, contributing her expertise to organizations and initiatives that foster connection, innovation, and growth. She is especially passionate about art, design and architecture, seeing them as both functional and emotional disciplines that spark dialogue and create meaningful connections between people, ideas, and place.
Ashley Lepre is an architect based in Portland, Maine. She holds a Master of Architecture from UMass Amherst and an undergraduate degree from Bates College. After relocating to Maine in 2019, she began her career in commercial architecture with a focus on higher education projects. Ashley later transitioned to residential architecture, drawn to the distinctiveness of the homes that support the Maine lifestyle. Ashley began attending Architalx lectures in 2021 and was inspired by the diverse discussions and design perspectives the series offers. She joined the Architalx board for the 2022 season.
Grace is a landscape designer at Aceto Kimball Landscape Architecture. At AKLA Grace has been involved with projects at every scale, from high end residential projects, to multiunit housing co-ops, to writing design standard ordinances. This variety of experiences makes Grace a versatile and adaptable designer, who ultimately is interested in fostering the growth and development of a world designed with our collective future in mind.
Lauren is the founding principal at LR/ARC, a boutique architecture firm committed to detail, craftsmanship, and a seamless integration between architecture and landscape. She has served on several committees to improve the architectural profession and public education. Originally from the Hudson Valley, she now lives in Portland with her husband and three children.
As a Creative Director working with the AEC industry, Kim uses good design to solve problems. Raised by parents involved in historic preservation, she developed a deep appreciation for design early on. Today, she channels that passion into working with like-minded people, leveraging branding to shape the built environment.
Jacob Soley is the Director of Development at East Brown Cow - a real estate investment, development, and management company based in Portland, Maine. With a background in urban and architectural planning and design, he holds a B.S. from Cornell College of Architecture, Art, & Planning and has a longstanding passion for cities and the built environment.
Groundbreaking architects and designers who inspired Portland’s community through their innovative lectures.
Explore inspiring moments from our lecture series and community events. Discover the ideas, speakers, and connections that celebrate architecture and design in Maine.
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