The TruexCullins team consists of over 35 architects, designers, and admin staff with diverse backgrounds and skills.
Our studio structure fosters collaboration among our staff, bringing together team members with different areas of expertise. This rich combination of people and talents is what powers our firm. Together, we work to provide outstanding client service and creative design leadership.
Residential
Bachelor of Arts, Kent State University
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Studio Arts, Northern Vermont University
Residential and Workplace
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, College of Architecture and Urban Studies
LEED Accredited Professional, Green Associate
Workplace and Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Cooper Union School of Architecture
Bachelor of Science, Interior Design, University of Connecticut
Registered Architect in Vermont and New York
Workplace and Hospitality
Bachelor of Architecture, Carnegie Mellon University
Florence architecture studio, Syracuse University, Florence, Italy
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont, Massachusetts and New York.
AIA Vermont
President, 2022
Board of Directors, 2020-present
Burlington Design Advisory Board
Chair, 2012 – 2022
Planning Commission Ordinance Committee
Historic Preservation Review Committee
LEED Accredited Professional, Interior Design + Construction
2006 – present
My pursuit of architecture grew from a desire to investigate and solve complex problems, while simultaneously creating beautiful works of art. As my architectural education and professional experience developed, I became increasingly interested in how the design of building interiors can positively affect how people live, work, and learn. Through the careful integration of light and form, finishes and furniture, we can shape interior spaces to not only meet the needs of its occupants, but to support a positive change in feeling and behavior.
The critical need for buildings to respond to the unique environmental demands of today presents tremendous opportunities, and it is our interior spaces where we often most directly benefit from a consciously designed healthy and sustainable building. True harmony in architecture occurs when the internal and external needs are both met, and the result is an integrated solution that is complete, wholesome, and beautiful.
Hospitality and Workplace
Bachelor of Architecture, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont
AIA Vermont
Young Architect Representative, 2023-present
Advisory Committee, 2023-present
State Licensing Advisor, 2016-2021
NCARB
Experience Committee, 2017-2018
Professional Development Committee
Residential
Bachelor of Science in Interior Design, Wentworth Institute of Technology
Residential
Master of Architecture, Norwich University
Bachelor of Science, Architecture with Minor in Environmental Engineering, Norwich University
NCARB
AIA Vermont Board of Directors, 2010-present
AIA Vermont Emerging Professionals Network, Founder/Director, 2012
Norwich University Summer Design Academy
Co-founder, Lead instructor, 2015-present
LEED Accredited Professional
AIAVT Emerging Professionals Design Competition Winner, 2014, 2017, and 2019
Master of Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Bachelor of Architecture, Syracuse University
For over forty years, my career in architecture has focused on creating physical environments that earnestly try to capture the spirit of a client’s program, are in harmony with the site, and go beyond the ordinary by creating designs that have a special character.
A sincere love of working with people–from clients, to our in-house architectural teams, to our consultants, allows me the joy of leading the creative process. The social, cultural and physical impact of planning and designing buildings in our cities, towns and landscapes demands our very best as designers–thoughtfulness, creativity, tenacity and leadership.
I wholeheartedly love the remarkable endeavor of design — the intensity and fun of working with clients, and ultimately, the lasting impact of this wonderful effort. My enthusiasm only continues to grow for my profession’s work of creating truly special places.
Workplace and Education
Master of Architecture, Syracuse University
University of Vermont College of Medicine
Bachelor of Arts, Bowdoin College
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont, New Hampshire, Maine, New York, Wyoming, District of Columbia, Colorado
Burlington Business Association, Board of Directors and Board Chair
AIA Vermont Board of Directors
City Counselor, City of Burlington, Vermont
It was the recollection of the joys of boyhood combined with a love of craft and a desire to build something tangible that drew me to architecture from my previous career – medicine. Can you remember that magical feeling of looking down from a newly built tree fortress? …or peering unseen from a secret garden hiding place? Those special places had the ability not only to transform the world around you—but for a moment, to transform whom you imagined you were. For me it is this transformative power of place—the ability to set the familiar world against a special backdrop and provide the framework to see the familiar from a new perspective – that is the hallmark of successful architecture. It is independent of project type, style, size or complexity. And it is the client, consultant and architect’s mutual pursuit of that ‘place making’ expressed in dialogue, discussion and debate – all the while keeping in mind the concrete objectives of program and cost – that is the challenge and joy of architecture.
Hospitality and Residential
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Interior Design, Syracuse University
Certificate, National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) Member, 1990-present
ASID New England Design Excellence Award, Professional Category, 2014
NEWH New England, Top Interior Design Firm, 2013
My life-long passion has always been interior design. From my early years, I followed my mother’s pursuit of the arts as a painter and was fascinated by my father’s technical prowess as a structural engineer, building bridges around New England. The ability to visualize space and effectively combine color and light together with form and function has always been my strong point. I surround myself with creative people who have nurtured my talent as an interior designer.
Interior design is an intricate weave of formal architectural practices with a careful, sensitive overlay of decoration. One must have a strong sense of the spatial possibilities, their organization, focal point, quality of light, balance of color and texture, and appropriate style of furnishings. I find never–ending satisfaction in the creative process and take an open and collaborative approach with my clients, encouraging their individual preferences and priorities. Working together, we are able to blend our passions to create dynamic spaces that reflect their vision, capture their personality, and embody their values and style. I strive to make a difference in their lives, creating warm, pleasing spaces which enhance the way we live, work and play.
Bachelor of Science, Business Administration with Marketing Concentration and Fine Arts Minor, Saint Michael’s College, Magna cum laude
Hospitality
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Detroit Mercy, Summa Cum Laude
Education and Workplace
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, College of Architecture and Urban Studies
University of Connecticut, College of Engineering, Honors Program
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont, Massachusetts, New Jersey, Rhode Island, Florida
Vermont Businesses for Social Responsibility
Chair, Board of Directors, 2022
Board of Directors, 2012-present
Vermont School Construction Aid Task Force, 2023-2024
AIA Vermont President, 2005
Vermont Foodbank, Board of Trustees, 2001-2009
Shelburne Historic Preservation & Design Review Commission
LEED Accredited Professional
Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion in School Design, ACX 2022: Modern Learning Environments: Schools, Universities & Workplaces, Vermont 2022
Planning Our Future: School Facilities Planning, Vermont Superintendents Association Conference, November 2019
21st Century Learning in 20th Century Buildings: Ways To Improve Your Current Classroom, Vermont Superintendents Association Conference, May 2015
Lead Presenter at International Facilities Management Conference, Bangkok, Thailand, 2014. Talks on sustainability, security, and preconstruction planning.
It wasn’t until college that I developed an interest in architecture. In my first art class, my professor was an architect who had a great passion for controversial works — his enthusiasm was infectious. One day I spoke with friends about my growing interest and how fascinating it would be to be an architect. They challenged me to pursue that course – and I am still challenged today.
I enjoy practicing an art that has profound social relevance and technological sophistication. Architecture represents a synthesis of competing forces and, at its best, inspires and challenges the way we live and think about our world.
Perhaps the biggest and best surprise about architecture is the highly collaborative nature of making places. As architects, we work at the crossroads of the owner, builder and consultants and our role in the process is not unlike conducting an orchestra. This interaction is most effective and rewarding part of creating great buildings.
Bachelor of Architecture and Building Science, Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Education and Workplace
Bachelor of Architecture, Norwich University
Certificate in Daylight Design and Daylight Harvesting Systems, Lighting Research Center Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute
Certified Construction Document Technologist, Construction Specifications Institute
Norwich Board of Fellows, Architecture & Art, 2024-2027
AIA Vermont Board of Directors, 2009-2013
AIA Vermont Emerging Professionals Network, Founder/Director, 2009-2012
Construction Specifications Institute (CSI)
National Board of Directors, Board Chair, 2022-2023
National Board of Directors, Board Chair-elect, 2020-2021
National Board of Directors, 2016-2020
Northeast Region Board of Directors, 2014-2015
Vermont Chapter President, 2012-2013
Vermont Chapter Board of Directors, 2008-present
Workplace and Hospitality
Bachelor of Architecture, Middlebury College
Education and Hospitality
Master of Business Administration, Project Management, Norwich University
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, North Dakota State University
Bachelor of Arts, Visual Art, North Dakota State University
Education and Workplace
Master of Architecture, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
Bachelor of Science, Architecture with Minor in Planning, University of Virginia
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont and Massachusetts
Shelburne Museum Barnstormers, Steering Committee
Shelburne Planning Commission, 2022-Present
Residential and Hospitality
Master of Architecture, University of Pennsylvania
Bachelor of Art, Dartmouth College
Diploma In Furniture Design, Skolen For Brugkunst, Denmark
NCARB; Registered Architect in Vermont
LEED Accredited Professional
52 Kids Foundation, Vermont Director
Fleming Museum, Board of Advisors
Vestry Community Center, Hinesburg, President
Howard Center Curling Challenge, Founder and Committee Chair
Hinesburg Planning Commission, Former Chair
Committee On Temporary Shelter (Cots), Board Member
PechaKucha Vermont, Storyteller
King Street Youth Center, Mentor
University of Vermont, Art and Design
Norwich University, Guest Lecturer
Dartmouth College, Guest Lecturer
McGill University Guest Critic
AIA Vermont John Dale Thinker and Collaborator Award, 2021
I make objects of beauty and utility. These are buildings, objects of art and always objects of need and purpose. I’ve done this for a long time ….. 50 years or more. Yes, as an architect, but also as a person who delights in sprinkling creative dust particles in places where they seem needed.
We live in a beautiful, natural world and I seek to make things that fit this world. I like to draw and make objects with my own hands. I like people and I like working with them to guide, cajole, inspire ….. and ultimately make good buildings, small and large, that serve well and please. That is the art of architecture.
Bachelor of Science in Accounting, Champlain College
Education, Residential, Workplace, Hospitality
Master of Architecture, Norwich University
Residential and Hospitality
Bachelor of Architecture, High Honors, Wentworth Institute of Technology
LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design + Construction
My focus on engaging, appropriate and sustainable design is balanced with successful project management strategies and attention to detail. I find it important to be active in all aspects of the design process and utilize a community of resources to foster collaboration with Owners, design consultants, the construction trades, and the end users which maximize the creative process and build lasting working relationships that are beneficial to inspired solutions.
I approach projects and people with an open mind which facilitates a discourse that challenges convention and encourages innovation. My affinity for the natural world and influence by the arts and applied science is reflected in a desire to make good buildings that express our time and place within the built environment.
Workplace, Residential, and Education
Master of Architecture, Norwich University
Registered Architect in Vermont
Hospitality
Bachelor of Arts, Roger Williams College
Residential and Hospitality
Accounting/Finance, Obchodni Akademie, Kolin
Associate of Science in Office Management, Community College of Vermont
Education and Hospitality
Registered Architect in Vermont
Certified Construction Document Technologist, Construction Specifications Institute
Construction Specifications Institute – Vermont Chapter Board of Directors, 2022 – Present
Saint Albans Vermont Design Advisory Board, 2016-Present
Residential
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Polytechnic and State University, College of Architecture & Urban Studies, Magna Cum Laude
5th year exchange program : L’Accademia di architettura dell’Università della Svizzera italiana – Atelier Zumthor
Residential
Master of Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design
LEED Accredited Professional, Building Design + Construction
Hospitality
Master of Fine Arts, Norwich University Painting Program, School of Visual Arts
Bachelor of Fine Arts, Pratt Institute
Recipient of Ford Foundation grant for “Excellence in Painting”, grant selection committee chairman Carter Ratcliff
Hospitality and Workplace
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech
Master of Business Administration, Champlain College
Bachelor of Arts, English and Accounting, Trinity College
Hospitality
BFA Environmental & Interior Design, Syracuse University School of Design, Magna Cum Laude
Certificate, National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ)
Hospitality and Residential
Master of Architecture, Kansas State University College of Architecture, Planning, and Design, Cum Laude
Hospitality and Residential
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Harrington College of Design
Bachelor of Arts, Business with a Marketing Concentration, Baylor University
Develop your career with TruexCullins! We are a 35-person architecture and interior design firm located on the waterfront in downtown Burlington, and we are always looking for bright, motivated individuals to join our creative team.
