Architect

Since joining VergesRome Architects in 2009, Corey Brizzolara has worked on numerous and diverse projects, in all project phases from programming through design, contract documents, and construction closeout. His work ethic, diligence, organizational skills, and ability to meet project deadlines make him a valued project team member.

Corey’s experience with Tulane Medical Center alterations and renovations projects includes the $2 Million Helistop atop the Aron Pavilion that was completed ahead of schedule and within budget. Corey’s recent project work includes a new, $25.6 Million, three-section facility for Fisk-Howard Elementary School which was destroyed by the floods following Hurricane Katrina in 2005.

Corey also contributed to multiple mothballing, re-roofing, and shoring projects for the Recovery School District (including the Hansberry School) and was project architect for the restoration of Oliver Bush Playground, a hurricane recovery project in the Lower Ninth Ward, for the City of New Orleans. Current projects include the new Pere Rouquette Library at Saint Joseph Abbey and Seminary College, John McDonogh Elementary School Renovation and New Gymnasium, and the New Orleans Charter Science and Mathematics High School.

Team Member Since: 2009

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Louisiana State University

Design Professional – Architect

Russ has more than 15 years experience working on a wide variety of projects types for both public and private clients. He develops projects from programming and design concepts through completion of construction.

Russ has attended a broad range of professional seminars and workshops including the following topics: glazed CMU wall systems, roofing, ceramic and porcelain tile, acoustic ceiling systems.

Team Member Since: 2008

Education:
Bachelor of Design in Architecture
University of Louisiana, Lafayette

Construction Contract Administrator

Harold’s 35 years as a superintendent and construction manager for general contractors give him valuable perspective to run projects smoothly. As Construction Administrator for VergesRome Architects, he works with the Project Managers throughout the construction period, reviewing submittals and shop drawings, conducting job site inspections and meetings, preparing and submitting field reports, supplying information requested by Contractors, and developing a punch list when the project is substantially complete.

As a parishioner of St. Agnes Church, Harold served as the Construction Administrator for the interior renovation and the roof and waterproofing of the church. He also worked with the CYO and was Scout Master for St. Agnes’s Boy Scout Troop 36. In his free time, Harold enjoys taking trips and bike riding with his wife. He also loves working with his hands in what he calls “Paw Paw’s Workshop.” His two daughters make sure he always has projects to keep him busy.

Team Member Since: 2008

Education:
Bachelor of Industrial Technology
Louisiana State University

Professional Affiliations: Construction Specifications Institute; American Institute of Constructors

David G. Reed, AIA

Architect

Mr. Reed joined the firm in 1983, and in 1991 was named a Partner. Early architectural experience was gained as a researcher and drafter for the Mobile, Alabama, City Planning Commission. David has directed design and construction for several large school renovations, public housing, restaurants, and commercial renovations. Mr. Reed was Project Manager for the major Tulane Medical Center damage assessments, abatement, emergency repairs, buildback, mitigation, and renovations in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. David recently completed the bridging documents for the George Washington Carver High School and was the Project Manager for the new Fisk-Howard Elementary School.

Mr. Reed regularly attends seminars on roofing and reroofing practices. He has also attended seminars on asbestos abatement, Guidelines for Design and Construction of Hospital and Health Care Facilities and on Life Safety and Building Code seminars.

Team Member Since: 1983

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
Mississippi State University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Architect

Michelle joined the firm in 2003 as an Intern Architect and works on projects ranging from educational, religious, civic, financial, healthcare, and retail for both public and private clients. She also researches building codes and standards for the firm’s projects and gained experience working to incorporate the Americans with Disabilities Act Accessibility Guidelines into several elderly housing facilities and state-owned buildings. Her attentiveness and diligence make her a valued team member on all the projects in which she participates. Michelle acts as VRA’s IT Consultant liaison, and collaborated with an in-house committee to develop new CAD and Office Standards for the firm.

Michelle is the President of the Dellwood / Lakeshore Village / Yester Oaks Resident’s Association in Slidell, Louisiana. Away from the office, Michelle enjoys spending time with her husband and two children, riding bicycles, going to the gym, spending time with extended family, or just “relaxing” at home.

Team Member Since: 2003

Education:
Master of Architecture
Tulane University

Licensed Architect in Louisiana

Megan Ripoll

Production / Technical Support / 3D Scanning

Megan assists with the Construction Document handling and permitting processes.  She also serves as VRA’s in-house IT rep.

Team Member Since: 2013

Finance

Susan is responsible for accounts receivable, accounts payable, payroll, employee benefits, financial reporting.

She is a Mt. Carmel Academy Alumnae Association Volunteer, St. Pius X Church and Parish Volunteer, Lake Terrace Neighborhood Association Volunteer, Girl Scouts of America Troop Leader.

Team Member Since: 2011

Education:
Bachelor of Arts, Business Management
Southeastern Louisiana University

Finance

Nicole supports the various needs of the accounting department at VRA.

Team Member Since: 2017

Education:
Master of Science in Accounting
Louisiana State University

Bachelor of Science in Accounting
Louisiana State University

Design Professional – Interiors

Lanette has enjoyed working on numerous projects in healthcare, finance, corporate, retail, education, and hospitality. She specializes in providing complete interior packages for clients including furniture, plantscaping and art. Very active in New Orleans’ thriving local art community, Lanette promotes to the greatest extent possible, local and regional artists and artwork to complete VergesRome’s clients’ facilities.

Prior to joining VergesRome, Lanette was a principal and partner at a small architecture firm where she was involved in all aspects of the business. In her spare time, Lanette works on her personal art projects, helps family and friends with their residential design projects and attends art openings.

Team Member Since: 2005

Education:
Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture
College of Art + Architecture, University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Bachelor of Science in Business
University of Louisiana at Lafayette

Anthony J. Taffaro, Sr., AIA

Architect

Anthony J. Taffaro, Sr. leads all of VRA’s parking garage design projects. His work also focuses on hurricane replacement and refurbishment projects for the City of New Orleans as well as new developments for the Ochsner Medical Foundation.

Tony joined VergesRome Architects in 2010 through VRA’s acquisition of the architecture firm, Kessels, Diboll, Kessels, LLC, (KDK) where he was Owner-Principal. He worked with KDK for over 34 years, fourteen of them as Partner, and four years as Owner-Principal. Tony gained extensive experience in design, detailing, specification writing, and construction administration of office buildings ranging from Administrative, Medical, Insurance, Legal, and Financial, to tenant buildouts in single-story to high-rise structures. He developed a unique specialty expertise for urban redevelopment design projects including free-standing garages, hotel/garage, and office building/garage combinations. He has had the opportunity to be engaged with numerous significant projects in New Orleans, including a major restoration of historic St. Louis Cathedral.

With 8 active grandchildren, Tony’s spare time is quite rare. However, when spare time is available you will find him enjoying a new or favorite restaurant, attending performances from ballet to school performances to sporting events or just simply going for a quiet evening ride with his wife.

Team Member Since: 2010

Education:
Masters of Architecture
Tulane University

Bachelor of Architecture
Tulane University