Our Boston Studio Expands Its Leadership Team

Andrew Grote, Principal

As director of operations, Andrew Grote plays an essential role in the smooth functioning of the Boston studio. He previously served as the studio’s technical director before his appointment to director of operations; in both roles, Grote has been committed to the integration of design and technology in delivering innovative projects to our clients. He has also served as a designer, project manager, and project architect for higher education and cultural institutions, leading national and international projects of considerable size and complexity.

Gautam Sundaram, Principal

Gautam Sundaram joined the studio in 2019 as an associate principal and the urban design practice leader. His promotion to principal reflects a growing demand for Sundaram’s urban design leadership regionally and nationally. He has collaborated with teams across sectors—from corporate and commercial to life sciences and education—to lend a holistic urban design and planning perspective. Sundaram draws on more than 20 years of experience in landscape architecture, urban design, and academic planning in the Boston area and the broader New England region.

Derek Johnson, Associate Principal

With more than two decades of experience as a designer and project manager, Derek Johnson joins the leadership team as an associate principal. In his current role as the studio’s technical director, Johnson ensures quality of documentation across all active projects and oversees the effective use of design technology. He is also a key member of the corporate and commercial practice, most recently completing the Exchange at 100 Federal, which earned the Harleston Parker People’s Choice Award from the Boston Society of Architects.

Abby Gillespie, Director of Marketing

As director of marketing, Abby Gillespie will lead our studio in communicating the value of good design to our clients. Drawing on nearly 20 years of experience in the industry, she’ll continue to align the firm’s strengths with the needs of current and prospective clients. She is a passionate advocate for the firm’s values-driven work and ensures clarity and consistency of messaging across the studio’s client-facing communications, digital platforms, and media relations. In this role, she will continue to engage in strategic planning and deliver innovative and interdisciplinary service offerings to clients.