Mark Sutherland
President
Armed with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Mark began his career and honed his craft as a dedicated design vendor for Compass Group, the largest contract foodservice company in the world.
Mark acquired VBD with a goal of elevating the company into a boutique firm whose purpose is to create experiential foodservice concepts that are inviting, innovative, and unique.
When Mark isn’t ideating the next project, you can find him hitting the slopes with his family, in Ocean Isle with a line in the water, or enjoying a fine cigar and a delicious bourbon.
Keith Fennelly
Partner
An avid woodworker and DIY enthusiast, design & build has always been in Keith’s blood! After earning his degree and working for 8 years in the architecture field, he left Ireland for new adventures in the USA.
Keith has been with VBD for over 16 years and as Partner, leads our San Jose, CA office. Passionate about client success, Keith has played a lead role in managing the design of large-scale foodservice facilities.
When Keith isn’t at the office, he enjoys travel, live music, hanging out with his wife and pups Emmet & Oreo, and taking in a Manchester United match with a Guinness - he is Irish after all!
Adrian Sutherland
Managing Principal of Operations & Lead 3D Rendering Artist
After seeing groundbreaking movies as a teen like Jurassic Park, Terminator 2, and The Matrix, Adrian became fascinated with VFX (visual effects for us laypeople). He was enthralled with the technology used to create everything from dinosaurs to bending spoons. This led him to pursue an education in VFX, hoping to one day create mind-blowing effects and scenes of his own!
And that’s exactly what Adrian did; he embarked on an 11-year career in South Africa as a Motion Graphics and 3D VFX artist. Today as Principal, Adrian leads the graphics team in creating photorealistic environments for all our architectural, foodservice, and interiors projects. The renderings he and his team produce are so good, it is nearly impossible to tell what is CG and what is real!
When he is not busy rendering the latest cafe, restaurant, healthcare or higher education project, he can be found hanging out with his family or working on another favorite creation: craft beer. In fact, Adrian produces award-winning brew with several recipes garnering national and international attention!
Kathy Fowler
Lead Foodservice Designer
As our resident steak connoisseur, Kathy can tell you exactly what seasoning (salt & pepper) and temperature (around 500 degrees) and on what cooking device (grill) it takes to get the perfect sear on a good ribeye.
Designing for nearly 40 years in foodservice, she has seen, designed, and implemented just about every kind of commercial kitchen. As a witness to trends, technology, and technical advancements, she has always been an early adopter of new ideas and efficiencies.
When Kathy isn’t putting foodspaces together, you can find her chilling with her doggos Lacey and Toby, sipping on sweet tea with lemon, and of course enjoying a great steak!
Rickie Madden
Senior Project Manager
Growing up in an area of Ireland that predates Irish history it’s no wonder Rickie became interested in Architecture! After mastering Architectural Graphics in Carlow, he headed to Dublin for his Bachelor’s Degree then west to the USA to build his career.
With over 20 years experience as an Architectural Technologist, Rickie joined VBD in 2014 and leads our San Antonio, TX office. With his team, Rickie has led some of VBD’s most technologically advanced projects for clients such as Capital One and Amgen.
When Rickie isn’t pushing the boundaries of Foodservice and Architectural Design, he can be found cheering on the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros or Rory McIlroy with an Old Fashioned in hand or hanging out with his family, searching for the best breakfast taco!
Danielle O'Melia, BArch
Senior Project Manager
Gifted with creative, technical and leadership skills, Danielle is a phenom at VBD! With over 25 years of experience in the architectural field, Danielle has led multidisciplinary teams of all sizes.
She started her career at VBD as an experienced Project Coordinator and was promoted to Senior Project Manager and Studio Lead. Danielle is laser-focused on producing projects with her team that transform dining spaces into culinary experiences, no matter the sector.
When Danielle is not being a rockstar at work, she can be found exploring her newly adopted hometown, Charleston, with her wife. She is a coffee connoisseur, always on the hunt for the perfect iced latte she can enjoy while walking her senior Lab, Aspen!
Jess Aiello
Senior Foodservice Designer
Growing up in Augusta, GA, Jess has been bringing her creative flair to VBD for the past three years as a Senior Foodservice Designer. With six years in the industry and a decade of restaurant and bartending experience, she loves watching her designs come to life in unique spaces.
Now settled in Charlotte, NC, Jess enjoys crafting with her daughter Madelyn, exploring wine bars, and painting. She’s recently picked up needlepoint embroidery and dreams of exploring her Italian roots, from ancient cities to Mediterranean beaches. As a mystery thriller aficionado, she loves curling up with her dog Riley by her side and diving into a good book!
Roberta Hofmeister
Senior Foodservice Designer
As a Senior Foodservice Consultant at VBD, Roberta brings 28 years of design experience, with 20 years in foodservice design. She’s driven to deliver projects that exceed client expectations and goals. Originally from Maryland, Roberta now calls Charlotte, NC home, where she lives with her husband and their lively Chihuahua, Dino!
With a lifelong connection to food, Roberta has developed a keen interest in fermentation. She’s passionate about brewing beer and creating unique fermented hot sauces and vegetables, which she often shares with her local friend group, the Charlotte Beer Babes! Whether she's savoring a hearty plate of gnocchi or sipping a beer, Roberta treasures any chance to unplug and spend quality time with loved ones. With Roberta on board, you can expect dedication, expertise, and a touch of culinary creativity!
Nidia Mora
Foodservice Designer
Nidia is one of our talented foodservice designers who's been crafting beautiful and functional spaces with us for almost 2 years. She is originally from Mexico but was raised in North Carolina and is proud to call Charlotte home.
When she's not designing top tier foodservices spaces, you can find her sipping on a glass of freshly made lemonade, enjoying a delicious slice of flan, or cuddling with her 3 dogs Lola, Coffee, and Oreo. As an avid soccer fan, Nidia roots for Real Madrid, and she never misses a match. With Nidia on your team, your foodservice space is guaranteed to be a winner with her signature innovation and creativity.
Tracy Taraski, FCSI
Foodservice Designer
Meet Tracy, one of our foodservice design masterminds with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Although she's only been with our company since January 2023, her passion for creating functional and stylish food spaces has been driving her career for decades.
When she's not dreaming up the perfect kitchen layout, you can find her sipping on a refreshing rum and coke or indulging in anything chocolate. But her true pride and joy is her rescue Pitbull Bodhi, who keeps her on her toes and constantly laughing. Although she calls Kansas City home, she's an avid Green Bay Packers fan and cheers them on from afar. With Tracy leading the charge, your foodservice space is sure to be both functional and fabulous.
Zac Riviere
Foodservice Designer
Growing up in Tampa, FL, and later moving to Huntsville, AL, Zac has brought his design expertise to VBD for the past year as a Foodservice Designer. Now based in Austin, TX, he thrives on collaborating with his team to create efficient solutions for clients.
In his free time, Zac loves exploring the city with his fiancée and their three dogs, Bunny, Samford, and Langdon. Just like a true Austin local, he can’t live without tacos, chips, and queso! When he’s not out on an adventure, you’ll find him getting lost in a good book—his favorite being The Road by Cormac McCarthy. With a passion for cooking, grilling, and coaching soccer, Zac keeps life flavorful both in and out of the kitchen. With Zac on the team, your foodservice design is bound to be both practical and delicious!
Richard Lewis
Foodservice Designer
Hailing from Rock Hill, SC, Richard has been hooked on kitchen design since 2015. After starting in residential projects, he made the leap to commercial design post-pandemic and joined VBD a year ago. Now settled in Wilmington, NC, Richard loves the ever-changing projects and his talented, easygoing team.
When he’s not immersed in kitchen design, you’ll find Richard rocking out on his guitar, gaming on anything Zelda or Pokémon, or squeezing in gym time. He loves to treat himself to a pint of protein ice cream while relaxing with his dogs, Tai and Chichi. With Japan at the top of his travel list, Richard also finds time to binge on his favorite shows, like How I Met Your Mother and The Walking Dead.
Gloria Norris, NCIDQ,
NC RID, IIDA
Interior Designer
Gloria is a highly skilled member of our interior design squad who comes to us from Boston and has been with VBD since March 2021. With almost 7 years of experience crafting stunning spaces, she knows how to bring any vision to life.
When she's not busy designing interiors, she's likely whipping up a delicious meal in the kitchen while sipping on a refreshing cocktail, traveling, or watching a Celtics game. With a passion for both design and adventure, Gloria is always up for a challenge and ready to create something truly extraordinary.
Julia Walker, NCIDQ, IIDA, WELL
Interior Designer
Meet Julia, one of our interior design experts who's quickly made her mark on our team since joining in July 2021. With 3 years of experience and a sharp eye for detail, she's always ready to get creative when it comes to bringing spaces to life.
When she's not immersed in design, she's on the hunt for the perfect local craft IPA to add to her collection, exploring the scenic beauty of the mountains, or enjoying a slice of cheesecake. And let's not forget her discerning palate for sushi, which she considers a true art form. With Julia on board, you can expect nothing less than perfection in every project she tackles.
Sarah Sterry, LEED, IIDA
Interior Designer
Growing up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sarah has taken her love for design to VBD, where she’s been thriving as an interior designer for just under a year. She’s all about the people and the work, feeling grateful for the support and tools that have helped her grow! With her awesome project manager and office buddy, Keith, by her side, Sarah appreciates the camaraderie and humor that makes VBD feel like family.
Now residing in Sunnyvale, CA, Sarah is a busy bee who loves taking short weekend trips throughout California, from Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley. A globe-trotter at heart, she’s visited over 20 countries in the past five years and dreams of traveling to the Amalfi Coast for some authentic Italian cuisine! When she’s home, you can find her cooking, crafting, and hanging out with her mischievous cat, Moose, who lives life on his own terms. With Sarah on the team, your interior spaces are bound to be as vibrant and welcoming as her personality!
Corina Patterson
Marketing & Business Development Manager
Bio Coming Soon!
Mason Lucas
Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator
A born and raised Charlottean, Mason has been making her mark at VBD for two years as a Graphic Designer, recently adding Marketing Coordinator to her role! Passionate about creativity and collaboration, she thrives on bringing designs to life and tackling new challenges. Alongside our marketing guru, Corina, she enjoys networking and engaging with our clients!
In addition to crafting stunning visuals, Mason loves exploring local restaurants and spending quality time with family and friends, especially with her Pug, Wally! At home, she enjoys cooking, crafting, and binge-watching her latest shows. Always up for a culinary adventure, she’s at her happiest on the Carolina coast with a taco and a cold beer in hand. When she’s not dreaming of sandy beaches, you can find her getting lost in a new video game or hunting for the perfect art piece to add to her collection. With Mason on your team, expect creativity to flow and fun to thrive!
Sal Tinervia
3D Rendering Artist
Inspired by his love for architecture in design, Sal couldn’t imagine a future where he wasn’t involved in creating amazing graphics! After receiving his degree from Living Arts College in Raleigh, NC he went on to create architecture and environmental art for video games. Later in his career he made the transition from gaming to 3D visualization which stemmed from his love of architectural photography.
To our great fortune, Sal joined our team in 2011 with a passion for creating 3D renderings that are like looking through a window at the future. By creating stunningly detailed renderings, Sal inspires clients and assists them in visualizing their future project.
Melanie Hall
Office Manager
Melanie discovered early-on that her gift was organization and flourishes when presented with a challenge! As a small business owner, she honed her talent for balancing client requests and vendors, as she managed day-to-day operations. Upon joining VBD in 2008, she expertly transitioned into a frontline role and handles everything from fielding client calls and coordinating office events, to keeping the schedules of an extremely mobile team.
When Melanie isn’t busy being the heartbeat of VisionBuilders Design you will find her planning her next travel adventure, hanging out with her precious granddaughter, or enjoying a delicious gin & tonic!