BOSTON–Wilson Butler Architects, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm specializing in arts and entertainment, announced the promotion of four senior associates to principals: Alastair Battson, Kelly Chiaradonna, NCIDQ, IIDA, Chris Dynia, AIA; Joshua Stiling, AIA.
“The strength of WBA has been the deep and diverse experience our collaborative teams bring to every client’s project. The promotion of these four new principals reflects their individual leadership that has contributed to our ongoing success and more importantly the success of our clients.”, A. Scott Butler, AIA, Founder & Director.
Alastair Battson
Alastair has been with the firm since 2003 and plays a pivotal role to ensure traditional model making, together with renderings, remains an effective engagement tool with clients. Alastair has more than 20 years of model making experience in the US and UK, including working at Safdie Architects. Whether assisting clients such as the Cape Playhouse and The Zeiterion Theater, helping the marketing department on proposals and social media, or taking incredible drone images, Alastair is the jack-of-all-trades—and master of all–that every firm should have. We are lucky he is a part of WBA’s leadership. He holds a BA in Model Design from the University of Hertfordshire and enjoys house renovation projects and organizing hiking excursions for the team.
“WBA is more than a group of people who work on projects. I feel like we are all friends/family who care about each other and the outcome of projects in a similar fashion.”
Kelly Chiaradonna, NCIDQ, IIDA
Kelly joined the Wilson Butler Architects’ interior design team in 2008. After retiring as a professional ballerina, she graduated with a BFA in Interior Design from Winthrop University. She has more than 15 years of experience as an interior designer and her high-profile clients include the Jay and Gogue Performing Arts Center, the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, and Boston University College of Fine Arts. Kelly’s exceptionally creative abilities bring strong conceptual thinking and inspired solutions to her projects. Her thoughtful concepts tie all aspects of projects together fluently within her modern and refreshing design aesthetic. She is the founder of our Office Culture and Community Involvement Committee, a member of our JEDI and Mentoring committees, and a key contributor to our Staging-A-Comeback initiative. Kelly is currently a co-chair for the IIDA New England Design Awards. In her spare time, she enjoys learning more about wine and playing board games with her husband.
“An aha moment in my career was when I finally got out of my own head and started seeing myself as a leader. Which brought me to my current role as partner. I am so honored to continue to contribute to WBA’s growth while in this new role. And I can’t wait to see what the next 24 years will bring!”
Chris Dynia, AIA
Chris originally joined Wilson Butler Architects in 1999, relocated out of state for a few years only to return to WBA in 2005. Chris has more than 25 years of experience that ranges from design and understanding of original and historic construction techniques to 21st century building technology and theater operation to groundbreaking innovations on luxury cruise ships. With a Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University, Chris is known for his professionalism and attention to detail together with his remarkable ability for problem solving. Most recently, he led the renovation and expansion of the Parker Playhouse in Ft. Lauderdale and is now overseeing the renovation at the Zeiterion Theater in New Bedford. Other notable projects include the Quantum Class ships for Royal Caribbean and the Richmond CenterStage Performing Arts Complex. Chris spends some of his free time slowly restoring their 1880’s house on the weekends, while also enjoying an occasional glass of craft beer.
“I am proud to be part of the leadership at WBA, a firm that values historic preservation, innovation and truly inspires professional creativity and personal growth.”
Joshua Stiling, AIA
Joshua has been with Wilson Butler Architects since 2012, joining the team following his studies at Roger Williams University where he received his Master’s of Architecture and Bachelor’s of Science degrees in Architecture. With a career dedicated to the performing arts and entertainment venues, Josh uses his in-depth experience to clearly communicate technical ideas and the design process to clients, consultants, and fellow studio members, employing an analytical style which compliments a design-minded approach to deliver innovative solutions in a collaborative environment. Joshua has served as Design & Project Architect for the Altria Theater, Edge Theater, and most recently the Jay and Susie Gogue Performing Arts Center, and as a gifted presenter and storyteller is also a key member of our project proposals team. He is the founder and chair of our Graphics Committee, focused on the advancement of digital and graphic representation techniques within the studio. A lover of the outdoors, he spends most of his weekends golfing, biking, or skiing across New England and is a proud dog-dad to his three-year old Boston Terrier, Gracie and husband to his wife Lauren (who is also an architect).
“Raised by two generations of engineers and a DIY mindset, I had my first look at a construction site at 4 years old when my father built an addition to our family home in New Hampshire. Over the years I became steadily more interested in the action of building and assembly, and later on in high school a pilot course in architecture sealed the deal.”
