Pamela Sandler Architect Expands into Full-Service Interior Design, Announces Three Hires

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STOCKBRIDGE, Mass. — Pamela Sandler Architect announced the expansion of its design team with the hiring of Barbara Olsen Pascale and Max Kapiloff as Architectural Designers, and Andrew Rota as Director of Interiors and Operations.

The firm is officially expanding its capabilities to offer full-service interior design, creating a single-source experience for its clients. The new team members bring a wealth of technical construction expertise, international design perspectives, and human-centered business strategy to the firm's growing portfolio of high-end residential and commercial projects in the Berkshires, Connecticut, and Hudson Valley, stated a press release.

"We are thrilled to welcome Max, Barbara, and Andrew to the firm," said founder Pamela Sandler. "Their unique backgrounds, ranging from deep technical construction management to global design philosophies, perfectly complement our commitment to creating spaces that are both beautifully envisioned and meticulously built. As we continue to grow, their diverse skills will be invaluable to our clients and our collaborative process."

Barbara Olsen Pascale, Architectural Designer

Barbara Olsen Pascale brings a formidable combination of academic rigor and hands-on craftsmanship to the team. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology following a BS in Applied Economics from Cornell University. Barbara thrives in the "nitty-gritty" of architecture, specializing in complex sections, load paths, and the intricate structural puzzles of building assembly.

A veteran construction project manager with professional experience as a cabinet maker and finish carpenter, Barbara is a natural presence on the job site. Her ability to speak the language of contractors and tradespeople ensures seamless communication from the drafting table to the finished structure. Her design philosophy is rooted in a love for natural materials, modern forms, and contemporary lines. Outside of work, Barbara manages a 30-acre campground in Hillsdale with her partner, Jo, and their two German Shorthair Pointers, Freya and Niko.

Max Kapiloff, Architectural Designer

Max Kapiloff returns to the Berkshires following a successful seven-year career in New York City, where he collaborated on complex retail, hospitality, and luxury residential projects at top-tier firms including Design Republic and CetraRuddy. Max holds a Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, with international studies in Berlin and Kyoto. His thesis allowed him to immerse himself in Japanese design philosophy, a perspective further enriched by travels through Norway, Sweden, and Denmark.

Max's style is a thoughtful fusion, blending high-tech digital modeling with a physical, tactile approach to design. His connection to the Berkshires runs deep; his grandfather helped develop part of the Stockbridge Bowl, and his family maintains one of the area's original cabins. Max is currently restoring a 175-year-old farmhouse and barn and is an avid canoeist and hiker.

Andrew Rota, Director of Interiors and Operations

Andrew grew up alongside Pamela Sandler Architect. As Pam's son, he was on job sites and at the drafting table long before launching his professional career. He earned his degree in Business/Marketing from Northeastern University, and also holds a Design Certificate degree from Shillington in London. Andrew has spent over a decade leading business strategy, marketing, and design at major technology companies, including Intuit and DoorDash, with a focus on human-centered experiences and clear, thoughtful strategy.

Realizing his ideal combination of business, design, and meaningful impact was close to home, Andrew returned to the firm. Today, he manages business operations and leads the expanding interior design team, creating a seamless, integrated approach to architecture and interiors that supports both the team and the firm's beloved clients.

An avid traveler, Andrew brings a global perspective. He believes architecture and interiors can fundamentally shape how people feel and live every day, knowing that the firm's work is not simply about creating a building. Andrew is active in the Berkshires cultural scene, the performing arts, meditation, and engaging in initiatives that help to foster strong and inclusive LGBTQ+ communities.

 

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Greenagers Founder Will Conklin Honored as Business Person of the Year

By Breanna Steele

Casey Pease of state Sen. Paul Mark's office presents William Conklin, right, with a state Senate proclamation.
EGREMONT, Mass. — The Southern Berkshire Chamber of Commerce honored a local businessman and nonprofit leader on Sept. 24 at Catamount Mountain Resort.
 
William Conklin was this year's Business Person of the Year, recognizing his work as founder and executive director of Greenagers, a nonprofit that helps youth and children engage in work in environmental conservation, sustainable farming, natural resource management, and vocational skills building. 
 
Conklin and his family also run Sky View Farm and he is a managing partner of Konkapot Tree and Timber, a small-scale forest products business.
 
"If you spent any amount of time in Southern Berkshire, chances are you've heard his name, whether you realize the connection at the time or not," said board member Sierra King Watson, who emceed the event. "You might be having a conversation about farming, a new barn or structure that was built, students learning hands-on skills in sustainable agriculture, or a family that receives donated firewood to help keep their home warm through a cold Berkshire winter, or maybe you're simply talking about one of those community leaders who somehow manages to show up, support everyone, and seemingly be everywhere all at once.
 
"Well, one name has a way of continuously popping up, and that is Will Conklin."
 
Board President Mark Rulison said the region has more than 1,200 nonprofits. One in four jobs in the county is in the nonprofit sector, which ranks 27th nationally for nonprofit employment. He said the economic impact on the community is huge, thanking those who help.
 
For the event on Thursday, Conklin requested that as much of the food as possible was sourced locally. Most of it came from Greenagers, Sky View Farm, Indian Line Farm and Fancy Feast Supper Club, creative dinner series. 
 
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