We wanted to take a moment today to acknowledge our team for the extraordinary people that they are, the richness they bring to our work, and the countless ways they have impacted our lives. We couldn’t have asked for better company. And, some of that company has been with us since the beginning. Read on to get to know some of our team members who have helped mold the company into what it is today. We wouldn’t be here without you. Thank you for being you.

Erin Foose, in the family for 16 years

My D2 Saga
D2 was small but bustling when I joined in 2005…they didn’t even have a website yet, but a glance around the studio revealed an energetic crew! I started as a scrappy designer, eventually became a totally Type-A project manager, and now get to work behind the scenes with our whole studio!

Favesies
VWR International: It’s not every day that a project takes you to Chicago for “research” (and deep dish), has the budget for KnollStudio furniture, and results in a bright but sophisticated space- VWR was an amazing experience from start to finish!

When I’m not working?
Anyone who has spent more than 5 minutes with me knows that I love to read- I own [insert unbelievably shocking quantity of books here]…it’s my go-to escape after a crazy day.

I’ll leave you with this…
This year has been tough and we’re all just out here trying our best to muddle through. My only words to live by at the moment are to be kind and act with compassion. …But maybe with, like, a delightfully snarky undertone to keep things interesting?

“Be nice…but not boring.”

Tony Palomba, in the family for 17 years

My D2 Saga
Out of the blue, I received a phone call from my old college drinking buddy, John Schwartz asking if wanted to join him in a new crazy ride. I thought …well, sure! I just had my second kid, bought a new house and had started a job with a large established firm. Why not take a huge leap of faith? Those early days were split between many long, fun and crazy nights with hardware store runs and house projects in between.

Favesies
The Toll Bros. HQ as it was one of the most complex projects I’ve had the opportunity to work on and made much more interesting by the pandemic and a government shut down!

What you love outside of work:
Sitting on the beach, working in my garden and smoking meats while drinking bourbon.

I’ll leave you with this…
Here’s a true story and a great example of those crazy, early days…I filled in for John one afternoon to do a survey because the building was close to home. The building catches on fire and I got trapped in an elevator while on my way to survey the next floor. After banging and screaming my head off as the elevator is stuck between floors, two fireman helped me squeeze through a crack between the elevator cab and the floor.

Jackie Reiley, in the family for 13 years

My D2 Saga
I joined D2 as an intern and was immediately made to feel a part of the team (even though I had the tiniest desk off in a corner!). The close-knit studio gave me an amazing opportunity to work with some of THE best managers and designers. Those early days helped me understand my strengths and, ultimately, led me to where I am today.

Favesies
I can’t choose a favorite client project –they’ve all been memorable in their own way. An easier favorite to choose is from my long stint on the Morale Committee, the best party that we planned was hands down the company’s 10-year, surprise party! At a local bar & restaurant it was complete with a ‘D2’ cupcake cake and custom bottled brews – The Dirty Blonde’s Denial (Joan), Gray IPA (John) and Bald & Pale Ale (Geoff)

When I’m not working?
Cooking! I started a Gourmet Club with my close friends and family a few years ago where we take turns hosting themed dinner parties and each couple brings ingredients to cook a course.

I’ll leave you with this…
Sunshine is the best medicine.

Kiel Fisher, in the family for 16 years 

My D2 Saga
D2 was the first place I applied to after graduating from Drexel. We were a studio of 10 people, 3 of which are still with us today. I was very entry level and did A LOT of scanning and photoshopping. I’m proud to say that lot of hard work and loyalty from both sides has allowed me to continue growing at D2 for so long. It doesn’t hurt that I still get to sit directly next to my mentor, Caryn Keenan, from Day 1 of my D2 journey.

Favesies
My most sentimental project has to be VWR. This was the project that I believe really put D2 on the map. We were still a really small studio back in 2009 and I remember how Joan, John and all of the other designers worked so closely together. This was my first taste of high design on a large scale and the final product completely validated the entire process and all of the hard work that we put in.

When I’m not working?
Outside of work and family, I spend a lot of time fermenting things (mostly beer), chef’ing it up, creating top notch memes, and conjuring up various woodworking projects.

I’ll leave you with this…
I am currently finding inspiration in this quote “You’ve got to be so confident in knowing who you are, that anyone else’s idea of you belongs solely to them” (source unknown)

Bryan Clemons, in the family for 11 years 

My D2 Saga
I began my journey as a Project Architect and Project Manager for industrial, office and small retail projects. I attribute much of my growth to my past mentors and my passion for continued learning. I’ve found that the best way to learn fast is to shake it up – keep trying on new hats and test your abilities in different roles.

Favesies
My favorite project is Royal Paper Products (now Amercare-Royal). This project allowed me to spend the most time I ever had spent on an industrial site during construction and I learned a great deal from that.

When I’m not working?
I love working on anything mechanical in my garage that deserves a “second- life”, electronic music, biking, and riding motorcycles.

I’ll leave you with this…
I still get asked about this at parties when I tell people what I do: “…like in the movies, when that guy sets off a sprinkler in the school restroom…does every single sprinkler in the entire school go off at the same time?”

Lauren Coughlin, in the family for 10 years 

My D2 Saga
I came to D2 as a residential designer and quickly turned lover of workplace. My goal at the time was to grow my technical skills, but as it turned out, design is where I am at my best, so I moved into a Design Director role after about three years. I’ve since been dabbling in design strategy, marketing, and internal brand + culture. Every day is full of learning, totally crazy, super fun – and I could do none of it without such a supportive studio.

Favesies
While I love almost all of the projects that I’ve had the opportunity to work on, my true favorite is one designed for a past competition where we were to transform a piece of furniture for charity. We went all in on the design and assembly and spent almost every minute outside of work together for MONTHS. We learned to dye raw wool, needle felt, and sew upholstery. It was such a fun process with a super dedicated and creative team.

When I’m not working?
I try to center my life around creating new things and experiencing the great outdoors. Craft of all kinds bring me joy and a beautiful landscape bring peace.

I’ll leave you with this…
I love cheesy quotes and often find great inspiration in those that are plain, common sense. For the last few years, the one I think of most is “if you do what you’ve always done, you’ll get what you’ve always gotten.” It’s a solid reminder to keep questioning, challenging, and bettering. I also love just about every quote from the movie ‘Dumplin’.

Jess Badolato, in the family for 10 years 

My D2 Saga
I think ‘D2 Solutions’ was 20 people when I joined in August 2011, I learned about the firm from a fellow PhilaU alum that was working there at the time. I joined Tony’s team as a junior designer but quickly found that being with clients and “outside” interaction was my favorite part of my job. This is something I felt comfortable mentioning to Joan & John and we decided I flip into more of a Business Development role for the firm.

Favesies
Cubesmart Headquarters! My last project as a designer and I enjoyed working with our former colleague, Gleb Dolgy, on it – a fun team effort.

When I’m not working?
Running or exercise in general (preferably with friends)! Picture is Jackie and I after the Broad Street run a few years ago.

I’ll leave you with this…
I think my best advice is that people will always remember how you made them feel. I strive to keep that front of mind everyday both in my personal life and as a professional. As far as my journey here at D2, wow 10 years have flown by – it feels like home to me and there is no place I’d rather be.

Caryn Keenan, in the family for 17 years 

My D2 Saga
My role was Sr. Designer…I believe…or Project Manager? Who knows? What I do know is that I am a firm believer in being a dependable team player, always sharing my knowledge of the industry, being efficient, and working to truly understand a client’s needs and desires.

Favesies
Tough one as there are many! The PRA HQ in Blue Bell – it was a vast project done in two phases and is a great example of transforming an open shell into a beautiful space with incredible details and environmental branding. It was also technically challenging working with a high-end, complex green wall installation and a custom, color changing feature wall. The best part, however, was that the client and contractor were both amazing and fun to work with!

When I’m not working?
Passion for gardening! I recently got hooked on fairy gardens – you look at things from a different perspective, dream up what could be, and craft a new reality…like carving a fish out of a glob of glue!

I’ll leave you with this…
Live & love life!  Never take anything for granted!

Josh Wilson, in the family for 11 years 

My D2 Saga
When I joined D2, I knew right away that this is where I was supposed to be. It’s like a big family – complete with all the personalities – that, when combined, produces incredible creativity and ingenuity. This, I am proud to be a part of.

Favesies
My favorite project by far is the Five Below HQ. And not just for the obvious reason that it is a badass office space, but also because of the many challenges presented in this project that stretched and grew me as a designer.

When I’m not working?
One of my favorite pastimes is taking long walks. We have two trails at either end of our neighborhood where my family and I have logged many hours taking advantage of the beauty around us.

I’ll leave you with this…
In my short time spent on this earth, I have learned that humor bridges the gap between chaos and sanity; if you make someone laugh, you’ve added a little more joy and serenity to their day.