About Pam Sandler Architect

Pamela Sandler, AIA, LEED AP

Owner and Principal

You could say Pam, AIA Architect, was “born into the business” or born close to it. Her father owned a firm that created contract office interiors, and he often shared his ideas and his love for design with Pam. When she wasn’t even into her teen years, Pam saw a picture of Frank Lloyd Wright’s famous “Fallingwater” in Pennsylvania immediately “fell in love!” She was the first girl in her high school to take a mechanical drawings class, and from there, her path was clearly set.

Pam’s philosophy has been to create beautiful, timeless architecture that brings joy to her clients. Her approachable style, her focus on detail and the timely delivery of projects have allowed her to forge true partnerships with her client from all over the Berkshires, New York, and Connecticut, many of whom return to her for years—and generations—to come.

Pam has worked diligently as an architect for more than 30 years—while raising three sons!—to build her Stockbridge, MA-based firm from the ground up. It has been her dream, quite literally, to be an architect in a tight-knit community, and to know her clients (and their children and families) when she walks down the street, gets a coffee, attends a gala…wherever she is, she is a familiar face. In addition to her life as a mother and business owner, Pam is a dedicated CrossFitter and serves on many boards and committees including the Historic Preservation Commission in Stockbridge, MA, Autism Connections and the Berkshire Autism initiative, the American Institute of Architects, and others. At the heart of her many commitments, is to be a mentor and supporter to young people in the Berkshire community.

Pam holds a Master of Architecture from Tulane University School of Architecture in New Orleans and completed the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Business course in 2017. She is registered in three states, NY, CT, and MA. She and her team stay on the cutting edge of ever-changing code and compliance regulations.

Francisco Ramirez, RA

A mechanical drafting class in high school introduced to Francisco the basic principles of drawing. The drawing assignments involved drawing objects as viewed from different angles and this allowed him to cultivate the ability to think three-dimensionally. Exploring architecture was a natural progression. After several years of working on different style buildings, Francisco discovered that his real passion was with residential work and creating beautiful living environments that directly impact how clients live and move in a private space.

After spending a good part of his career as a residential architect in NYC—he received his Bachelor of Architecture from Pratt Institute, Brooklyn—moving to the Berkshires allowed Francisco an exciting opportunity to explore the vernacular architecture.

He takes advantage of the outdoor fitness scene in the Berkshires, and since moving here, has become a dedicated runner, participating in several triathlons and endurance events.

He lives a “calm and simple life” with his wife and their dog, Leo.

Francisco is also a founding member of the Berkshire Multisport triathlon team.

Rick Winsor, RA

Rick comes to the firm with decades of experience from working at high end residential firms in New York City and Columbia County, NY. Through this experience, he fosters a broad range of design possibilities and solutions which is critical to the success of the custom work provided in tailoring to the needs of Clients. He appreciates that Pam has created a uniquely creative and fun environment through her passion and enthusiasm for the profession and her warm, caring and exuberant personality.

Rick earned his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Urban Studies from Denison University. He completed the program at the Institute for Architecture and Urban Studies and continues to be an active member of the American Institute of Architects.

Barbara Olsen Pascale, Architectural Designer

Barbara earned her B. Arch. from the rigorous program at the New York Institute of Technology and prior to that received a BS in applied economics from Cornell University. 

Barbara thrives in the “nitty-gritty”—the complex sections, load paths, and the intricate puzzle of how a building truly fits together. As a veteran construction project manager, with professional experience as a cabinet maker and finish carpenter, she is wholly comfortable on the job site and speaks the language of contractors and tradespeople. Barbara’s design philosophy is rooted in a love for natural materials, modern forms, and contemporary lines.

When she isn’t at the drafting table or on a construction site, Barbara is likely outside. She and her partner, Jo, manage a 30-acre campground in Hillsdale, accompanied by her two German Shorthair Pointers, Freya and Niko. Barbara is also the proud mother of grown three daughters.

Max Kapiloff, Architectural Designer

Following a seven-year career in New York City, collaborating on complex retail, hospitality, and luxury residential projects at top-tier firms including Design Republic and CetraRuddy. Max has re-centered in the Berkshires. His connection to the area runs deep; his grandfather helped develop part of the Stockbridge Bowl, and his family still owns one of the original cabins. 

Max holds a Master of Architecture from Wentworth Institute of Technology, with studies that took him from Boston to Berlin and Kyoto, where he penned his thesis and deeply immersed himself in Japanese design philosophy. This global perspective, further informed by travels to Norway, Sweden, and Denmark, underpins a style that is a thoughtful fusion of Scandinavian and Japanese principles.

His design process is unique, blending high-tech massive digital models with a physical, tactile approach. 

In his free time, Max can be found restoring a 175-year-old farmhouse and barn. He is a water sports enthusiast also enjoys reading (a lot), hiking, and spending time with friends and family.

Windup Toy Collection

When you visit the office, you’ll notice the seventh member of the team, the toy collection. Pam’s been collecting these since college and has always been fascinated with the way they move. When her sons were young, she kept a few in her purse to entertain them. Everyone at the office, and visitors old and young, enjoy their time with these kinetic masterpieces!