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 Bassett hound, Hannah, who admittedly “sleeps more than any living creature should.”

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.

Marcel Alvarez, Architectural Designer

Marcel has always taken more than a connoisseur’s interest in design and “how things work”. He studied graphic design and art history, discovering how art and architecture have connected throughout the centuries. This connection inspired him to switch his major in college and immerse himself completely in architectural design. Marcel simultaneously earned his Construction Supervisor License and received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from the University of Massachusetts Amherst in 2013.

Marcel enjoys the ability to help clients make their ideas a reality. He welcomes every detail in understanding how a building comes together, including the nuances of the building codes and working through the intricacies that arise in projects.

Not surprisingly, Marcel loves visiting museums and taking in both the art and the architecture on view. He also is an avid tennis player and kayaker and can be found leaning over a puzzle or a chess board from time to time.

He is also a “bit of a political junkie” and makes frequent trips to Washington D.C. as well as travelling across the United States to explore and to spend time with his girlfriend and his friends.

 

Rowen Stanton, Architectural Designer

Rowen graduated from Hampshire College with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture in 2019. A local of the Berkshires through and through, Rowen grew up in Great Barrington, working in a group home with people with developmental disabilities. For as long as she can remember, she has always had an interest in architecture and designs that can create a sense of home. 

Prior to joining the PSA team, Rowen worked as a freelance architectural designer on residential projects. An avid reader, she also worked at The Bookstore in Lenox, one of her favorite places in town!

 

Norman Anton, Senior Designer & Project Manager

Norman’s path to architecture is far from the traditional path. Beginning in the United States Air Force as a jet engine mechanic, he lived abroad in Europe, and later worked for Pratt & Whitney in Taif, Saudi Arabia.

He won an American Institute of Architects scholarship to Washington University in St. Louis.  While working on his graduate degree, Norman began working for carpenters and electricians. A few years later, he ventured into landscape design, securing hands-on experience. His scope of work ranges from Manhattan corporate interiors and retail showrooms to state parks and fitness facilities, as well as high-end residential projects.

His fundamental core principles of do no harm, understanding socio-personal perceptions, while connecting the technical components of design with strong sense of artistic manner has guided much of his approach.

Amy Pulver, Office Manager

Amy joined the team in 2023, with an already-extensive background in office and project management, as well as publishing and design.

Prior to joining the team, Amy was the longtime Executive Secretary for the Town of Great Barrington, MA. She has also held many roles in the publishing industry, including as a special sales and account manager for Storey Publishing.

Amy is an indispensable resource when it comes to public works, planning, and permitting. She is also a design and textile junkie. She is passionate about the outdoors (particularly the Saranac Lake region) and her beloved labs, Gracie and Charlotte. She lives in the wilds of Egremont with her 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!