People

MICHELE L. W. THACKRAH, AIA LEED AP joined the Archer & Buchanan team in 2003 as Principal-in-Charge after devoting her early career to working with other highly-esteemed, custom residential design firms in Washington, DC and Pennsylvania. A firm principal since 2011, Michele applies her strength in leadership, her ability to cultivate relationships, and her finely-honed architectural skills to drive the success of the firm. Michele’s ability to develop working relationships with clients that encourage candor and foster creativity result in collaborative designs that effectively synthesize the collective ideas of the homeowner and architect. Her approach delivers designs of character and distinction that consistently exceed client expectations. In addition to Michele’s role within the firm, she also is committed to her professional and local community. After serving as a member of the Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry Women Influencing Business Committee, Michele joined the Thornbury Township Historic Preservation Commission in 2012, becoming its Chair in 2018. Michele is also an active member of the Chester County Historic Preservation Network, The Cosmopolitan Club of Philadelphia, The Daughters of the American Revolution, The Junior League of Philadelphia, and The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania.

A reader lives a thousand lives before he dies The man who never reads lives only one. ~George R. R. Martin

EDUCATION

• Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science, Architecture

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects
• Chester County Adaptive Reuse Guide Advisory Committee
• Chester County Chamber of Business & Industry, Women Influencing Business Committee (2011-2014)
• Chester County Historic Preservation Network
• The Daughters of the American Revolution, Webmaster & Historian
• Delaware Valley Green Building Council
• Habitat for Humanity (1998)
• Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America
• The Junior League of Philadelphia
• Manor Oaks Architectural Review Committee (1998-2000)
• The National Society of the Colonial Dames of America in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania, Recording Secretary
• Pennsylvania State University Alumni Association
• Thornbury Township Historic Preservation Committee, Chair
• Windridge Architectural Review Committee (2007-2012)
• Women Students in Architecture, Pennsylvania State University (1992), Founder

REGISTRATION

• Registered Architect–NCARB: Pennsylvania, North Carolina, Utah, Virginia
• LEED Accredited Professional
• LEED Certificate of Completion: New Construction and Major Renovation

RICHARD D. BUCHANAN, AIA co-founded Archer & Buchanan Architecture in 1996 with the desire to focus on custom residential design and country property planning, including equestrian facilities. Since then he has expanded his repertoire to include the design of sporting pavilions and indoor pools, adaptive re-use of many types of buildings, restaurants, children’s recreation spaces, historic restoration and the design of iron and woodwork products. Richards’s responsibilities include involvement in all phases of a project, from conceptual design through construction administration. Initial design begins with attentive listening to the needs of the client and translation of those hopes and wishes into a concept that gives form to the program, the budget, the governing codes and the site parameters and opportunities. In his role as a lead designer, Richard brings these often-competing elements together both poetically and efficiently. With a strong affinity for breathing new life into old dwellings, Richard transforms outdated floorplans into ones that meet the needs of today and incorporates modern conveniences, all while still beautifully preserving the charm and character of the original. Likewise, his new designs, while completely contemporary in function, draw on the best of the past and present an aesthetic reminiscent of old. Richard’s past and present community service activities include memberships on various boards and panels including the West Chester Planning Commission, Delaware Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees, The Cheshire Hunt Conservancy Board of Directors, the West Marlborough Township Historic Resources Task Force and East Bradford Township Historic Architectural Review Board.  A life-long horseman, Richard lives in Chester County with his veterinarian wife and two daughters, where he enjoys tinkering with his own old house, playing the violin very poorly and flight as a private pilot.

Luck is the residue of Design ~Branch Rickey

Education

• University of British Columbia, Master of Architecture
• Bucknell University, Bachelor of Art, Architecture

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects
• Buck and Doe Trust Board of Trustees, 2009-present
• Cheshire Hunt Conservancy Board of Directors 2016 – present
• East Bradford Township Historic Review Board, 2010-present
• The Institute of Classical Architecture, 1998-present
• West Marlborough Township Historic Resources Task Force, 2010-2014
• West Marlborough Township Unified Building Code Appeals Board, 2017
• Delaware Museum of Natural History Board of Trustees, 2003-2010
• West Chester Borough Planning Commission, 1995-1999

Registration

• Registered Architect–NCARB: Pennsylvania, Connecticut, Delaware

PETER C. ARCHER, AIA co-founded Archer & Buchanan Architecture in 1996 and, along with Richard Buchanan, has grown the firm into a multi-faceted architectural practice that draws upon the strengths of each and every member of the firm. Peter’s focus is on design and coordination of all aspects of a project, from design conception through construction. Essential to his approach, careful listening is key to turning clients wishes and goals into unique and very personal homes. He enjoys working in a variety of architectural styles, and has designed or been involved in hundreds of projects including new homes, residential additions, urban townhouse renovations and unique estate properties with multiple buildings. Each project is a close collaboration and, in drawing upon his vision, Peter works to create homes that are comfortable, beautiful and offer all the conveniences of modern life. Designs developed by Peter often go into great detail of both the exterior and interior of the home and, on certain projects, have included the design of the hardware, decorative light fixtures and sculptural elements as part of the crafting of a home. Peter trained in Philadelphia and London, England prior to starting the firm. He lives in a 1816 farmhouse in Chester County with his wife and enjoys traveling as both a means of relaxation and learning as it applies to his work.

EDUCATION

• University of Pennyslvania, Master of Architecture
• Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science, Architecture

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects
• AIA Philadelphia Chapter, Past member of Board of Directors
• The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
• The Carpenters’ Company International Fellowship, London, England, 1987-89
• The Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia
• Institute of Classical Architecture & Art, Philadelphia Chapter, Board Vice President
• Lower Merion Conservancy
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB)
• National Trust for Historic Preservation
• Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia
• Guest Design Critic: Drexel University, Temple University

REGISTRATION

• Registered Architect: Pennsylvania, Delaware, Florida, Maryland, New Jersey, New York

CHAD V. PETERSON, AIA, with Archer & Buchanan since 1998, has grown and developed with the firm, holding numerous positions before being named Principal in 2021. Technical in nature, Chad’s close attention to detail along with his capacity for seeing the broad perspective as clearly as the minutiae is a boon to the projects with which he is involved. Involved in all aspects of firm and project management throughout his tenure, Chad brings a level of experience and understanding that benefits endeavors of all scales and complexities. His gifts as an astute observer and keen listener help Chad deliver the highest level of service to clients.

With a specific expertise in heavy timber structures, Chad has over the years fine-tuned his expertise and knowledge through involvement in dozens of residential, institutional, and equestrian projects that rely on the design and construction style. Chad will continue his exploration of the heavy timber typology, capitalizing on the building science supporting it, pushing boundaries, and delving into possibilities. He sees an exciting intersection where functionality and form come together to deliver a host of new design opportunities for our clients.

While versed in a variety of design styles, Chad enjoys honing his design skills in support of the contemporary and minimalist aesthetic he favors and seeks opportunities for the firm to expand its portfolio in that vernacular as well as in adaptive reuse–another area of impassioned interest.

To provide meaningful architecture is not to parody history but to articulate it.  ~Daniel Libeskind

EDUCATION

• Temple University, Architecture Studies

MEMBERSHIPS / AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects (AIA)
• Autodesk User Group International (AUGI)
• East Fallowfield Historic Commission

REGISTRATION

• Registered Architect: Pennsylvania, Maryland

DANIEL G. RUSSONIELLO, AIA, LEED AP joined the firm in 2003 as Principal-in-Charge of the firm’s institutional practice. His experience, following an academic career distinguished by numerous awards, honors and fellowships, includes more than 30 years of professional practice including formative years at nationally recognized architectural firms. His work focuses on the planning and design of creatively conceived commercial and institutional projects; many for major university, private school and not-for-profit organizations. Dan is integrally involved in all phases of each project, from conceptual design through construction administration. He works closely with clients and user groups to become fully immersed in their mission, needs and aspirations. His thorough knowledge of the interplay of project participants such as owner’s representatives, consulting engineers, construction managers, contractors, permitting authorities, fund raising professionals, and other disciplines contributes significantly to expeditious, cost-efficient and successful project outcomes. Dan’s architectural design approach is guided by client mission, site context, use of appropriate technologies and sustainability; always with an eye toward beauty. He is currently working on projects for university, private school and special education clients. Dan lives in Bala Cynwyd, Lower Merion Township, serves on the board of the Bala Cynwyd Civic Association, and enjoys reading, travel and participating in community activities.

Beauty is an experience, nothing else. It is not a fixed pattern or an arrangement of features. It is something felt, a glow or a communicated sense of fineness. ~D.H. Lawrence

EDUCATION

• University of Pennsylvania, Master of Architecture
• Pennsylvania State University, Bachelor of Science, Architecture and Bachelor of Art, Art History

MEMBERSHIPS & AFFILIATIONS

• American Institute of Architects
• The Athenaeum of Philadelphia
• The Bala Cynwyd Civic Association, Board of Directors Vice President
• Guest Design Critic:Drexel University, Pennsylvania State University, Philadelphia University, Temple University, The University of Pennsylvania, The University of the Arts
• International Code Council (ICC)
• Lower Merion Historical Society
• Society for College and University Planning (SCUP)
• United States Green Building Council (USGBC)

REGISTRATION

• Registered Architect: Pennsylvania, Delaware
• LEED Accredited Professional
• LEED Certificate of Completion: New Construction and Major Renovation; Investing in the Future; Building Green Schools
• LEED Implementation Process