MEET OUR TEAM.

Mark Sutherland

President

With a Master’s Degree in Architecture and a passion for creating memorable dining experiences, Mark has dedicated his career to designing spaces that bring people together. As President of VBD, he is committed to fostering a culture of creativity, innovation, and collaboration while helping clients bring unique foodservice concepts to life.

When he’s not thinking about the next project, Mark can be found spending time with his family on the ski slopes, casting a line in the waters of Ocean Isle, or unwinding with a fine cigar and a glass of bourbon. He believes great design, like great food, is all about creating experiences worth sharing.

Mark Sutherland

Keith Fennelly

Partner

A lifelong builder and problem-solver, Keith’s passion for design started long before his career in architecture. After earning his degree and spending several years in the architecture field in Ireland, he headed to the United States in search of new opportunities and adventures.

As a Partner at VBD, Keith enjoys helping clients bring complex foodservice projects to life while leading the team in VBD’s San Jose office. Outside of work, he enjoys traveling, live music, and spending time with his wife and their dog, Oreo. Whether he’s cheering on Manchester United with a Guinness in hand or tackling his next woodworking project, Keith brings the same passion and craftsmanship to his hobbies that he does to his work.

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Adrian Sutherland

Managing Principal of Operations & Lead 3D Rendering Artist

Inspired by iconic films like Jurassic Park and The Matrix, Adrian discovered a passion for visual effects that led to an 11-year career in South Africa as a Motion Graphics and 3D VFX artist. Today, as Managing Principal, he leads VBD’s graphics team, helping bring architectural, foodservice, and interior design projects to life through stunningly realistic renderings.

When he’s not creating photorealistic visuals, Adrian enjoys spending time with his family and pursuing another creative passion: craft beer. An accomplished homebrewer, he has developed award-winning recipes that have earned recognition on both national and international stages. Whether he’s crafting a new rendering or experimenting with a new brew, Adrian is always looking for the perfect blend of creativity and precision.

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Kathy Fowler

Lead Foodservice Designer

Kathy has spent nearly four decades in foodservice design and has seen just about every type of commercial kitchen imaginable. Throughout her career, she has embraced new technologies, evolving trends, and innovative ways of working, always looking for opportunities to improve efficiency and elevate the end result.

Outside of work, Kathy is known for her love of a perfectly cooked steak and can happily talk shop on everything from seasoning to grilling techniques. When she’s not designing foodservice spaces, she enjoys spending time with her dogs, Lacey and Toby, sipping sweet tea with lemon, and finding any excuse to fire up the grill.

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Rickie Madden

Senior Project Manager

Growing up in a region of Ireland rich in history, Rickie developed an early interest in architecture that would shape his career. After studying Architectural Graphics in Carlow and earning his degree in Dublin, he made his way to the United States, where he continues to combine technical expertise with a passion for design.

As the leader of VBD’s San Antonio office, Rickie enjoys tackling complex challenges and helping bring innovative foodservice and architectural projects to life. Outside of work, you’ll find him cheering on the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros, or fellow Irishman Rory McIlroy. Whether he’s spending time with family, enjoying an Old Fashioned, or searching for the perfect breakfast taco, Rickie is always up for a good conversation and a new adventure.

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Danielle O'Melia, BArch

Senior Project Manager

With more than 25 years of experience in the architectural industry, Danielle brings a unique blend of creative, technical, and leadership expertise to VBD. Having grown from Project Coordinator to Senior Project Manager and Studio Lead, she enjoys leading teams and creating dining environments that transform everyday spaces into memorable culinary experiences.

Outside of work, Danielle enjoys exploring her adopted hometown of Charleston, SC with her wife and discovering new local favorites along the way. A self-proclaimed coffee enthusiast, she’s always on the hunt for the perfect iced latte and rarely passes up an opportunity for a walk with Aspen, her senior Labrador. Whether she’s leading a project or exploring a new corner of Charleston, Danielle brings energy, curiosity, and a passion for connecting with people.

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Jess Aiello

Senior Foodservice Designer

Growing up in Augusta, GA, Jess brings her creative flair to VBD as a Senior Foodservice Designer. With years of industry experience and a background in restaurants and bartending, she loves watching her designs come to life in unique and memorable spaces.

Now settled in Charlotte, NC, Jess spends her free time crafting with her daughter, painting, and exploring new creative outlets like needlepoint embroidery. She also enjoys discovering local wine bars and dreams of one day exploring her Italian roots, from historic cities to Mediterranean coastlines. Whether she's diving into a mystery thriller or relaxing with Riley, her beloved dog, Jess is always finding inspiration in the little things.

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Roberta Hofmeister

Senior Foodservice Designer

As a Senior Foodservice Consultant at VBD, Roberta brings decades of design experience and a passion for creating solutions that exceed client expectations. Originally from Maryland, she now calls Charlotte, NC home, where she lives with her husband and their lively Chihuahua, Dino.

With a lifelong connection to food, Roberta has developed a love for fermentation and can often be found brewing beer or experimenting with fermented hot sauces and vegetables. She enjoys sharing her latest creations with friends, including her fellow Charlotte Beer Babes, and believes good food is best enjoyed in good company. Whether she's digging into a plate of gnocchi or spending time with loved ones, Roberta brings the same creativity and enthusiasm to her personal life that she does to every project.

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Antonio Aramburo

Foodservice Designer

Originally from Orange County, Antonio now calls Anaheim, CA home and appreciates the family-like atmosphere and collaborative spirit at VBD. He enjoys being part of a team that supports one another and works together to make a difference.

Outside of work, Antonio enjoys spending time with his kids, working on cars, and getting creative in the kitchen. A fan of Mexican cuisine and always up for trying something new, he enjoys sharing meals with family and friends whenever he can. He’d love to visit Paris someday to experience more of Europe’s history and culture, but for now he's just as happy relaxing at home with Otis, his energetic golden retriever, and finding his next binge-worthy show.

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Eddie Blevins

Foodservice Designer

Originally from a small town in Southwest Virginia, Eddie now calls Bristol, TN home, where he lives on a mini farm. As a Food Service Consultant at VBD, he brings decades of design experience to the team, along with a passion for Revit modeling and seeing projects come together from concept to completion.

When he’s not designing commercial kitchens, Eddie stays busy building custom musical instruments, playing in a local band, and tackling projects around the farm. A cowboy at heart, he and his wife enjoy exploring the Caribbean and are planning a future road trip out west to visit historic Old West landmarks. Whether he’s enjoying Mexican food, something with a little extra spice, or spending time with Yogi, Bleu, and Bella, his three dogs who run the house, Eddie is happiest staying busy and creating something with his hands.

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Nathan Chadwick

Foodservice Designer

A Pittsburgh native, Nathan moved to Charlotte at a young age and has called the area home ever since. As a Foodservice Consultant, he brings more than a decade of industry experience and a passion for the behind-the-scenes side of BIM, particularly family creation, template development, and building efficient Revit models.

Outside of work, Nathan enjoys golfing, disc golf, building computers, and diving into everything from Brooklyn Nine-Nine to anime. He’d love to visit Japan someday to experience the culture, food, and scenery firsthand, but in the meantime, he's just as happy spending time at home with Biscuit, his Australian-Husky mix, or tracking down a great bowl of pho.

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Aaron Riojas

Foodservice Designer

An 8th-generation Texan, Aaron has lived all over the country thanks to his father’s military career, from Colorado and Alaska to cities across Texas. Now based in the Austin area, he brings several years of foodservice design experience to VBD, with a passion for problem-solving and creating kitchen solutions that help culinary teams operate more efficiently.

When he’s not designing kitchens, Aaron can usually be found behind a grill, hiking through the Texas Hill Country with his fiancée and their two Kelpies, Ryder and Bear, or cooking for family and friends. Whether he's smoking brisket, perfecting a picanha, or planning his next outdoor adventure, Aaron believes good food has a way of bringing people together.

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Tracy Taraski, FCSI

Foodservice Designer

With nearly three decades of experience in foodservice design, Tracy has built her career around creating spaces that are both functional and thoughtfully designed. She enjoys helping clients bring their vision to life while finding creative solutions that make foodservice operations run smoothly.

Outside of work, Tracy enjoys the simple things in life: a rum and coke, anything chocolate, and spending time with Bodhi, her rescue Pitbull who always keeps her entertained. Although she calls Kansas City home, her loyalty belongs to the Green Bay Packers, and you'll often find her cheering them on from afar. Whether she's designing a new space, spending time with Bodhi, or rooting for her favorite team, Tracy enjoys making the most of every moment.

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Jimi Liddic

Foodservice Designer

Originally from Binghamton, NY, Jimi moved to Charlotte in grade school and has called the area home ever since. With decades of experience in foodservice design, he enjoys seeing projects come to life from concept to completion and knowing the spaces VBD creates are making a positive impact for both clients and their customers.

Outside of work, Jimi enjoys spending time with his husband and their growing family. With eight grandchildren and one more on the way, he stays busy attending ball games, cheering at dance competitions, and hosting family game nights. When he finds a little downtime, you’ll likely find him enjoying a slice of pizza, a Miller Lite, and the latest season of Survivor or a Marvel movie.

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Gloria Norris, NCIDQ, NC RID, IIDA

Senior Interior Designer

Originally from Boston, Gloria is a Senior Interior Designer at VBD with a passion for creating stunning, thoughtfully designed spaces. With years of industry experience and a creative eye for detail, she loves bringing client visions to life and finding design solutions that feel both functional and inspiring.

When she’s not designing interiors, Gloria is likely whipping up something delicious in the kitchen, traveling somewhere new, or cheering on the Boston Celtics. Whether she’s exploring a new destination or trying a new recipe, Gloria enjoys experiences that bring people together and create lasting memories.

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Erin Valencia, TX RID, IIDA

Senior Interior Designer

A Texas girl through and through, Erin grew up in Austin and now calls San Antonio home. She joined VBD in July 2025 and brings more than 14 years of industry experience, giving her a thoughtful and collaborative approach to every project. Erin enjoys working closely with clients and teammates to turn programmatic needs into functional, well-designed spaces.

Outside of work, Erin loves spending time in the garden with her husband and their four dogs, planning DIY home projects, and making trips to Fredericksburg, TX for the wineries and scenery. A proud homebody at heart, she’s happiest with a good audiobook, a nature walk, and plenty of coffee close by.

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Sarah Sterry, LEED, IIDA

Interior Designer

Growing up in the Santa Cruz Mountains, Sarah has brought her love for design to VBD as an Interior Designer. She’s all about the people and the work, and appreciates every opportunity to sharpen her skills, collaborate with the team, and take on new challenges while creating thoughtful spaces for clients.

Now residing in Sunnyvale, CA, Sarah loves taking weekend trips throughout California, from Lake Tahoe to Napa Valley. A globe-trotter at heart, she’s visited more than 20 countries and dreams of traveling to the Amalfi Coast for authentic Italian cuisine. When she’s home, you can find her cooking, crafting, or planning her next adventure. Whether she’s exploring a new country or a new creative project, Sarah is always looking for inspiration in the world around her.

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Jacco Rampolla

Interior Designer

Originally from Miami with family roots in Panama, Jacco was raised in Charlotte, NC and brings a fresh perspective and passion for design to VBD. He enjoys the creative freedom of the design process and the rewarding experience of watching ideas evolve from concept to reality.

Outside of work, Jacco enjoys spending time outdoors, whether that means hiking, hammocking, sightseeing, or exploring the Blue Ridge Mountains. He’s also a fan of live music, houseplants, and discovering new restaurants with friends. Whether he’s trying a new sushi spot or planning his next outdoor adventure, Jacco is always up for something new.

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Corina Patterson

Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, National

As VBD’s spirited Vice President of Marketing and Business Development, Corina brings energy, connection, and heart to the team. With a background in sales and marketing, she finds joy in representing VBD, building lasting relationships across the A/E/C industry, and creating rising tides for all. Originally from Lexington, KY, she’s called Charlotte home for nearly 30 years.

When she’s not championing our team, you’ll find Corina soaking up the sun by the pool in the summer, fishing, gardening, or tackling her latest DIY project. She’s obsessed with seafood (especially octopus!), Aperol Spritzes, and never leaves home without soda water and lime. Her super-cool kitty, Bang Bang, acts more like a dog and is always nearby for a snuggle. Whether she’s building relationships, tending to her garden, or planning her next project, Corina brings enthusiasm, creativity, and a genuine love for connecting with people.

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Mason Lucas

Graphic Designer & Marketing Coordinator

A born and raised Charlottean, Mason serves as VBD’s Graphic Designer and Marketing Coordinator, bringing creativity, collaboration, and fresh ideas to every project. She thrives on bringing designs to life, tackling new challenges, and working alongside the team to build meaningful client connections across the industry.

Outside of work, Mason loves exploring local restaurants, spending time with family and friends, and hanging out with her two Pugs, Wally and Ham. At home, you’ll usually find her cooking, crafting, binge-watching her latest favorite show, or getting lost in a new video game. She’s happiest on the Carolina coast with a taco and a cold beer in hand and is always on the hunt for the perfect new art piece to add to her collection.

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Sal Tinervia

3D Rendering Artist

Inspired by a lifelong appreciation for architecture and design, Sal built his career around creating immersive visual experiences. After earning his degree from Living Arts College in Raleigh, NC, he spent time creating architectural and environmental art for video games before transitioning into 3D visualization, where he found the perfect blend of design, technology, and storytelling.

As a member of VBD’s graphics team, Sal enjoys helping clients see their projects before they’re built through detailed, photorealistic renderings. Outside of work, he enjoys spending time with his wife and family, getting lost in a good video game, or searching for the perfect bowl of ramen. Whether he's exploring a virtual world, creating a new rendering, or sharing a meal with loved ones, Sal appreciates experiences that spark creativity and bring people together.

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Melanie Hall

Office Manager

With a talent for organization and a knack for keeping things running smoothly, Melanie plays a central role in keeping VBD connected and moving forward. From coordinating schedules and office events to serving as a go-to resource for clients and team members, she thrives on managing the details that help the entire team succeed.

Outside of work, Melanie loves planning her next travel adventure, spending time with her children and granddaughters, and enjoying a well-earned gin and tonic. When she’s not exploring a new destination with her husband or making memories with family, you can often find her relaxing and catching up on her favorite Bravo shows.

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Carrie Anderson

Administrative & Billing Assistant

A native of Plainfield, Illinois, Carrie now calls Fort Mill, SC home and serves as VBD’s Office Administrative Assistant. She enjoys being part of the team and has loved learning the ins and outs of a new industry.

Outside of work, Carrie spends most of her time with family, whether that’s cheering at soccer games and competitions, heading out on the occasional hike, or enjoying dinner out together. She also loves relaxing at home with Tot, her sweet Pomeranian, binge-watching everything from Dateline to sappy rom-coms, and unwinding with a glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a well-made vodka martini.

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