Meet Our Team.
Mark Sutherland
President
Armed with a Master’s Degree in Architecture, Mark began his career and honed his craft as a dedicated design vendor for Compass Group, the largest contract foodservice company in the world.
Mark acquired VBD with a goal of elevating the company into a boutique firm whose purpose is to create experiential foodservice concepts that are inviting, innovative, and unique.
When Mark isn’t ideating the next project, you can find him hitting the slopes with his family, in Ocean Isle with a line in the water, or enjoying a fine cigar and a delicious bourbon.
Keith Fennelly
Partner
An avid woodworker and DIY enthusiast, design & build has always been in Keith’s blood! After earning his degree and working for 8 years in the architecture field, he left Ireland for new adventures in the USA.
Keith has been with VBD for over 20 years and as Partner, leads our San Jose, CA office. Passionate about client success, Keith has played a lead role in managing the design of large-scale foodservice facilities.
When Keith isn’t at the office, he enjoys travel, live music, hanging out with his wife and pups Emmet & Oreo, and taking in a Manchester United match with a Guinness - he is Irish after all!
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 our graphics team in creating photorealistic renderings for architectural, foodservice, and interiors projects—so realistic, it’s hard to tell what’s CGI and what’s real.
When he’s not crafting lifelike visuals, he can be found hanging out with his family or working on another favorite creation: craft beer. In fact, Adrian produces award-winning brew with several recipes garnering national and international attention!
Kathy Fowler
Lead Foodservice Designer
As our resident steak connoisseur, Kathy can tell you exactly what seasoning (salt & pepper) and temperature (around 500 degrees) and on what cooking device (grill) it takes to get the perfect sear on a good ribeye.
Designing for nearly 40 years in foodservice, she has seen, designed, and implemented just about every kind of commercial kitchen. As a witness to trends, technology, and technical advancements, she has always been an early adopter of new ideas and efficiencies.
When Kathy isn’t putting foodspaces together, you can find her chilling with her doggos Lacey and Toby, sipping on sweet tea with lemon, and of course enjoying a great steak!
Rickie Madden
Senior Project Manager
Growing up in an area of Ireland that predates Irish history it’s no wonder Rickie became interested in Architecture! After mastering Architectural Graphics in Carlow, he headed to Dublin for his Bachelor’s Degree then west to the USA to build his career.
With over 20 years experience as an Architectural Technologist, Rickie joined VBD in 2014 and leads our San Antonio, TX office. With his team, Rickie has led some of VBD’s most technologically advanced projects for clients such as Capital One and Amgen.
When Rickie isn’t pushing the boundaries of Foodservice and Architectural Design, he can be found cheering on the San Antonio Spurs, Houston Astros or Rory McIlroy with an Old Fashioned in hand or hanging out with his family, searching for the best breakfast taco!
Danielle O'Melia, BArch
Senior Project Manager
Gifted with creative, technical and leadership skills, Danielle is a phenom at VBD! With over 25 years of experience in the architectural field, Danielle has led multidisciplinary teams of all sizes.
She started her career at VBD as an experienced Project Coordinator and was promoted to Senior Project Manager and Studio Lead. Danielle is laser-focused on producing projects with her team that transform dining spaces into culinary experiences, no matter the sector.
When Danielle is not being a rockstar at work, she can be found exploring her newly adopted hometown, Charleston, with her wife. She is a coffee connoisseur, always on the hunt for the perfect iced latte she can enjoy while walking her senior Lab, Aspen!
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 enjoys crafting with her daughter, exploring local wine bars, and painting. She’s recently picked up needlepoint embroidery and dreams of exploring her Italian roots, from ancient cities to Mediterranean beaches. A mystery thriller enthusiast, she’s happiest curled up with her dog Riley and a good book close by.
Roberta Hofmeister
Senior Foodservice Designer
As a Senior Foodservice Consultant at VBD, Roberta brings 28 years of design experience, with over 20 years in foodservice design. She’s driven to deliver projects that exceed client expectations and goals. Originally from Maryland, Roberta 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 keen interest in fermentation. She’s passionate about brewing beer and creating unique fermented hot sauces and vegetables, which she often shares with her local friend group, the Charlotte Beer Babes! Whether she's savoring a hearty plate of gnocchi or sipping a beer, Roberta treasures any chance to unplug and spend quality time with loved ones. With Roberta on board, you can expect dedication, expertise, and a touch of culinary creativity!
Antonio Aramburo
Foodservice Designer
Bio Coming Soon!
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 just a few miles from Bristol Motor Speedway. As a Food Service Consultant at VBD, Eddie brings decades of design experience to the team, with a passion for Revit modeling and seeing projects come together from concept to completion.
Outside of work, Eddie stays busy building custom musical instruments like mandolins and guitars, playing in a local band, and tackling projects around the farm. A cowboy at heart, he and his wife enjoy taking Caribbean cruises and are planning a future road trip out west to explore historic Old West sites. Eddie is also a big fan of Mexican food, anything spicy, and winding down with unsweet tea or a Coke. At home, he’s outnumbered by his three dogs—Yogi, Bleu, and Bella—who may be big babies, but definitely run the house.
Tracy Taraski, FCSI
Foodservice Designer
Meet Tracy, one of our foodservice design masterminds with nearly 30 years of experience in the industry. Although she's only been with our company since January 2023, her passion for creating functional and stylish food spaces has been driving her career for decades.
When she's not dreaming up the perfect kitchen layout, you can find her sipping on a refreshing rum and coke or indulging in anything chocolate. But her true pride and joy is her rescue Pitbull Bodhi, who keeps her on her toes and constantly laughing. Although she calls Kansas City home, she's an avid Green Bay Packers fan and cheers them on from afar. With Tracy leading the charge, your foodservice space is sure to be both functional and fabulous.
Jimi Liddic
Foodservice Designer
Bio Coming Soon!
Gloria Norris, NCIDQ, NC RID, IIDA
Senior Interior Designer
Originally from Boston, Gloria is a highly skilled member of VBD’s interior design team 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. With a passion for both design and adventure, she’s always ready to take on a challenge and create something extraordinary.
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.
Jacco Rampolla
Interior Designer
Originally from Miami with family roots in Panama, Jacco was raised in Charlotte, NC and joined VBD in February 2025 after graduating from Appalachian State University. He enjoys the creative freedom of design and the rewarding process of watching ideas evolve from concept to reality.
Jacco still loves spending time in Boone, NC and recommends favorites like Stick Boy Kitchen, Mint Indian Cuisine, and scenic drives along the Blue Ridge Parkway. Outside of work, you’ll usually find him outdoors hiking, hammocking, or sightseeing, catching live music, or taking care of his growing collection of houseplants. He’s always happy with good friends, sushi or seafood, and an espresso martini or Moscow mule in hand.
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 hanging out with her mischievous cat, Moose, who definitely lives life on his own terms. With Sarah on the team, your interior spaces are bound to be as vibrant and awesome as she is!
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. With Corina on your team, expect big laughs, bold ideas, and connections that go the distance.
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. With Mason on your team, expect creativity to flow and fun to thrive!
Sal Tinervia
3D Rendering Artist
Inspired by his love for architecture in design, Sal couldn’t imagine a future where he wasn’t involved in creating amazing graphics! After receiving his degree from Living Arts College in Raleigh, NC he went on to create architecture and environmental art for video games. Later in his career he made the transition from gaming to 3D visualization which stemmed from his love of architectural photography.
To our great fortune, Sal joined our team in 2011 with a passion for creating 3D renderings that are like looking through a window at the future. By creating stunningly detailed renderings, Sal inspires clients and assists them in visualizing their future project.
Melanie Hall
Office Manager
Melanie discovered early-on that her gift was organization and flourishes when presented with a challenge! As a small business owner, she honed her talent for balancing client requests and vendors, as she managed day-to-day operations. Upon joining VBD in 2008, she expertly transitioned into a frontline role and handles everything from fielding client calls and coordinating office events, to keeping the schedules of an extremely mobile team.
When Melanie isn’t busy being the heartbeat of VisionBuilders Design you will find her planning her next travel adventure, hanging out with her precious granddaughters, or enjoying a delicious gin & tonic!
Carrie Anderson
Administrative & Billing Assistant
Originally from Plainfield, Illinois, Carrie now calls Fort Mill, SC home and serves as VBD’s Office Administrative Assistant. After spending several years away from the traditional workforce, she’s enjoyed learning about a whole new industry and being part of the team.
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 loves relaxing at home with her sweet Pomeranian, Tot, binge-watching everything from Dateline to sappy rom-coms, and enjoying a crisp glass of Sauvignon Blanc or a filthy vodka martini. Carrie has also recently started collecting cocktail drink stirrers, adding a fun touch to her growing collection of hobbies and interests.
