Joseph Matava AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Joseph Matava AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal-Director of Design
Joseph founded Peninsula Architects with a keen interest in an integrated environmental design. His background in landscape architecture finds its way into most projects as the firms work seeks to find the perfect balance between the natural and built worlds.
Joe sees architecture as an act of building, rather than solving a series of static design problems. This has led the firm to create innovative, practical and cost effective solutions on a wide array of project types. He has led the firm to push for a high level of craft in all of its work while seeking to celebrate place through form, materiality and detail.
Joe splits his time between the US and Dutch offices
BArch- Kent State University
Matthew Schwarz
Matthew Schwarz
Chief Operating Officer
Matt Schwarz decided to go into architecture when a Kent State student visited his art class in the 7th grade. He is involved with all aspects of a project and also helps out with code interpretation and accessibility guidelines. In addition to design, CAD, and code, Matt helps manage our office and keeps us supplied with exotic coffee creamers. Beyond architecture, his love of reading led him to a Masters of Library Science.
BS Arch, The Ohio State University
MLIS, Kent State University
LEED AP
Nikolas Sirna
Nikolas Sirna
Principal
Nik Sirna approaches architecture as the unique opportunity to create an experience. He believes that architecture is the artistic response to a problem or situation. Design is personal, therefore each and every circumstance is different which allows him to exude his fresh perspective on all facets of our process. When not designing, Nik puts his energy towards developing the office culture and searches for ways to enhance our vision and footprint among the landscape.
Masters Degree, Architecture / Kent State University
Bachelor of Science, Architecture / Kent State University
Nathan Bailey
Nathan Bailey
Project Architect
Nate Bailey brings a balanced design sensibility and graphics to the office and is instrumental in generating insightful diagrams and renderings to advance projects. His thoughtful approach and good sense of humor lightens the office culture and his appreciation for good food always has him searching for the newest restaurant.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University
A.Fine Arts, Owens Community College
Samantha Ayotte
Samantha Ayotte
Designer
Samantha brings a fresh perspective to the office through graphic representation and 3D Modeling. She is dedicated to making a presence in the community, and does so as a member of the AIA and through coaching high school volleyball. Samantha’s positive attitude and charisma enhance office culture, and allow her to gain experience in all facets of work while on her path to licensure.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University
M.Urban Design, Kent State University
Elizabeth Nicklas
Elizabeth Nicklas
Designer
Elizabeth Nicklas contributes to the team with her skills in 3D modeling and rendering techniques. As an avid outdoorsman, she enjoys working with the team to develop projects that integrate and compliment the natural landscape and encourage others to spend time outdoors.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University
Joseph Matava AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Principal-Director of Design
Joseph founded Peninsula Architects with a keen interest in an integrated environmental design. His background in landscape architecture finds its way into most projects as the firms work seeks to find the perfect balance between the natural and built worlds.
Joe sees architecture as an act of building, rather than solving a series of static design problems. This has led the firm to create innovative, practical and cost effective solutions on a wide array of project types. He has led the firm to push for a high level of craft in all of its work while seeking to celebrate place through form, materiality and detail.
Joe splits his time between the US and Dutch offices
BArch- Kent State University
Matthew Schwarz
Chief Operating Officer
Matt Schwarz decided to go into architecture when a Kent State student visited his art class in the 7th grade. He is involved with all aspects of a project and also helps out with code interpretation and accessibility guidelines. In addition to design, CAD, and code, Matt helps manage our office and keeps us supplied with exotic coffee creamers. Beyond architecture, his love of reading led him to a Masters of Library Science.
BS Arch, The Ohio State University
MLIS, Kent State University
LEED AP
Nikolas Sirna
Principal
Nik Sirna approaches architecture as the unique opportunity to create an experience. He believes that architecture is the artistic response to a problem or situation. Design is personal, therefore each and every circumstance is different which allows him to exude his fresh perspective on all facets of our process. When not designing, Nik puts his energy towards developing the office culture and searches for ways to enhance our vision and footprint among the landscape.
Masters Degree, Architecture / Kent State University
Bachelor of Science, Architecture / Kent State University
Nathan Bailey
Project Architect
Nate Bailey brings a balanced design sensibility and graphics to the office and is instrumental in generating insightful diagrams and renderings to advance projects. His thoughtful approach and good sense of humor lightens the office culture and his appreciation for good food always has him searching for the newest restaurant.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University
A.Fine Arts, Owens Community College
Samantha Ayotte
Designer
Samantha brings a fresh perspective to the office through graphic representation and 3D Modeling. She is dedicated to making a presence in the community, and does so as a member of the AIA and through coaching high school volleyball. Samantha’s positive attitude and charisma enhance office culture, and allow her to gain experience in all facets of work while on her path to licensure.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University
M.Urban Design, Kent State University
Elizabeth Nicklas
Designer
Elizabeth Nicklas contributes to the team with her skills in 3D modeling and rendering techniques. As an avid outdoorsman, she enjoys working with the team to develop projects that integrate and compliment the natural landscape and encourage others to spend time outdoors.
M.Arch, Kent State University
B.Science, Kent State University