We only have one or two more Meet the Team posts after this one! We’ve already met Ben S, Marisa, and Colbi in our first post, Gina and Erin in the second, and most recently Amlin, Ben F, and Holdt. In this fourth part of our series, we’ll learn more about Alexa, Ilsa, and Maxine. I, (Maxine) the writer of this series, feel pretty silly writing about myself especially in third person, so for my bio I will be writing in the first person! It’s been so much fun writing all of these posts and getting to learn more about my colleagues. If you’ve read the last posts you may have caught onto the layout of this series; first I introduce us and then we get into a Q+A on architecture and non-architecture related topics.
Meet the Team: Alexa, Ilsa, & Maxine
Alexa Yaremko
Alexa (AY) is the newest member on our Construction Management team and brings such a bright energy every day. She is lovingly spoiled by her chef fiancé with homemade pasta which we are all jealous of. Alexa was born and raised in the Hudson Valley but has a special place in her heart for Montauk. Her family has been going every summer for the past ten years enjoying lobster rolls, the beach, and watching sunsets.
Ilsa Falis
Ilsa (IF) is the most cheerful person on our team. She has a contagious smile and always asks everyone how they’re doing. Even over zoom, Ilsa can make you feel like you’re in the same room. Much like the magic of her positive energy, Ilsa loves Miyazaki films for their ability to make her believe in magic. An artist, architect, and mother, there isn’t anything Ilsa can’t take on!
Maxine Bell
I (MB) am used to writing about myself when I write artist statements, but somehow this feels so foreign to me! When I’m not at the office talking to the team, writing posts like these, posting on social media, and more, I’m either with my sister who thankfully lives nearby or I’m making art. I love animated movies and I will probably cry at every single one. I gravitate towards creative communities whether that’s joining a community-published magazine, organizing a collective, or participating in art fairs, and I feel so lucky to have found another one at Studio MM.
Digging in
Now for the fun part! Here’s a Q&A:
How did you get into architecture/construction?
AY: I grew up watching my dad at his drafting table working on plans for new homes and additions which always fascinated me. After I graduated college, I got my first construction job working for a residential builder, where I quickly fell in love with the design/build process.
IF: When I was in my early twenties I spent a few years working as a paintings conservator after having completed a liberal arts degree with a focus on art history and painting. Conservation wasn’t the right career for me, but it made me realize that I wanted to work in a profession that married art/creativity with logistical problem solving. I started taking extension classes at night in a variety of different disciplines (interior design, graphic design, etc.) and I eventually decided that architecture felt like the right fit. I threw caution to the wind and applied to graduate programs in architecture. It’s been thirteen years and I’m still excited by my work, so I think it was a good decision!
MB: Applying to this job! If my mom is reading this she would laugh at this question because she always tried to nudge me in the direction of architecture. My drawing style feels like the opposite spectrum from our homes. I draw in saturated colors of illustrated faces with exaggerated features and lots of patterns. It’s been a stimulating challenge to think in an architectural lens and I love that I’m always learning something new. I now look at buildings and homes differently and am even day dreaming about going back to school for design!
If you were to design your dream home what are some must haves?
AY: A large kitchen island is a must have! The kitchen has always been a gathering place whenever my family is together.
IF: An amazing GIANT laundry room!!! I’m a bit of a clothes horse and living in Brooklyn without a washer/dryer for a decade created a real hunger in me for an efficient and convenient laundry solution. I would also want a large studio space for art-making.
MB: I would want a big art studio with lots of natural light and of course some nooks to store a kiln and a Risograph. I also love homes with inner courtyards; they’re a beautiful treasure to have in your home. I dream of having one with a rock garden, a bed of shiso, and a big Japanese red maple.
What is your favorite part of the process?
AY: As part of the CM team, it’s being part of the process of creating a clients’ dream home that I truly love. The first walk through with a client when their home is complete is like being a kid on Christmas! Being able to say that you were part of a team that brought that design to life is pretty cool!
IF: Residential architecture often touches on multiple design disciplines (landscape, furniture, lighting, etc.) and that immersive quality is what really speaks to me. I especially love designing interior spaces and have a special fondness for millwork and bathrooms. I practiced in New York City for several years where the line between interior design and architecture is often a bit blurry and I really enjoy projects that let me play around with color, texture, and tactility.
MB: As someone who observes each project and the process, I get excited when the architects and the clients decide on materials. I am a visual learner and need colors and textures to really grasp a feeling. When I make a post about exterior or interior materials I can place myself in the space and imagine what it would be like.
What/Where/Who is home to you?
AY: The Hudson Valley will always be home to me! Being born and raised here, no matter where I go, I always get excited to come back. There is so much beauty in this area and I’m always finding new places to explore.
IF: I am lucky to have a lot of places that feel like home. I grew up in Massachusetts and the north shore above Boston and pioneer valley in Western MA both occupy huge parts of my heart. I spent the last decade in Brooklyn and my community there has become a very important home for me. I can’t say enough about how inspired I am by the friendships I built while I lived there. Finally, and most literally, the Hudson Valley is beginning to feel like home. My partner and I bought a house in Rhinebeck, NY last October (two weeks before having our first baby!) and we moved in last month after a whirlwind and hectic renovation. We aren’t settled yet, but we’ve been dreaming about this new home of ours, and about the family we’re building together, for a long time.
MB: Home to me is whenever I feel warm inside. This feeling can be evoked with family, friends, food, weather, smells, nostalgia, language and more. I feel so grateful to be able to feel at home in many places, many people, and by myself. It’s not necessarily an inner peace but an inner comfort. Comfort is hard to come by and when I feel it, there’s nothing quite as special.
Favorite comfort food? why?
AY: Pasta. Any type. You can never go wrong with noodles and sauce! My fiance is a chef and his favorite thing to make is homemade pasta which is amazing!
IF: Umm, chocolate. Because… it’s chocolate.
MB: What a great segue! I love any type of Japanese food. Even the staples in my fridge like snacking on natto or eating an umeboshi bring me comfort . Nothing ever really beats white rice or miso soup though.
I hope you enjoyed learning a bit more about Alexa, Ilsa, and I in this fourth part of our Meet the Team series. I always have so much fun writing these and love sharing more about our team outside of our roles here at Studio MM. There’s still a few more people to introduce so there’s more fun to come!