TEAM - UPWARD | Architecture and Interiors

MEET OUR TEAM

We’re a Seattle-based interdisciplinary team of architects and interior designers with diverse experience on commercial and residential projects worldwide. We love what we do, every day; our enthusiasm and tenacity motivate us – and we want that excitement to be contagious, to spread through our teams and communities to help foster better built environments

Annalisa Castelli

Architectural Designer

Annalisa grew up in the Seattle area and received a Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design from the University of Washington in 2018, where she cultivated her passion for the built environment with a particular interest in sustainable design.

Annalisa has worked both in corporate interiors and architecture, and her deep-seated interest in architecture and design originates from a fascination with elegantly fusing form and function. Since beginning at UPWARD Architecture in 2021, she has worked on numerous commercial and residential projects, in both project architect and project manager roles.

Outside of her professional life, Annalisa finds joy in cooking, cycling through the Pacific Northwest, and kicking back with a good book and an even better cup of coffee.

ACCREDITATIONS
• In-Progress NCARB | National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Arts in Architectural Design | University of Washington, 2018

current & recent projects

@ALBEE ROMEIN
Designer 2018-2021

Kristin DeJong

Interior Designer

Kristin’s design career began in high school; while completing her senior project she earned an internship at an award-winning hospitality and residential interior design firm. She returned to that firm every summer while completing her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Southern California. Kristin furthered her education by completing her Master of Interior Architecture at the joint program between UCLA Extension and Cal Poly Pomona.

Kristin has experience in a wide range of project types - residential, hospitality, senior living, multi family, tenant improvement, commercial, manufacturing just to name a few. After starting her career in Southern California, Kristin returned to Washington and has loved working on projects in her home state. Kristin’s favorite part of the design process is figuring out how to bring the overall project vision to reality whether through detailed drawings, 2D renderings, 3D models, or working in the field to problem solve.

Outside of work, Kristin is kept busy with her two young daughters. She is a passionate Seattle sports fan and when she is not watching her beloved Mariners or Seahawks, she enjoys barre classes at her local studio and visiting Woodland Park Zoo with her family.

ACCREDITATIONS
• NCIDQ Certification #31701
• WELL AP

EDUCATION
• Master of Interior Architecture, UCLA Extension & Cal Poly Pomona, 2012
• Certificate of Interior Design, UCLA Extension, 2011
• Bachelor of Science Business Administration, University of Southern California, 2009

current & recent projects

past projects

@GGLO
• Atlas Apartments
• Merrill Gardens Oceanside
• The Village at Totem Lake Apartments
• Aegis West Seattle
• Silverado Bellingham

@SFA DESIGN
• Arizona Biltmore
• Fountainview at Gonda Westside
• L'Ermitage Beverly Hills
• Island Spa Catalina
• Montecito Inn
• Chumash Casino Resort Expansion
• Multiple Private Residences throughout CA and FL

Alicia Trujillo, AIA

Architect

Alicia grew up in Northern California and received her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University in 2012. She studied in Rome and New York City which enriched her love of design. Alicia approaches each project with the intent to apply custom details and original approach. She promotes meaningful architecture that can come from any size, budget, or material. She draws inspiration from building materials, their tactile qualities, and how they can impact the built environment. Her design philosophy is to let building materials speak for themselves with a “less is more” mentality.

Alicia worked in Napa California for 10 years on Hospitality and Residential projects. There she honed her skills for complex custom details and impactful design. She enjoys mentoring junior staff and creating a positive productive learning environment.

Outside of work you can find Alicia exploring the city with her husband and two young kids. She enjoys running, snowboarding, and a good cup of coffee.

ACCREDITATIONS
• Licensed Architect | California # C-39451
• American Institute of Architects | #38488493
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards | (NCARB) #689125

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Architecture | Cornell University 2012

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
• Redwood Empire AIA Architecture Design Award: Small Project 2022 Honor Award Sanctuary: Project manager + designer
• Hospitality Design Award Finalist 2019 Progeny Winery: Assistant project designer + manager
• North Bay Business Journal, 40 under 40 “Ones to Watch”
• 2019 Redwood Empire AIA Architecture Design Award: Commercial Project 2018 Citation Progeny Winery: Assistant project designer + manager
• Redwood Empire AIA Architecture Design Award: Small Project 2016 Citation Odette Ladies Sculpture: Designer and oversaw fabrication and installation.
• Redwood Empire AIA Architecture Design Award: Interior Architecture 2016 Citation Atlas Social Restaurant: Assistant project designer + manager
• Active 20-30 Club Redwood Empire #1029: Member of the year, 2016

current & recent projects

@UPWARD ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
• Trinity Episcopal Cathedral Decarbonization | Seattle, WA
• Talking Cedar Brewery Canning Facility | Chehalis, WA
• Red Soul Fabrication Studio | Maple Valley, WA
• Lynnwood Honda | Edmonds, WA

past projects

@LOCHTE ARCHITECTURE Architect, 2022-2023
• Marc Jacobs – Fashion Valley Mall San Diego
• Marc Jacobs – Fashion Valley Mall Las Vegas
• Marc Jacobs – Westfield Valley Fair Mall Santa Clara
• Marc Jacobs – Ala Moana Mall Honolulu
• Chloe – Wynn Hotel Las Vegas

@SIGNUM ARCHITECTURE Architect, 2012-2022
• Sanctuary Retreat, Napa, CA
• Progeny Winery, Napa, CA
• Odette Sculptures, Napa, CA
• Horizon Petaluma Residence, Petaluma, CA
• Sinegal Estate Winery, St Helena CA 2016
• Atlas Social Restaurant, Napa, CA
• Covert winery, Napa, CA
• Hall Winery, St Helena, CA

Saloni Gupta

Architect

Saloni obtained a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Washington. Her design philosophy centers on the belief that architecture can transform environments, encouraging social interaction and enriching the lives of those who inhabit them. She has worked on several Institutional and residential projects in India, working closely with clients and interdisciplinary teams. At Upward, Saloni is excited to explore commercial projects where she can design spaces to inspire collaboration, creativity and a sense of fun. Outside of work, Saloni loves to unwind with a good movie and a cup of coffee. She also practices meditation to find balance and clarity, which enhances her creative process and overall well-being.

ACCREDITATIONS
• Licensed Architect - India

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Architecture | Maharaja Sayajirao University of Baroda, 2017
• Master of Architecture | University of Washington, 2024

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
• Scholarship, L. Jane Hastings | College of Built Environments, UW
• Gold Medal, Professor D. Subba Rao Memorial | MSU; Outstanding performance throughout graduation.
• Gold Medal, Shrimati Hansaben Mehta | MSU; Outstanding performance in the final year of graduation.
• First Runner-up, Design competition / Government of Andhra Pradesh; Planetarium in Vishakhapatnam.
• Shortlisted, Design Competition/ Islamic community of Queenstown, New Zealand; Islamic Community center.
• Top 25 entry, Design Competition/ Archdais; A tiny house.

current & recent projects

@UPWARD ARCHITECTURE & INTERIORS
• ROQ Climbing Gym | Seattle, WA
• StarView Plaza | Sumner, WA

@CCBA DESIGNS PVT. LTD.
Designer 2017-2021

Domino

Collections

Our resident Frenchton (Boston Terrier–French Bulldog mix), takes her role as Collections Agent very seriously—at least when treats are involved. With a keen sense of timing (especially around lunch), she ensures invoices are followed up with persistence, patience, and the right amount of charm. Domino is known for her exceptional morale-boosting skills, expert sunbeam napping, and impeccable taste in client meetings (she prefers the ones with snacks).

When she’s off the clock, Domino enjoys neighborhood walks, chasing sun reflections, biting water from the hose, and strategic couch takeovers.

Mark Ward, AIA

Architect, Founder

Originally from St. Louis, Missouri, Mark founded Seattle-based UPWARD Architecture and Interiors in 2016 after 16 years of diverse architectural and interiors experience in Seattle, Portland, and San Francisco. He set out to build an architectural practice that would ACT BIG, STAY SMALL, and DO GOOD. And UPWARD has intentionally remained small enough for Mark to be intimately connected with his work and clients, but capable of marshalling the best resources required of any project.

Mark lives with his wife in West Seattle where he is also involved with the Rotary Club of West Seattle. He enjoys cycling, playing fingerstyle guitar, travel, and is an avid sailor and competes regularly in regattas throughout the Pacific Northwest.

ACCREDITATIONS
• Licensed Architect | Washington State #11746
• American Institute of Architects | #30501581
• National Council of Architectural Registration Boards | (NCARB) #109711
• Registered SAP Evaluator | CA Office of Emergency Services
• AIA Materials Matter Certificate

EDUCATION
• Master of Architecture | University of Washington, 2005, thesis prize recipient
• Bachelor of Interior Architecture | Kansas State University, 2000

ROTARY INVOLVEMENT
• President | Rotary Club of West Seattle 2024-2025
• Vocational Services Chair | Rotary Club of West Seattle 2018-2021

ACADEMIC INSTRUCTION
• Design Studio Critic | University of Washington
• Instructor and Design Studio Critic | Bellevue College
• Graduate Teaching Assistant | University of Washington
• Design Studio Critic | California College of Arts & Crafts
• Experiential Education Program Leader | American Youth Foundation, 1992-2001

HONORS AND DISTINCTIONS
• AGC Tenant Improvement under $5M Award Westland Distillery, with Urbanadd 2014
• INAWARD – Hospitality 1st Place Westland Distillery, with Urbanadd 2013
• Walla Walla Market Station Design Competition Finalist, 2007
• Medal for Exceptional Achievement University of WA, College of Architecture, 2005
• Jones and Jones Endowed Fellowship 2004
• IWF Design Emphasis Furniture Competition Second Place 2000
• KCADDR Regional Design Competition First Place, 2000

current & recent projects

past projects

@URBANADD ARCHITECTURE + DESIGN
co-founder and principal 2008-2015

• Estates Tasting Room | Seattle WA (with Best Practice Architecture)
• Scratch Distillery | Edmonds, WA
• Westland Distillery | Seattle, WA
• Bookwalter Winery | Richland, WA
• Pro Sales Stainless Steel | Puyallup WA and Jerome, ID
• AAA Cruise and Travel | Throughout Washington State (with 5ive Creative)
• Historic Olympia Brewery Redevelopment & Deschutes River Bridge | Olympia, WA
• Ward&Co. Men’s Grooming | Seattle, WA
• Vaupell Industrial Plastics | Seattle, WA
• City National Bank | Lawton, OK
• Hospice of Southwest Oklahoma | Lawton, OK
• Retina Institute of Washington | Renton, WA
• Kardokus Residence | Seattle, WA
• Silver Fir Ski Lodge Summit at Snoqualmie Pass | Snoqualmie WA (with Ryan Rhodes Designs)
• Yakima Millsite Redevelopment | Yakima, WA (with Dan Stetler and Ray Johnston)
• Plymouth Housing Group Multiple Projects | Seattle, WA
• TEN20 Black Box Theater | Bellevue, WA
• BECU Neighborhood Financial Centers | Throughout Washington State (with 5ive Creative)
• Advantage Manufacturing Technologies | Monroe, WA
• Swedish Medical Tenant Improvements | Seattle, WA

@SKB ARCHITECTS
designer, 2005-2008

@YGH ARCHITECTS
designer, 2001-2003

• Schwabe Williamson and Wyatt Attorney Workplace | Portland, OR
• Perkins & Company Attorneys Workplace | Portland, OR
• Portland Community College Expansion and Renovations | Portland, OR
• Western Culinary Institute | Portland, OR

@GENSLER
designer 2000-2001 & 2003-2004

• Bank of America | Pacific Northwest roll-out
• Apple Computer Retail prototype design | Nationwide roll-out program
• Volkswagen Retail | Nationwide roll-out program
• Seattle Monorail Madison Street Station | Seattle, WA

INTERESTED IN JOINING US?

Our work encompasses architecture and interior design, so candidates must be able to work on a variety of project types. Our office is a fun and informal studio atmosphere near the Ferry Terminal in Downtown Seattle. We look for driven individuals that click with our firm culture, and candidates with portfolios that demonstrate a thoughtful and rigorous design process.

We are always looking for new connections and people to collaborate with. To be considered for a position, send an introductory message via the contact form below. In your cover letter, let us know who you are, what you like working on, and what your professional goals are. We’ll follow up with additional information or to schedule an interview should your skillset match any available openings.

Upward Architecture & Interiors is an equal opportunity employer. We provide competitive compensation, matching 401K retirement plan, health/vision/dental insurance, performance-based bonuses, paid holidays, vacation/sick paid-time-off, and financial support for continuing education.