Abby McCarthy

Abby McCarthy

Designer

For Abby, the art of arranging is second nature. When it comes to figuring out how different elements come together in a cohesive architectural project, she relishes the task of organizing and stitching together the biggest picture with the smallest of details. Leaning into the chaotic nature of the design process, Abby has a way of maximizing efficiency, productivity, and clarity through structured, yet flexible workflows.

Holding a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University, Abby has found herself drawn to sustainable and vernacular architecture practices. Through her passion for contextualized building methods and material selection, and the cyclical potential of landscapes, Abby believes architecture should harmonize with, and actively contribute to, the well-being of our environments.

In her free time, Abby enjoys playing piano, exploring the great outdoors, and watching baseball.

Caleb Gardner

Caleb Gardner, Architect

Associate

A master of detail, Caleb leads our residential projects. He is a lifetime learner, continually discovering how things around him work. He applies his knowledge of building materials and construction experience to ensure that the project’s goals and ideas are carried through to the smallest detail.

Caleb has volunteered his time working construction following natural and humanitarian disasters in New Orleans, Costa Rica, and elsewhere. In his spare time, he’s can be found rock-climbing or rooting for one of his favorite sports teams. Caleb earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Auburn University and completed his architectural thesis at Rural Studio, Auburn’s renowned design-build studio.

Chris Johns

Chris Johns, Architect

Founding Partner

Chris leads the Boston studio with a balanced approach based on his breadth of experience gained over more than two decades of award-winning design and hands-on construction. He thrives as the firm conductor: when faced with a complex situation involving many factors, Chris enjoys managing all of the variables, aligning and realigning them until things are arranged in the most productive configuration possible. He thoroughly enjoys figuring out the best way to get things done.

His design experience includes mixed-use, multifamily housing, adaptive reuse, custom homes, civic, university and commercial office buildings in multiple U.S. states and Canada. Prior to forming ThoughtCraft with Jason, Chris was a project manager and designer for notable firms including ARCHITECTS hgw, DiMella Shaffer, and Paul Lukez Architecture. Chris holds a Master of Architecture degree and an Urban Design Certificate from M.I.T., a Bachelor of Design degree and graduate studies in Building Construction Management from the University of Florida, and an associate’s degree from St. Petersburg College. Chris is a sports junkie. If he’s not chasing his young daughter and son around then he’s either playing or watching golf, football, basketball, or racquet sports.

Jason Hart

Jason Hart, Architect

Founding Partner

Jason manages our operations in the Triangle area of North Carolina, bringing more than two decades of national and international experience to our practice. As the firm’s chief strategic thinker, Jason asks the tough “what if?” questions that help push projects to their highest potential. His strength of maintaining a wide perspective while seeing past the clutter, and evaluating alternative options, keeps the firm and its projects focused on the big picture.

Jason’s diverse experience ranges from homes to large multifamily, office, museum, civic structures, and preservation. Prior to forming ThoughtCraft with Chris, he was a project manager and designer for notable firms including Renzo Piano’s office in Paris, where he worked on the design of the widely-acclaimed Morgan Library and Museum, DiMella Shaffer, KMW, Paul Lukez in Massachusetts, and Takenaka in Japan. Jason holds a Master of Architecture degree from M.I.T., a Bachelor of Design degree from the University of Florida, and an Associate’s degree from St. Petersburg Junior College.

He is a member of the ULI Triangle Housing Committee, former chairman of the Chapel Hill Community Design Commission, and served as a Professor of Practice at four different universities over 18-years including NC State. In his free time, he enjoys playing with his family, biking, making artisanal chocolates, and woodworking with hand tools at the Woodwright’s School.

Jason Patterson

Jason Patterson, Architect

Senior Associate

Jason leads the management of our commercial and institutional projects in North Carolina. He fuels our team with his enthusiasm and up-beat approach for everything he tackles. Jason facilitates the growth of ideas, systems and relationships for the firm. Experiences in small and large design firms, coordinating Habitat for Humanity construction projects, and the development of prototype furniture for UNC Hospital empower him to make a difference as a conscientious manager.

In 2015, Jason, along with two colleagues, was awarded first place from the Fentress Global Challenge focused on the future of design for airports. Jason earned his Master of Architecture degree from North Carolina State University and a bachelor’s degree in Technology in Architecture from Bowling Green State. Jason loves traveling abroad and has traveled throughout Asia. When not spending time with his family he can be found designing and building furniture.

Mark Wilson

Mark Wilson

Designer

Mark is a passionate designer who finds purpose in the belief that architecture has the profound duty to touch the lives of all who inhabit its thoughtful and well-crafted spaces. Empathetic yet determined, he works to listen and understand the problem and then tirelessly searching for the most meaningful and impactful solution. Mark prefers a holistic approach, blending analogue and digital tools to search for the delicate balance between the finest of details and the overall concept.

The proud son of a Filipino immigrant, Mark formed his love for architecture as a first-generation college student at the University of Florida, where he earned both his Bachelor of Design and Master of Architecture degrees. In 2019, he spent an impactful semester abroad studying the masterful works of architecture in Italy and other countries in Europe. At the end his time at school, he was awarded the AIA Henry Adams Medal as he was elected most outstanding student in his graduating class. Always valuing the opportunity to connect to people through education, Mark commits time out of his week to teach first-year architecture students at the Wentworth Institute of Technology.

Born and raised in Florida, growing up taking family road trips to North Carolina, and enjoying life in Boston, ThoughtCraft enables Mark to connect three places that he calls home. When not in the studio, Mark can be found sketching in his sketchbook, making photos with his old film cameras, or out for a run along the Charles River.

Marla Stephens

Marla Stephens

Designer

Marla finds inspiration in the details of everyday life, constantly questioning, observing, and pushing the boundaries of her craft. Growing up in Florida, she developed an innate connection to the natural world—from finding patterns in the pull of the tides to uncovering complexities in climate conservation. This curiosity evolved into a passion for design, in which she continues to test the intersection of place, ecology, and material innovation.

Marla holds both a Bachelor of Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida, where she thrived in a fast-paced studio environment. At the end of her education, she was recognized with the AIA Henry Adams Medal, awarded to the most outstanding graduating professional degree student, as well as the Graduate Award for Excellence in Teaching. Her time abroad in Italy and the Netherlands sparked an appreciation for diverse, culturally tied perspectives, with her travels becoming an index, documenting and shaping her understanding of how individuals live, work, rest, play, and interact with their environment. She believes that architecture should not only be functional but personal—striving to design spaces that blend mindful details and individual rituals and, ultimately, spark wonder.

Outside of the studio, she enjoys yoga, biking, writing songs on the guitar, and spending as much time by the ocean as she can.

Nicole Owens

Nicole Owens

Controller

Nicole works as ThoughtCraft's controller, ensuring the company finances are kept in good order, and assisting the partners with HR and business strategy. She has more than twenty years of experience in accounting, analysis, and finance at both large and small firms. A graduate of Boston College with a BA in accounting and finance, she enjoys biking, painting and quilting in her spare time.

Sarah Hefner

Sarah Hefner, Architect

Associate

Sarah thrives in a collaborative environment, working closely with the team and consultants to develop creative solutions to problems. With her optimistic attitude and attention to detail, she is always looking for ways to improve the design process from concept design through implementation. She brings experience working on a variety of academic and wellness projects and enjoys learning new methods of visualization to help illustrate design intent.

Sarah earned her Master of Architecture and Bachelors of Arts in Design Studies from North Carolina State University. During her graduate studies, she fostered a passion for community focused design and holds a Public Interest Design Graduate Certificate and is certified in Social Economic Environmental Design. In addition, Sarah was the 2019 recipient of the prestigious Duda Travel Fellowship, given to a graduating student from NC State’s School of Architecture. She researched the contributions of pioneer female architects in modernist European architecture, traveling extensively throughout Finland, France, Germany, and the Netherlands.

In her free time, she enjoys exploring the hiking trails around her family’s farm in the mountains of southwest Virginia.

Sasha Francoeur

Sasha Francoeur, Architect

Associate

Shaped by his education at Boston Architectural College and invaluable experiences at Laney LA and DiMella Shaffer, Sasha brings a deep appreciation for creativity and originality to our team.

His diverse project experience and intensely curious, methodical spirit guide him toward the elusive crossroads of creativity and pragmatism.  Sasha shapes our design ethos and culture, thoughtfully synthesizing project essentials with visionary objectives. His championing of collaborative discourse fosters an environment where diverse perspectives converge, shaping clients' visions into inspiring and timeless spaces.

Outside the studio, Sasha seeks LA’s best taco, recharges amidst nature on the trails, and indulges in the art of flâneuring.