“If you know what you want to do and you do it, that’s the work of a craftsman. If you begin with a question and use it to guide an adventure of discovery, that’s the work of the artist.” – Rick Rubin
Leadership
Veronica Schreibeis Smith
Recognized for pushing the envelope on design and design theory, Veronica is a world-renowned expert on Wellness Architecture. Her international work experience in Peru, South Korea, and Germany solidified the importance of cultural influence in her architectural practice. Veronica creates powerful, poignant design solutions by truly listening to clients (both what is said and unsaid) as well as to her own intuition.
Blair Costello
An intuitive problem solver, Blair listens to and dissects underlying currents of information to achieve thoughtful solutions alongside an innate sensitivity to the fluid energy of spaces and experiences. Blair uses her skills to compose interior architecture that responds to the rhythms and rituals of each client, and helped develop the Vera Iconica Wellness Kitchen. She believes in healing through nature, behavior, and lifestyle, which has led to her specialization in indoor environments and materials that enhance wellbeing.
Chris Hancock
Christopher has a passion for systems and sustainability, valuing the creation of clean, powerful spaces that support vitality and connections to nature. To achieve this, he makes it his mission to care for each client and their unique project goals. With a 30-year background as a designer and builder, Christopher applies this vital insight and experience to every project.
Shane Salisbury
Shane Salisbury is the Director of Design at Vera Iconica, where he leads the creative vision and design strategy across the firm’s architectural portfolio. A licensed architect, Shane balances artistic innovation with technical excellence, guiding project development, mentoring emerging talent, and ensuring every design reflects the firm’s wellness-driven ethos. He oversees firm-wide standards, client engagement, and award-winning work that defines the architecture of wellbeing.
Amy Tribo
Spanning 20+ years, Amy's background includes design operations, construction management, estimating, and project development, with project experience in residential, hospitality, commercial, and interiors. She has a passion for crunching numbers, solving problems, and building strong relationships and loves seeing the outcomes shine in breakthrough projects. She is your point-of-contact for new projects, contract & billing questions, overall team performance, and excellent service. She ensures your project tracks on time and on budget.
The Team
Steve Seely
Steve is a registered architect and project manager with 15+ years of experience in luxury residential, hospitality, commercial, and healthcare design and space planning. He has the unique perspective of working on both the design and client side of the table. Process driven and client focused, Steve’s strong technical background is balanced by his design and presentation abilities, making sure that every detail of your project turns out just how you dream it.
Chelsea Thompson
Chelsea is a licensed architect and designer with 15+ years of industry experience spanning residential, interiors, multi-family, healthcare, and master planning. She has provided BIM management on complex projects, supported technical coordination and program planning, as well as thorough documentation production and design. Chelsea is deliverable-focused, dedicated to excellent client service, and uses her knowledge to bring clients the best product, in the most efficient way, within a cohesive team.
Emily Chastain
Emily's 15+ years of experience in the field of architecture span residential, hospitality, retail, and university project types. She is LEED BD+C accredited and a licensed architect in the state of Colorado. She is helping shape the built environment with strong community engagement, serving on the Durango Design Review Board. Emily holds a BA in Environmental Design from Texas A&M University and a Masters in Architecture from University of Denver, Colorado.
Andrew Mackie
Andrew is a Certified Building Biologist who studied architecture at Yale University’s School of Architecture and art at the Cranbrook Academy of Art, all of which furthered his passion for old stuff, old places, and classic details. Prior to starting his architecture career, Andrew co-owned and ran a 'Healthy Home and Lifestyle' store for a dozen years, helping people protect their kids, and make their homes beautiful and safe.
Heather Cusic
Often found looking at life through a lens, Heather is an avid photographer and designer. She believes you can learn a lot about architecture and design by exploring the world, photographing and sketching it. Heather’s travels and experiences have led her to a human-centered design approach which involves healthy spaces and beauty. She is interested in starting with the details to construct the bigger picture. She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Architecture from the Savannah College of Art and Design and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Colorado, Denver.
Karl Buck
Karl believes strongly in creating beautiful moments in design, paying careful attention to how materials and systems work seamlessly together. With equal sensibilities toward excellent design and superior process and organization, he cares for all the details of your project. Karl brings architectural design experience in the U.S. and Australia, including multiple award-winning designs. His work in commercial and residential resonates with a focus on contextual sensitivity.
Irina Tabarana
Born and raised in Romania, Irina began her architectural studies in Romania and continued after moving to the U.S. Having lived in multiple countries, she is very interested in how culture has informed architecture and how architecture plays an important role in preserving cultures globally. Irina is a detail-oriented technical designer and software guru. When not working, Irina is cave-diving and exploring the underworld.
Alex Nguyen
Alex plays a key role in the design of your project, finding clever, unique solutions and crafting experiences that elevate your project’s architecture. Raised in Vietnam, Alex has a passion for the outdoors and the interaction between humans and their surroundings. His professional experience includes commercial, hospitality, and residential projects that focus on the interplay between architecture and the natural environment.
Kathryn Blakeley
Kathryn has worked in the US and Mexico on hospitality, luxury resort, and residential projects. She enjoys guiding her clients through their projects and pays keen attention to how the interior furnishings interplay with the architecture. Kathryn has designed and collaborated on specialized projects, including an award-winning spa & restaurant in Cabo, Mexico, and a private clubhouse in Whitefish, MT.
Jenny Collins
Jenny brings a unique blend of wellness expertise and interior design experience to the Vera Iconica team. With a background in high-end residential interiors and holistic health coaching, she helps bridge the firm’s commitment to design and wellbeing. She also supports daily operations and project flow with care and clarity, helping people live well through the spaces they inhabit.
Ivy Savignon
Ivy is a curious and explorative designer as well as an excellent communicator. With her design ethos derived from research, context, and innovation, she has worked on high-end custom residential projects, including new builds and intricate renovations. She leverages her curiosity to continue growing and honing her craft and especially loves the intimate scale and deep connections built with clients in residential architecture.
Macyn Trujillo
Macyn is driven by a love for creating spaces that spark curiosity and connection. She’s drawn to design that feels grounded in place, tells a story, and invites people to explore and experience it fully. With a hands-on approach, she finds joy in the process—getting into the details and crafting work that’s both meaningful and lasting. She studied architecture at the University of Arkansas, where she discovered a lasting appreciation for the mountains and design rooted in nature.
Ally Tio
Ally is an Interior Design Assistant at Vera Iconica Architecture and a student of Interior Architecture at Ohio University. She draws inspiration from the natural world, weaving the spirit of place into each project. With an intuitive approach, Ally personalizes design to reflect the unique rhythms of each client’s life, fostering a deep connection between interior spaces and the landscapes that surround them.
Evan Mack
Evan blends storytelling, sustainability, and design to guide Vera Iconica’s brand expression across wellness, architecture, and development. With a background in filmmaking, environmental production, and creative direction, she brings clarity and purpose to every message and visual experience.
Interested in Joining the VIA Team?
Interior Designer (5+ Years Exp) – Jackson, Wyoming; Park City, Utah; or Denver, Colorado
Qualifications: Experienced interior designer skilled in luxury residential interiors, hospitality, and procurement; expert in visualization & rendering; strong design, creative, and presentation skills.
Architect/Architectural Designer (5+ Years Exp) – Jackson, Wyoming or Park City, Utah
Qualifications: Experienced in architectural design & production; proficiency in BIM software required; expert in visualization & rendering; strong organizational, creative and presentation skills; construction administration or construction experience required.
Firm Benefits
Medical insurance (100% premium), competitive bonus, retirement plan with company match, ski-in/ski-out office, in-office gym & sauna access, mentorship program & professional development, office retreats, paid time off/holidays, flex spending account, wellness culture, and others.
Send resume, cover letter, and portfolio to info@veraiconica.com.
We are connected with thought leaders and researchers worldwide who aim to understand the effects of the built environment on human health and wellbeing. Our connections include: the Global Wellness Institute, the Institute for Wellness Architecture + Design, the Institute for Building Biology and Ecology, the Design Futures Council, the Lake Nona Institute and more.
We have established collaborations with global experts to expand our unique offerings, from natural and age-old building techniques to sacred geometry and biophilic design. By integrating the most advanced technology with architecture, we deliver environments for our clients that that promote wellbeing and quality of life.
Alongside our esteemed partners, we bring balance to your environment through experiences centered in beauty, ritual, culture and landscape.