Our people have shaped our culture of authenticity, mastery, and creation of beauty. Each with proven experience and diverse talents, they work with passion, purpose, and commitment to care for the thriving health and wellness of our clients, our firm, and each other.
Our Experts
Veronica Schreibeis Smith
Founding Principal Architect + CEO
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, BBNC
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.
Christopher Hancock
Principal Architect, Director of Professional Services
AIA, NCARB
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
Principal Architect, Director of Design
AIA, NCARB
Shane built his design expertise working with several award-winning firms specializing in high-end residential, commercial, and mixed-use architecture based in Denver and Boulder, Colorado. His professional experience includes several years as a Project Architect for multi-family communities ranging from urban infill to remote master planned developments. Shane has leveraged his expertise to further the profession, teaching architecture and digital fabrication at several universities in the United States and abroad, including several years at the Institute for Advanced Architecture of Catalonia.
Blair Costello
Principal, Director of Interiors & Healthy Living
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.
Amy Tribo
Director of Operations
LEEP AP BD+C
Spanning 18 years, Amy's background includes construction management, estimating, project development, and client service, with project experience in 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. As Director of Operations, she is your point-of-contact for new projects, contract & billing questions, and overall team performance. She ensures your project tracks on time and on budget.
Chelsea Thompson
Project Architect
AIA, LEED AP
Chelsea is a licensed architect and designer with 10+ years of industry experience spanning residential, multi-family, healthcare, interiors, 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 and uses her knowledge to bring clients the best product, in the most efficient way, within a cohesive team.
Steve Seely
Senior Project Manager
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Steve is a registered architect and project manager with 13+ years of experience in healthcare design, space planning, and design. He has the unique perspective of working on both the design and client side of the table. Design-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.
Emily Chastain
Project Architect
AIA, NCARB
Emily's 13+ 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 lives in Durango, Colorado where she is helping shape the built environment by 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.
Heather Cusic
Project Designer
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.
Irina Tabarana
Project Designer
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.
Andrew Mackie
Project Designer & Building Biologist
BBEC
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. Andrew is currently traveling around the country in an RV with his family looking for cool ducks.
Monique Morgen
Financial Accountant
Monique is an experienced accountant, bookkeeper, and statistician. Driven by integrity, she takes pride in providing the most accurate financial picture. As an accountant, her goals include accurate and concise picture information to provide insight for decision making. In addition to her incredible commitment to thoroughness, she enjoys understanding how to clarify why accountability and working together is vital.
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.