Responsive
We prioritize client needs and anticipate situations where we can assist the developer and builder team to execute their vision, creating value through collaboration that introduces new design ideas and then delivering an industry leading set of construction documents that helps to save time and money in the field.
Leadership
Jeff LaFetra, Architect
President
As President and co-owner of Bassenian Lagoni, Jeff LaFetra is in charge of all aspects of day-to-day operations. A licensed Architect with more than 30 years of design and management experience, Jeff’s multi-disciplined, global background enables him to readily assess business and client needs in the domestic and international markets. A thoughtful and decisive leader, Jeff works with a talented team of senior managers to ensure that Bassenian Lagoni is positioned to meet all client needs. These efforts enable the firm to build successful client relationships and an internationally recognized brand for design excellence and client service.
Dave Kosco, NCARB
Director of Design
Dave leads the firm’s architectural efforts. Day to day his keen eye and refined sense of space lead to innovative housing solutions for clients across the country. With more than 35 years of experience in the residential arena, Dave combines a wealth of knowledge with excitement and energy to craft highly marketable, livable architecture. As relationship manager with a number of builder-developer clients, Dave proves an astute listener and interpreter of their needs. As co-owner of Bassenian Lagoni, Dave also oversees efforts to develop next-generation talent in the design department. He mentors junior staff members and provides design input on nearly every project.
Steven Dewan, NCARB
Senior Principal
Steven Dewan, who has been with Bassenian Lagoni since 1988, manages key client relationships for a multitude of residential design projects. After growing up in Orange County and studying architecture in the U.S. and in Denmark, he now applies his knowledge and creativity in the region that has always been home and today has become synonymous with innovative housing solutions. Steven is a graduate of California State Polytechnic University, Pomona (1986) with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He received an International Fellowship and attended the University of Copenhagen. He is a registered architect in the State of California (License #C-24577) and also holds his NCARB certification.
Scott Adams, AICP
Senior Principal
Scott Adams has over 30 years of land planning and project management experience and is a member of the American Institute of Certified Planners. Joining Bassenian Lagoni in 1989, he is responsible for directing all comprehensive land planning efforts of the firm, including project direction, planning design and team management responsibilities. From large scale international master planning of entire township districts to density driven site planning on specific parcels, Scott’s award-winning land planning direction for the firm ensures Bassenian Lagoni is creating today the exciting dreams for the built environments of tomorrow. Scott speaks about community planning issues at national and regional homebuilder conventions.
Brian Neves, Architect
Senior Principal
Brian Neves joined Bassenian Lagoni in 1995, and since 1997 has successfully managed the firm's multi-family projects. His experience, attention to detail, and unflappable can-do attitude have earned him the respect of clients and staff alike. Brian’s experience and knowledge of the building codes, compliance requirements and constructability helps ensure design solutions that meet the market and come in on budget. His project experience includes multiple configurations of affordable and market-rate apartments, townhomes and flats as well as high-rise projects and just about everything in between. Brian he holds California Architect registration (#C-27441).
Ken Niemerski, NCARB
Senior Principal
Ken Niemerski is responsible for overseeing the Production Department, including project management as well as the firm’s CAD and computer operations. Ken’s ability to multi-task and manage the details without losing sight of the big picture is a tremendous asset to our builder-clients. Through his work and the mentoring of the production team, he ensures that Bassenian Lagoni delivers an industry-leading set of working drawings for clients. Ken joined the firm in 1988, after receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Ken holds a California Architect registration (#C-23971) and regularly participates in the Orange County Chapter of the BIA.
Mark Kiner, AIA, NCARB
Principal
Mark Kiner AIA, APEC started his career in the late 70’s working on planning and landscape architecture projects throughout the U.S. and Europe. Upon graduation from California State Polytechnic University, he managed projects from entry level housing to complex multi-family development to large scale resorts in the United States and the Pacific Rim. Today, Mark is a registered architect in 10 states. Through his many years of experience, Mark understands the unique design elements and construction considerations for multi-family projects. Using this experience, regional sensitivity and multicultural sensitivity, Kiner is one of a team leading the multi-family design effort at Bassenian Lagoni.
Hans Anderle
Principal
Hans Anderle joined Bassenian Lagoni in 1993. Hans has proven himself to be a versatile designer through his involvement in a wide range of projects, from small lot-high density to large lot luxury, active adult and multi-family attached and detached housing. He regularly works with clients to craft designs that meet the threefold demands of architectural integrity, site and budget constraints and the multi-faceted marketplace. As Principal, Hans is responsible for the development and completion of designs on assigned projects for our builder-clients, along with the management of his design team.
Jeff Ganyo
Principal
Licensed architect Jeff Ganyo has more than 20 years of design experience in all types of housing. Jeff’s attention to detail and thorough presentations make him a valuable member of the design team. Joining Bassenian Lagoni in 1997, Jeff has lent his considerable talents to numerous projects and developed a special expertise in high density design solutions. He consistently manages several projects simultaneously and oversees the work of his team members. He is a resource for clients and their contractors, possessing a thorough knowledge of building codes and requirements as well as a skillful communicator.
Cindy Teale, Architect
Principal
With more than 25 years of professional experience in planning and architecture, Cindy Teale is particularly adept in developing the design and programmatic goals of clients. As a registered architect, Cindy’s project experience encompasses planning and design work in the following areas: resorts, hospitality, commercial, retail, educational, institutional and residential. Cindy holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo. Her work has received awards for design excellence from many organizations and industry peer groups including the Urban Land Institute.
Heather McCune Director of Marketing
Heather McCune is Director of Marketing for Bassenian Lagoni. Before joining Bassenian Lagoni nearly 15 years ago, McCune spent 10 years as Editorial Director and Editor-in-Chief of Professional Builder, GIANTS and Custom Builder magazines. She speaks at many industry conferences and regularly serves on the jury at national and regional design competitions. In 2015 she was inducted into the Best In American Living Hall of Fame.
Yao Wang Senior Vice President, Director of China Operations
Yao Wang is Senior Vice President and Director of China Operations for Bassenian Lagoni. In his position, Yao manages business development efforts and facilitates client communication and care. His prior work experience with a Chinese developer makes Mr. Wang uniquely suited to understand client expectations. Since joining the firm in 1998, Mr. Wang has helped make Bassenian Lagoni one of the largest U.S.-based design firms working in China. Mr. Wang received an undergraduate degree in China from the Nanjing College of Arts and a Master’s degree in the United States from Claremont University.
Robert Chavez Chief Financial Officer
As Chief Financial Officer, Robert Chavez is responsible for administration and financial management at Bassenian Lagoni. A graduate of the University of Southern California with a BS in business administration and an MBA with a concentration in finance, Robert develops and maintains solid business practices along with a strong staff to deliver a consistent, high level of service to the firm’s builder-developer clients.
Books
Dave on Design
The Power of “What If” Thinking
As today’s challenges for innovative housing solutions grow, site planning and architecture are more dependent on each other than ever.
Thinking Smaller
There is room to think smaller - think in new ways — in suburban for sale housing to help put a dent in today’s affordability crisis.
The Roots of Simple, Sophisticated Design
The Chicago skyline has much to teach us about the design decisions we make in housing today.
Why Architecture?
Dave Kosco answers the Why Architecture question, explores those that influenced and pushed him and how he is sharing their legacy in mentoring today’s young designers.