Meet the Studio Steinbomer Team
Get behind the scenes at Studio Steinbomer Architecture & Interiors.
AMY BRAMWELL, AIA, RID
Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Texas at Austin
Amy is a registered architect and interior designer and has been an integral member of the Studio Steinbomer team for nearly 25 years. In that time she has led many of the large and varied commercial projects in the office, and enjoys working closely with the stakeholders, consultants and contractors to ensure the planning, design and construction process proceeds as smoothly as possible and ensuring good design and high quality results. Her repertoire includes extensive work on local media production studios, a wide range of ecclesiastical projects, the recently completed new home of Austin PBS, and the re-envisioning of The Backyard Live Oak Amphitheater. Her role includes planning, feasibility studies, programming, design, client communications, engineer and consultant coordination, and overseeing in-house drawing production.
Her time out of the office is filled with live music, time with friends and family, travel, and spending time with her husband and twin daughters.
JENNIFER VRAZEL, AIA, RID
Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Texas at Austin
Jennifer is a Registered Architect and has been practicing architecture since 1997. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, she worked in a North Carolina firm specializing in the design of churches and schools. Upon moving back to Austin, Texas, she worked at a large commercial architectural firm where she gained extensive experience in the design of senior living developments, including independent-living, assisted-living, skilled-nursing, and Alzheimer’s facilities. Jennifer joined Studio Steinbomer in December of 1999, and her experience within the firm spans a broad range of project types and sizes. She has completed commercial projects for such clients as the Texas Association of Counties, Texas Facilities Commission, City of Lockhart, and City of New Braunfels. Additionally, she has completed numerous new houses and home renovations and additions for private clients.
JED DUHON, AIA, RID, LEED AP BD+C
Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, Louisiana State University
Jed joined Studio Steinbomer in 2009 and brings significant experience as a Project Manager for multiple public, municipal, and residential projects. Being well versed in the fundamentals and nuances inherent in the design process, Jed retains a well-rounded experience level in design and project management for a vast range of multiple project types including new construction, expansions, adaptive re-use, industrial and commercial. He also has an extensive residential portfolio in the Austin area, including additions, remodels and new construction, including a project featured on the 2013 and 2023 AIA Homes Tours.
When Jed is away from the office, he enjoys traveling with friends, being outside with nature either hiking or adventures on 2-wheels which include mountain biking, motorcycle riding, or dirt biking with his family.
BEN PRUETT, AIA, RID
Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, Drury University
Ben joined Studio Steinbomer in 2010 and has been a project manager, as well as project support on a diverse array of public, civic, commercial, and residential projects. Ben grew up in Springfield, MO and attended the Hammons School of Architecture at Drury University where he received his Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in graphic design. Soon after graduating, he moved to Austin and shortly thereafter began working at Studio Steinbomer.
The small office environment and diversity of project types here at Studio Steinbomer has been an important catalyst to Ben’s professional growth. He really enjoys the process of problem-solving as a team to find solutions to the unique challenges that each project presents.
When Ben is not in the office he enjoys spending time with his wife and kids. His favorite thing to do in Austin, is attending the annual Austin City Limits Music Festival, as well as make regular visits to local food trucks and happy hours.
CHAD PALMATIER
Director of Interiors
Bachelor of Art, Interior Design Marymount University
Over his 26 year career, Chad has provided interior design and project management services for a
wide range of project types, including commercial offices, retail, hospitality, and residential. The
scope of these new-build and renovation projects included space planning, finish, furniture and
equipment selection and procurement as well as custom millwork, furniture, lighting and carpet
design.
Chad is also the Co-Founder of Lick Honest Ice Creams in Austin, TX where he created the branding
and designed and managed the construction of the first ten retail locations as well as the company’s
office and production facilities. He remains on the board as a brand, design and operations advisor.
Chad is currently the Senior Interior Designer for the Oakbrook Reserve Renovation in Oakbrook, Il.
ABBY HIRONS, AIA, RID
Architect, Senior Interior Project Manager
Originally from Indiana, Abby studied architecture at the University of Kansas where she participated in Studio 804, a student design-build studio responsible for the design and construction of Kansas’ first LEED Platinum building.
Since moving to Austin in 2008, Abby has helped facilitate the completion of schools, churches, custom homes, public, commercial, and manufacturing projects in and around central Texas. Abby is most interested in learning how people and organizations function, and enjoys working with clients to design surroundings that improve efficiencies and contribute to a better daily life.
Outside the office, Abby enjoys being at Barton Springs and Lady Bird Lake, practicing yoga, watching films, listening to live music, metalsmithing, and relaxing near the ocean.
BENJAMIN JOHNSON
Senior Project Manager
Bachelor of Architecture, Bachelor of Interior Architecture Auburn University
Ben Johnson is a senior project manager with 8 years of experience in the architecture industry. He has a passion for creating sustainable and visually appealing designs for every project.
In 2012 Ben graduated with a dual professional bachelor’s degree in architecture and interior architecture from Auburn University, where he also attended the Rural Studio program; there he gained an appreciation for regional architecture and sustainable design.
Ben became a valuable member of the Studio Steinbomer team in 2014, bringing a wealth of knowledge, skills, and experience to the table. Here he has gained additional experience on a variety of projects, ranging from small-scale residential to large-scale commercial buildings.
As a professional, Ben uses his expertise and gained knowledge to collaborate closely with clients and contractors to ensure the successful delivery of projects.
Apart from his profession, Ben spends most of his time with his family, traveling, cooking, painting, and dancing to baby shark. He’s also no stranger to exploring the many happy hours Austin has to offer.
MIRANDA BARRERA
Bachelor of Science in Architecture, University of Texas at Arlington
Miranda graduated from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2010, earning her a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree, with Cum Laude honors. After graduating, she decided to start a family and get married (in that order). Never losing momentum, Miranda soon began her professional career in architecture; following the birth of her first child. She joined Studio Steinbomer in January 2020, where she was lucky enough to jump right into single-family residential design; a long-awaited dream job of hers. Now, after years of support and knowledge gained through her colleagues at Studio Steinbomer, she has been able to collaboratively design and manage a variety of residential renovation and new build projects, as well as assist on large-scale, commercial projects.
Miranda was born and raised in Austin. She is the mother of 3 beautiful children and is married to her high school sweetheart. In her free time, she enjoys going to concerts, traveling, being with friends, family, and an occasional tasty beverage, rimmed with salt!
NOLAWIE TESHOME
Project Designer
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Texas at San Antonio
Nolawie Joined Studio Steinbomer in early 2021. He was raised in Austin, TX with a heavy influence from his Ethiopian culture. From his frequent visits to Ethiopia, Nolawie developed a keen understanding of the value of curious learning and the importance of creative thinking. In 2013, he moved to San Antonio and attended the University of Texas at San Antonio. Upon graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture, he began to explore several fields of design. Nolawie brings with him a broad range of design knowledge from his experiences in graphic design, general contracting, and as a project designer for commercial offices and residential architecture.
As a former D1 Track and Field athlete, Nolawie enjoys physical recreation and some friendly competition. He loves traveling, exploring new places, creating art, and spending time with family and friends.
NIKETA SONDHI
Project Designer
Master of Architecture, University of California Los Angeles
Born and raised in India, Niketa completed her Bachelor of Architecture in India and Master of Architecture from the University of California, Los Angeles. At UCLA, she was part of the Urban Design Research Studio program which investigated the intersection of public policy, urbanism, contemporary culture, and its spatial manifestations.
Niketa has experience in working on single/multifamily apartments, churches, and schools in California and Texas. She uses her inquisitive approach and research background to produce design solutions that are both functional and beautiful. Niketa joined the energizing and intimate work environment of Studio Steinbomer in 2022. She brought her critical thinking and cross-disciplinary research in a broad range of project types and scales to the team.
When not working, Niketa enjoys reading, gardening, and hiking all around Austin with her husband and two boys.
SHREY SUKHEE
Project Manager
Masters in Construction Management, University of Reading, UK
Bachelors in Architecture, Mumbai, India
Shrey is an accomplished architect with a passion for creating functional and beautiful spaces. He holds a Master’s Degree in Construction Management from the University of Reading, in the United Kingdom, and has more than 8 of experience in designing and overseeing construction projects.
In his free time, Shrey enjoys exploring several things, such as playing soccer, cooking, and painting, which allow him to express his creativity and keep him grounded. He is also committed to growing holistically, both personally and professionally, and is always seeking new challenges and opportunities to learn.
Like many Austin-ites, Shrey loves to unwind by spending time on outdoor patios and enjoying happy hours with friends and colleagues. He values community and connection and is always looking for ways to give back and positively impact the world.
With a strong foundation in architecture and construction management, a passion for creativity, and a commitment to personal growth and community, Shrey is dedicated to bringing innovative and sustainable solutions to the built environment.