JP Couture, AIA
Principal
In 2004 Jon-Paul started Couture Design Associates, Inc. in Providence after nearly 13 years at a leading architecture firm in Newport, Rhode Island where he was an Associate. His focus has been on new custom residential projects, historic preservation, and renovations in Rhode Island and along the east coast including Hancock Point in Maine, Siasconset in Nantucket, Woods Hole, Massachusetts, New York City and Sarasota Florida. The firm’s current project list includes renovations to existing homes and the design of new homes ranging from 160 square feet to more than 8,000 gross square feet. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University in 1992 and went to work immediately in Newport, a city he was drawn to for its fine examples of American domestic architecture and mix of formal Beaux Arts architecture and simpler coastal cottages. JP is registered in Massachusetts and Rhode Island.
Vanessa Tavares
Preservation Specialist & Office Manager
Vanessa joined CDA in 2011, after having worked with JP at another leading architectural firm from 1999-2004, and has become an integral part of the daily operations at the firm. She obtained her Bachelor of Science degree in Historic Preservation from Roger Williams University and built up her management experience during the 12 years she was employed with a firm that also specialized in historic renovations. She handles the administration interface and coordination on much of the historic and planning related projects for CDA and has experience dealing with local and governmental entities, tracking and coordinating related processes, and organizing project timelines. Her skills also include AutoCad, Photoshop, Photography, Mapping, and Historic and Deed Research. She makes her home in Bristol, Rhode Island with her husband and two young sons.
Diego Messer
Project Tech/Coordinator
Diego has been an integral part of the Couture Design Associates design team since joining in 2010. He has been involved in creating plans, 3-D images and models for architectural, planning, art installation, and Interiors projects. His graphic skills are utilized in almost every project, whether to help a client visualize a room or an entire site. Diego studied at New England Institute of Technology and his skills include AutoCad, Revit and SketchUp.