Quackenbush Architects + Planners announces new associate architect, Kathryn Risola
August 26, 2025
Quackenbush Architects + Planners announced and welcomed Kathryn “Kat” Risola to the Q+ team as a new associate architect.
Risola, who grew up on Long Island, New York, has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Roger Williams University in Bristol, Rhode Island. She completed her Masters in Architecture in May 2025 from Clemson University.
Risola says she is thrilled to be a part of the Quackenbush team because of its strong commitment to the community and sustainability as a whole.
She says she is drawn to designing spaces that help people experience their lives more fully, particularly in working on the innovative education projects that Quackenbush is known for. “I’m fascinated by the process of incorporating sustainable practices throughout all phases of design. Having both my parents as teachers, I saw the passion they brought into the classroom each day. Their commitment inspires me to design environments that support and uplift both students and educators.”
In her previous work, she assisted in the building programming process by facilitating client interviews, diagramming design concepts and compiling research into a comprehensive booklet for client review. The programming work was part of the church renovation from her previous work in architecture in Greenville.
One of her favorite projects, while studying at Clemson, was designing a resource library for an Anderson, South Carolina, high school, with the library as a front facing space to the main street and providing all the subject materials of interest to students pursuing the arts and trade industries. The back part of the school had a personalized wood shop and art, band and music room.
“We’re happy to have Kathryn join the team,” says Quackenbush Architects + Planners President Doug Quackenbush. “Her interest in projects focused on design that builds community will be a wonderful contribution to our team.”
Quackenbush Architects + Planners is a full-service architecture and planning firm located in Columbia, SC. The firm specializes in institutional, civic, educational, and commercial projects. Its services span from building design to land planning to interior design. The firm’s portfolio includes projects for universities, cities, colleges, government agencies, school districts, and private clients. The team’s work reflects commitment to innovation, sensitivity to our regional context, and the richness that comes from collaboration with our clients and the community.
