MEET the Team
Phil Gusmano, AIA
CEO, Design Principal, Founder
Phil Gusmano is the CEO and Founder of Crafted Concepts Architecture D.P.C. In 2021, Phil co-founded Crafted Concepts Inc. and Crafted Concepts Development Group. Before founding Crafted Concepts, Phil spent five and a half years with Cannon Design, where he was an Architectural Designer and Planner, Project Architect, and assisted greatly in the BIM leadership, digital design/renderings, and 3D printing. Phil worked on award-winning projects recognized by the AIA including Sheppard Pratt Hospital Baltimore / Washington Campus. He also served as the Lead Architect and Designer for 201 Ellicott in Buffalo, New York. This mixed-use project located in the core of downtown Buffalo has received honors in Brick by Brick awards and published for its innovation and transformation incorporating a mobility hub, affordable and work force housing, and a fresh food market all on one site. Phil is a Licensed Architect in the State of New York and part of the American Institute of Architects. Phil has a master’s in architecture from the University at Buffalo where he graduated with multiple Design Excellence Awards for his class 3 years in a row. Additionally, he was the recipient of The Arc King Student Award for best thesis and the R. Buckminster Fuller Award for further design excellence. Phil also completed a nine week study abroad program in Tokyo, Japan. In addition to Phil’s direct studies, he has spent time in construction trades, as well as digital fabrication in collaboration with local companies such as Rigidized Metals Corp. Phil has served in part on the Rigidized Metals Product Development team and actively collaborated with Crafted Concepts on the TXTR Sound Products. Phil is now a Passive House Consultant as of December 2023. This certification was important in order to further develop Crafted Concepts' designs according to building sciences, product research and development, and innovation in construction methods, techniques and details. Outside of work, Phil is a husband, a dog father, home improvement specialist, and a Buffalo Bills Tailgate Chef. Phil loves to cook and finds a way to bring is meticulous craftsman attention to detail into everything he does.
Joe Tuberdyck
COO, Co-Founder
As the Co-Founder of Crafted Concepts Architecture, Crafted Concepts Inc., and Crafted Concepts Development, he wholeheartedly embraces challenges and leverages innovative approaches in each project. Joe's comprehensive expertise spans all stages of architectural design and development, from concept to construction. This ensures that he consistently adheres to the highest standards of quality and client satisfaction.
Joe's experience within the construction field began at the age of 17, specializing in framing custom homes for three years while also attending college. Joe went on to additionally gain valuable experience in the fine carpentry end of construction for three years. During this time, he had the opportunity to lead the construction management for the distinguished GRoW Home project, a part of the internationally renowned Solar Decathlon competition. Leading a team of students and construction professionals, the team achieved a remarkable second-place finish in their first entry at the inaugural competition.
Joe received a master’s in architecture at the University at Buffalo. Since then, he has acquired experience in design, drafting, detailing, specifications, and construction administration. Joe honed his skills at Young + Wright Architectural for a period of three years.
Driven by a passion for transforming architectural visions into reality, Joe thrives in the dynamic world of sustainable construction. Leveraging his solid academic foundation and substantial practical experience, he seamlessly combines artistic creativity and technical expertise to deliver exceptional solutions.
Kevin DeNijs
CFO, Managing Partner
Kevin de Nijs is one of four managing partners for the Crafted Concepts Development Group, LLC and serves as a Financial Officer for all three Entities. Before being named a Financial Officer in December 2021, Kevin has maintained his role as Vice President of Casing Connection Limited and is responsible for the company's complete financials, sales, and day to day operations of the truck tire business. He started the business in August 2010 with his business partner and has created an international entity that continues to operate with his daily supervision. Prior to joining Casing Connection Limited, Kevin was a technician at Deronde Tire Supply, Inc. where he was responsible for day to day operations and inventory management. Kevin earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration with concentrations in Marketing and Supply Chain Management at the University of Buffalo.
Jack DeNijs
Managing Partner
Jack de Nijs is one of the four managing partners for the Crafted Concepts Entities.
in 1986, Jack came to the United States from the Netherlands. Shortly after his arrival, he became a founding partner of DeRonde Tire Supply Inc.
DeRonde Tire Supply is a successful Commercial Truck Tire distributor and is a thriving business in the North Buffalo community. They operate out of a 270,000 square foot facility as their business continues to grow locally and internationally. Currently, the company generated over 30 million dollars per year. Jack proudly serves as the President of the company and oversees the daily operations.
Jack additionally had an early role in the creation of Orchard Park Collison and Casing Connection Limited, with numerous connections within our community.
Rebecca Williams, NCIDQ
Director of Interior Design
Before being named Director of Interior Design in April 2023, Rebecca was a consultant working with the Crafted Concepts team to collaborate on interior efforts for detail-oriented projects and quickly found herself as a vital and integral part of the team.
Prior to joining Crafted Concepts, Rebecca was a Senior Associate Interior Designer at the international firm, Cannon Design, for over 10 years. While there, she was responsible for implementing design from schematic design through construction administration phases while working closely with project clients. Rebecca has been a part of numerous award winning projects that have been recognized by locally and nationally by both AIA, IIDA, ASID, Healthcare Design, and Brick-by-Brick awards.
She earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design at Cazenovia College in Central New York and also completed a study abroad program in Canterbury UK.
Rebecca is both a Licensed Interior Designer (CID) through New York State and is a Certified Interior Design (NCIDQ) through Council for Interior Design Qualification.
Once she completed her licensure and certification, Rebecca became heavily involved in the local interior design professional organization, IIDANY Buffalo City Center. After serving as an active board member for two years, she went on to serve two more as Co-Director of the city center.
In addition to being passionate about the design within her projects, she enjoys being involved in the Buffalo community that benefit our youth. Additional organizations that she has been involved with include fundraising with Buffalo Whiskerino to benefit homeless and runaway youth at Compass House, volunteering as a teacher with Junior Achievement, and volunteering as a Architect in Buffalo City School classrooms for the Architecture + Education program through the Buffalo Architecture Foundation.
Outside of work, Rebecca is both a mother and a step-mother, and a true crime aficionado.
Danielle Johnson, AIA
Senior Architect
Danielle Johnson, AIA is the newest member of Crafted Concepts Architecture D.P.C. She will be using her long-term experience and well-developed connections to further the ambition and portfolio of Crafted Concepts. Before joining, Danielle was an Associate Architect at Carmina Wood Design (CWD) for 14 years. She is a licensed Architect in the state of New York and has been a member of the American Institute of Architects since 2015. A scholarship from the local developer, Kissling Interests, introduced Danielle to CWD, creating a well-matched relationship that continued for many years. At Carmina Wood Design, Danielle interacted with clients in order to complete formal design intent and construction documentation. She monitored design processes from the conceptual phase through construction. She enjoys working with a team in both a leadership and collaborative role. Danielle has volunteered as a teacher for multiple years in the Architecture and Education program through the Buffalo Architecture Foundation. She found this program to be highly rewarding for the volunteers as well as the students. Prior to joining Carmina Wood Design in 2009, Danielle was a student at the University at Buffalo, earning an MBA in Architecture. Previous to UB, Danielle graduated from Ithaca College with a Bachelor degree in mathematics and minoring in Art History.
Michael Napier, CPHC
Architectural Designer
Mike Napier is one of our young Architectural Designers who just recently got back from his semester studying abroad in Japan! Mike is a Swiss army knife in our design and build practice. His experience and craftiness with hands-on construction paired with his eye and passion for architectural design have been forming him into a savvy worker. Since the summer of 2021, Mike has been working with the Crafted Concepts team whenever possible in the time between attaining his degree(s) at the University of Buffalo (UB). More recently, he has been interested in how additional fields beyond construction can play a role in architectural design, such as psychology and neurology. Mike is currently pursuing a masters thesis investigating such. In 2022 while attending UB, Mike was given the opportunity to lead the design of a home that is being constructed by an organization that serves the homeless in Syracuse, NY. Later that year, he also attained his Certified Passive House Consultant Certification, cementing his skills and knowledge in construction science while being sustainably conscious. His leadership skills were additionally able to grow as he was a leader of UB's D1 ACHA Hockey Team through his time as an undergrad student. He has the capacity to not only understand and utilize advanced building details, but Mike also shows that he cares abundantly for each individual that he is designing for. We are thrilled to see what the future has in store for this hard-working and ambitious young professional here at Crafted Concepts.
Christian Frank, CPHC
Architectural Designer
Christian Frank is currently an Architectural Designer at Crafted Concepts! He began as an intern with the company in the summer of 2022. Over the past year, Christian states that "the experience has been nothing short of transformative, allowing me to immerse myself in the world of design and contribute to some truly remarkable projects." Prior to his experience at Crafted Concepts, Christian worked for two years as a coach for the non-profit organization, The First Tee of WNY. This experience offered him the opportunity to teach local youth not only about the game of golf, but essential life lessons about leadership and responsibility. Christian is a proud graduate of the University at Buffalo, where he obtained a Bachelor's degree in Architecture with a minor in Urban Design. Those years were filled with endless inspiration, countless late nights in the studio, and a deep exploration of the intricate relationship between architecture and the urban landscape. Currently, Christian is attending University at Buffalo once again, this time pursuing their esteemed Master of Architecture program. This postgraduate experience has been an invaluable opportunity to refine his skills and continue to expand his architectural knowledge. While pursuing his Master's, Christian has earned Certified Passive House Consultant (CHPC) certification, expanding his expertise in sustainable design and energy-efficient buildings.
