Baskervill’s future is shaped by the people who challenge the norm, build trust, and help others grow. Today, we’re proud to recognize a group of leaders whose embodiments of these qualities have earned them new roles across the firm.
We’re pleased to announce that Jessica Zullo and Patrick MacCormac have been named Principals, and Emily Rickman, John Lang, Kelly McCarthy, Patrick Thompson, Rachel Bukoski, and Stephanie Burcham have been named Associates.
These promotions reflect the depth of expertise across our studios, but more importantly, they recognize people who make Baskervill stronger through a commitment to empowering ideas and connecting people. Meet the newest leaders helping shape what’s next.
Jessica Zullo
IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED GA
Principal
Jessica understands that successful projects are built on alignment. Whether guiding a multi-year, mixed-use project through key milestones, fostering the vision among diverse stakeholder groups, or mentoring teams to elevate design thinking within complexities of urban development, she excels at bringing people together around a shared goal. Jessica partners closely with clients to create destinations that shape the user experience and attract top talent in a rapidly changing landscape. Across multiple sectors, she leads both strategic direction and day-to-day operations, helping translate ambitious ideas into projects that create transformative value for clients and communities.
Her active involvement with organizations such as the Urban Land Institute (ULI), Greater Richmond Association for Commercial Real Estate (GRACRE), and VCU’s Real Estate Circle of Excellence keeps her closely connected to the conversations shaping how cities grow. As she steps into her role as Principal, Jessica is excited to continue creating the conditions for ambitious ideas to move forward and become projects that reflect both strategic thinking and unparalleled design quality.
Patrick MacCormac
PE
Principal
Over his 12-year tenure with Baskervill, Patrick has brought a thoughtful, collaborative approach to engineering leadership. He thrives on solving complex technical challenges while working alongside architects, interior designers, and clients to bring ambitious ideas to life. His curiosity, technical expertise, and steady demeanor have made him a trusted partner across a wide range of project types.
A member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating, and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the Virginia Society of Healthcare Engineers, Patrick is passionate about advancing the profession while helping clients navigate increasingly complex building systems. Throughout his career, he has worked on projects around the globe, gaining a perspective that continues to inform his approach to problem-solving and innovation. Looking ahead, Patrick is focused on mentoring Baskervill’s growing mechanical engineering team and helping prepare the next generation.
Emily Rickman
LEED AP
Associate | Interior Designer
Great design begins with people—how they live, move, and feel in a space. It should function seamlessly while enhancing how you feel the moment you arrive. Emily approaches design through this lens, striking a thoughtful balance between functional aesthetics, client vision, user wellness, and sustainability. Stepping into her role as Associate, she is keeping one foot in active project design and the other in the cultivation of the studio that makes the designs shine.
John Lang
AIA
Associate | Design Director
John believes design has the power to positively influence both people and place. With a background that spans architecture, art history, studio art, and sustainable design, he brings a multidisciplinary perspective to projects that extend beyond individual buildings to enhance our urban fabric. That interest in the future of cities extends beyond project work. An active member of the Urban Land Institute (ULI), John has a deep understanding of the market, policy, and design dynamics that influence urban growth and placemaking. Because of this experience, John is excited to continue advancing the conversations—and projects—that shape the future of cities.
Kelly McCarthy
RA
Associate | Architect
Kelly has a love for learning, and that’s evident in every project she touches. Drawn to the details that shape great design, she enjoys the research, education, and problem-solving that come with new challenges. She’s equally passionate about sharing knowledge, serving as a trusted resource who encourages others to ask questions and deepen their understanding of the built environment. As an Associate, Kelly looks forward to helping guide the Civic Studio‘s continued evolution while supporting projects that enrich public life.
Patrick Thompson
Assoc. AIA
Associate | Studio Director
As a leader within Baskervill’s Cultural Studio, Patrick is inspired by projects that strengthen communities by preserving and elevating the stories that define them. Patrick is actively involved with the National Organization of Minority Architects and serves on AIA Richmond’s Community and Government Affairs Committee, where he contributes to conversations around equity, advocacy, and the future of the built environment. His dedication to both design excellence and civic engagement earned him the AIA Richmond Presidential Citation in 2024.
Rachel Bukoski
PE, WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C
Associate | Mechanical Engineer
Rachel approaches MEP engineering as an active branch of integrated design. She enjoys balancing the puzzle-solving mechanics of engineering with the collaborative nature of working closely with architects, interior designers, other engineers, and contractors to create clear, coordinated solutions. As an Associate, Rachel will bridge leadership and execution, elevating the technical standards of the MEP team, championing WELL and LEED criteria across studios, and managing complex multi-disciplinary projects.
Stephanie Burcham
AIA
Associate | Architect
Stephanie’s career lives at the intersection of imagination and reality. She loves the moment when an idea first takes shape—a sketch on paper, a swipe on a tablet—and the challenge of guiding that spark through the realities of budgets, schedules, zoning requirements, and building codes. Equal parts artist and problem-solver, she thrives on transforming abstract ideas into places with real-world impact. Inspired by her experience teaching photography at Virginia Tech, she’s looking forward to fostering curiosity, confidence, and creative growth in others to build a talented team capable of shaping the future of the firm.