SITIO WELCOMES ELIZABETH MAHON AS MANAGING PRINCIPAL

SITIO is thrilled to welcome Elizabeth Mahon who has joined the firm as Managing Principal, effective September 1. The appointment pairs her design experience with a focus on growing SITIO's client relationships and expanding into new markets.

In her new role, Mahon will work closely on the design and development of individual projects, collaborating directly with the firm's Principals and design team. Her arrival signals a deliberate next step for SITIO. After a decade of delivering large-scale work as a design and community focused practice, the firm is positioning to further broaden its reach both locally and nationally.

“Elizabeth brings the design leadership and market experience SITIO values at this stage of our growth,” said Antonio Fiol-Silva, FAIA, founding principal of SITIO. “She builds client relationships and an expert in the kind of complex, high-profile work that aligns with our practice, and she shares our belief that great design comes from close, sustained collaboration with clients and communities. As we celebrate ten years of SITIO, it is exciting to have her join our team as we look ahead to the next ten.”

Mahon joins SITIO after a decade at HDR, where she served as Managing Principal and built the firm's Philadelphia architecture studio from the ground up, growing it to 50 people and expanding its work across higher education, life science, healthcare and civic projects. Earlier in her career, she was a member of IM Pei’s Paris office working on the Louvre Museum expansion and worked with other national design-focused firms including Pelli Clarke & Partners, William Rawn Associates, and in Philadelphia, Ballinger. Her recent work includes 3025 JFK Boulevard, a mixed-use life science, residential and retail project developed for Brandywine Realty Trust; the library and learning commons renovation in the Community College of Philadelphia's Mint Building; and the CHOP Center for Advanced Behavioral Health.

“After building and running a large studio, I was ready to get back to what I enjoy most about architecture; the design itself and the day-to-day interactions with clients,” said Elizabeth Mahon, AIA,  Managing Principal of SITIO. “SITIO's culture and its focus on community and placemaking made this the right move at the right time. There's tremendous opportunity to build on the diversity of work the firm does, and I am thrilled to be part of the team."

Mahon holds bachelor’s degrees in architecture and finance from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Yale University.

SITIO DESIGNS DYNAMIC WATERFRONT DESTINATION AT ONE RIVER MARINA

The Philadelphia Business Journal recently highlighted SITIO's master plan for One River Marina, a transformative waterfront development for One River Development at the historic Quaker City Yacht Club site in Northeast Philadelphia. The project combines a full-service marina, restaurants, entertainment, event space, yacht club, and expanded docking facilities all into an exciting destination along the Delaware River. Terraced architectural forms step toward the waterfront, enhancing access, creating visual identity, and capturing sweeping views of the river and the Tacony-Palmyra Bridge.

Read more about it here!

JOHNNY SAMPLE RECREATION CENTER FEATURED IN MID-ATLANTIC REAL ESTATE JOURNAL

The newly opened Johnny Sample Recreation Center in Cobbs Creek was recently featured in the August edition of the Mid Atlantic Real Estate Journal. “The new design creates a stronger connection between the building and its natural surroundings, offering a more welcoming experience for visiors”, noted SITIO Principal Andrew Ferrarelli. Read more in the article here.

JOHNNY SAMPLE RECREATION CENTER OPENS!

The Johnny Sample Recreation Center in West Philadelphia’s Cobbs Creek neighborhood has officially opened. SITIO was the architect, interior designer, and led the site design concept for the project alongside our great team – Hunt Engineering, J&M Engineering, Langan, Meliora, ReVision and Tiny WPA. Developed by the Fairmount Park Conservancy for the City of Philadelphia’s Rebuild initiative, the new renovation and addition transforms the center into a beacon of light in the neighborhood, combining transparency and daylight with community programs for both children and adults. The updated recreation center offers multiple indoor and outdoor amenities that reconnect the community and this park with access to trails alongside the historic creek.

Read more about it in this featured story: https://www.westphillylocal.com/2026/08/03/cobbs-creeks-johnny-sample-recreation-center-reopens-following-15m-transformation/

SITIO WELCOMES AIA PHILADELPHIA JADE PROGRAM

SITIO recently welcomed students from AIA Philadelphia's Justice Alliance for Design Education (JADE) Fellowship Program. Now in its third year, the program collaborates with local colleges and universities to foster a more diverse and inclusive culture within Philadelphia’s architecture and design education community.

During the visit, SITIO's Andrew Ferrarelli and Brooke Kervi shared insights into SITIO’s design process, mission, and community impact. They also discussed their own professional journeys, offering students valuable perspectives on building a career in architecture and design.

STEELSTACKS SUMMER IS IN FULL SWING!

When Antonio and Karen designed the Levitt Pavilion at SteelStacks they knew it had to be an iconic and recognizable symbol that would stand out as a counterpoint to the backdrop of the formidable blast furnaces, as it looked towards the future.Indeed, we are delighted that the Levitt Pavilion has become an icon, ever present in posters, logos, T-shirts, media posts….   

This summer come and enjoy a concert at this beloved venue!  

SITIO’S ROMINA BROGLIA WINS TEMPLE UNIVERSITY THESIS PRIZE

Romina Broglia was recently named the 2025 Thesis Prize Award recipient for her graduate thesis, completed as part of her Master of Architecture degree, which she earned in Spring 2025. Now an Architectural Designer at SITIO, Romina was recognized for her project centered on Lima, Peru’s Muralla de Vergüenza, which reimagines connectivity through an aerial tram system that weaves together textile markets, educational spaces, and recreational centers along its path. The project also incorporates fog-catching systems to support water irrigation in the region’s arid desert climate, drawing on Inca land-based techniques such as terracing to work with the landscape and reconnect communities. Congratulations, Romina!

SITIO ENGAGES STUDENTS DURING ARCHITECTURE WEEK

As part of National Architecture Week, SITIO partnered with Design Philadelphia and the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) to introduce students to the world of architecture.

SITIO team members visited Ms. Heller’s sixth-grade class at Stanton Elementary School, leading hands-on activities that highlighted an architect’s role as problem solvers and creative thinkers. Students learned to develop design concepts and communicate ideas in new ways, gaining insight into the architectural process.

The visit offered an inspiring exchange with the next generation of thinkers and makers, underscoring the importance of design-thinking in education at an early age.

PHILLY UNVEILS 4th ROCKY STATUE

As devoted urbanists, SITIO has proudly assisted in crowning a new champ atop City Hall: Philadelphia’s fourth Rocky statue, now standing where William Penn once quietly minded his business and occasionally cursed sports teams. In celebration of America’s 250th, this displacement showcases the City’s preference to beloved fictional characters, while the new perch allows for no line, no waiting, and unlimited selfies from all preferred angles.

BROOKE KERVI PROMOTED TO SITIO ASSOCIATE

SITIO is proud to announce the promotion of Brooke Kervi to Associate!

Brooke first joined the firm as an intern and returned after graduating from Montana State, quickly becoming a key member of our team. The steadfast commitment and rigor she brings to every project continue to elevate the work and culture at SITIO, with teammates and clients alike lauding her collaborative and positive outlook. 

Brooke brings exceptional leadership to every project. She had a central role in managing the complex new construction for The Astrid in Bethesda, MD, drove the adaptive reuse of two multifamily highrise towers, and actively advanced community engagement and design on civic projects like the Granahan and the Lawncrest Recreation Center.   

"Brooke is truly a joy to work with, the unflinching dedication and rigor that she brings to every project she applies with an equal dose of optimism and cheerfulness - invariably, she is a breath of fresh air!" notes SITIO Founding Principal Antonio Fiol-Silva. 

Join us in celebrating Brooke on this well deserved achievement! 

SITIO’S ANDREW FERRARELLI & BROOKE KERVI NAMED ‘VOLUNTEER ALL-STARS’

SITIO’s Andrew Ferrarelli and Brooke Kervi were named Community Design Collaborative (CDC) Volunteer All-Stars in recognition of their outstanding work on the La Liga Del Barrio Building Project. Over the past year, Andrew and Brooke have partnered closely with this vital community organization to understand its spacial needs, design vision, and long-term goals, helping to envision a new, permanent home for Philadelphia’s first Latino youth basketball league.

La Liga Del Barrio provides sports programming for Latino youth and other underserved communities throughout the city, creating opportunities to develop athletic skills, build community, and promote educational achievement. Through countless hours of design work, community engagement, and team meetings, Andrew and Brooke have played a key role in advancing this meaningful project.

“Without question, the highlight was the people within the La Liga organization. Their enthusiasm and unwavering commitment to serving their community were truly inspiring. Working with individuals who bring that level of passion and purpose to the table made the entire experience exceptional.” - Andrew

“Seeing the dedication of not just the kids, but the parents and coaches of La Liga. The passion for La Liga to succeed was evident in every coach and parent. The impact of this organization goes far beyond just the kids that it aims to help, which indicates how valuable La Liga is to the community.” - Brooke

SITIO SELECTED AS FINALIST FOR AIA PENNSYLVANIA DESIGN AWARD

SITIO was recently named a Finalist for the AIA Pennsylvania Architectural Excellence Award for ‘The Battery’ Clean Energy Training Hub project in Chicago. Recognized in the unbuilt category, the net-zero energy hub showcases innovation, sustainability, and community through its high-performance envelope, all-electric systems, zero-emissions infrastructure, rainwater harvesting, rooftop solar, and geothermal wells. More than a workplace, The Battery serves as a civic platform for education, collaboration, and cultural exchange—deeply connected to its Chicago community. Winners will be announced on December 4.