Menu
Welcome to LYF!
At Lagrasse, Yanowitz & Feyl, we converge innovation and collaboration to create exceptional architectural designs and build remarkable residential and commercial structures. We are a forward-thinking architectural firm dedicated to pushing boundaries and transforming spaces. We bring visionary concepts to life through a collaborative approach that values your unique vision and aspirations. From concept development to construction, our expertise spans wide range of styles and scales, ensuring that each project is tailored to your specific needs. We are ready to create your stunning residential space and inspiring commercial property.
Experience the wonder of LYF and let’s turn your dreams into reality!
Principal
Principal
Senior Architect, Registered architect
Architect
Senior Interior Designer
Interior Designer, Project Coordinator
Interior Designer, Project Coordinator
Interior Designer, Project Coordinator
Project Coordinator, Designer
Autodesk Revit/Drafting Consultant
Junior Architect
Emeritus Principal
Project Coordinator, Designer
Project Coordinator, Designer
In Memoriam
(1961-2021)
LYF Architects would like to honor the life and legacy of Julianna Hoch. Mother, Wife, Architect, Designer, Colleague, Friend.
Julianna Mortell Hoch of Chelmsford, MA was an LYF architect with amazing talent and insight. She was a cherished member of the company who sadly passed away on March 12th, 2021 at the age of 60 due to complications with cancer.
She is survived by her husband Eric Hoch and daughter Annmarie Hoch, both of Chelmsford, MA, as well as her father David Mortell of Barre, MA, her brother Daniel Mortell of Barre, MA, and her sister Sarah Harding of Hardwick, MA.
Julianna grew up in Barre before moving to the Boston area after highschool.
Julianna was a wonderful wife and mother, as well as a devoted and loving friend to all. She was an architect, artist, and builder. She gave light, beauty, and vision to her husband, daughter, family, coworkers, and many friends.
We know she is bringing light and beauty to the higher worlds in which she is now travelling!
Principal (AIA, NCARB)
Ken is the co-owners of LYF and has been part of the firm for nine years, back when it was called JD LaGrasse & Associates. As a principal, Ken oversees staffing management and assists in overall projects and client affairs at LYF.
Ken’s love for architecture began back in his 7th grade shop class and continued to develop in middle school. In 10th grade he too an architectural drafting class and began working for a 1-person architectural firm in Port Chester, NY after school and during the summer up until he completed his master’s degree in 1993.
Ken graduated Cum Laude with a Master of Architecture from Clemson University in 1993. He has been an Andover Rotary Member since 2012 as well as an Andover Montessori Board Member for the last three years. He has been awarded the Gilbane Building Company’s Excellence Award for demonstrating the six core values of their company – integrity, tough-mindness, teamwork, dedicationexcellence, loyalty, and discipline. He is also the founding partner of CUBE 3 Studio, a 30-person national architectural firm that is 3rd construction related and 104th overall fastest growing company on the INC 500 list!
Ken is passionate about architecture because he loves making connections and making the world just a little better place to be through the things he builds. He finds great reward in making clients happy as well as seeing his staff succeed in their projects.
When he isn’t working, Ken enjoys spending time with his wife of 22 years and their son. He enjoys outdoor activities like hiking and biking, as well as staying involved with his church. In the future, he sees himself continuing to lead LYF through additional growth and superior service.
Ken was once told that he should find a line of work other than architecture because he “didn’t really get the concepts”, however, he never let that stop him pursuing education and a career and look where that persistence has landed him.
“Good, thoughtful design releases potential – whether it is in master planning, a building design, interior fit-up or a graphic rendering for a presentation. That is what we are in the business of doing – designing to release the potential of a project for our clients.”
– Ken Feyl
Principal (LEED, AP, UCSL)
Mark has been with LYF since day one! Besides being one of the founders of the firm, Mark has years of experience in the industry working previously as a managing partner and construction supervisor, senior project manager, and company president. Among his numerous professional achievements, Mark designed the first Passive House project certified in the state of Massachusetts (Beaton Residence, 2011).
Mark is passionate about architecture because he loves how creating spaces improves the lives of both individuals and the communities that surround them.
Outside of work, Mark is married with three children and enjoys spending time with family, music, the arts, tennis, and being outdoors.
“We listen to our clients and we deliver – value and quality, on time over the life of the project.”- Mark Yanowitz
Senior Architect, Registered architect (AIA, NCARB)
Tom has been working with LYF since 2020. As a Senior Architect and the longest tenured JDL employee to transition to LYF, Tom initiates client relations and writes proposals for new work. He also assists in managing projects to find solutions and coordinates staff to detail those solutions.
Tom wanted to be an architect from an early age and as a teenager learned site drainage, concrete formwork, and framing which gained him practical knowledge for detailing building. Tom interned at the beginning of his career which allowed him to gain a full scope of knowledge and skills when it comes to architecture.
Tom is also a valued mentor and has supported a dozen interns to licensure, something he takes great pride in. Tom is passionate about architecture and he enjoys solving the puzzle of building design project management and coordination with an entire team of people.
Tom married his best friend in 1999 and they share two grown children. When he isn’t working, he enjoys hiking and camping, Zion National Park being his favorite destination so far! Tom hopes to still be working for LYF for years to come.
architect (AIA, NCARB)
Philip has been working for LYF as a licensed architect for over ten years. He started as an intern architect when the company was JD LaGrasse & Associates. As an architect, Philip is responsible for designing and managing projects through completion, including ground up commercial office buildings, corporate interiors, multi-family, and veterinary projects. He also led the BIM standardization effort for the office, including training newer staff in Revit software used for developing architectural documents.
Philip, as well as his siblings, are first-generation Americans as his parents immigrated from Cyprus and Syria. As a child, he always loved art and became very interested in the design of buildings as he became older. Prior to attending architectural school, Philip worked with his brother as a residential builder to get experience under his belt. He has also worked with Habitat for Humanity, building homes in the Greater Boston area.
Philip received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a concentration in Design and Research from Wentworth Institute of Technology in Boston. Following that, he received his Master of Architecture, also from Wentworth. During his undergrad, he was one of 30 students selected to study abroad and he completed a program that took place throughout Europe, focusing on urban design practices.
Philip is incredibly passionate about architecture because he doesn’t just design spaces, he designs experiences. Creating a building from a few sketches is fascinating.
Philip lives in Belmont with his girlfriend and when he isn’t designing, he enjoys going out and exploring the city as well as all New England. You can also often find him at the Cape enjoying the beach or watching Formula 1. In the future, in addition to travelling more, Philip looks forward to seeing LYF continue to grow and accumulate projects that stretch across the globe!
Certified National Council of Interior Designer, Licensed ME Interior Designer (NCIDQ)
Crystal harnesses her extensive experience as the lead senior interior designer for all interior design related projects, Crystal is responsible for coordinating clients, design teams, and consultants, ensuring that designs adhere to the client’s standards and achieve organizational vision.
Interior Design was the perfect career choice for Crystal because she always knew she wanted to go into a field with creativity and helping people. She completed her Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design and obtained a Master of Arts degree in Interior Architecture from Endicott College. She also teaches interior design at her alma mater. Crystal has nearly 30 years of experience in the industry with a wide range of successful design projects in commercial interior design under her belt. She has worked for private developers, healthcare providers, workplaces, and science/technology sectors. Crystal prioritizes using sustainable materials, systems, and wellness strategies to deliver successful project designs. She is also National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ) Certified and a Certified Interior Designer in the State of Maine.
Crystal loves interior design because of how closely she gets to work with people, exploring their vision, their goals, and then bringing those visions to life. The most rewarding part for her is when a client is excited about their new space and feels the positive effect it has on their life.
When she isn’t working, Crystal enjoys spending time with her wife and their big family including their children, children’s significant others, extended family, and bevy of pets. They all enjoy spending time at their cabin on a lake in Maine. Crystal also enjoys painting, walking, and anything to do with the water.
In the future, Crystal hopes to continue being a part of this ever-growing company. She looks forward to obtaining larger, corporate office projects and expanding LYF’s design services.
Interior Designer, Project coordinator
Nicole has been designing with LYF since April of 2022. As an interior designer, she creates construction documents, plans spaces, selects sites, and meets with clients. Nicole was introduced to the world of interior design in high school. After graduating, she attended Wentworth Institute of Technology for interior design and during her studies interned at GS Associates and Element Group.
Nicole is very innovative and inclusive. For a senior capstone project, she designed a high school for students with neurological differences. Due to having learning disabilities herself as well as a brother with autism, the project was very near and dear to her heart. Nicole is passionate about design because of the impact it has on the client when their space is aligned with their vision.
When she isn’t working, Nicole enjoys creating art and in the future, she sees herself designing schools using everything that LYF has taught her thus far.
Interior Designer, Project Coordinator
Kayla is a newer addition to the LYF firm and as a part of the interior designer team, her primary job is to analyze spaces and designs, managing environments, and addressing the needs of the space’s future occupants.
Kayla was drawn to interior design from a young age because of the way it combines creativity with technical and functional analysis. She loves that it allows her to create spaces that are not only beautiful but also serve a function in people’s every day lives. Kayla has a Bachelor of Science in interior design from Wentworth Institute of Technology.
When she isn’t designing, Kayla enjoys spending time with her fiancé, reading, kickboxing, and also spending time with family and friends. In the future, Kayla hopes to be a Senior Interior Designer at LYF.
Interior Designer, Project Coordinator
Bethani has been working with LYF for less than a year but has made a huge impact in the short time she’s been here. As an interior designer, Bethani is responsible for understanding the needs of a space’s occupants and improving their experience through functionality, materiality, safety, and building codes.
Being an art kid growing up, Bethani knew she wanted to have a career where she could not only utilize her art skills, but also have an impact on others. She has always had a fascination with architecture and that is what led her to interior design. It was a career choice that allowed her to be creative while helping others. Bethani has a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology. She is passionate about what she does because seeing projects through from start to finish gives her a purpose.
When she isn’t working, Bethani enjoys reading and spending time with her friends and boyfriend. In the future, Bethani hopes to be a senior designer with LYF, leading the restaurant designs.
Sean is our design lead for all our restaurant projects. He has overseen over 50 restaurants and is the primary client contact for 110 Grill, Evviva Trattoria, and Oar & Iron.
Sean has been with LYF since 2016 and has provided exceptionally strong and thoughtful design leadership since he arrived. One of his many strengths is his ability to build incredible client relationships for the company. His experience includes company branding, masterplanning, and commercial projects.
Sean plays a key role in defining concepts that create a direction for the design team when beginning a project. These concepts include coordinating clients, design teams, and consultants, ensuring that the designs adhere to the client’s vision and project goals. He seeks to maintain high project standards from conception through construction.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture
Boston Architectural College
Class of 2015
Autodesk Revit/Drafting Consultant
Galen has been working with LYF for over a year now as an Autodesk Revit and drafting consultant. Galen is a remote staff member, primarily helping prepare construction documents and occasionally producing schematic designs.
Galen has been building sites since the age of two when he would accompany his father to job sites. As an adolescent, he filled his summers with construction work and when it came time to choose a university, Galen chose to attend Syracuse University and studied architecture art. After graduating from Syracuse in 2014, he was involved in the ACE mentorship for a few years in Providence, RI where he worked alongside architects, engineers, and contractors to guide high school students.
Galen is passionate about architecture because of its real and meaningful effect on the lives of the people who occupy designed spaces. He is motivated by the fact that the buildings may have decades of influence on their inhabitants.
Outside of work, Galen enjoys being outdoors, hiking, swimming, cycling, and occasionally helping with stage construction for music festivals.
In the future, Galen hopes to be working on buildings that incorporate the newest technologies and leave the least long-term impact on the planet.
Junior Architect
Susana is new to the LYF family, joining in July of this year. As one of our Junior Architects, her main duty is construction documentation for residential projects. Susana graduated from Syracuse University in 2023 with a Bachelor’s of Architecture. She was drawn to the architecture world because she has always been fascinated by the design process and how it can be born out of very simple concepts, yet still bring forth innovation to our living environment.
Susana is also a first-generation immigrant from Mexico and while her career at LYF has just begun, she sees potential for growth in this industry and is excited to be part of the team. When she isn’t working, she enjoys relaxing at home.