team bios
Julie Kelley is one of the founding principals of Aerial Design and Build. She brings 15 years of New York City construction experience and 15 years of owning her own accounting firm in Florida to Aerial. She manages the corporate operations as well as oversees the project management.
Julie also has international experience which accommodates Aerial for all their multi-national New York City clientele, servicing them locally and abroad.
Besides her appreciation for Architecture and Construction from a very young age, she is a passionate animal advocate and in her personal time she is involved with fitness, tennis and natural health awareness which she holds a Bachelor of Science in Alternative Medicine.
Rupila Sethi is one of the founding principals of Aerial Design and Build. Rupila graduated from a prestigious Architectural School in India and then went on to complete her Masters in Lighting Design from Parsons School of Design, New York
After graduating from Parsons she practiced with Cooley Monato Studio, a SOHO based Design Studio and was associated with prestigious projects such as Tiffany, HBO, Lesportsac and high-end residences in Kuwait and Santa Barbara, California
She further gained extensive Design and Construction experience working on residential projects in prominant locations such as Trump Towers, Museum Towers, Central Park South and West buildings, and other great buildings throughout New York City.
Rupila enjoys her personal time with her family and two children.
Carla Giarrusso is a Senior Project Manager with Aerial. She has received her Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island. After working several years as a Project Designer in an architectural firm in Boston, Massachussettes, she developed a desire to be “on site” which enhances her knowledge of building systems and materials as well as advances her design work.
Carla’s passion for taking a project from its inception to its built form has led to a diverse career path; she has work as both a lead Designer and Project Manager in the corporate arena, public realm, as well as high-end residential design/build firms in New York City. She joined Aerial to oversee and supervise various residential, commercial and hospitality projects as well as manage client relations.
Jessica Maktal is a Project Manager with Aerial. Jessica holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from Barnard College and a Master of Architecture degree from The City College of New York. During her tenure at Aerial she has managed a wide variety of projects. A born problem solver and adept communicator, she has successfully completed a number of projects within tight time constraints.
When Jessica is not working, she can often be found singing at her favorite Karaoke bar.
Renee Lewis is a Project Manager with Aerial. Renee holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Florida. After she graduated she began her career onsite for a resort development company focusing on interior construction.
Renee finds it exciting and challenging to be a part of the project from the early planning stages through design and feasibility, and on to the construction. Each project has unique details that give them a life of their own and she must assess them and create a path to completion. She is a problem solver by nature and brings a lively presence to projects since 2005.
Renee enjoys being outdoors and with her dog, Roxie. She spent most of her life in Florida and after traveling quite often to the Northeast, she decided to settle here.
Toni Thomas is a Project Manager with Aerial. Toni holds a Bachelors in Environmental Design of Interiors from Syracuse University. She has worked in residential interiors for 7 years assisting in condominium units and private homes.
Toni has concentrated a great deal in modern European furniture and kitchen and bath renovations; managing various renovation projects within New York and Washington DC areas.
Brian’s practical training in design/build endeavors throughout Seattle, New Jersey, New York City, Montana, & India have allowed the valuable lessons in the influences of construction in design and vice versa to inform his current professional work. He specializes in sustainable design and building practices, materials, and methodology. He enjoys exploring the uses of alternative and affordable materials & detailing for the solutions to every day design problems. Brian is a licensed architect registered in New York and New Jersey, and is also LEED Certified.
Marly Cruikshank is the Office Manager at Aerial. Marly holds a law and accounting degree from Brazil as well as a Management certificate from Cornell University. Marly is an experienced expense managment professional with proven success in providing greater financial transparency and establishing measurable and effective controls resulting in substantial cost savings, process improvements, efficiencies and increased revenue. Marly has 15 years of experience in the financial industry.
Marly was born and raised in Brazil and came to the U.S. in 1987 and decided to stay in New York City. She is fluent in Portugese and proficient in speaking and reading Spanish. She enjoys spending time with her family, pets and friends.
Verena Schnurr is an Office Assistant/Purchasing with Aerial. Verena holds a Bachelors of Sociology from Hunter College. After graduating she worked in the fashion industry doing Public Relations. She is now persuing her Masters Degree at Nyack College’s Alliance Graduate School of Counseling.
Verena enjoys reading, jogging, attending church and spending time with her friends. She is very excited to assist such a talented and unique team of architects and managers and looks forward to facilitating the growth and expansion of the company in the next few years.