Steffani Drass AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Steffani has over 20 years of working experience throughout Sarasota and the Gulf Coast community. She has an extensive background in the planning, design and construction administration of coastal residence and boutique commercial works.

Steffani holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee, Cum Laude and Master of Architecture from Boston Architectural College. Her thesis investigated the cultural identity and proposed design interventions for Sarasota’s residential communities. She is a LEED accredited professional and an alumna of the Chamber of Commerce’s Leadership Sarasota program.

Jose Suarez [bi-lingual]

Jose is an Intern Architect. He has a love for all forms of art and found ways to express himself through architecture. Jose graduated from the University of South Florida with a Master of Architecture and Master of Urban and Community Design in 2016. Jose finds inspiration from the wonders of life- music, dance, culture, communities, and urban design. He enjoys the exploratory process into the connection between the built and natural environment. He loves to be creative and explore new possibilities, which brought him to TROP in 2018.

Michelle Galiano

Michelle Galiano is an Architectural Designer, practicing in custom residential architecture since 2013. With an Undergraduate degree from Judson University in Elgin, IL and a Graduate degree from The School of the Art Institute of Chicago in Chicago, IL; Michelle had the honor to work at three distinguished residential architecture and design firms in the city of Chicago before moving to Sarasota. From those experiences, grew Michelle’s passion, attention to detail, and knowledge in residential architecture.

In 2021, Michelle joined an organization called Arquitina, an initiative to support unlicensed Latin women in architecture on their path to licensure. Through this organization, she became a contributing Author of the book Latinas in Architecture, published in the Fall of 2021.

Along with volunteering and traveling; some of Michelle’s hobbies include; photography, sketching, dancing, and learning different languages.

Nicole Ruiz

Nicole Ruiz is an Architectural Intern, born and raised in the vibrant city of Miami, Florida. Nicole inherited a profound love for art and design, nurtured through the legacy of her grandfather. Her journey through various artistic expressions, from painting to photography, unveiled a profound calling that led her to the world of architecture. Upon attaining a Master’s degree in Architecture from Florida International University in 2023, Nicole embarked on a quest to translate her aspirations into reality.

Deeply invested in the transformative power of architecture and interior design, Nicole’s dream is to weave her passion and vision into the very fabric of daily existence. Her life’s mission is to inspire and influence others through the art of crafting spaces that make a difference, reflecting the legacy of her family that ignited her journey.