Meet the Team
Joseph Caricari
Partner, Architect
As a founding partner of Caricari Lee Architects, Joseph facilitates collaborative design with clients and consultants creating buildings that are efficient relative to site, program and systems in a thoughtful composition of light, form and materials. Joseph also focuses on all aspects of development assisting clients to ensure successfully executed projects.
David Lee
Partner, Architect
David’s professional experience has spanned nearly 25 years. He is a graduate of the University of Toronto architectural programme where he was the recipient of an award and 3 scholarships for academic excellence. His professional work is diverse with a broad range of experience in retail, office, industrial, residential and heritage projects. David is a founding partner of Caricari Lee Architects and is LEED certified.
Giancarlo Garofalo
Architect
Giancarlo Garofalo brings over 36 years of experience in architecture. Prior to starting his own practice, Giancarlo Garofalo Architect Inc, he was the principal designer at Crang and Boake Inc. (1981-1986), contributing to award-winning projects like Trafalgar Square in London and La Defense in Paris. Earlier in his career, Giancarlo worked in project management at Construction Specialties Inc. in Paris, managing international projects, including the University of Riyadh.
Diana Lovatsis
Interior Designer
Diana Lovatsis is a Principal at CLA Smiciklas Studio and an Interior Designer with Caricari Lee Architects. With a Bachelor of Interior Design from Ryerson University and certifications including LEED® Green Associate and WELL AP, she combines design expertise with sustainability strategy. Diana has led diverse projects, focusing on user experience and minimizing environmental impact. Passionate about materiality and craftsmanship, her award-winning work reflects her commitment to innovation and sustainability.
Robert Santo
Senior Project Manager
With over 30 years of experience, Robert has been involved in a wide variety of projects in the public and private sectors as an Architectural Technologist, Job Captain and Project Manager. He is proficient in all phases of architectural projects, from client coordination and programming to construction administration. He has worked on a variety of industrial, commercial, institutional, hospitality, pharmaceutical, recreational and residential projects.
Miranda George
Associate Architect
Miranda is a Licensed Architect who completed the Syllabus Program through the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada, with her thesis exploring the impact of the built environment on mental health and well-being. Miranda has extensive experience in a variety of project types and scales with her main focus being on residential work, such as townhouse developments, mid to high-rise condominiums, affordable housing, senior living, long-term care facilities and custom homes.
Michele Vig
Office Manager
Michele ensures the efficient day-to-day operations of the office and the administrative design requirements of all projects. Michele is a board member of the Society for Design Administration, an organization that promotes education and best practices in design firm personnel. She is the recipient of the SDA Roni Award for 2017.
Suzette Quelnan-Cruz
Intern Architect
Suzette Quelnan-Cruz is an Intern Architect with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture, currently working toward professional registration. She has gained valuable experience across a range of project types, including residential and industrial, and has been involved in various phases of design and project development. Suzette’s expertise extends to millwork and interior design, where her attention to detail and creative approach bring spaces to life. With a strong foundation in both technical and aesthetic aspects of design, Suzette is committed to delivering thoughtful and well-executed projects.
Hiren Patel
Senior Project Manager
Hiren Patel brings a wealth of global experience in architecture and interior design, having completed his studies in India and worked across Canada, Australia, East Africa, and India. With strong design skills and deep technical knowledge, Hiren has contributed to a diverse range of projects, including industrial, transportation, institutional, educational, healthcare, commercial, and residential developments. His broad expertise and versatile approach enable him to create thoughtful, functional, and aesthetically refined spaces that meet the unique demands of each project.
Chiara Muia
Intern Architect
Chiara Muia is an Intern Architect with a Master’s in Architecture from Carleton University and a strong academic background in English Literature and History from the University of Toronto. With expertise in Rhinoceros 3D, Adobe Suite, AutoCAD, and Revit, Chiara combines artistic vision and technical precision to deliver thoughtful and innovative designs. As a Project Manager, she managed projects from inception to completion, ensuring seamless communication between clients and production teams.
Alisa Biunno
Interior Designer
Alisa has provided Interior Design services to Caricari Lee Architects for over a decade. She graduated with an Interior Design degree in 1994. With a natural entrepreneurial instinct, Alisa started an Interior Design business in 1997. Quickly the business grew into a design and full renovation firm in Toronto and surrounding areas. Her work has been featured in Style and Home magazine as well as other publications.