Weston is passionate about increasing diversity within the profession, designing equitable spaces for all, fostering mentorship across experience levels, and designing for the changing climate.

Weston is a graduate of the Savannah College of Art and Design, and a former Axis intern. He strives to keep the client experience at the forefront and enjoys challenging, intricately detailed projects. His professional excitement comes from collaborating with clients, consultants, and teammates to develop creative solutions for projects.

Weston has led internal and external teams on multiple projects ranging from civic, corporate, education, healthcare, industrial, and multifamily types. He was the interior architectural lead for the Eskenazi Eastside Health Clinic, coordinating design collaboration and detailing of major interior architectural design elements. Through his broad experience, he has led the design, collaboration, and coordination efforts, assembly of drawings and specs, and construction administration efforts in nearly every market sector.

He has an affinity for parks projects, as they create opportunities to design equitable ways for all people to be able to enjoy the outdoors, including favorite projects like Switchyard Park and TCU Amphitheater at White River State Park. He leads construction administration of many team projects, as he has a passion for being on site and enjoys a detailed approach to collaborative resolution of on-site issues with all parties.

Weston was accepted into the AIA Indiana Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program Class of 2022-2023; a competitive program that develops entrepreneurship, firm management, client development, and community leadership skills. He co-leads STUDIOAXIS’s Architecture + Planning Camp for high school students in collaboration with Ball State University and is a member of the AIA Indianapolis Architects Home Tour committee.

As a natural communicator, Susan enjoys collaborative environments and the ability to champion other designers.

Susan has had the pleasure of regarding STUDIOAXIS as her professional home for nearly 9 years. She is a grounding presence that values efficiency and balance in all aspects of her life. Graduating at the top of her class, Susan attributes a strong work ethic and critical eye to her professional success thus far.

Early in her career, Susan interned with the state building commissioner where she was exposed to the gubernatorial world of architecture and quickly appreciated what feats it takes to see a project through construction. She has since had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects at all stages of the design process including commercial, civic, residential, and mixed-use buildings. Susan is influenced by simplistic forms, balanced proportions, and honest materiality and strives to push artistry through all phases of design.

Her focus and strong knowledge of BIM software make for an effective team member and problem solver. Susan’s goal is to create projects that inspire patrons to notice the beauty of built form and positively impact their surrounding communities. She believes architecture is a rigorously beautiful universe that molds its practitioners into diligent and infinitely skilled artists.

Stephen has a keen awareness and understanding of how a society’s culture plays an important role in determining dwelling types and spatial organizations within them.

Stephen was born and raised in Ghana, West Africa and drawing on his multi-cultural background pays close attention to materials, culture and other image and value systems which affect house form and the built environment in a broader context.

Stephen has worked on a wide range of projects and building types which include residential, healthcare, education, civic, government and criminal Justice facilities.

Stephen’s background in Criminal Justice architecture and planning includes master planning and design of the Elkhart County Criminal Justice Complex in Elkhart Indiana located on 80-acre site two miles south of Elkhart, Indiana which comprised of a new jail with an intake and processing unit; a medical unit; an institutional kitchen and laundry, arraignment courts and minimum-medium and maximum custody jail units that provide 950 inmate beds.

Stephen’s body of work also includes the new White River State Park Amphitheatre (TCU Amphitheater) in Indianapolis, Indiana which was constructed over three concert seasons beginning in September 2019 and finished in June 2021. The resultant $30 million concert venue includes an Artist’s Amenities building, a VIP Area, new Rest Rooms, a Stage house, and an Iconic Canopy that covers 2000 seats with lawn seating for an additional 4000 patrons.

The energy and authentic passion which Nia brings to her projects is contagious and
inspiring not only to clients but to STUDIOAXIS.

Originally having the desire to join the Peace Corps, the close bond to her family deemed otherwise.
Thus, Nia concluded to pursue a dormant passion – interior design. When asked about her adoration for
design, Nia responded that “every built environment can be a sanctuary for those experiencing it. As an
interior designer, we are entrusted to evoke perception as well as performance efficiency through light,
color, materiality, and space planning. It is vital to me not waste the opportunity.”

With numerous years of professional experience, Nia’s work includes universities, Greek housing,
hospitality, civic, and residential spaces. As a member of the studio, she attributes her ability to relate
and motivate colleagues and clients essential in creating relationships and ultimately succeeding.
Through effective communication concerning the wants, needs, and uses of a space, she is deliberate in
her design choices and works to ensure the design not only enhances the space but also the lives of
which it serves. Nia considers herself a philomath, always learning information and advancing her skillset to efficiently produce impactful projects.

Nia believes interior designers are integral components of any society, continuously bringing awareness
and educating her community about the technicalities of the profession. Leisurely, Nia is adamantly taking walks with her husband and daughter, studying English landscape design, and curating her fashion fits.

Kurt believes great architecture flows from comprehensive design direction and delights in bringing organizational and aesthetic order to the chaos of many possibilities.

Kurt has endless curiosity about humankind’s ever-evolving trajectory and its implications on architecture. His passion for architecture developed in a historic neighborhood in Indianapolis that was undergoing social and material changes around him, which likely contributed to his belief that historic architecture has much to tell us about who we are as a species and how we can learn to thrive in this world.

He completed undergraduate and graduate studies at Ball State University, where he received a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture, as well as a certificate in Social and Environmental Justice. His Master’s thesis at Ball State combined his interests in historic architecture and human flourishing by exploring how transformations can make an old building socially inclusive, especially for people with disabilities.

Outside of Axis, he is a board member at Arts For Learning Indiana and a building committee member at the Indianapolis Athenaeum. Involvement in each organization encompasses opportunities for him to share with local communities his passions for time-tested wonders. He is also an associate member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and enjoys being part of the architecture network in the sparkling city of Indianapolis.

In his travels to over 10 countries and inspired by his parents, Jose has learned that the environment in which you live can impact all aspects of your life, and with creative innovation and inspiration from nature, communities can be transformed.

Jose is optimistic, creative, and thinks out of the box to resolve complex problems, while being quick to learn new ways to self-improve. In his travels, Jose has learned to adapt to continuing change with ease, is consistently striving to learn, and is always believing in the good of others, allowing him to easily interact with different social groups. Jose believes that developing positive relationships and understanding the culture of a community is crucial when revitalizing local neighborhoods meant to last.

Jose believes good design should be everywhere and affordable to everyone, sustainable for the environment, and have strong concepts of scale. Furthermore, iteration is key. It’s important to remember that as designers of the built environment, it is our job to think proactively, without infringing on a communities’ way of life. Supporting and sourcing from local business would gets you more involved, reduces the impact of waste on the environment, while building up the local economy.

Jose was involved in a collection of organizations that service and act as a voice for others. Sparking his love for community and nature, Boy Scouts of America was his first taste of community help, eventually earning his Eagle scout award and being awarded the title of Kentucky Colonel. This carried on through college, using nature as inspiration and joining organizations such as AIAS, Triangle Fraternity, and an architecture mentorship program. Now he is an associate member of the AIA and looking to find ways to positively impact the local art scene.

With an eye on design and aesthetic, John’s attention is always attuned to feasibility and quality of craftsmanship.

John brings a unique perspective to each project by first thinking through how it will be built. This deep, analytical focus informs his decision process and enables him to refine designs in a way that enhances their functionality.

John is a Ghost Lab 8 participant, a graduate of the UNC-Charlotte Master of Architecture program and spent two years in northern California working on commercial and residential design, in addition to construction consulting with Thomas Anderson before coming to STUDIOAXIS. John has a passion for building and architecture that was sparked by an exposure to construction at an early age. Now, with over a decade of professional experience and a background as a licensed builder, John’s knowledge of construction techniques and processes gives him a keen insight into the viability of concepts. His construction background is also reflected in his dedication to clear communication with contractors via detailed drawings that understand construction sequences thoroughly.

John has worked on projects of all typologies and scales at STUDIOAXIS, including legacy projects like Lincoln Apartments Veterans Housing, a LEED Platinum-certified development that provides housing for US Veterans. John strives to envision projects as a whole, taking into consideration every element, from budget to aesthetic. Although each projects brings its own unique challenges, the common thread that weaves through all his work is precision, with a highly detailed and technical approach.

Doug believes that great design happens at the intersection of ideas.

Doug Shoemaker brings a wealth of knowledge to project teams with over 40 years of professional experience. Starting his career as a Landscape Architect, Doug was always captivated with how buildings functioned and appeared as a whole. With that fascination in mind, he earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign in 1996. This enabled him to be involved in complete design solutions, from building exterior and interior design and all the way to orientation, site design, and landscaping. As he approaches a project, Doug trains his keen eye to all aspects of the visitor experience, from how users approach a building to how they feel once they are inside. Doug’s diverse project and typology background allows him to ensure that all aspects of a building work in harmony within their contextual surroundings.

Doug has taken a leading role at STUDIOAXIS in mentorship and the teaching of others. He uses his extensive knowledge to collaborate on detailing solutions to ensure that all areas of the design fully respond to a client’s needs. Doug leads the QA/QC process at STUDIOAXIS working with all members of the studio. His attention to detail ensures a comprehensive documentation process with the goal of ensuring a construction process that is smooth and efficient.

Doug is deeply involved in his community, serving as a board member on multiple neighborhood and community organizations. He served as Chairman and on the Board of Directors for the Damien Center for over 20 years, an organization that supports people living with HIV/Aids in Indiana. Committed to giving back to the profession, Doug has sat on several review boards and crit session at Ball State University. He is involved in the Indiana Land Use Committee as well as being an active member of both the ASLA and AIA in Indiana.

Wearing many hats, Andrea serves as the Studio Coordinator in Indianapolis, ensuring day to day business operations run smoothly.

Andrea Moore’s 35 years of professional experience have seen her work in nearly every capacity at STUDIOAXIS. Serving as Studio Coordinator as well as acting as liaison for both consultants and clients when it comes to proposals and contracts, she is highly motivated and is driven to help the teams at STUDIOAXIS achieve success.

She has been deeply involved in the local Indianapolis community, serving as both Chair and Member on multiple neighborhood organizations, including the Southeast Neighborhood School of Excellence Board (SENSE), of which she is a founding member.

Andrea’s love of art, music, traveling, and exploring places with rich history bring a unique perspective to the studio. She uses these passions, as well as her fantastic ability to communicate to enhance studio culture and drive those around her to look at problems from new perspectives.