President and founder of the firm, Finlay received an Associate Degree in Architectural Engineering from the Wentworth Institute in Boston, Massachusetts.  He then continued his studies at the University of Kentucky at Lexington, where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree and won top honors for architectural design.  During his last semester at the University of Kentucky he traveled to Europe, primarily Paris and Venice, to further his studies in architecture.  Upon his return to the U.S., Finlay went on to work for the firm of Kevin Roche, John Dinkeloo and Associates in Hamden, Connecticut for seven years.  In 1984, Finlay established Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA.  As principal and senior designer of the firm, he oversees and personally directs the design and execution of each of the firm’s projects.  Since its opening, Finlay’s work has been recognized by numerous awards and widely published in Architectural Digest, House Beautiful, Golf Digest and Town & Country, among other leading national and regional publications.  The firm’s work has been featured in many books including Architect Russell Versaci’s “Roots of Home,” released in 2008. He was inducted into the New England Design Hall of Fame in 2018 for his work in architecture. Finlay is a registered architect in the states of Arizona, Arkansas, Colorado, Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, Massachusetts, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, Maryland, Rhode Island, South Carolina, Tennessee, Vermont, Virginia, Wisconsin and Wyoming, and also in Canada.  He is also a member of the American Institute of Architecture and the Institute of Classical Architecture & Classical America. Finlay and his wife Jeanne have four children and reside in Fairfield, Connecticut. 

Joseph P. Mulligan is one of the four Partners at Mark P. Finlay Architects. Originally from Stratford, Connecticut, he graduated in 1987 with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from the New York Institute of Technology in Old Westbury, New York.  After graduation, he worked at A. J. Palmieri Architects & Associates, where he spent ten years working primarily on small scale commercial properties. From there he moved to Kasper Associates for three years as the Director of Architecture and Engineering for many small and large scale commercial projects. Mulligan joined Mark P. Finlay Architects, AIA in 1999 and was named partner in 2005. Today, he leads the firm’s technical teams in residential and commercial projects.  He is a registered architect in the state of Connecticut. Mulligan lives in Stratford, Connecticut with his wife Donna and three sons. 

Jay L. Valade Jr. has been with Mark P. Finlay Architects full time since 1987.  Originally from Trumbull, Connecticut, Valade attended the University of Notre Dame’s School of Architecture in South Bend, Indiana where he earned a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 1987.  During his studies, Valade took part in the University’s year-long Rome Studies Program in Italy.  Upon returning to the United States, he took an internship at Mark P. Finlay Architects as he continued with his university studies. After graduation, Valade joined Mark P. Finlay Architects full time as an Architectural Associate. In 2005, he was named Partner.  As Senior Designer, Valade leads the firm’s design teams for various residential and commercial projects. He is a registered architect in the state of Connecticut. Valade lives in Fairfield, Connecticut with his wife and two children. 

Brandt is a Connecticut native and architect for Mark P. Finlay Architects. He graduated from Roger Williams University in Rhode Island, where he received a Bachelor's degree in Architecture and minored in the History of Art and Architecture. Prior to joining Mark P. Finlay Architects, Brandt worked for Wiles Architects as a Designer, Project Architect and BIM Coordinator, where he gained extensive experience in educational, vocational, assisted living and religious projects. In 2014, after construction was completed on a large church that Brandt was acutely involved in, it was awarded the AIA Connecticut People’s Choice Award. Brandt lives in Fairfield with his wife, Janet, and their four children. He views architecture as the ultimate art form, deeply transforming and impacting the living environment. Brandt is a registered architect in the State of Connecticut and a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Bryan Kocher serves as a project manager for local residential and commercial projects.  Bryan is originally from Philadelphia and received a Bachelor of Architecture from Philadelphia University. Prior to joining the firm, Bryan worked on commercial projects at J. Stevens and Associates in Glenside, Pennsylvania.  He then gained experience in high-end custom home design at Stokes Architecture in Philadelphia.  Bryan is a LEED Accredited Professional.

Maureen started at MPF Architects as an intern while attending Wellesley College.  She graduated cum laude from Wellesley with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture, which included coursework at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Maureen’s enthusiasm for architecture was cultivated through her time spent living abroad, during which she enjoyed exploring Europe’s medieval towns.  As a senior associate, Maureen is an integral part of the interior architecture team.  

Matt Lian joined MPF Architects in 2001.  As a project manager, he is responsible for the design, drawing production, and construction administration of several large residential projects throughout New England. Matt graduated from the University of Kentucky with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.  While at school, Matt was a member of the American Institute of Architecture Students and an avid volunteer with Habitat for Humanity. His work with the program began when he worked on several projects in New Haven, Connecticut, while still in high school at Fairfield Prep.

Deborah Szabo is a longstanding associate of the MPF Architects team and has been here since she joined the firm in 1994.  As a senior associate, Debbie provides expertise in interior architectural design of residential and commercial projects. Debbie began her education at Becker Junior College in Worcester, Massachusetts, where she received an Associate Degree in Interior Design. Continuing her studies, Debbie earned a Bachelor of Fine Arts degree in Interior Design from Winthrop University in South Carolina (an accredited FIDER/CIDA university). Debbie is also certified by the National Council of Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). An avid photographer, Debbie enjoys traveling - to locations as distant as New Zealand - and discovering new inspirations that contribute to her architectural work. 

Ryan T. Ralston was raised in Fairfield with roots going back to Colonial America in the Sherwood and Burr lineages. An alumnus of Fairfield Prep and Carnegie Mellon University, he graduated undergrad with college honors, having received a Bachelor of Architecture with a Minor in Business Administration. Before joining Mark P. Finlay Architects, Ryan work on high-end residential and leisure club projects for Christopher Pagliaro Architects (formerly PBS Architects) in Darien and Sawyer|Berson Architecture & Landscape in New York City. He currently works as an Architect at MPFA, preparing design presentations, construction documents, and managing construction administration. Ryan is a Registered Architect in; CT, NY, RI, NJ, MA, and DC. In his leisure time, he enjoys backcountry backpacking, hiking, Formula 1, traveling domestically and abroad, and generally anything that involves spending time outside. He has lived in Black Rock, Norwalk, Jersey City, Pittsburgh, and currently resides in Fairfield with his wife Meagan.

Kurt Wayne is a Senior Architect at Mark P. Finlay Architects, with over 25 years of experience across a broad range of project types and scales. A registered Architect in the state of Connecticut and member of the AIA, Kurt is a highly effective project manager with the ability to coordinate all project activities and build consensus among clients and contractors.  An alumnus of Greens Farms Academy in Westport, Kurt received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Lehigh University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania.  Prior to joining Mark P. Finlay Architects, Kurt worked as a project manager on commercial projects for both Gensler and Studios Architecture in New York City, and on commercial, education, and residential projects at Roger Ferris + Partners in Westport.  Kurt is a founding board member of the Stratfield Village Association in Fairfield, which facilitates community awareness and involvement in the neighborhood. Kurt lives in the Stratfield neighborhood with his wife and two children.

Fabiana moved to the US shortly after graduating from Universidad de Belgrano in Buenos Aires, Argentina where she received a Bachelor's degree in Architecture. She worked several years in New Canaan, CT for an architectural firm and then for MHH, an interior designer. She then gained experience in high-end custom residential projects at Forehand + Lake in Fairfield, CT.  She lives in Norwalk, CT with her husband and daughter.

Originally from Prospect, CT, Andrew received a Master’s degree in Architecture from Roger Williams University in 2019. Prior to starting at MFA, he worked at BSC Services, LLC in Wallingford for 6 years developing cognitive skills in commercial construction processes as well as adopting a hands-on work ethic. Andrew maintains a continuous experiential pursuit of greater knowledge and desire to create, formulating his passion for architectural design. 

Casey was born and raised in Poland, ME before moving to Bristol, RI for college, where he attended Roger Williams University. Graduating with a bachelor’s degree in Architecture and minor in Sustainability Studies, he continued on to receive master’s degree in architecture.  Upon graduation, he moved to Connecticut to work for Amenta|Emma Architects in Hartford, CT, where he worked on many higher education and mixed use projects throughout the state. Casey lives in Bethany, CT with his wife, Rachel and daughters, Finley and Avery.

Kaitlyn grew up admiring the beautiful high end residential properties in her hometown, Greenwich, CT. She enjoyed drawing and art through her young academic career which led her to study architecture. She received her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Architecture from UMass Amherst then went on to earn her Master of Architecture from Roger Williams University in 2019. Kaitlyn joined the MPFA design team in November 2021.

In her free time, she coaches a competitive travel cheer team, sees her Italian family for macaroni dinner, and hangs out with friends where she currently resides in Stamford, CT.

Born and raised in Connecticut, Antonio has appreciated architecture from a young age. He received a Master's degree in Architecture at Roger Williams University, where he also participated in the abroad program in Florence, Italy for a semester. He gained experience in multi-family housing projects at CUBE3 in Lawrence, MA, as well as Kenneth Boroson Architects (New Haven). His passion lies primarily in high end residential projects and their detail. Antonio's pastime includes playing his guitars and cooking. He also travels to Italy often to visit family and friends.

A native of Trumbull, Nicholas joined MPF in 2021. He received his M.Arch degree from Parsons School of Constructed Environments and a BA in Visual Arts from Fordham University. Prior to joining MPF, he interned for Kiss + Cathcart Architects. Nick is also an alum of Fairfield Prep, and he earned his Eagle Scout rank from local Troop 68 in 2010.

Joseph was born and raised in Lebanon where he received a bachelor’s degree in architecture. Before moving to the states, he was able to gain extensive experience in commercial, residential transportation, and mixed-use projects in the Middle East, Africa, and the Far East. He became a LEED Green Associate and proceeded his career in New York where he acquired more experience in residential designs while working for ISAAC-RAE Studio.

Joseph lives with his wife in Connecticut. Motivated by the lifelong learning experience, he is keen on sustainability practices, reading, learning more languages, photography, and sculpting.

Christian entered the architectural design industry after graduating from the University of Hartford. With a degree in Architecture and Design, he worked for a number of firms and as a freelance designer, taking pride in both his passion for his work and the people he works with. Christian joined Mark P. Finlay Architects in 2022 with the objective to build lasting relationships, expand his architectural experience and meet new challenges in the field.

In his spare time, Christian pursues his artistic ambitions by drawing comics and enjoys cooking at his home in Bridgeport

Mary Kokorda Cavazos is a Landscape Designer on the MPFA team, creating the outdoor spaces where people form their most cherished memories. Mary earned her Master of Landscape Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a BA in Environmental Studies from the University of Vermont. She views Landscape Architecture as the confluence of ecology, design, and human experience. Over the past several years she has worked for an engineering firm, a plant nursery, and as a landscape designer for Pellettieri Associates in New Hampshire, developing concepts and planting plans for lakefront vacation homes. She is thrilled to be back in Fairfield County where she grew up. Mary enjoys painting, cooking, exploring walking trails, and fishing - all activities that inform her relationship to the landscape. She and her husband live in Monroe with their family.

A ten year veteran of MPF Interiors, Alexandra Varvoglis is responsible for the design and production of several residential and commercial projects.  Her expertise and attention to detail is displayed throughout each phase of the design process from start to finish. She attended Drexel University in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, and graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design.  During her studies, she had the unique opportunity to travel to Italy, England, and France to study textile factories and architecture, and interned at DAS Architects in Philadelphia.  Alexandra then returned to her home state of Connecticut to accept a position at MPF Interiors.  Her inspiration in becoming an interior designer was to follow in her mother’s creative footsteps.

Tugce was born in Turkey and moved to the U.S. at the age of 16, she now lives in Fairfield, CT. She attended University of Bridgeport and completed her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and also has an Associate degree in Architecture. Tugce’s internship alongside her professor specialized in residential projects. After graduating with Summa cum laude, she worked as a lighting designer and has been in luxury residential interior design for 5+ years. Tugce’s experience with MPF Interiors involves incorporating her stylish touch into commercial projects along with high end residential, both locally and internationally. Her love for interior design started at an early age when she would travel to Ankara with her mom and was inspired by the textiles and handmade Turkish rugs. With a love for antiquing and fashion, weekends are usually spent shopping and finding new antique markets to visit.

Joining Mark Finlay Architects in the fall of 2017, Alex is native to upstate New York where she graduated from Skidmore College in Saratoga Springs with a Bachelor’s degree in Business and Economics. Immediately following graduation, she moved to Los Angeles where she was right hand to Christine London, a high-end Landscape Designer in Beverly Hills. Her passion for architecture and design has shaped the make-up of her work experience, ranging from a luxury furniture showroom to real estate here in Fairfield. Moving back east to be closer to family, she now lives in Black Rock, Connecticut.

Aggie moved to CT from Buenos Aires, Argentina shortly after graduating from St. Paul’s College, a private bilingual British school. She then attended Western Connecticut State University to obtain a degree in Business Administration, after which she began her 21 yearlong Bookkeeping career at a high-end Interior Design/Home furnishing company in Fairfield County, CT. She lives in Trumbull with her daughter Emily.

Emma joins the MPF team after several years of leadership in the retail and fitness industries. A native of Northford, CT, she attended the University of Connecticut where she earned a bachelor’s degree in general studies with a concentration in Health & Society. Her previous experience involves managing teams and liaising with clientele, which informs her work as the primary point of contact for MPF. Emma currently resides in Hamden, CT, and when she isn’t in the office she enjoys time at the gym and on walking trails.

Growing up in Connecticut, Dazjon’s passion for creating came about from a young age. Inspired by the classical and contemporary styles of houses along the Long Island Sound, he began a course towards a career within the design field. His appreciation for architecture and interior design introduced him to MPF Architects, starting as a recurring intern. In his role as Studio Assistant, he supports the team wherever possible, in architecture, interiors or general office work. Dazjon’s involvement in all branches of the firm fosters his ability to learn and understand the many facets of the design industry. Outside the office, Dazjon continues taking architecture classes at a local CT college and continues to pursue his design career ambitions.