Congratulations Alanna and Joel!
We’re thrilled to announce the promotions of Alanna Jaworski to Associate Principal and Joel VanderWeele to Senior Associate.
Alanna Jaworski, Associate Principal
Senior Associate Alanna Jaworski has been promoted to Associate Principal at Union Studio Architecture & Community Design. During her tenure with the firm, she has been at the forefront of some of its most meaningful affordable and supportive housing work, demonstrating exceptional range and dedication across projects that demand both technical rigor and deep sensitivity to the people they serve.
Alanna played a central role in Union’s first affordable passive house project, helping establish the firm as a leader in high-performance, energy-efficient housing for underserved communities. She has since earned her Certified Passive House Consultant credential, further deepening the sustainable design expertise she brings to the firm. Her work on the Island Autism Center at Child Farm on Martha’s Vineyard — a supportive housing community creating a new model for residential life for adults on the autism spectrum — reflects the care and innovation she brings to every project.
Beyond her project work, Alanna brings that same spirit of service to mentoring young women through Union’s Sisters School partnership in Providence and volunteering with the Spring of Hope School in Siem Reap, Cambodia. Her promotion to Associate Principal reflects both her technical expertise and the trust and admiration she has earned from clients and colleagues alike.
Alanna received her Bachelor of Architecture, summa cum laude, from the Pratt Institute.
Joel VanderWeele, Senior Associate
Associate Joel VanderWeele has been promoted to Senior Associate at Union Studio Architecture & Community Design. Since joining the firm, he has led multiple acclaimed affordable housing projects in and around Providence, demonstrating exceptional leadership in urban infill design and community-centered development.
A self-described generalist who uses design at all scales to create and sustain walkable, mixed-use neighborhoods with an enduring sense of place, Joel is particularly drawn to urban infill projects for their ability to contribute to great streets. He has successfully led significant projects at Union, including Ivy Place in East Providence, the Residences at Riverside Square in Riverside, Rhode Island, and the restoration and renovation of DownCity Design in Providence — earning respect not just for the quality of his design but for the collaborative, thoughtful way he brings clients and partners along through the process.
Joel is deeply invested in the Providence community and has been a consistent advocate for equity and community vitality, both inside the office and beyond. His promotion to Senior Associate reflects both his design leadership and his ability to foster strong, lasting client and community partnerships.
Joel graduated from Houghton College with a Bachelor of Arts, magna cum laude, and the University of Notre Dame with master’s degrees in Architecture and Urban Design.
“Alanna and Joel represent the bright future ahead for Union. They’ve not only been instrumental to our firm’s current success, they’re also recognized as advocates for what our office aspires to be in the years to come. Their work, good humor, and commitment to community enrichment reflect the very best of who Union strives to be. We’re grateful for all they’ve given to this work, and proud to have them helping lead Union into 2026 and beyond.”
— Donald Powers and Douglas Kallfelz, Senior Partners