Reflecting its growth and increasing global presence, award-winning architecture and interior design firm, CetraRuddy, has announced several new promotions and hires for key design positions. The most recent changes include Branko Potocnik, NCIDQ, who was named Senior Associate, and newly elevated to Associate three people: Kevin Lee, AIA, Erica LiBritz, AIA,
LEED AP, and Sodam Ha, LEED AP ID+C.
“These practitioners represent a new generation of leadership in architecture and interiors for CetraRuddy, and their combined experience underscores the value we add for all our clients,” said Nancy J. Ruddy, cofounder and managing principal. “These are talented design professionals who understand how intellectually crafted projects, unique design sensitivity and resourcefulness add to our commitment to client objectives.”
About the Designers:
Kevin Lee, AIA, Associate With over 15 years of experience designing residential and mixed-use buildings, Mr. Lee is regarded as a talented, resourceful designer who brings exceptional problemsolving skills and an effective approach to complex and challenging design briefs with
particular proficiency at developing expressive design concepts. A multifaceted designer, he employs a variety of media and conceptual tools to explore design options and develop a clear direction for the overarching design concept for each project.
Recent CetraRuddy projects Lee has worked on as senior architectural designer include the tower at 242 West 53rd Street and the project 202 Eighth Street. Formerly with Richard Meier & Partners Architects, Mr. Lee studied at Columbia University, School of Architecture, where he earned a Master of Architecture. Prior, he had studied at University of California, Berkeley, in the College of Letters and Science.
Branko Potocnik, NCIDQ, Senior Associate Educated in Belgrade, Serbia, Branko Potocnik is a Senior Interior Architect and core member of the CetraRuddy design team. With more than 20 years of experience in the field, Mr. Potocnik has extensive experience with high-concept luxury projects including hotels, retail spaces, restaurants, spas and housing. His involvement is extensive throughout all stages of programming, space planning, and the selection and specification of materials, finishes and furniture. Potocnik is valued for working closely with the architectural teams at CetraRuddy to develop integrated solutions utilizing innovative materials that boost design integrity.
Recent significant projects for Mr. Potocnik include his work as senior interior architect on the Galleria Hotel in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia, SushiSamba London, and Bocce Bar in Miami. His education includes a Bachelor of Interior Architecture in theFaculty of Applied Arts and Design at Belgrade’s University of Arts.
Erica LiBritz, AIA, Leed AP, AssociateWith valuable experience completing zoning and feasibility studies for various projects in the New York City area, Ms. LiBritz has extensive knowledge of the ULURP process and has designed and facilitated presentations for Community Boards and the City Planning Commission. Her involvement in the rezoning of Greenpoint,  rooklyn’s 77 Commercial Street development has been instrumental in the project’s approval. Her previous experience includes work on various large scale developments in New York City which included ULURP, BSA, Landmark cases, and zoning analysis. She also played an active role as project manager on the residential rentals project at 546 West 44th street in Manhattan and 77 Commercial Street, both of which include affordable housing components. LiBritz earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.
Sodam Ha, LEED AP ID+C, Associate, Ms. Ha earned a Master of Science in Interior Design from Pratt Institute’s School of Art and Design in New York City as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Sung Kyun Kwan University in Seoul, Korea, before joining CetraRuddy in 2007. With her dual degree in Interior Design and Architecture, Ha is adept at visualizing the connection between the exterior and interior features of a project, which is essential to CetraRuddy’s integrated approach.
Ms. Ha also has extensive knowledge and interest in sustainable design approaches, and she is particularly experienced in the selection of green materials and fixtures. Working closely with the architectural teams at CetraRuddy, her involvement is in all stages of programming, space planning, and the selection of materials, finishes and furniture to develop solutions that utilize innovative materials and sustainability approaches that strengthen design integrity. With a growing specialization in residential, corporate, retail and institutional projects, Ha has recently worked on the River & Warren development, the 135 W 52nd Street development and the Bancroft Hall Renovation at Teachers College, Columbia University, each in the capacity of Senior Interior Designer.
About CetraRuddy:  Established in 1987, CetraRuddy Architecture is an international award-winning architecture, planning and interior design firm driven by design excellence and the desire to create one-of-a-kind architectural experiences. Intellectually crafted projects are developed with a unique design sensitivity, resourcefulness and commitment to client objectives. Throughout the United States and abroad, CetraRuddy applies a problem-solving approach to projects across various sectors including hospitality, education, cultural and commercial.
Notable work for the Firm includes the design of mixed-use residential projects that incorporate innovative design solutions, offering a new approach to affordable housing. With more than 25 years of experience, founding principals John Cetra and Nancy Ruddy are joined by principals Eugene Flotteron and John Curtis; associate principals Theresa Genovese, Joseph Jebran, Ximena Rodriguez, and Michael Simon and a staff of 80 talented professionals. Working together, they contribute their sophisticated understanding of programming, planning, technology and construction to each of the firm’s projects, developing technically excellent and innovative designs and providing an unparalleled level of service.