Miner Feinstein Architects
Our Company History
Since the firm began, we have created and completed 6,000+ dwelling units.
Founded by Alan Miner and Marc Feinstein in 2008, Miner Feinstein has evolved to a mid-sized firm. We are passionate about what we do and every project we touch, but our clients are the heart and soul of every design…and we are forever grateful for their continued business.
MFA understands that the agency funding an application is the initial step to developing a great project. In that respect, we have worked with all the local funding agencies including DC DHCD, Virginia Housing, Maryland CDA, among others.
We have also successfully completed complicated hybrid CDA/HUD funding applications, where expertise in understanding the HUD MAP Program is essential.
AIA, LEED AP, Principal
Alan Miner
Alan graduated from University of Michigan with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture (1992) and a Master of Architecture (1995). He worked at Wiencek & Associates, focusing on affordable housing since 1997. Alan served on the City of Frederick Historic Preservation Commission from 2015-2018, the City of Brunswick Planning Commission 2021-2023, and is currently on the City of Brunswick Preservation & Revitalization Committee from 2019-2025. Alan is part of the International Code Council (ICC), the National Fire Protection Association (NFPA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Outside of work you will find Alan hanging with his wife Jennifer and kids Ailee, Daniel, and Kate. Alan is an official for USA Swimming, Frederick Summer Swim League, and assists with Frederick County interscholastic swimming. His free time is spent at swim meets or LAX games.
AIA, LEED AP, Principal
Marc Feinstein
Along with Alan, Marc founded Miner Feinstein Architects in 2008. Prior to that, Marc worked at Wiencek & Associates, world renowned architect Hugh Newell Jacobsen, Still & Svitchen, and Smolen Emr & Associates. A 1994 graduate of the University of Pennsylvania with a MArch from Texas A&M in 1997, Marc is a recognized expert in affordable multifamily housing design. He is also a Commissioner on the City of Gaithersburg Historic District Commission and the 2024 President-Elect of the Potomac Valley chapter of the AIA. When not working, Marc enjoys spending time with his wife Jen and following his two sons Justin and Andrew around the country, all while trying to improve his terrible golf game.
Project Manager
Elizabeth Chan
Elizabeth graduated from Temple University in 2013 with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Since then, she’s worked in educational design, kitchen and bath design, project management, and operating a remodeling business. Elizabeth is a NCIDQ certified interior designer and Vice President on the board of the Professional Women in Building in Frederick, in affiliation with the Frederick County Builder Industry Association. Outside of work, Elizabeth enjoys participating in sports like hiking, biking, tennis, and paddleboarding –and she’s usually doing those activities with her husband, two kids, and two dogs in tow.
Project Manager
James Frazier
James has been with Miner Feinstein Architects for over six years. He has his Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from the University of Maryland, College Park. He specializes in urban design, planning, and graphic design. James isa member of the NAACP and the Allegany Arts Council. His current projects include building new townhomes, senior living facilities, and multi-family apartments.
Project Manager
Tai Siegall
Tai has been with Miner Feinstein Architects for over four years. She has her Associate of Applied Science in Computer-Aided Design Technology Area of Concentration with STEM Technology. She also has a bachelor’s degree in Project Management within Management Studies and a bachelor’s degree in General Studies. Tai got her start as a project intern at MK Concrete Construction before coming to Miner Feinstein Architects. She has worked on a diverse range of projects including new construction and existing rehabilitations. She has experience with multi-family design, affordable housing, event space, adaptive reuse and renovation.
Assoc. AIA, Project Manager
Hamid Soltani
Hamid has 30+ years of experience as an Architect, with a wide range of expertise in multi-family, mixed-use, high-rise, mid-rise, commercial, and office buildings with an emphasis on the technical nuances of today’s complex structures. He is outstanding in the design development arena. He is fast, knowledgeable, thoughtful, and thorough. His knowledge of construction techniques and experience with Quality Control is unmatched. During his free time, Hamid likes to boat in Lake Anna and spend time with his first grandson (you can be sure to find a picture of him on Hamid’s screensaver…on all of his devices).
Project Manager
Carey Thomas
Carey Thomas has been with Miner Feinstein Architects since 2016 but has been working professionally in design and construction since 2002. She holds a degree from the New York School of Interior Design. She is skilled in architectural design and construction administration of multi-family affordable housing, high-end residential, hospitality, restaurant, warehouse conversion, and special events. Her professional experience includes appearing as a construction and interior design expert on national TV. Under the name Carey Evans, she hosted segments on innovative solution-based projects and interior design for HGTV and Scripps Network. Her work was showcased on television episodes of “Don’t Sweat It,” “My First Place,” “Freestyle” and “Closet Cases” running from 2006 to 2012. After eleven years living in the fast pace of New York City, she enjoys being a part of the local Frederick community where she and her husband raise their three active children.
NCIDQ, Interior Design Manager
Caitlyn Baumanis
Caitlyn has been with MFA since 2018 after graduating from The Art Institute of Tampa in 2017 with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design and became a NCIDQ certified interior designer in 2024. Caitlyn specializes in furniture, fixtures, and equipment (FF&E), manages and oversees installations and making finish selections, while managing construction administration. Her current projects include multi-family apartments, senior living facilities and creating FF&E packages for some local properties. On weekends, you can find her outside at local parks and trails with her husband, child, and dog!
Assoc. AIA, LEED Green Associate, Job Captain
Nicholas DiBella
Nicholas DiBella has worked at Miner Feinstein Architects for over five years, working on notable projects such as Snowden’s Ridge and Sligo. He earned his Associate of Arts (2016) at Frederick Community College and got his start in the architecture industry as a draftsman doing commercial interiors from 2018 to 2019. He went onto earn his Bachelor of Arts (2020) and his Master’s (2022) in Architecture at the University of Maryland. While there, he received the 2022 AIA Maryland Design Excellence Student Jury Citation for his comprehensive studio design for his proposed redesign of the Assateague State Park day-use building. Most recently, Nick was selected by the AIA Potomac Valley Chapter as a Winner of the 2024 Emerging Professional Awards Program, which has supported his professional growth and involvement in the AIA.
Architectural Staff
Samuel Agyako-Wiredu
Samuel Agyako-Wiredu graduated from the University of Maryland, College Park, in May 2024 with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. He began his journey at Miner Feinstein Architects as an intern and transitioned to a full-time position upon graduation. Samuel brings a strong passion for drafting and graphic design to his role, enriching the creative aspects of architectural projects. When he’s not at the office, Samuel enjoys building intricate puzzles, taking walks, and honing in on his creative skills by illustrating.
Architectural Staff
Hamed Balsani
Hamed earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Applied Science and Technology in Tehran and a Master’s degree in Architecture from the Azad University of Tehran in 2017. Hamed started his career in architecture at Archome in Tehran and joined MFA in September 2022. Hamed enjoys sketching and spending time with his wife Mary and daughter Luna.
Architectural Staff
Kimberly Johnson
Kimberly recently graduated from Marywood University with a bachelor’s in interior architecture. She has worked on projects including Creekside Village, Tuckahoe Gardens, and Green Valley Apartments. In her free time, she enjoys drawing, painting, and spending time with friends and family.
Architectural Staff
Chenyang Li
Chenyang (Chaney) started at Miner Feinstein Architects in June 2022. Since then she has been working on projects including Rhode Island Avenue, Tillman and Evergreen Phase II. She graduated from the University of Pennsylvania with a Master’s degree in EBD (Environmental Building Design) in May 2022 and earned a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the North China University of Technology. She enjoys outdoor activities and sports, such as hiking, swimming, and skiing. She also has a great passion for cooking and baking.
Architectural Staff
Ruodan Qiu
Ruodan graduated from the Pratt Institute with a Master of Architecture degree in May 2023 and earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Parsons’ The New School of Design in May 2020. She joined Miner Feinstein Architects in 2023, and before that, worked with an individual architect on residential houses and landmark sculptures. Outside of work, Ruodan is interested in digital arts and 3D CG models, and she spends most of her leisure time building those skills.
Architectural Staff
Nichelle Rahming-Williams
Nichelle Rahming started at Miner Feinstein Architects in June 2022 as a summer intern, shifting to full-time in 2024. She graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and minors in sustainability and nonprofit management. Nichelle is a LEED GA. Since then, she has been working on existing rehabilitation projects such as Rollingwood Apartments and various sites in Washington, D.C. Currently, she is working to get her Master of Architecture and Master of Community Planning.
Bookkeeper
Kim Kimnach
Kim has been with Miner Feinstein since March of 2023 working in the capacity of all things Accounting including Project Invoicing, Contractor Payables, Payroll and all General Ledger Bookkeeping. After 16 years with a Bethesda based Real Estate development and property management company followed by 15 years at a Rockville Non-Profit Kim launched an LLC providing Accounting and Bookkeeping services for several small businesses with Miner Feinstein her largest client. Kim lives in Mount Airy where she enjoys her 2 adult children, their spouses and 7 wonderful grandchildren ranging from 10 years old to 9 months.
Office Manager
Aleetalynn Schenesky
Aleetalynn spent over 25 years working in the telecom and Internet Infrastructure industry as an analyst for marketing and strategy. She joined Miner Feinstein Architects in 2023 in a Construction Administration and Marketing capacity after moving to downtown Frederick. She has a BA in Political Science and a MA in International Affairs. Outside of work she enjoys reading, writing, hiking, gardening, and yoga and is looking forward to renovating her historic home.