About Verdant Studio
Who We Are
Jessica Hester founded Verdant Studio for two reasons: to create places people love; and to make sure every person feels valued where they work.
During her senior year of college, Jessica was interning at a local architecture firm. She was thrilled to be accepted into a top graduate program. While her colleagues were supportive, the firm’s owner publicly questioned her decision, remarking dismissively that her place was “in the kitchen.” Jessica’s resolve only grew, turning this painful moment into a source of strength and determination—one that would shape the culture of Verdant and inspire other women in the industry.
Today, Verdant Studio is the largest solely woman-owned firm in Arkansas. We are a collective of designers, consultants, project managers, administrators, and creatives who work together every day to realize the vision of creating places people love in Northwest Arkansas and beyond.
Our Team
Verdant Studio is fond of Arthur Gensler’s “constellation of stars” approach to team-building. Our successes are collective, and our projects reflect the diverse expertise of our team. We value strong client relationships, we enjoy creating together, and we live deliberately. Meet our team of brilliant stars!
Jessica Hester
CEO + Principal Architect
AIA | NCARB | LEED AP
Dayton Castleman
Director of Creative Placemaking + Artist Lead
Jay Hill
Director of Operations
Casey Weatherford
Director of Marketing
Casey is an Arkansas native whose work connects people to stories, ideas, and each other. She is interested in creative pursuits that make space for all people. Leading with curiosity and wholeheartedness, Casey’s marketing prowess lies in her keen ability to use the power of images and words to activate people around things that matter. She is a design thinker who enjoys solving human-centered problems, as well as a writer and avid reader who loves a good story.
After receiving her Bachelor of Arts in English and Communication from Lambuth University, Casey held a rewarding marketing role at an architecture firm in Memphis, then set off on an adventurous few years as a touring singer-songwriter, transplant to Edinburgh, Scotland, and creative freelancer. Her agency Kind Creative Co. worked with companies and organizations on brand strategy, messaging, identity design, and web design until she joined the Verdant Studio team in 2024.
Casey is also co-founder of Beer & Hymns, a nonprofit that brings people together to raise their glasses, raise their voices, and raise money for Northwest Arkansas charities.
She is a born optimist who sees the good and imagines the best. She loves gathering around a table, singing, cycling, sunny days, and traveling to new places. Casey lives in Bentonville with her husband Ken, two blue-eyed boys, and the friendliest Goldendoodle on the planet.
Casey Weatherford
Director of Marketing
A native of Northwest Arkansas, Jessica loves shaping the built environment in ways that elevate the quality of life for the many communities Verdant Studio serves. A Placemaker at heart, she is a licensed Realtor and an active member of the NWA chapter of the Urban Land Institute focused on building a Women’s Leadership Initiative. In the studio, she thrives at the collaborative intersection of research, analysis, design, and technical expertise.
After graduating from the University of Oklahoma with a Bachelor of Architecture she earned a Master of Science in Design Research at the University of Michigan's Taubman College of Architecture and Design. She co-founded an architecture practice in Rome, Georgia selling that in 2016 to return Northwest Arkansas. After a brief stint as the University of Arkansas Community Design Center's staff architect, she founded Verdant Studio.
Jessica’s creative entrepreneurial vision is driven by her love of critical thinking, organizational management, and the communication strategies necessary to deliver superb, on-budget solutions for Verdant Studio’s clients. Jessica is a registered architect in Arkansas and Oklahoma and her professional affiliations include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), The National Association of Realtors, The Urban Land Institute (ULI) - NWA Board Member, and the Congress for New Urbanism.
When she’s not at the office you can find her on the back porch with her dog Lucy, drinking wine and listening to folk music, or cooking dinner with her husband Chris.
Jessica Hester
CEO + Principal Architect, AIA | NCARB | LEED AP
Jay brings a wealth of experience and a deep commitment to community development and operational management. Originally from Fort Smith, Arkansas, Jay relocated to Northwest Arkansas in 2023, captivated by its lively community and outdoor recreational opportunities.
Jay holds a degree in Construction Science from the University of Oklahoma, which has equipped him with a robust understanding of construction management and project execution. With over 15 years of experience in architectural firm operations and ownership, Jay has successfully overseen a diverse array of projects, ranging from residential developments to commercial ventures.
Growing up in an architectural household, Jay developed a profound appreciation for innovative design and sustainable building practices, and his father founded several firms. This background has fueled his passion for finding housing solutions and addressing the pressing issue of affordable housing in communities.
Outside of his professional pursuits, Jay is actively involved in the community and serves on the Board of Hollyhock Montessori School in Fort Smith, where he applies his expertise in facilities management and strategic planning. He enjoys an active lifestyle, engaging in cycling, rock climbing, hiking, backpacking, and skiing adventures with his wife and daughter.
Driven by his commitment to making a positive impact, Jay leverages his skills and passion to drive operational excellence and forge partnerships that foster sustainable growth and community resilience.
Jay Hill
Director of Operations
Dayton loves spaces where humans, art, and built environments interact, and he enjoys discovering ways to amplify those interactions and deepen their meaning. Growing up in New Orleans he enjoyed the urban theatricality of the Crescent City, and since then his educational and professional pursuits in visual art have taken him to Mississippi, Philadelphia, Chicago, and finally to northwest Arkansas.
Dayton holds his Bachelors of Art in Art with a painting concentration from Belhaven University and a Master of Fine Arts in sculpture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago. While in Philadelphia he founded a collective studio space for artists, and he was on the art and design faculty at a small suburban Chicago college for four years following grad school. In 2012 he moved to Bentonville, Arkansas, working in a bike shop, as a museum educator, museum manager, independent curator, and artist. His artwork and installations in both galleries and public spaces have been presented across the United States and in Europe.
He brings a keen historical knowledge, an interest in research, and wide-ranging experiences is the visual arts ecosystem to the integration of art and architecture, as well as the application of creative thinking strategies to site-branding, experience architecture, visual design, and art consultation.
An avid cyclist, Dayton lives in Rogers, Arkansas with his wife of 24 years and their three children.
Dayton Castleman
Director of Creative Placemaking + Artist Lead
Christy is a multi-disciplined designer with nearly three decades of experience. Her expertise spans architecture, graphic design, branding, and product design.
She embarked on her career journey at Rabun Architects, where she dedicated over 15 years honing her skills and becoming a Senior Project Designer. Notable projects in her portfolio include the Westin Birmingham, Marriott Buckhead, Emory Conference Center Hotel, and St. Regis Atlanta. Throughout her career, Christy has worked on schematic design of hundreds of hospitality projects and been a hands-on design/build lead for several residential renovations.
In 2017, Christy discovered a newfound passion for knitting as a means to quiet her busy mind. Despite initial skepticism, her knitting endeavors evolved into a successful knitted accessory brand. From initial concept to the first sale, she personally crafted every aspect, including designs, packaging, promotional materials, and establishing a strong social media presence. Along the way, Christy delved into raw material sourcing, collaborated with factories, and innovated communication strategies to overcome language barriers.
While her heart remains devoted to architecture, Christy finds inspiration drawn from her extensive design background. In her free time, she has discovered a passion for digital arts and created a series of characters that represented her emotions in 2020. She is also working on a series of historic maps of intown Atlanta neighborhoods.
Christy Hall
Senior Project Designer
Kevin holds a Bachelor of Science and Architectural Studies from Oklahoma State University, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas.
Working as a licensed architect across the country for over 28 years, he has a wide array of experience on thousands of projects. This time in the field has allowed him to gain an excellent working knowledge of the IBC and ADAAG. He is highly skilled in the design process, from residential alterations to moderately sized commercial and institutional ground-up buildings.
Kevin holds licensure in every state excluding Alaska but including Washington D.C., and his professional affiliations include the American Institute of Architects (AIA), and The National Council of Architectural Review Board (NCARB).
His love of architecture was born helping his father design and build an addition on their Ozark cabin that would become the family home. Kevin still loves looking and listening carefully in order to apply thoughtful solutions to project design challenges. He is a gardener, an amateur landscaper, enjoys hiking, looking at maps, sports, and doodling, among many other pursuits.
Kevin L. Cooper
Program Lead, Proto,
AIA | NCARB
Kaily initially joined our team in January 2023 as our Executive Administrator. With a proven commitment to the growth and development of others, Kaily brings a unique mix of experience, including servant leadership, organizational management, process improvement, and change management. Kaily also lends her creative skills to the team to support collaboration and downright fun.
Originally from Phoenix, AZ, Kaily graduated Summa Cum Laude from Grand Canyon University with her Bachelor of Science in Business Administration. Before Verdant, she was in analytics at PepsiCo, where she gained extensive knowledge in Supply Chain, but learned that the corporate environment was not where she wanted her career to continue. At Verdant, she is most excited to learn more about design to satisfy her creative side, and to contribute to the team in a big way.
Recently married in October 2022, she met her husband in Phoenix, who convinced her that NWA was the place to be, so they relocated in 2019 and haven't looked back. Kaily enjoys NWA so much, she convinced her parents to retire here, with her siblings trailing right behind. Kaily and her husband welcomed their first baby girl in July 2023.
In her downtime, Kaily enjoys watching her daughter learn and grow, exploring all that NWA has to offer with her husband, hiking, reading, hosting themed parties, shopping, and enjoying a glass of mead. She also contributes to charitable events for such organizations as the NWA Children's Shelter and Junior League of NWA by providing her skills in bespoke balloon installations.
Kaily Tran
Director of Finance + Human Resources
Jason comes to Verdant with over two decades of experience in architecture. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana Tech University and an Associates Degree in Computer Drafting from Southern Arkansas University Tech. Jason has worked on a wide range of project types, including large and small-scale commercial, residential, and mass retail architecture. Most recently, he has managed such high-profile projects in Northwest Arkansas as Crystal Bridges Museum of American Art, XNA Airport Expansion, Rogers High School Competition Gym, and Arkansas State Police Troop L Headquarters in Lowell.
Jason's passion for architecture began in childhood when he spent summer breaks pretending to be an architect, creating home designs as if running a business. He gained hands-on construction experience from his grandfather, learning to build and construct. During his college years, Jason worked in construction, gaining knowledge in general construction, plumbing, and various materials. He also honed new skills through project design and design-build courses.
After graduating in 2002, Jason's love for Northwest Arkansas laid the foundation for his professional career. His initial projects ranged from a mid-rise, 9-story commercial office building to custom-designed new urbanism rowhomes, custom residences, and numerous local businesses. Throughout his career, Jason has managed and led teams on projects both locally and nationwide. At Verdant, he brings detailed constructability and design experience, along with his leadership skills.
Jason is an Arkansas native with a deep love for the state’s natural beauty and a passion for outdoor adventure: camping, hiking, and the overlanding lifestyle. Jason and his wife Kate are avid content creators who share footage and photos of their adventures in Arkansas and beyond.
Jason Adams
SeniorArchitect,
AIA | NCARB
Ian Booth, Drafter, began his career in construction, building everything from concrete foundations, to wall-framing, roofs and interior finishes. This hands-on experience gave him a grounded understanding of the construction on process, terminology, and practices, something he brings to every project as a drafter.
Ian’s portfolio includes 3D Models, floor plans, and a variety of detail drawings, for both residential and commercial projects, including public and municipal buildings in healthcare, education, and stadiums.
Ian says he really enjoys being in the industry, particularly as a draftsman, because he finds fulfillment in contributing towards making a better community for others.
For fun, Ian enjoys travel with his wife, exploring around the United States and abroad. He is also working on becoming a certified personal trainer.
Ian Booth
Drafter
Randy Gentz is a native of Minnesota, but has called Northwest Arkansas home for nearly 30 years. He has over 24 years of experience in project management in the architecture / retail design industry.
Randy started his career in engineering, but was drawn to the creative, fast-paced side of architecture project management. He enjoys thinking on his feet and problem-solving. One of Randy’s strengths is juggling many things at once, and he is fueled by the challenge of overseeing multiple projects at different stages.
Randy and his wife Karen have a blended family of five adult kids. He enjoys running, biking, hiking, hunting, and working outdoors with family and friends.
Randy Gentz
Senior Project Manager
Abby grew up in Memphis, Tennessee where historic sites, live music and great food were the backdrop to her childhood. Through sitting at the dining table drawing houses in her neighborhood and rebuilding homes affected by Hurricane Katrina one summer, her mind was set on pursuing an education in Architecture. This brought her to the University of Arkansas where she graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Fay Jones School of Architecture & Design. There, she evolved her passion for emergency architecture and cultivated an appreciation for regionalism and implementing inclusive practices in the design world. She strives to utilize sustainable practices in her designs and is constantly looking towards new and innovative ways to produce new ideas.
Her love for design expands beyond the realm of Architecture and bleeds into any creative form possible: fabrication, art installations, drawing & painting, graphic design, cinematography, and music. In her free time she is usually reading, baking, or starting another design project for her home.
In the summer of 2020 she joined Verdant Studio, where her primary tasks are design and documentation of projects, ranging from single-family residential to commercial projects, and coordination with clients and consultants. She also works on competitions and installation/placemaking projects, and when she can, helps with marketing and graphic design for the company.
Abby Critselous
Project Manager
Ani is a recent graduate of the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, Class of 2023, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture with a minor Minor in Sustainability. During her undergraduate experience she also found a passion for education, and for her Honors Capstone Project, Ani researched, designed, and built an architectural building block activity for young children to exercise creative thinking and problem solving.
On the Verdant Studio team, Ani is excited to expand her knowledge of turning design ideas into resilient built environments for people to enjoy. She is interested in the human scale of architecture, including housing and community-based projects.
During her free time, Ani likes to cook and host friends to share food with – especially at outdoor venues such as Beaver Lake and Lake Fort Smith!
Ani Sudhakaran
Architectural Designer
Tony brings over 28 years of drafting and project management experience to Verdant Studio. He has enjoyed drafting everything from mechanical parts and assemblies to residential and commercial glazing and design. As a major projects manager, he has been involved in such high profile projects as Lucas Oil Stadium (Home of the Indianapolis Colts), Kauffman Stadium (Home of the Kansas City Royals), and Charles Schwab Field (Home of the College Baseball World Series).
Tony was born and raised in Northwest Arkansas. His father and both grandfathers were master electricians, so he grew up working in and around various types of construction, including remodels and upgrades to Old Main at the University of Arkansas and the VA Medical Center in Fayetteville.
In his personal life, Tony enjoys outdoor activities like exploring remote places in his Jeep Gladiator, camping, kayaking, hiking and documenting those experiences with his wife of 30+ years, their 14 year old daughter, and their two dogs.
Tony Cress
Project Coordinator
Vera is based in Simpsonville, South Carolina. Originally from Brooklyn, New York, she has lived across the United States and abroad in La Rochelle, France, where she became fluent in French. Cantonese is her first language, learned during her upbringing. With a diverse background in retail, clothing, and costume design, Vera brings a wealth of experience to Verdant Studio. She holds a degree in Consumer Economics from Cornell University and a degree in Retail Merchandising from the Fashion Institute of Technology. Outside of work, Vera enjoys tennis, achieving State-level success with her team this past Spring, and recently took up Pickleball with her husband, Phillip. They also indulge in Shag dancing weekly. Vera is enthusiastic about collaborating with the talented team at Verdant Studio, aiming to inspire others with her positive outlook and attitude.