Revel Architecture & Design (Revel) announces the promotion of five team members, Courtney Read, Wes Herr, Sashi Murthy, Candace Chan, and Petch Somsakul, to the newly created role of Associate
The announcement comes as Revel reflects on more than 30 years of design excellence and continued firm growth. “The new role is an intentional step in expanding Revel’s leadership with individuals who bring diverse experiences, perspectives, and geographic insight to serve our clients,” said President Scott Clement. “Each of them reflects the very best of Revel—thoughtful, dedicated, and deeply aligned with our values.”
“This transition is a celebration of where we’ve been and where we’re going,” said CEO Gary Nichols. “We’re proud that all five Associates are established Revelers who have earned the trust and respect of our teams by stepping up as leaders over the years.”
The Associate role underscores Revel’s commitment to developing leadership from within and fostering a forward-thinking structure that supports the long-term success of the firm. Each Associate has played a role in shaping Revel’s culture, vision, and work. Their promotion is both a recognition of their past impact and a strategic move toward the future to strengthen the leadership teams in Revel’s San Francisco, Los Angeles, and Austin offices.
Sarah Devine, Managing Principal of Revel’s Los Angeles studio congratulated the new Associates, “We don’t just say ‘Our people make the difference,’ we believe in it. The voices of these five individuals will continue to shape Revel for decades.”
This advancement also positions Revel on a path toward becoming a majority woman-owned firm—an important step in creating a more inclusive and representative future for the A/E/C industry. In 2025, Revel marks three milestones: 30 years in San Francisco, five years in Los Angeles, and three years in Austin.
about the associates:
courtney read
As the Managing Director of Revel’s Austin office, Courtney leads with a sharp focus on detail, quality, efficiency, and building strong client relationships. She joined Revel in 2022 as a Senior Designer and Project Manager and was promoted to Managing Director in 2024. Courtney holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design with a minor in Business Administration from Texas State University.
Courtney is proud of the dynamic and talented team she has helped build in Austin, often referring to it as the “personality office” for its personable, creative, and outspoken culture. “Everyone has a voice here, and I don’t ever want to lose that,” she emphasizes. While the Austin office is still in its early stages, she’s thrilled by how competitive they’ve become alongside larger firms in the area. Looking ahead, Courtney is excited to strengthen connections with Revel’s powerhouse teams in San Francisco and Los Angeles, eager to collaborate and share ideas across state lines.
wes herr, AIA, NCARB
Wes joined Revel’s San Francisco office in 2019 as a Job Captain and steadily took on additional responsibilities as he transitioned to a Project Manager / Project Architect and now Associate. In 2020, Wes moved to Los Angeles to support the firm’s expansion in Southern California. He is a key contributor to Revel’s most challenging projects and brings a deep understanding of design intricacies, building codes, and the permitting process.
“Given the range of building types, the age of structures, and the unique character of each neighborhood, design in Los Angeles is anything but straightforward,” Wes commented. “Each project is a bit of a puzzle, and I find real satisfaction in identifying solutions that remove roadblocks as we move through the design process.”
In his new role as Associate, Wes will collaborate with firm leadership to hone Revel’s business practices, bringing fresh energy and perspective as part of a broader, more diverse leadership team. Wes is a member of the American Institute of Architects and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, with minors in Industrial Design and Architectural History, from Georgia Institute of Technology.
sashi murthy, AIA
Since joining Revel’s San Francisco team in 2015, Sashi has completed or orchestrated design work on numerous Revel projects, serving as a Project Architect since 2021. In 2022, Sashi was selected by the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) as a Ones to Watch Scholar to participate in a two-year leadership development training program, completed in 2024.
“I really enjoy my role on Revel projects. I get to work with incredibly talented people and closely engage with our clients. It also allows me to focus on the project as a whole and support my colleagues in their professional development.”
Sashi is particularly excited to be working as a team with the other Associates. “Revel’s approach is unique in that they’re promoting us as a group and encouraging us to focus on the strengths we each bring as we define our roles.”
Known for drawing inspiration from her travels and hands-on craftsmanship, Sashi infuses each project with thoughtful design solutions. She holds both a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Catholic University of America in Washington, D.C.
candace chan, AIA
Candace joined Revel in 2009 and has advanced from Project Designer to Senior Designer and now Associate. As part of the San Francisco team, her versatility across project types—from large-scale headquarters to boutique brand environments—reflects a passion for creating thoughtful, scalable design solutions. Candace has led work for clients like Sephora, Splunk, Nest, Mux, and Benefit Cosmetics, bringing brand identity to life through expressive, high-performing spaces across the U.S. and Canada. In 2021, she was named an American Association of Interior Designers (ASID) Ones to Watch award recipient, recognizing her leadership potential in the interior design industry.
As Associate, Candace will continue to foster trusted client relationships while championing design excellence, sustainability, and inclusivity within the studio. “What excites me most is using everyday work to create meaningful change. Design can be a force for good, and Revel has always empowered me to lead with that mindset,” she said. Candace holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Hawaii at Manoa and a Master of Fine Arts from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.
petch somsakul
With nearly 20 years of experience in project accounting and operations, Petch plays a key role in maintaining the financial health of Revel’s projects and fostering seamless collaboration across teams. As a San Francisco-based Associate, she brings a valuable non-designer perspective that enhances the diversity of thought within Revel’s leadership.
“In the AEC industry, opportunities for leadership are not as common for finance staff,” Petch noted. “I appreciate that Revel is creating space for this new group of Associates to ‘think big.’”
Since joining the firm in 2015, Petch has stood out for her love of data, her people-first approach, and her commitment to teamwork. Her contributions help ensure Revel’s designers can stay focused on creativity while keeping projects, and the firm, on a solid foundation.