Announcing Our New Partner: Kristin Merle
Dwyer Architectural is proud to announce that Kristin Merle, AIA, NCARB has been named a Partner in our firm. Kristin has been an integral part of our team since 2017, based in our Rochester, NY office.
With more than 20 years of experience, Kristin has led projects from conceptual design through construction, collaborating with clients, consultants, vendors, and contractors to achieve outstanding results. Her attention to detail and passion for healthcare design have brought meaningful improvements to facilities and patient experiences across the region.
Reflecting on her journey at Dwyer, Kristin shared: “What I love about working at Dwyer Architectural is the commitment to thoughtful and innovative design, the collaboration within the firm and with our consultants, and the trusted relationships with our clients. I’ve had the opportunity to help design projects and mentor team members in ways that have had a lasting impact on both our work and our firm culture.”
Looking to the future, Kristin continued: “Stepping into the role of Partner excites me because it allows me to further invest in our people, our vision, and the future growth of a firm I truly believe in.”
Kristin has managed projects for leading institutions including the University of Rochester, Roswell Park Comprehensive Cancer Center, and Rochester Institute of Technology. She is skilled in navigating complex project delivery and providing guidance with government agencies such as DASNY and OGS.
Her recent work on the Brighter Days Pediatric Mental Health Urgent Care Center at the University of Rochester earned two industry awards: a 2025 Design Citation Award from AIA Rochester and a 2025 Owner Collaboration Award from CSI Rochester.
Kristin holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Syracuse University. As a licensed architect in New York, Kristin contributes to the professional community through the Rochester Chapter of the AIA, the Genesee Valley Region Chapter of ASHE, as well as her local town board.
Dwyer Architectural’s three current Partners – Beth Fritz, AIA, IIDA; Jay Woodcock, AIA, EDAC; and Kelly Yahi, AIA, IIDA, NCIDQ – stated: “Her commitment to healthcare architecture, our firm’s values, and our clients has played a significant role in Dwyer’s success. We are excited for the vision and leadership she will bring to the continued growth of our firm.”
Dwyer Architectural, a New York State certified WBE (women-owned business), was founded in 2010. Today, we proudly serve eight major healthcare systems across New York State.
We are dedicated to the design of human-centered healing spaces within the built environment. Our projects incorporate cutting-edge healthcare design trends combined with empirical research, to support the well-being of staff, patients, families, and caregivers on their best and worst days.
We are honored to have Kristin continue to bring her wealth of healthcare design experience to our team. Please join us in congratulating Kristin on this exciting milestone!
