We help cultural institutions navigate the process of programming, designing, building and preserving exceptional buildings and landscapes.

Focusing solely on mission-driven projects, we approach the effort from a position of project advocacy. We define the project through the lens of the owner’s goals and design a process that holds those goals at the forefront. We are a trusted advisor to the owner, a champion of the design team, and a problem-solving collaborator with the builder. We embrace complexity. We’re passionate about what we do.

Services:

  • Client Representation

  • Strategic Project Planning

    • Scheduling
    • Budgeting
    • Scoping
    • Proof of Concept
  • Building / Project-Use Programming

  • Program Verification and Management

  • Architect / Design-Team Selection

  • Construction Manager Selection

  • Contract Vetting and Negotiation

  • Design-Phase Management

  • Program Verification and Management

  • Construction Cost Estimating

  • Pre-Construction and Construction Phase Oversight

  • Furnishings and Equipment Procurement

Jon Maass
Director

Jon Maass is an architect, builder and maker of things. His history of designing and building structures informs and supports his work as an owner’s representative, helping numerous cultural institutions realize new mission-driven projects and restore important cultural touchstones. His work is process driven, emphasizing proper planning at the project’s outset and relentless pursuit of its stated goals.

Jon received degrees from the University of Michigan and the Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art in New York, where he was amongst the first recipients of the Menschel Fellowship. His creative history began in the theater where we he designed and built stage sets for numerous Off- Broadway and Off-off Broadway shows throughout New York’s East Village. He continues to teach at Cooper Union, helping young architects understand how to navigate the design and construction process toward making exceptional buildings.

Elizabeth Saetta
Project Manager

Elizabeth Saetta has spent her career in service of cultural institutions. She joined MAASS after almost a decade on Governors Island managing capital projects that are helping return the Island to the public through adaptive reuse, renovations, and greenspace. She has also worked for cultural organizations across the country – from NYC’s Central Park and the Brooklyn Museum to the Asian Art Museum of San Francisco and Stanford’s campus art museum, the Iris & Gerald B Cantor Center for the Visual Arts in Palo Alto, CA. After completing her graduate degree, she began her work in project and construction management and now holds certifications from both the Project Management Institute (PMP) and the Construction Management Association of America (CCM).

Elizabeth studied Art conservation, receiving a Master of Art with an Advanced Certificate in ArtConservation from SUNY Buffalo, before studying Project Management at UC Berkley.

Jonathan Yeadon
Project Manager

Jonathan Yeadon has spent the past 17 years as a construction manager in New York City, focusing on all aspects of the construction process for institutional and cultural projects. A leader, collaborator, and problem-solver, he is passionate about helping clients shape and realize their vision, understanding that strategy, early planning, and clear communication drive success.

Past projects include the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum, FDR Four Freedoms Park, The High Line, Grace Farms, The Morgan Library McKim Building, and The Frick Collection. He has had the privilege to collaborate with many design leaders, including SANAA, James Corner Field Operations, Diller, Scofidio + Renfro, Leroy Street Studio, Selldorf Architects, Beyer Blinder Belle, Silman, Arup, Buro Happold, SGH, and many others.

Jonathan received a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University, each with High Honors. He was a Lehigh University Presidential Scholar in his final academic year.

Lee Newell
Office Manager

Lee Newell has over 30 years of experience as an executive in operations, technology and customer service, beginning in product manufacturing at Playtex, followed by roles in purchasing at Zotos, Inc. and business development at the National Basketball Association. She oversaw product operations and technology programs at Vertrue, Inc. before moving into retail operations. Lee’s last role was Vice President of Operations and Customer Care at Design Within Reach where she managed DWR store operations and customer experience.  Lee enjoys volunteering and is a current board member with Family Ties of Westchester.

Lee received her Associate Degree in Business Administration from Westchester Community College and holds certification from the Project Management Institute (PMP).

Joseph Auld
Project Manager

Joseph Auld is an accomplished construction and real estate professional with over twenty years of expertise in development, project management, design, and construction in New York City.  His most recent projects include Prelude to the Shed, a temporary artistic showcase for The Shed NYC; the new headquarters for the Alvin Ailey Dance Foundation; and The Africa Center.  While employed at Denham Wolf as their Director of Project Management, Joe contributed to the strategic planning of The Public Theater’s future renovations in 2015.  He also established Volunteers of America-Greater New York’s Ballington Project Management Services, to implement and manage multiple real estate projects for a portfolio of community facilities, schools, offices, housing and shelters.

Joe received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Miami and is a graduate of and Columbia University, receiving a Master of Science in Real Estate Development. He is an Associate of the American Institute of Architects.

Clients:

Baltimore Museum of Art
Catskill Art Society
Guild Hall
Gustav Stickley Museum at Craftsman Farms
Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum
John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts
Morgan Library and Museum
Museum of Chinese in America
Museum of Nebraska Art
Smith College
Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum
Toledo Museum of Art
Trustees of Reservations

Collaborators:

Beyer Blinder Belle
Buro Happold
BVH Architecture
Maya Lin Studio
Michael Van Valkenburgh
Renzo Piano Building Workshop
SANAA
Sciame
Shawmut Design and Construction
Silman
Steven Holl Architects
Tillett Lighting Design
Thom Phifer
Turner Construction
Whiting Turner

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