ELISE FETT

Elise brings over three decades of experience in architectural design, structural engineering, and Tahoe Basin permitting to her role as founder and principal of Elise Fett & Associates. Since establishing the firm in 1995, she has led a wide range of residential and small commercial projects throughout the Lake Tahoe region—from complex lakeside builds on challenging sites to carefully considered remodels that preserve the character of existing homes while improving function, efficiency, and views.

Deeply connected to the environment she designs for, Elise is an avid rower, skier, kayaker, mountain biker, and licensed pilot. She spends as much time as possible outdoors with her son, husband, and friends, drawing inspiration from the lake, mountains, and sky. That same curiosity, precision, and joy inform her work, grounding each project in both technical excellence and a genuine love for the Tahoe landscape.

JULIE SOULES

Julie graduated from Loyola Marymount University with a degree in electrical engineering and spent nine years in the electronics industry before deciding it was time for a change. Having grown up in Kings Beach, she was drawn back to the Tahoe area and ultimately found her niche at Elise Fett & Associates, where she now serves as office manager and senior project manager. In this role, she keeps projects moving by coordinating with local jurisdictions, navigating the permitting process, and digging into the details of building and development codes.

When she’s not immersed in plan sets and regulations, Julie enjoys mushroom foraging, playing disc golf, and heading to the beach with her dog, Tango, and her husband, Dan. Her combination of technical training, local roots, and calm, detail-oriented approach makes her a steady anchor for both the team and the clients she supports.

DOUG BEDIENT

Doug is a residential construction professional with more than 25 years of hands-on experience in the Lake Tahoe region. Based in Incline Village, he specializes in full-cycle project support using industry-leading tools such as Autodesk Revit, Twinmotion, Dynamo, and AutoCAD. At EFA, he partners closely with homeowners, architects, and build teams to develop precise BIM models, prepare permit-ready plan sets, and help deliver projects on schedule while maintaining high standards of constructability and quality.

Beyond his architectural and construction work, Doug is a passionate advocate for youth cycling. In 2015, he founded the Nevada Interscholastic Cycling League (NICL), the state’s middle- and high-school mountain bike racing program, and led it as League Director from 2015 to 2020, helping introduce thousands of Nevada students to the sport. Earlier in his career, he built a strong foundation in visual communication as a graphic designer and design director, creating award-winning campaigns for outdoor and sports brands. A lifelong outdoor enthusiast, Doug is an avid mountain biker, alpine skier, youth coach, sailor, and photographer.

KELLY MARTENSEN

Kelly is a project manager and drafter with more than 20 years of industry experience and a sharp eye for detail. As the “numbers man,” he focuses on the technical side of permitting and plans, making sure that calculations, code requirements, and jurisdictional details are thoroughly addressed. Although clients may not often see him in the office, Kelly works diligently behind the scenes to keep projects accurate, compliant, and moving steadily toward completion.

Outside of work, Kelly is a devoted family man and motorcycle enthusiast. Whether he’s spending time with his family or out on the roads and trails, he brings the same steady, detail-driven mindset to his personal life that he applies to every project.

ARMANDO PINAL

Armando is a designer originally from Mexico, where he earned his degree in Architecture from Tecnológico de Monterrey, campus Guadalajara, and expanded his studies abroad in Barcelona—the world’s capital of architectural inspiration. Since relocating to the Reno–Tahoe region and joining EFA, he has contributed to high-end residential design that responds to the unique character of the mountains he now calls home.

Passionate about architectural design, 3D modeling, digital representation, lighting design, and topographic design, Armando brings an international perspective and meticulous attention to detail to every project. His goal is to create impactful, thoughtful spaces that resonate with both clients and their surroundings. Outside the studio, he is a dedicated soccer coach and an outdoor enthusiast, often found golfing, camping, fishing, hiking, kayaking, or exploring the landscapes around Tahoe.

ALI WINTER

With years of experience designing bespoke interiors in Park City, Utah, Ali now brings her expertise to EFA as a designer focused on high-end residential spaces. She creates interiors that fuse elevated comfort with the natural character of the mountains, tailoring each project to the specific lifestyle, taste, and setting of the client. From slopeside retreats to lakeside estates, her work reflects a deep understanding of how people actually live in their homes.

Ali’s signature style blends organic textures and finishes with tailored furnishings to create spaces that feel both functional and refined. Clients value her collaborative approach, sharp eye for detail, and intuitive ability to translate ideas into cohesive designs—resulting in interiors that feel intentional, effortless, and timeless.

STEFANIE IOJICA

Stefanie graduated from UC Berkeley in 2024 with a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Economics and Policy, completing her thesis on modeling future glacial recession in the Alps. At EFA, she supports day-to-day internal and external operations, assists with financial tracking and documentation, and coordinates logistics across active and prospective projects to help keep the office running smoothly and efficiently.

Outside of work, Stefanie spends most of her time in the mountains. She is an avid climber, mountaineer/alpinist, and skier in Tahoe and the Eastern Sierra, and a committed long-distance hiker, having thru-hiked the Pacific Crest Trail from Mexico to Canada in 2024. Her combination of analytical training and mountain experience gives her a practical understanding of the environments in which many of EFA’s projects live.