About Us
Ellen Crozat Cassilly
Ellen’s
architectural design experience began in 1983, she began working in the Triangle
in 1992 and in 1999 she became the principal of her own firm in Durham. She
focuses on creating projects that contribute to vibrant urban neighborhoods
that minimize sprawl, preserve natural open spaces and attract lifelong residents.
She received her Bachelor's of Environmental Design degree from Texas A & M University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Prior to moving to the Triangle, she worked for four years in Paris with Christian de Portzamparc, past winner of the Pritzker Prize (a worldwide award given annually for a career of exceptional architectural design). In 1994, she joined Frank Harmon Architect, a nationally recognized firm located in Raleigh, where she worked on a variety of projects including the North Carolina Museum of Art Amphitheater and Gift shop, St. Matthews Parrish House, Durham Friends School, as well as many residences.
Throughout her career, Ellen has collaborated with architects, artists and clients to design and build single- and multi-family homes, commercial, religious and educational buildings. She is adept at listening to different perspectives and assimilating them into appropriate design solutions. Ellen teaches an architectural design studio at North Carolina State University in the College of Architecture. She also volunteers her time to promote equitable housing and is involved in several community organizations, including the Durham Community Land Trust, the Durham Bilingual Exchange Program and Triangle Rails to Trails.
View Ellen's Resume (pdf)
Keith Barnhouse
After graduating from Virginia Tech, Keith worked in Charlotte for several
years, two in the office of Gantt Huberman Architects. His family life brought
him to Durham where he became a registered architect in 2006. In 2007 he
joined ECA and has taken a lead role on the Rogers Alley project, a Historic
and LEED certified renovation of three buildings in downtown Durham. He is
also working on a 16 park renovation project for Durham Parks and Rec., and
a hip new brewery to be conveniently located down the street from the office.
View Keith's Resume (pdf)
Esther Ashbaugh Bent
Esther
Bent joined Ellen Cassilly Architect, Inc. as the Office Manager in 2006,
where she handles the bookkeeping and keeps the office organized allowing
the Architects to do what they do best. Prior to that she worked for the
Historic Preservation Society of Durham helping manage finances and events
such as their Historic Home Tour. She has worked part-time in a variety of
Administrative roles since starting her family in 1988. Before that she was
a Physician Recruiter in North Carolina and a Job Placement Specialist and
Social Worker in Massachusetts. She is a graduate of Pennsylvania State University
with a Bachelor of Science in Counseling.
View Esther's Resume (pdf)