Planning and Design Staff
Spach Trahan, AICP, PP
Ms. Trahan joined Phillips Preiss in 2019 and became an Associate in 2023, with primary experience in land use planning and environmental analysis in New Jersey, New York City, and the Hudson Valley. At Phillips Preiss, Ms. Trahan prepares development reviews, master plans, redevelopment plans/studies, and development regulations for public and private clients. Prior to joining Phillips Preiss, Ms. Trahan gained experience in preparing development reviews, site suitability analyses, environmental impact analyses, and transportation planning. She has previous experience at a community development organization and has performed international economic development work in the clean technology sector. Ms. Trahan has a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Richmond and a Master of Science degree in City & Regional Planning from the Edward J. Bloustein School at Rutgers University. She is proficient in Esri ArcGIS, the Adobe Creative Suite, and Spanish.
Nikhil Ramachandran, AICP
Mr. Ramachandran joined Phillips Preiss in 2023 with primary experience in land use and transportation. At Phillips Preiss, he supports leadership in numerous projects including preparing master plans, redevelopment plans/studies, and design/visualization concepts. Prior to joining Phillips Preiss, Nikhil gained experience as a land use and transportation engineer, focused on improving traffic and road safety conditions for all users, as well as evaluating mobility and accessibility across multiple transportation modes. Following his engineering experience, Nikhil pursued and received his Master’s degree in City & Regional Planning at Rutgers University, providing him with extensive knowledge of New Jersey and New York through various project and studio work. Nikhil is experienced in Esri ArcGIS and the Adobe Creative Suite.
ELIZABETH JORDAN
Ms. Jordan joined Phillips Preiss in 1987. She directs the firm’s graphic design work and constantly evolving desktop publishing capabilities. Ms. Jordan possesses extensive knowledge of current design software, and brings aesthetic principles to exhibits, maps, illustrations, informational graphics and page layouts. Combined with her keen eye and design talents, she ensures that Phillips Preiss’ clients receive quality products that clearly and effectively communicate information and ideas. Ms. Jordan holds a Master of Fine Arts from the University of South Florida and is a painter and sculptor.
Accounting/Administrative Staff
Deborah van Renterghem
Ms. van Renterghem has been with Phillips Preiss since 2003, and currently provides the firm with business management, accounting, marketing and administrative support. Ms. van Renterghem also is an accomplished opera singer who has performed in professional productions throughout the United States and Europe.