Bridger AAD is a team of architects based in Darien, CT, committed to creating spaces that not only meet the needs of our clients, but also inspire and delight those who inhabit them. We work closely with our clients to understand their unique vision and goals. Our versatility allows us to tackle a wide range of projects, from residential homes to commercial spaces, with creativity and precision.
We provide Architecture, Approvals (permit management) knowledge and expertise.
Meet the TEAM below, or take a moment to visit our PROJECTS.
When I was 11 years old, I disassembled my sister’s bicycle just to figure out how it worked. It’s true that she was not amused to come home that day to find it in pieces, but eventually, I did get it back together. More importantly, this was an early example of what has become a life-long curiosity about how things function and how they’re made. This curiosity, coupled with a passion for the arts, led me to pursue a career in architecture.
After architecture school, I was the first person from my graduating class to receive my license. Soon thereafter, started an independent practice, focusing on working with owners, designing residential renovations and additions, condo buildings, office buildings, and multi-unit subdivisions. In the process, I honed my understanding of client’s needs and wants, and how to be efficient and effective with time and budgets.
Wanting more exposure in real estate development, in 2001 we engaged as project managers for a Northeast developer, managing $20 million a year of construction. A master at repositioning buildings, from him we learned the art of transformation and how certain cues make us feel and interact with the built environment. I also learned an immense amount about the business and practice of development, which I apply to all of our projects to this day.
For the past twenty years, I’ve applied the knowledge and experience I’ve gained along the way to the task of making architecture as accessible and efficient as possible.
PS- I still disassemble bikes, but now I usually put them back together better than they were before.
I graduated in 1986 from the University of Texas at Arlington with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture. My journey in this field began at the young age of 17, when I started working alongside architects to fund my college education. That early start gave me the opportunity to build a wealth of diverse experience over the years.
My expertise spans a wide range of architectural realms: historic preservation, religious structure design and restoration, residential projects including single and multi-family dwellings, institutional construction, building code compliance for public schools, multi-use facilities, corporate spaces, retail establishments, medical offices, and healthcare facilities. Throughout my career, I’ve focused on providing programming, space planning, design, and construction documentation services.
My professional journey has taken me from Dallas, TX, to New Haven, CT, to New York, NY, and finally to Guilford, CT. Since 1997, I’ve successfully operated as an independent design and drafting consultant based in Madison, CT. Working remotely from my home, I collaborate with architects and project managers in major cities from NYC to Boston.
As an independent design consultant, I’ve contributed to a diverse range of projects including healthcare initiatives such as clinical and office spaces, interior design for retail and corporate environments, exterior re-facing and renovation of retail establishments, recreational sport complexes, civic transportation and parking facilities, and numerous residential projects involving both new construction and remodeling.
In 2020, I began working with Bridger AAD, with a primary focus on residential projects, working on numerous succeessful new houses, additions and renovations.
I’m proficient in AutoCAD and bring a meticulous, detail-oriented approach to all my work. My passion for architecture is evident in the dedication I bring to every project I undertake.
I earned my Bachelor of Architecture from Catholic University of Colombia, where I developed a deep appreciation for thoughtful design and the built environment. Architecture gives me the opportunity to combine creativity with problem-solving, and I find genuine satisfaction in seeing projects move from concept through construction.
Beyond architecture, I have a passion for understanding how things are made. I’m currently remodeling my own home with my own hands, which has given me a deeper respect for the craft and coordination that goes into every building project. There’s something rewarding about working through the details myself, even if part of the motivation is saving money.
Outside of work, I’m an avid soccer fan and enjoy exploring my curiosity about the universe and how it all fits together. I live with my wife, our dog, and our cats, and I wouldn’t have it any other way.
Melissa Chaikin Kahn, CFO – Finance & Strategy
Melissa brings more than two decades of entrepreneurial leadership and operational expertise to Bridger AAD, where she oversees financial management, bookkeeping, and long-term strategic planning.
After earning a Bachelor of Science in both Biology and Psychology from Union College and a Master’s degree in Occupational Therapy from Columbia University, Melissa began her career as a clinician before founding Sensory Kids in 2003. What started as a single-location practice grew into a multi-site organization serving families throughout Fairfield County.
She later co-founded Sasco River Center, building and scaling the company from a startup into a 75-person, three-location enterprise. Under her leadership, the organization developed the financial discipline, operational infrastructure, and management depth required to support sustainable growth. Melissa led financial and operational strategy through expansion, infrastructure design, and multi-site development, ultimately positioning the company for a successful acquisition by ARC Health in 2022.
Her experience spans cash flow management, systems implementation, organizational design, leadership development, and exit preparation. She understands how to build companies that grow responsibly — strengthening both enterprise value and internal culture.
At Bridger AAD, Melissa brings this founder-to-executive perspective to ensure the firm operates with clarity, efficiency, and long-term vision. By creating strong financial systems and scalable infrastructure, she supports thoughtful growth and allows the design team to focus on delivering exceptional, enduring homes
I grew up in Fairfield, Connecticut, so I have a personal connection to the communities that Bridger AAD serves. I graduated from Princeton University in 2025 with a degree in Chemistry and a minor in Journalism. My time at Princeton taught me how to manage complex projects, meet demanding deadlines, and communicate clearly with people from all backgrounds. I graduated with honors and was inducted into the Sigma Xi Research Society, which reflects my commitment to thorough, detail-oriented work.
At Bridger AAD, I handle administrative tasks and permitting coordination. I track deadlines, prepare application materials, and follow up with building departments across Fairfield County. Each town has its own procedures and requirements, and I’ve learned to navigate these differences efficiently, whether we’re working in Darien, New Canaan, Westport, Greenwich, or Stamford. My goal is to keep projects moving forward so our architects can focus on design and our clients can see their visions come to life on schedule.
My background might seem eclectic, but it prepared me well for this role. At Princeton, I worked as a photographer for The Daily Princetonian and produced a news show on WPRB radio, where I covered local stories including housing and development issues. I also worked on an oral history project documenting New Jersey farmers, which sharpened my organizational skills and appreciation for accurate documentation. These experiences taught me to juggle multiple responsibilities and pay attention to the details that matter.
I’m excited to be part of the Bridger AAD team. Every project represents someone’s home and their investment in their community, and I take that seriously. If you have questions about a project’s status or the permitting process, I’m here to help.
