About Us

MEET THE OWNER

Paul David Rugarber, is the Architect and owner of PDRdesigns, an architectural firm specializing in residential design along the Jersey Shore since 2008. Paul is a registered architect in NJ, NY, and FL and a member of the AIA (American Institute of Architects).

His architectural design concepts are visualized and implemented through an upbringing in construction and construction processes. This background has given Paul the knowledge needed to educate his clients about the process of Architecture to Construction.

Paul is an active member in the community and enjoys coaching soccer and ice hockey, coaching people and businesses and motivational speaking. He has volunteered his time giving presentations to schools, colleges, and clubs about respect, confidence, sportsmanship, and life lessons as he believes those things will help lead people to success!

He has served as President of Jersey Shore Toastmasters, President of the Jackson Liberty HS Ice Hockey Board, has been on the Jackson Township Planning Board, Board of Directors of the Jackson Chamber of Commerce, the Jackson Township Environmental Commission, and the Jackson Rent Leveling Board. Paul enjoys volunteering his time, energy, and enthusiasm in the community and his other involvement has included running the Dublin Marathon for the Arthritis Foundation and competing in the Point Pleasant sprint Triathlon for the Point Pleasant Education Foundation.

Paul has donated his time working with students and faculty at Long Branch HS for Project Lead the Way, which provides students the chance to learn valuable real-world knowledge and skills. He continues his work with Habitat for Humanity, offering architectural design services pro bono. PDRdesigns has also been providing volunteer design work for the Jackson Township Veterans Memorial project, and has also designed the Long Branch Lifeguard Headquarters.

As a facilitator with Entre Architect, he leads his group of 11 architects, holding weekly Mastermind sessions discussing new ideas, platforms, processes, and marketing aimed at helping those architects grow their business. In addition to Entre Acrhitect, Paul has started a local builders group that is essentially a group discussion with local builders to help them learn about best business practices. Working with his two interns at the office, Paul holds bimonthly meetings in the evenings to educate and teach them in an informal setting where they are free to discuss anything architectural.

Going out on a limb a few years ago, Paul started producing short motivational videos that are posted on various social media sites. These videos are aimed at uplifting and enriching other’s lives which has been the essence of his life. Even his clients enjoy the videos! Paul’s first book, Architecture to Construction (and everything in between) has just been published and can be purchased on Amazon now! This book was designed and written to answer questions about what to expect during the residential design and construction process. Whether it’s an alteration, addition, or a new home build, this book takes you step by step from planning to completion.

Paul’s passion for helping others is what inspired him to write this book. His knowledge and understanding in both architecture and construction will soon be available to all those who are interested in taking on a new home, addition, or renovation project. In his free time, Paul enjoys spending time with his four children outdoors playing sports and hanging out at the beach.

Jennifer O’Connor

OFFICE MANAGER

Jennifer is a graduate of Rowan University where she earned her Bachelor’s Degree in Marketing. With more than 20 years experience as an executive assistant and office manager, Jennifer will greet you in person or on the phone with her friendly and upbeat personality and is willing to help in any way she can. In her free time, Jennifer enjoys spending time with her family, traveling, and a good bike ride or walk along the beach!

James Peck

PROJECT MANAGER

Jim is a graduate of Temple University and a United States Marine Corps Veteran. Jim is active in raising awareness of the epidemic of PTSD and Veteran suicide. He’s married and has one daughter. When Jim is not working, he enjoys do it yourself projects, recreational shooting, watching his daughter play softball, and a good cigar!

Tara Fiore

PROJECT MANAGER

Tara is a graduate of NJIT where she earned her Masters Degree in Architecture. She comes to our firm with over 25 years experience in the construction and architecture field. Tara is well versed in building codes and is on the board for Mechanical/Energy Subcode Committee for the Department of Community Affairs. Tara volunteers her time doing work for individuals with special needs and enjoys watching her daughter dance competitively. We are fortunate to have her experience and background on our team!

Anthony Sclafani

PROJECT MANAGER

Anthony is a graduate of Jefferson University in Philadelphia where he earned his degree in Architecture. While pursuing this degree, Anthony has been working with us for six years and we are proud to have him full time on our team. When he’s not working, Anthony spends his free time playing his guitar, photographing nature, rock climbing, or embarking on some sort of an adventure with friends.

Jose Montealegre

PROJECT MANAGER

Jose is a graduate of Thomas Jefferson University with a Bachelor’s in Architecture. He comes to us with four years experience in the field. Jose is a young curious aspiring architect and we enjoy watching him grow as a professional within our firm. Jose is learning how to play guitar, and also enjoys playing soccer and tennis and going on road trips.

Lindsay Guastafeste

Architectural Designer

Lindsay is a graduate of Roger Williams University with a Masters Degree in Architecture. She comes to us with experience in the construction management field having worked as a Project Manager in NYC. In her free time, Lindsay enjoys riding bikes along the beach and home renovation projects!

Pat Adams

OFFICE ADMINISTRATOR

As PDRdesigns first employee, Pat has worked with Paul as he proudly developed his dream into a successful practice. She has had a lifelong career in office management within the construction industry. Pat and her husband Craig have two children and 6 grand children, and spending quality time with family is a priority. Pat is activity involved in community organizations, including the Jackson Township Scholarship Fund and Harbor House.

Charlie

D.O.G. Director Of Greetings

Charlie is happy to greet our clients when they come into the office. When not greeting clients, Charlie enjoys long walks on the beach and naps.

OUR HISTORY

Paul D. Rugarber opened the doors at PDR Designs, which was his dream from an early age. Growing up, he fell in love with the smell of sawdust from working in his grandfather’s shed, playing with building blocks, to swinging a hammer, framing, and installing trim. His father ran a remodeling company, which exposed Paul to all aspects of design and construction.

Paul was hooked on the Design and Construction Path. Paul learned from the best architects and builders at the Jersey Shore for 15 years before starting his firm in 2008. Since that opening, the firm has continued to grow, winning awards, and being featured on TV Shows and designing amazing projects.

Currently, we use the technology and tools to provide you the most realistic and immersive design.

Event One

Begin with the basics and learn everything from the ground up. Create a connection with the design that carries through to the tools and methods used to bring it to life!

Event Two

Understanding the construction process leads to creative design possibilities. Knowing how to build each project creates a connection that expands our opportunities and imagination!

MEET THE OWNER