Vocon Promotes Four to Studio Director
This article is originally from Archinect, published June 23, 2025.
National architectural and design firm Vocon has announced the promotion of Senior Associates Khyati Shah, Michael Christoff, and Christine Norberg and Associate Wyett Baker to the position of Studio Directors as part of the firm’s long-term growth strategy.
With offices in Cleveland and New York City, Vocon provides architectural and design services for commercial and residential property owners and developers nationally. The firm has led some of the most significant commercial office redevelopments in Manhattan, as well as transformative residential development projects in Cleveland and multiple other markets.
The new Studio Directors, Christoff and Norberg in the Cleveland office, and Shah and Baker in the New York office, will develop and implement a comprehensive growth strategy to identify and target major clients and market segments. They will also lead efforts to ensure internal alignment and share best practices and resources to achieve regional initiatives and firmwide goals.
“Khyati, Michael, Christine, and Wyett have impressive backgrounds and consistent track records of leadership,” said firm founder Deb Donley. “As Studio Directors, they will expand their roles to support new clients as the real estate industry advances through a period of rapid evolution.”
“Each of these leaders brings a unique perspective and an incredible depth of expertise,” said Vocon CEO Paul Voinovich. “Their creative energy, technical acumen, and deep understanding of client priorities will be essential as we continue to pursue innovative, design-driven outcomes for clients.”
Khyati Shah brings nearly two decades of experience working on several award-winning projects. Shah’s background spans multiple market sectors, allowing her to offer a unique perspective on building repositioning, tenant amenities, strategy, and other landlord- and developer-led projects. She has overseen a variety of projects for clients, including Hines, RXR, and Global Holdings Management Group. Last year, she was named to the New York Real Estate Journal’s 2024 Women in Commercial Real Estate list.
Since joining Vocon in 2011, Michael Christoff, AIA, has helped shape a wide variety of multifamily, planning, mixed-use, corporate headquarters, and specialty projects. Christoff has nearly two decades of experience, using creativity and vision to achieve clients’ goals on complex projects. He thrives on collaborating with others to turn big ideas into functional, inspiring places that bring value to both clients and communities. Outside of his role at Vocon, he is highly active in the architectural and civic communities. He currently serves on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of Architects Cleveland Chapter, co-founded PechaKucha Night Cleveland and sits on the Cleveland Arts Prize Design Jury.
With over 30 years of experience in Corporate Interiors, Christine Norberg is a seasoned leader in workplace design and project delivery. Throughout her career, she has successfully led complex projects for national and global clients such as Sherwin-Williams, KeyBank, Westfield, and Steris, consistently delivering thoughtful, high-performance workplace environments.
For the past 22 years, Christine has been a vital part of Vocon, where she currently serves as Studio Director of the Cleveland Workplace Studio. In this role, she leads a multidisciplinary team of interior designers, architects, experiential brand designers, and strategists. Christine’s leadership is defined by a collaborative approach, a commitment to innovation, and a passion for creating inspiring spaces that reflect her clients’ values and business goals.
Wyett Baker began his career at Khan & Poletta Architects in October 1997 before spending 23 years at Gensler as an Architect & Design Manager. He moved to Vocon in October 2023, rising from Workplace Leader to Studio Director within his first 18 months with the firm. A member of the American Institute of Architects, Baker has worked on corporate projects for a number of clients, including FanDuel, Sol de Janeiro, Corient, and a variety of confidential financial services and insurance companies.
“Khyati and Wyett are technically rigorous, client-focused, and deeply collaborative,” said Vocon Vice Chairman and New York Managing Principal Tom Vecchione. “They offer complementary strengths that will enhance the ability of the New York City office to provide tailored solutions as our clients negotiate a shifting economic landscape.”
“Christine and Mike both have the rare ability to combine complex design thinking with strategic execution,” said Vocon Principal Matt Heisey. “They exemplify the leadership qualities that elevate the Cleveland team and enable us to deliver on high-impact projects.”
