Allison Parkes-Machnick

Allison Parkes-Machnick ’12 is a partner at the architectural firm Arc4 Design. Her path to partner began during her junior year as an Interior + Spatial Design major at Russell Sage College, when she landed an internship that included the opportunity to be part of the restoration of the Adelphi Hotel. The Adelphi is a stunning and timeless building in the heart of downtown Saratoga Springs, New York.

“I’m proud to say I was part of bringing the crown jewel of Saratoga Springs back to its grandeur. The Adelphi is the last standing Victorian hotel of its time,” Parkes-Machnick said.

When her internship ended, she accepted a full-time position with the architect with whom she interned, and she remained involved with the Adelphi project as it expanded to include the historic Rip Van Dam hotel next door. 

As with almost all interior design, the project went far beyond aesthetics. “Most of the time when you say ‘interior designer’ people say, ‘Oh, so you picked out the paint color, the window treatment, the sofa, etc.” said Parkes-Machnick. “Yes, we did, but there is much more to it than that.”

“It’s really more interior architecture,” she continued, referring to behind-the-scenes work navigating building codes, accessibility requirements, and structural limitations. “When I refer to design in this manner it helps people understand the magnitude of what we do.”

Parkes-Machnick still works with her internship supervisor Dominick Ranieri today, at Arc4 Design. Arc4 Design is a multifaceted design firm of architects, land planners, and interior designers working together to create beautiful residential, commercial, and non-profit spaces. 

She is the head of the interior design division and associate principal of core designs. “I oversee all of our interior projects in New York and Florida, and essentially any interior project we may pursue across the country,” said Parkes-Machnick. 

Currently, she is working on a new luxury hotel and convention center coming to Kissimmee, Florida. Construction on the Azure Hotel and Convention Center is set to begin in January 2027 and be completed in 2029. The hotel will feature clean, natural themes, elevating the experience guests will receive during their stay. 

Reflecting on Russell Sage’s role in her success, Parkes-Machnick noted that “the smaller class size is great because you get that one-on-one attention that you may not receive at a larger school.”  

Through these tight-knit classes, she was able to connect closely with Professor Lynn Capirsello, who helped Parkes-Machnick to land that internship that turned out to be so pivotal to her career. 

Today, Parkes-Machnick is still involved with Russell Sage’s art and design programs, and sends open positions at Arc4 to Capirsello to share with promising current students.

“I’m really excited about the work coming out of upcoming classes!” she said.

– By Olivia Penna/Russell Sage College Marketing and Communications Intern