ALEXANDER KITCHIN
Founding Partner & Design Director
Alexander was educated at the University of Virginia and Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). He received the Rome Prize in Architecture from the American Academy in Rome in 2001/2002 and a Graham Foundation grant for the investigation into how the inherent qualities of materials develop timeless form and space.
Alexander has taught architecture and landscape studios at the University of Virginia, University of Pennsylvania, and University of Michigan exploring the ways architects initiate design and how the process of making informs form.
As a leading designer in concrete elements, Alexander brings to the firm over 30 years of experience in architecture as well as advanced digital fabrication, formwork design and concrete casting techniques.
Nicole Sherman
Founding Partner, Managing Director
Nicole’s business and marketing background spans both architectural practice as well as luxury hospitality brands. In the design realm, before cofounding Fine Concrete, Nicole focused on jewelry design publishing two books on design and fabrication. She is a graduate of the Elliott School of International Affairs at George Washington University with a degree in Russian and Eastern European Studies and Russian language from the Columbia Language Institute.
Nicole’s role at Fine Concrete spans both the studio and shop, focusing on the complex logistical operations of a custom design firm, product development and client relationships.
Current role: Advisory Board Member and Strategic Consultant
Cary Conwell
Associate and Operations Manager
Cary has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Clemson University in 2013 and a graduate certificate for Entrepreneurship from the University of Denver in 2017. A problem solver, Cary oversees all formwork, casting, finishing, and shipping activities and sets goals for all crew. He manages complex project schedules, assists in the estimating and tracking of projects and performs quality reviews during all phases of every project. Cary is the liason between the studio and the shop, directing all operational aspects for the shop.
Michael finnegan
president
Michael leads growth at Fine Concrete, working closely with the studio team to expand the company’s capabilities while maintaining the level of quality and craft that defines its work. He brings more than 25 years of experience across operating and consulting roles, including leadership positions as President, COO, and CFO of professional services and media businesses. His background combines hands on operational leadership with a focus on building organizations that deliver consistently high-quality work at scale.
At Fine Concrete, Michael’s approach emphasizes clarity, reliability, and long-term relationships, alongside a deep respect for the design intent and craft behind each project.
Michael is a graduate of the Darden School of Business at the University of Virginia.
Ben Lawson
Studio Associate and Director of Digital Design
Ben graduated from University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2014 and from the University of Michigan with a Master of Science in Architectural Design & Research in 2021. An expert in digital fabrication with extensive knowledge of robotics and manufacturing gained in experience post-graduation, Ben brings to Fine Concrete an ability to approach custom fabrication challenges with innovative solutions while keeping, at the forefront, the architectural design intent of each project.
In 2012, Alexander and Nicole established the first material research studio with Ductal®, Ultra High Performance Concrete, a collaboration with LaFarge North America, the University of Virginia and their firm, Fine Concrete. The firm continues to research and explore the ways in which Ultra High Performance Concrete intersects the design world with new and innovative castings.