PETER SPERA III, AIA, LEED GA Principal + Co-Founder
Born and raised in New Orleans, Peter has been a practicing architect in the city since 2004. In 2016, Peter co-founded GOAT, bringing with him extensive experience in commercial hospitality, restaurant, and retail design, along with large-scale project management. Peter attended Jesuit High School and Louisiana State University and is deeply embedded in the South Louisiana community. In addition to acting as GOAT’s measured voice of reason, he was the 2023 President of the New Orleans Chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is currently serving as the Vice President / President Elect of AIA Louisiana. Peter also sits on the Gretna Historic District Commission (HDC), and recently volunteered as the Chairman of the Louisiana State Architects Selection Board. Peter also serves as a Mardi Gras Float Lieutenant in the Krewe of Thoth and he is the pit master on his Hogs for the Cause barbecue team, Piggy Stardust. Learn more about Peter here.
COLIN VANWINGEN, AIA Principal + Co-Founder
Colin graduated from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning in 2008 and immediately moved to New Orleans. While attending graduate school at the Tulane University School of Architecture, Colin developed the concept for a practice that would eventually grow into GOAT. After completing his Master’s Degree, Colin worked on projects ranging from affordable prototype housing in the Lower 9th Ward to massive scale entertainment & hospitality complexes around the country, learning all sides of the design and construction industry. In 2016, Colin returned to his design roots and co-founded GOAT as the firm’s intransigent idealist and creative leader. Outside of the office, Colin is a part-time chef and a full-time dad. Learn more about Colin here.
JOANNA TANASESCU Associate Designer, Interiors
Originally from Brooklyn, NY, Joanna attended and graduated from Parsons the New School for Design in 2013 with a BFA in Interior Architecture. Having spent much of her life in New York City, she became immersed in its building culture and familiar with its specific, often unexpected demands. Preceding her move from NY to New Orleans, Joanna was the interior designer at SPAN Architecture; much like her experience up to this point, the role required her integral knowledge of both the interior and architectural worlds. Joanna joined GOAT in 2021 and contributes creatively to all projects.
Learn more about Joanna here.
ANALIESE DE SAW Associate Designer, Architecture
Originally from New Jersey, Analiese studied Art History and Film at Rutgers University. She then launched a fine art and photography career, exhibiting work across New York, New Jersey, and Philadelphia. Analiese also taught visual arts, horticulture, and special education in Baltimore and continuing in New Orleans in 2016.
While she shifted her focus to architecture while pursuing a Master’s Degree, Analiese has remained a constant contributor to the vibrant local creative scene, showcasing her work in galleries and performing with her band, Dusky Waters, at Jazz Fest, French Quarter Fest, Bayou Boogaloo, and the Black Americana Festival. Analiese joined GOAT in 2026, bringing unparalleled creative energy and enthusiasm for design.
Learn more about Analiese here.