Team

Timothy P Klesse AIA, ASID

Managing Principal, Registered Architect and Interior Designer 

Tim Klesse began his career at Cueman Balsame Longo Architects in 1980 and joined Grad Associates in 1984. Tim was a designer within the Interior Architecture Group of Grad. He advanced to Senior Project Designer and then Associate Principal and Director of this same group.

While at Cueman Balsame Longo and Grad Tim served as part time Professor of Design Studios and Lighting at Kean University.

In 1994, Klesse Architects AIA was formed. Tim’s dual degrees and licenses in Architecture and Interior Design provide insight into the complexities of the modern home environment. He believes in tailoring his design solutions so they maintain the integrity of the building while satisfying the clients’ specific needs.

Klesse Forbes Architects has assembled a talented design and technical staff composed of Architects with the ability to implement the tasks at hand.

Tim Klesse’s experience in historic preservation earned the firm the Harry Devlin Historic Preservation Commendation in Westfield and historic preservation awards in Short Hills. These awards are designed to promote architectural integrity and community heritage. Examples of Klesse Forbes Architects historical preservation work include: Thomas Edison’s Theatre in Llewellyn Park, New Jersey, restoration of Hartshorn homes in Short Hills and the Summit Opera House in Summit, New Jersey.

Robert Forbes, AIA, LEED AP

Associate Principal, ‘Registered Architect’

Rob is a Licensed Architect in the State of New Jersey and has been with Klesse Forbes Architects for over 10 years.  He brings to the team an expertise in Residential and Commercial Design with his acute attention to detail and creative nature.  Rob is an integral part of the design, variance approvals, construction documentation, code analysis, bidding, and construction administration phases of all projects.  Rob has worked on numerous projects locally as well as coastal projects including a contemporary home in Santa Barbara published in LUXE magazine.  Recognized as a LEED Accredited Professional, Rob was part of a project team which achieved a LEED for Homes Silver rating at a private residence in Short Hills.  Rob holds a Bachelor of Architecture from New Jersey Institute of Technology.  At NJIT Rob was a Four-time Scholar Athlete Award Recipient as a member of the baseball team.

Aaron Faber

Senior Associate

Aaron graduated from Philadelphia University with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree in 2006. During college, Aaron honed his graphic and presentation skills which afforded him the opportunity to compete in the city wide “Best and Brightest Competition” of Philadelphia. This ultimately led him to an internship at Architectural Alliance Incorporated in Philadelphia. Upon completion, he retained a full-time position where he was project manager on various projects from industrial structures to multi-family dwellings.  Aaron joined Klesse Forbes Architects in 2013 and continues to strive towards the architectural doctrines engrained by the Klesse Forbes Team.

Roberta Michels

Associate

Roberta graduated from “Universidade do Vale do Rio dos Sinos” in Southern Brazil with a Bachelor of Architecture and Urbanism degree in 2009.

She has experience working in architectural offices in Brazil and Costa Rica on both residential and commercial projects which included apartment buildings, retail stores as well as private homes.

She has been working with Klesse Forbes architects since 2019.

Sharon Klesse

Interior Designer

Sharon Klesse has worked in both the worlds of fashion and interior design for over 30 years after having received degrees in business and interior design. She worked for fashion industry leaders such as Ralph Lauren and Liz Claiborne and a high-end interior designer with whom she helped create interiors in fine homes in New York City.

Sharon launched her own interior design business in 2005 with clients in Montclair, Ridgewood, Short Hills and other North Jersey suburban communities. She is extremely creative, organized and detail-oriented and believes it is her responsibility to design space that reflects the way you live, your style, and your budget.

Pictured from left to right: Roberta Michels, Robert Forbes, Sharon Klesse, Aaron Faber, Timothy Klesse.