Team

René Garza, ASTC
Partner | Managing Principal
Bio
René Garza is a Partner and Managing Principal of Passerelle Design Group, where he helps guide the firm’s long-term vision and serves as a Principal and project manager for projects across Texas and the United States. With more than 30 years in the performing arts and specialty systems industry, René brings extensive experience in theatrical planning, audiovisual systems, acoustics, and performance space design for educational, civic, corporate, and entertainment environments.
Known for his thoughtful leadership and collaborative approach, René works closely with clients, architects, engineers, educators, and end users to help create spaces that are functional, flexible, and lasting. He values strong relationships, clear communication, and balancing technical expertise with practical implementation. Outside of work, René enjoys spending time with family, golfing, fishing, traveling, and any opportunity to be near the water.

Julie Otte, MLIS
Partner | CFO
Bio
Julie brings more than 30 years of experience in financial leadership and organizational management. As CFO at Passerelle, she supports every area of the firm, guiding financial strategy and helping create a secure, supportive, and enjoyable workplace for employees. Julie is known for her integrity, responsiveness, and clear communication, and she strives to build trust and confidence in every interaction. Outside of work, she mentors young people in developing essential life skills and enjoys traveling, theatre, and time with family and friends.

Jennifer Joseph, PMP
Partner | Principal
Bio
Jennifer has more than 20 years of experience in architecture and consulting. She focuses on developing tools and processes that make teams more effective and efficient. Jennifer approaches problem-solving through curiosity, asking questions, and fostering open collaboration. Loyal and dedicated to her friends, clients, and convictions, she brings both professionalism and authenticity to every project. She finds inspiration in travel, new cultures, and especially cuisines, which broaden her creative outlook and appreciation for design.

Emily Piersol, PE
Partner | Principal
Bio
Emily is a Partner at Passerelle Design Group and leads the firm’s acoustical design practice. With experience spanning education, performance, and commercial environments, she brings a thoughtful and technical approach to every project. Emily is passionate about improving learning and performance spaces through sound design and about helping architects and owners understand the “why” behind acoustical decisions. Outside of work, she enjoys traveling, exploring performance venues, and spending time with her family outdoors.

Dave Vieira, ASTC
Partner | Principal
Bio
As Partner and Principal of Passerelle Design Group, Dave leads the firm’s Theatre Consulting practice and business development efforts. With more than a decade in consulting and two decades in professional theatre, he brings energy, enthusiasm, and genuine care to every project. Dave is passionate about educational and performance spaces—places where design helps people learn, create, and connect. When he’s not pouring his heart into the work, he’s likely enjoying another cup of coffee, hitting another poor golf shot, or cheering on his team at home.

Paul Copenhaver, ASTC
Associate Principal
Bio
Paul brings a well-rounded perspective shaped by experience as an educator, installer, and consultant. Having worked both in the classroom and in the field, he understands how performance spaces function in daily use and how design decisions translate into real-world operation. His hands-on experience includes years of supporting dance recitals for a family-run studio, giving him firsthand insight into delivering dynamic productions under tight timelines. Paul partners closely with clients to create practical, well-designed environments that support artists, technicians, and educators.

Cecilia Esparza, EIT
Designer II – Acoustics
Bio
Cecilia is a Designer II at Passerelle Design Group, supporting the firm’s acoustical design practice. She brings a thoughtful, user-focused perspective shaped by a broad engineering background and a foundation in music performance. Cecilia values collaboration and clear communication, working with project teams to explore alternatives and explain how acoustical recommendations will be experienced by end users. She is motivated by creating spaces that support intelligibility, comfort, and long-term success for those who learn, perform, and work within them. When she is not supporting project teams, Cecilia enjoys challenging herself in the gym, baking treats for family and friends, and listening to music across a wide range of genres.

Davin Huston
Director of Audiovisual
Bio
Davin is the Director of the Audiovisual Design practice at Passerelle Design Group. With nearly two decades of experience in consulting, design, operations, and education, Davin brings a hands-on perspective shaped by roles in theatrical operations, experiential environments, and higher education. He partners closely with clients and design teams to define how spaces should function and be experienced, prioritizing user workflow and long-term operability before technology selection. Outside of work, Davin prioritizes time with his family and explores creative side projects that challenge him to learn new technologies and skill sets.

Matt Eckstein, CTS-D
Specialist II – Audiovisual
Bio
Matt brings more than 18 years of experience spanning audiovisual consulting, theatrical sound design, and interactive storytelling. With a background rooted in music and performance, he approaches AV design with a focus on rhythm, emotion, and creating spaces that feel immersive and intuitive for the people using them. At Passerelle, he supports audiovisual design for experience-driven environments, helping clients tell their stories through sound and audiovisual elements. Whether he’s collaborating with architects, reviewing system details, or finding elegant ways to hide the technology entirely, Matt believes the story should always lead the design.
Outside of work, Matt is an enthusiastic moose fan, a loyalty cemented when he spotted six moose on his wedding day, which he still considers a very good omen.

Jeremy Rawe, M.Ed.
Specialist II – Video Systems
Bio
Jeremy is a Video Production Systems Specialist at Passerelle Design Group, supporting video production, LED, and scoring systems design. With more than two decades of experience spanning education and consulting, Jeremy brings a practitioner perspective shaped by years as a classroom educator and director of district video production programs. He collaborates closely with Owners, Architects, and implementation teams to design professional-grade systems that support high-quality productions while remaining accessible and scalable for students and educators. Jeremy is motivated by creating environments that prepare students for real-world careers and long-term success. When he is not designing video production systems, Jeremy enjoys spending time with his wife, children, and grandchildren, attending Dallas Stars hockey games, and catching the latest film.
