Future Architects & Student Presentations

EVENT DETAILS

Please join the AIA LA Healthcare Committee for our annual tradition of kicking off the new year with future architects! Student presentations from Cal Poly Pomona Department of Architecture, the UCLA School of Architecture, and the USC School of Architecture will feature inspiring projects centered around healthcare and wellness.

The student presentations featured at this event are listed below. Roughly half our time will be student presentations with the other half devoted to Q&A for each group. Support our incoming emerging professionals by attending this event and get the first sneak peek at future design leaders!

“Architecture that Functions as Everyday Health Infrastructure”

Dusty Frye, Hena Muttreja, Monserrat Acosta Gomez, Vivila Leigh

2025 UCLA Masters of Architecture Grads

Imagining cooling centers as flexible, semi-exterior civic spaces that support community life, health, and resilience in heat-vulnerable neighborhoods.

“Extending Gay Asian American Culture in West Hollywood”

 Eric Yu – Cannon Design, 2025 USC Masters of Architecture Grad

Building on the design legacy of John Chase, West Hollywood has long functioned as a queer refuge within Los Angeles, shaped by its mixed-use public and outdoor spaces. Drawing from Yona Friedman’s principles of flexible and adaptable architecture and José Muñoz’s theory of queer futurity, this project proposes a flexible tensile canopy structure informed by gay Asian American aesthetics. Designed to support a queer Asian American kickball team participating in OutLoud Sports, the intervention seeks to expand Asian American visibility, inclusion, and representation within West Hollywood. Whether deployed at Poinsettia Park, West Hollywood Park, or Temple City Park, the structure operates as an ephemeral gathering space that foregrounds intersectional identity while fostering shared values of community and inclusion.

“Biomimicry in Façade Design”

Aachal Katwa – USC Masters of Architecture Student

As cannabis and tobacco use rise, the smoke that lingers in our shared air is quietly harming the people around us. Second- and third-hand exposure affects children, workers, neighbors, anyone simply passing by. I believe facades can do more than mark boundaries; they can participate in protecting public life. This project introduces a passive, gill-inspired façade that gently responds when someone walks on the sidewalk, slowing and capturing smoke trough layered filters before releasing cleaner air back into the environment. This is what my façade aims to do: safeguard the public through quiet, responsive environmental mediation.

“Integrating Mind, Memory, and Meaningful Care”

Cal Poly Pomona Healthcare Studio

Introduction by Professor Jimmy Macias – HMC Architects, Cal Poly Pomona

Our studio will explore how architecture can support a new model of healthcare that unites brain health and mental health treatment under one roof. By integrating memory care, cognitive rehabilitation, and comprehensive mental wellness services, we aim to create environments that treat the whole person—mind, body, and spirit. This approach empowers patients, supports caregivers, and redefines how communities engage with brain and mental health care. The project will include a 90,000 sq ft mental hospital located next to the Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Team 1

Chieh Chi “Stanley”

Christopher Norona

Dominic Jarquin

Jason Rinaldi

Jesus Jacquez Sicaeros

Team 2

Julianna Altamirano

Keyla Jimenez

Marvin Alexander

Ram Adriel Rivadeneira

Daniel Hernandez

Team 3

David Lucas

Gabriel Torres

Lwin Aung

Monica Rico

PARKING

Street parking is available in the area. Please be mindful of the signs.

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