A.Helena Berge, AIA
Principal, HBd Architecture
The Principal of HBd Architecture, Helena has over 20 years of experience in Architecture. She grew up in Sweden, lived and worked in England, and holds a Master degree from UCLA. Prior establishing HBd Architecture, Helena worked with Gehry Partners, Frederick Fisher & Partners Architects, Hodgetts + Fung, Thom Mayne at UCLA, and EIS Studio. Helena’s focus has been on design and construction of projects in the residential, museum arts, and academic building types. Helena is a licensed Architect and a LEED Green Associate. She founded her firm HBd Architecture in 2011.

Aileene Simbulan
Job Captain, AXIS/GFA Architecture + Design
Aileene Simbulan is a recent graduate of UC Berkeley in 2019 with a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture. Currently, she is working at AXIS/GFA in Westwood, CA doing hospitality architecture with a focus on Entitlements and Design Development. Before her current position, she was employed at BRR Architecture where she gained experience in commercial architecture, specifically tenant improvement work for grocery stores like Walmart and Grocery Outlet. She has also worked at McKently Malak Architects in Pasadena, CA where she was involved in Site Design and Development.

Alexadnra Hoevel, AIA
Senior Project Manager, BAR Architects
A life-long resident of Los Angeles, Alexandria has been practicing Architecture and Urban Design for 18 years. With a deeper focus on a project’s relationship to its urban context and the neighborhood surrounding it, she’s worked extensively on multi-family and mixed used developments both regionally and in other parts of the US. Since graduating from Cal Poly Pomona, Alexandria has had the opportunity to be a part of a handful of well-respected and eclectic firms in the region, recently joining the team at BAR Architects in Los Angeles where she is a Senior Project Manager. Outside of the office, she devotes her free time to her community, mentorship, and to supporting equality within the architectural community. Alexandria is also an active member of ULI and AWA+D.

Alicia Morales
Founder, Designer, and Business Owner, AM Design Studio
Architecture School taught me that throughout any moment a problem is securely solved through the conceptual definition of the project. Through my preparation at East Los Angeles College, then moving on to Southern California Institute of Architecture I was able to visualize what the priorities in my career were. What was really Architecture for me? Architecture is understanding the Nomenclature of a culture, tradition, the persona of each client and stepping up as a Woman in Architecture. As the end of my journey at SCI-Arc ended I had the desire to seek the best job opportunity that would be more enjoyable for the new journey I was about to begin. Emails and Phone calls with interviews and those opportunities that were going to help me network with other colleagues and Coworkers emerged but many were opportunities where the commute would not work, and others that possibly didn’t feel exciting to take. It was time to take a different lane on the highway and answer calls of those who needed my Architectural Services. That is when I decided to maintain the lane; it felt worth taking the challenge. To take the risk to start my own small practice in a garage that needed to adapt immediately from a storage room to a Design Studio. Knocking on the first client’s door and making sure that I was explaining myself to meet their needs were nerve wracking but in order to accomplish it I needed to break the ice with my fear of failure. Each moment was going to be either successful or a discouragement but it was all for the growth of the business that was starting to grow. Each project has been a lesson for me as the Business Owner to continue growing and to be convinced that even though each project can have a sweet and sour encounter with City Officials Knowledge and Experience makes you Step up without fear of falling. As a Women, Latina, Business Owner and as a Woman in Architecture I have been able to prove myself that the love for my business is important to make it grow and the clientele is evidence of it because if I were to be questioned “How do your clients hear of you?” My response would have a fixed stare and a smile of gratitude to life. As I repeat, the risks and challenges have not been easy and they will continue coming but as long as you keep the communication with the community and always extending your hand with sincerity by offering the best of you.

Ashley Craig, AIA
Associate Architect, SOM
Ashley Craig is an Associate in SOM’s Los Angeles studio with over a decade of professional experience in diverse project types. Ashley is recognized for her ability to collaborate on large projects with complex programs. She has worked on design teams associated with airport, rail-transit facilities, civic, corporate, commercial and master plan projects throughout the United States. Her experience working with diverse multidisciplinary teams has equipped her with invaluable leadership training and the ability to design within a complex and agile framework.

Astrid Theeuwes
Associate | Civil Engineering, KPFF Consulting Engineers
Astrid Theeuwes is an Associate with the KPFF Los Angeles Civil Engineering office, where she started her career after receiving a Master of Science in Civil and Environmental Engineering from the University of California, Los Angeles and a Master of Science in Engineering from the Ecole Speciale des Travaux Publics, Paris, France. Since joining KPFF in 2006, Astrid Theeuwes has enjoyed working on a wide range of projects, from local residential, commercial, educational and streetscape projects to various institutional projects around the world. She is a dynamic, positive and detailed oriented team player, enjoys developing successful relationships and is always excited to explore new ideas.
Being passionate about Active Transportation and the transformation it brings to our environment, Astrid is particularly proud of her contribution as part of the KPFF Prime team to the Santa Monica Beach Bike Path Upgrade completed last year. She is currently supporting large scale mixed-use developments throughout LA, higher education projects throughout the region, and various public spaces projects. Astrid is a registered Civil Engineer in the State of California and a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers.

Athenna Lim
Co Founder, Studio Barnhaus
Athenna Lim, Co Founder of Studio Barnhaus and Co Chair of ACLA 2×8, has successfully developed a booming design and drafting company called Studio Barnhaus right after graduating in 2020. Next year marks its 3rd year of operation, specializing in ADUs and residential alterations. Though young, Studio Barnhaus has been prolific in its sheer volume of work and its exponential growth within central, keystone LA neighborhoods like Leimert Park and Baldwin Vista since its conception. Against all odds of starting a business in the middle of a pandemic, heated political climate, and a time when there were seemingly no prospects of finding work as a fresh graduate, Athenna has overcome and persevered with great success. Business ownership has not only strengthened her credibility as a design professional, but has opened many doors in and outside of the realm of architecture. By adapting to the natural ebb and flow of business ownership, Athenna is able to generate more windows of opportunity and expand her ever-evolving career.

Audrey Handelman, AIA
Senior Associate and Studio Director, Gensler
Audrey Handelman is a Studio Director, Senior Associate, Director of Design Resilience, and Community Impact Leader with Gensler. She is an experienced architect, designer, and leader on projects ranging from retail to hospitality to performing arts to adaptive re-use office space. Her strengths lie in being an inclusive leader, maintaining strong client and colleague relationships, and creating dynamic and relevant designs that are conscious of their impact on many scales – from the end user to the community to the environment. She is a California licensed architect and LEED BD+C accredited. She is passionate about mentorship and community engagement and is currently working on aligning Gensler’s volunteerism and pro-bono work across the region, as well as building opportunities for work with foundations, organizations, and associations. She volunteers her time as a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) for foster youth and is on their Board of Directors as Secretary. She is also on the Board of Directors for Coro SoCal – a nonprofit focused on growing civic leadership in Southern California. And she is an avid rock climber.

Barbara Bouza, FAIA
President, Walt Disney Imagineering
Barbara Bouza is president of Walt Disney Imagineering, where she heads the global creative, design and development teams behind Disney’s theme parks, attractions, resort hotels, cruise ships, and retail, dining and entertainment centers. She also leads a multidisciplinary team tasked with exploring, developing and bringing to market groundbreaking ideas that enhance and expand Disney’s portfolio of experiences around the world. Barbara previously served as co-managing director, principal, of Gensler Los Angeles. A fellow of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), she was the 2019 AIA Los Angeles president, and also served on the board of the Southern California chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Barbara is on the board of directors of Imagine LA, a leading not-for-profit dedicated to mobilizing the community to end the cycle of family homelessness and poverty, and is a member of the National Organization of Minority Architects and the Women Presidents’ Organization. Additionally, she works with nonprofit organizations such as Girls Inc. and Dress for Success. Barbara holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and studied in the Graduate Diploma Program at the Architectural Association in London.

Chantayne Wilchewski
Director of Construction, ScionHealth
Chantayne Wilchewski is a Construction Management leader with a background in Civil Engineering and a passion for healthcare construction. Chantayne specializes in creative problem solving and finds success in her ability to cultivate diverse teams across her projects. Overseeing 8 hospitals across Southern California, Chantayne currently holds the title of Director of Construction at ScionHealth. Previously Chantayne was the Director of Clinical Projects for UnitedHealth Group where she oversaw the outpatient healthcare construction portfolio and managed a team of 10 project managers. Outside of the hospital, Chantayne works with organizations such as WiOPS and NAWIC to continue to build and support the local women’s chapter of construction networking. Recently, Chantayne volunteered for events that brought construction management career information to LA County schools. When not building things, Chantayne enjoys a good Netflix binge but can also be found adventuring with her wife and son.

Cynthia Kracuaer, AIA
Executive Director, Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation
Cynthia is an architect and currently serves as the Executive Director for Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF). She joins the Foundation following ten years as the Managing Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter, Center for Architecture. Both an architect and a creative institutional administrator, Cynthia was responsible for the creation of Archtober, the New York City month-long festival of architecture and design. As one of the early pioneers of co-education in the 1970’s, Cynthia graduated from Princeton University receiving both a magna cum laude, and Masters of Architecture. She worked for Philip Johnson in the 80’s and taught at the University of Virginia, New Jersey Institute of Technology and her alma mater.

Danielle Tellez
Associate, SHoP Architects
Danielle Tellez is an Associate at SHoP Architects and was one of the organizers of the historic SHoP Union Campaign. She has around 7 years of professional experience in the field of architecture after graduating from the University of Michigan. She also served as the President of Women in Architecture during her undergraduate education at the University of Illinois.

Dawn MacFadyen
Managing Principal, AMA Group
Dawn MacFadyen is a Managing Principal of AMA Group’s Los Angeles office, heading up a briskly growing design team whose shared vision is to creatively and successfully deliver energy-efficient, cost-effective, reliable, and flexible systems for buildings. Her 20+ years of consulting engineering experience includes media, creative office space, studios, broadcast facilities, sports venues, convention centers, performing arts centers, central utility plants/infrastructure, and higher education projects. Notable projects include NFL Media at Hollywood Park, Warner Music Group in downtown Los Angeles, Robertson Lane development in West Hollywood, and the Ranch Lot Studios in Burbank. Dawn also has extensive knowledge of lighting design and is involved in the design of high-performance project types, including LEED-certified commercial and institutional buildings.

Diana Erickson Nishi
Associate Principal, Englekirk
Diana Erickson Nishi is an Associate Principal for the 100 member firm of Englekirk Structural Engineers. She joined Englekirk in 1988 upon receiving a Bachelor Science from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, in Architectural Engineering and a Master of Science from the University of California, Los Angeles in Civil: Earthquake Engineering. Ms. Nishi’s professional interest and expertise is in the area of the design of concrete and steel structures. She has been responsible for a diverse range of projects including the design of hotels, regional malls, parking structures, office buildings, mixed use, K-12 schools, higher education and institutional facilities and has worked on numerous large scale projects in California. Ms. Nishi has been active in professional organizations throughout her 33 year career and is a past Board Member for the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California along with professional memberships in AISC, AWS, and DBIA. She is a registered Civil and Structural Engineer in the State of California.

Erica McNicholas
Associate Principal, ALD Lighting
Erica McNicholas is an architectural lighting designer with over a decade of experience in lighting design and project management. She has worked on projects in all building sectors and project types, ranging in size and complexity. Throughout the design and construction process Erica’s emphasis is on collaboration, resulting in creative lighting solutions that have a sensitivity to aesthetics and function while achieving clients’ goals, schedules, and budgets. Her passion for design, attention to detail, and expertise has resulted in her projects being recognized by industry publications and awards.

Jan Karl
Vice President, Morley Builders
Jan Karl brings an extensive background in real estate development and services, which she has used to focus on guiding Morley Builders to its next era of success driven by smart, strategic growth. Her belief in ethics and an upstanding way of doing business has set Morley apart and has led to both a higher standard of construction quality and an impressive on-budget track record. She is committed to giving back to the community as she serves as incoming Chairman of the Board of Habitat for Humanity Los Angeles and on the City of Hope LARE Council Board. She is also an active board member of the Los Angeles Sports Council. Jan serves as Past President of the Los Angeles Headquarters Association. She is a board member of the Los Angeles Business Council and serves as Co-Chair of the LABC Annual Architectural Awards. She is also a passionate participant of 50/50 Women on Boards, an organization driven to bring greater diversity to corporate boards. She actively engages as a past board member of the Urban Land Institute and CoreNet. Jan participates on panels focused on women in the construction and real estate industry. She recently was a guest speaker about Mentorship at the Women in Construction and Engineering Conference. She has served as a guest lecturer at UCLA and USC and has moderated and participated in numerous business panel discussions. The Los Angeles Business Journal named Jan as an “Outstanding Woman in Construction, Architecture and Engineering” in 2022 and 2020. Jan was recognized in 2022 and again in 2019 by Globe Street Real Estate Forum as a “Woman of Influence” at their annual conference. She was also recognized by Bisnow at the “Power Women Forum 2019” for Outstanding Excellence and Influence in Los Angeles Commercial Real Estate.

Jennifer Siqueira
Project Architect, Bernheimer Architecture and BA Union, AWU member
Jennifer Siqueira is a registered architect involved in organizing the first union in a private-sector architecture firm (Bernheimer Architecture) in the United States since the 1930s. She was also one of the leaders of the unionization effort at SHoP, where she worked for four years before she was laid off during the pandemic. She is a registered architect with experience in both large-scale publicly-oriented projects and small-scale private buildings. Je holds both undergraduate and graduate degrees in architecture from UC Berkeley. She is an active member of Architectural Workers United.

Jennifer Wong, AIA
Associate, CO Architects
Jennifer Noel Wong, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, has been with CO Architects since 2018 with the firm’s education group and brings a thoughtful and methodical approach to each project. She possesses unique skillset and a strong emotional intelligence, which has earned her the complete trust of her clients, team and consultants. She has experience working on both renovations and new construction for a wide range of project types, including K-12 and higher education, civic and retail projects. In her free time, she teaches after-school design workshops in her community.

Jessica Rogers, Assoc. AIA
Content Creator/Host, She Builds Podcast
Jessica Rogers is a content creator based out of her hometown of Miami, Florida. Jessica attended Design and Architecture Senior High, a magnet art school in the design district of Miami. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Syracuse University, where she also served as treasurer and historian for her NOMAS chapter. Jessica has spent four years working at the National Headquarters of the American Institute of Architects. At the AIA, she managed and developed EDI-related programming and resources for emerging professionals and women in the profession. She is passionate about helping others succeed, elevating the voices of those underrepresented, and creating a more equitable profession. She continues this charge as the co-host of She Builds Podcast, elevating women in the AEC industry through storytelling. Prior to working for the AIA, Jessica was a drafter at several firms in Tampa and Miami, Florida. She has worked on various projects including single-family homes, retail land proposals, and a Port Terminal for the City of Miami. She loves being creative and trying new things like handling the social media of She Builds Podcast.

Jessica Stoneham
Director of Facilcities, Los Angeles LGBT Center
Jessica Stoneham has 25 yrs. experience in operations and maintenance at various facilities. Having started as a Nuclear Electrician in the United States Navy, Jessica has since earned Bachelors’ in Electrical Engineering and Business, a MBA, and is currently pursuing her Doctorate in Organizational Change. Throughout her career she has focused on industrial power plants, starting from an electrician, and progressing to Director of Engineering. During her various roles, Jessica has managed projects ranging from simple modifications, to complex multi-million-dollar outages and renovations, to her last position managing the construction and operation of a $80M powerplant at a startup company. She has since joined the LA LGBT Center as Director of Facilities to assist in growing the organization so that we can help more people in the underserved LGBT community.

Jillian White
Environmental Scientist, HDR
Jillian White (they/them) is a recent graduate from UC Santa Cruz with a degree in Environmental Studies and Sustainability. They have been an Environmental Scientist at HDR|WRECO for three years. Prior to its acquisition, Jillian helped develop WRECO’s Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion Plan. In their free time, Jillian is usually sitting in the sun, sewing, or helping build tiny houses for houseless folks in Oakland, CA.

Juliana Serrano
Vice President of Advocacy and Equity, Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley
Juliana Serrano is the Vice President of Advocacy & Equity at Planned Parenthood Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley (PPPSGV). Juliana works to advance PPPSGV’s mission through the strategic implementation of electoral and advocacy activities that promote policies favorable to Planned Parenthood at all levels of government. She creates and leads the vision and strategy for our community affairs, government affairs, and advocacy work, and she leads the organization’s diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI) initiatives, focused on partnerships for health equity in our communities. Juliana also serves at the Executive Director of Planned Parenthood Advocates Pasadena and San Gabriel Valley (PPAPSGV), the advocacy and political arm of PPPSGV.

Kasie Bowden
Project Superintendentdobetterthings2022, Hensel Phelps
Kasie Bowden is a Project Superintendent who has worked for Hensel Phelps in Southern California for 16 years. Kasie’s project experience ranges from education and healthcare to aviation. Valuing $1.5B in completed work, milestone programs include the RFK Community School (formerly the Ambassador Hotel), The Martin Luther King, Jr. Medical Center Renovation and over $1B in aviation renovation programs at 3 major terminals at LAX. Her current project, valued at over $700M, is the UCI Irvine Campus Medical Complex. Major highlights include an all-electric CUP, a 1300 space parking building, a medical outpatient 5-story tower and the 144-bed, 7-story Hospital tower.

Kasie’s greatest contribution to the construction community includes co-founding the non-profit organization Women in Construction Operations (WiOPS), geared towards growing a community for women leaders in the operational side of construction. This group has reached over 1,400 members in California alone and will be growing to the East Coast in 2023. This year, Kasie is the Governing Board President of WiOPS, and in her role she has met one-on-one with executives of several construction companies to talk through management’s approach to identifying, growing and promoting women in construction.

Although she and her husband are both USC Viterbi School of Engineering graduates, they agree there’s no pressure for their kids to follow suit. Her love of travel takes her out of the country at least once a year. Kasie looks forward to continued success and personal growth in the construction industry.

Kelly Becker, AIA
Sr. Project Manager, Tim Barber Architects
Kelly Becker, AIA, is a Senior Project Manager and emerging leader at Tim Barber Architects in Beverly Hills. She joined the firm in July 2013 as a Design Associate and has grown as a designer and mentor through her contributions to single family residences all over Southern California. She is committed to creating beautiful, functional, and sustainable spaces for families to enjoy for generations.

Kristin Akin-Zimmerman, AIA, NOMA
Associate, SOM
As an Associate at Skidmore Owings and Merrill, Kristin approaches each project with a unique design perspective. She collaborates on a variety of project types including civic projects, mixed-use developments, and SOM legacy project renovations. With all design opportunities, Kristin particularly focuses on improving the urban landscape and public space experiences. Since graduating Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Kristin has spent her free time contributing to a more equitable and diverse architectural profession by leading efforts like the SOM Women’s Initiative. In collaboration with NOMA, she devotes her energy to mentorship, outreach, and exposing architecture to future designers.

Leslie Sydnor, AIA
Director, Cumming
Leslie is a director at Cumming; currently working as a planning and development project manager for LAUSD. She has over 25 years of experience in the design of education, aviation, industrial, and low-income housing projects. Leslie is Vice President/President-elect of the AIALA Board of directors and past co-chair of the Justice Equity Diversity and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) committee. She teaches Architectural Project Management at Cal Poly Pomona, is on the Woodbury University Construction Management Program Advisory Board and mentors emerging professionals. Leslie has a B.A. in Architecture from Yale and an M.Arch from UCLA.

Lizi Raar
Creator/Host, She Builds Podcast
Elizabeth Raar (Lizi) is a licensed architect at an architecture firm in Marin County, California. Originally from Holland, Michigan, she always had an interest in architecture and design and knew that would be her profession by the age of 11. After architecture school, Lizi took an internship at an architectural concept firm in The Hague, Netherlands. In 2014 she moved to San Francisco to take a job at her current firm, which focuses on single-family residential architecture. Lizi loves focusing on making a client’s home functional and yet beautiful for them. Now with She Builds Podcast, Lizi is so excited to be sharing stories of women in the industry who haven’t been showcased throughout history in the hopes that women will play a more equal part in future architectural history. When not in the office or podcasting, Lizi is most likely traveling the world, salsa dancing, quilting, or baking delicious things.

Lynn Wang
Designer, BAR Architects
Lynn has worked in multifamily and winery projects for three years in both Los Angeles and the Bay Area. After going to school at UC Berkeley, Lynn found an interest in sustainable and equitable design. She finds that discussions in these fields enriches her appreciation for the field of architecture and pushes her to think more rigorously about design.

Magdalena Glen-Schieneman, AIA
Principal, MGS architecture and Co-Director, AWA+D
Magdalena Glen-Schieneman earned her masters degree in Poland and has practiced architecture in Poland, France, and the United States. She is the founder and principal of MGS Architecture in Los Angeles. Hers is a diverse practice focusing on design, art, and sustainability. The firm is known for developing a contemporary style with warmth on the human scale. MGS Architecture’s projects encompass commercial, hospitality and modern residential architecture where innovation, collaboration, technical expertise, and creative design are equally important. Magdalena has varied professional experiences from small scale residential projects to large scale resorts; she is an accomplished artist in collage and acrylic. She is a member of the AIA, and AWA+D. Through the AIA, she is an active member of the Committee on Design and a participant in domestic and international conferences focused on design. At AWA+D she serves as a Co-Director of Programs.She lives in Los Angeles with a husband and three children.

Margaux Burkholder, P.E., S.E.
Principal / Structural Engineering, Walter P Moore and Associates
Margaux Burkholder is a licensed structural engineer with 12 years of design experience in the Los Angeles area. She has worked on a range of project types and has experience with high-rise and performance-based design, seismic retrofit and rehabilitation, multi-family residential, commercial, mixed use, retail, sports and entertainment. A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Margaux has focused her career in the high seismic regions of California, working with architects and developers to provide elegant yet cost effective structural solutions to their projects. As a result of her experience with tall buildings and performance based design, Margaux has emerged as an area expert in concrete design and currently sits on the ACI Southern California Board of Directors. She is also an active member of the SEAOSC Concrete and Sustainability committees and co-chairs the Women in Structural Engineering Committee. A personal passion for Margaux is the fostering of young students’ interest in the design and construction industry. As a result, she is a mentor for the ACE Mentor Los Angeles program and also sits on the Advisory Board for the Structural Engineering Department at Cal Poly, SLO which helps to guide the future of the curriculum and prepare future college graduates for success in the industry.

Marisa Kurtzman
Architect & Partner, Frederick Fisher and Partners
Marisa brings energy and rigor to directing Fisher and Partners’ visioning, programming, and planning efforts. A linguist and a “people-person,” she loves discovering what makes institutions and organizations tick, and then translating their goals and values into effective, authentic concept design strategies. Recent projects include the Oceanside Museum of Art Expansion Plan, the Natural History Museum of LA County’s West/South Expansion, and Princeton’s Eric and Wendy Schmidt Hall. A NextGen partner who has been with the practice for sixteen years, Marisa is a leader in shaping FF&P’s progressive work policies and DEI initiatives. She received her B.A. from Wesleyan University and her M.Arch from Yale. Outside of work, Marisa is active in the Association for Women in Architecture + Design. She also enjoys quirky cultural activities, public radio, voting, and walking around her neighborhood with her baby daughter, husband, and dog.

Marion Weiss, FAIA
Co-founder, WEISS/MANFREDI Architecture/Landscape/Urbanism
Marion Weiss is the co-founder of WEISS/MANFREDI and the Graham Chair Professor of Practice at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design. Her New York City-based multidisciplinary practice is known for the dynamic integration of architecture, art, infrastructure, and landscape. Notable projects include the Seattle Art Museum: Olympic Sculpture Park, recognized by TIME Magazine as one of the “top ten architectural marvels.” Her work has been exhibited at the Venice Biennale, the Sao Paulo Biennale, the Guggenheim Museum, the Cooper-Hewitt Museum, the National Building Museum, and the Museum of Modern Art. She was honored by Architectural Record with the Women in Architecture Design Leader award and her firm has also been recognized with the Cooper Hewitt National Design Award for Architecture, the 2020 Thomas Jefferson Foundation Medal in Architecture, and the New York Center for Architecture President’s Award. Princeton Architectural Press has published three monographs on WEISS/MANFREDI’s work, including PUBLIC NATURES: Evolutionary Infrastructures. Their forthcoming book, DRIFTING SYMMETRIES and Other Enduring Models, will be published in 2023. Marion Weiss is the Graham Chair Professor of Practice in Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design, and she has also taught at Harvard, Cornell, and Yale University where she was the Saarinen Visiting Professor of Architecture. She received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia and her Master of Architecture at Yale University where she won the American Institute of Architects Scholastic Award and the Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill Traveling Fellowship. She is a fellow of the AIA and an inductee of the National Academy of Design.

Mary Casper
Creative Director, Social Studies Projects
Mary Casper is a Los Angeles-based designer, editor, and educator. Mary served as Designer and Project Manager for numerous award-winning firms, including Johnston Marklee, WW Architecture, Interloop Architecture, The Archers and Chet Architecture, before founding Social Studies Projects, a multidisciplinary design studio based in Los Angeles. Rooted in the California culture of grassroots experimentalism, collectivity, and innovation, SSP draws inspiration from historic precedents across architecture, set design, art, and even pop culture, to create original projects for modern inhabitants. The studio’s team of like-minded architects, interior designers, strategists, filmmakers, and graphic designers work through a research-driven, iterative design process in genuine collaboration with their clients and their communities to create thoughtful residential and commercial renovations, additions and ground-up construction, as well as custom furniture, design consulting, feasibility research, master planning, graphic identities, exhibition design, and product. Mary currently teaches as an Adjunct Assistant Professor at the USC School of Architecture and taught previously at the Harvard GSD. She has served as a visiting critic at University of Michigan, University of Kentucky, CalPoly Pomona, Woodbury University, UCLA, and Sci-Arc. She co-edited Plat Journal 2.5 and 3.0 with Chimaobi Izeogu and The Petropolis of Tomorrow with Neeraj Bhatia, published by Actar. Mary earned her M.Arch from Rice University and B.A. in Sociology from Vassar College.

Megumi Hironaka, AIA
Associate Principal, HED
Megumi Hironaka brings over 20 years of experience in the planning, design, and construction of higher education, civic, and mixed-use developments throughout California. She brings a technical expertise in managing and producing all architectural project documentation with a focus on designing and developing highly sustainable and healthy buildings. As a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional, Megumi is dedicated to improving working and living environments through design solutions that promote creativity, well-being, and community. Megumi is currently serving as a Vice Chair in AIA Los Angeles Committee On The Environment (COTE).

Mischa Haramia
Entertainment Practice Director
A seasoned professional with more than 30 years of experience and the Entertainment Practice Director at Henderson Engineers, Mischa oversees strategies and efforts for entertainment venue projects. These can range from performing arts and concert venues to esports, experiential/movie theaters, casinos, amusement parks, movie studios, and many other places where people gather for fun. Whether it’s 70,000 seat venue or an intimate club, Mischa has worked on them all and brings a unique perspective to each project. She has a passion for giving her time to the community and volunteers for the Human Rights Campaign in her spare time. She also serves on the California steering committee of Build Out Alliance, an organization which promotes & advocates for the LGBTQ community within the building design and construction industries, and is active in Diversity Toastmasters, a chapter specifically geared to give LGBTQ+ people a space to practice public speaking and develop leadership and management skills. In her spare time Mischa enjoys running, painting, and enjoying the mountains or beach.

Oonagh Ryan, AIA
Founding Principal, ORA
Oonagh is the founding principal of ORA. Her holistic approach to design creatively marries architecture, interiors, and lifestyle. She represents diverse visions, often challenging conventions to create fresh perspectives and opportunities across various typologies and budgets. Fusing her practical knowledge of design and construction, Oonagh delivers accessible built outcomes that capture the spirit of Los Angeles and enrich experiences through the value of design. Oonagh’s work has been acknowledged with numerous design awards. She is the recipient of the AIA Los Angeles, Presidential Honoree, 2021 Emerging Practice, and was the emerging talent speaker at the AIA California, 2021 Monterey Design Conference.

Rachel Allen, AIA
Principal, RADAR Inc.
Founding Principal Rachel Allen grew up in San Francisco and studied at Princeton University. She worked for five years with Frank Gehry, ultimately as an Asst. Project Designer. She was the 2002-2003 recipient of the Mercedes T. Bass Rome Prize in architecture, a yearlong fellowship at the American Academy in Rome. She was also the Mayor’s Appointee to the HPOZ Board of historic NELA neighborhood Lincoln Heights, has completed the Goldman Sachs 10K Small Businesses Program, and is now a member of the ULI LA Homelessness Initiative Council. She lectures widely and has taught architecture for Cal Poly Pomona, the Mountain School of Art, SCI-Arc, UCLA, UC Riverside, USC, and Woodbury University. Rachel founded the award-winning firm now known as RADAR, Inc. in 2003.

Sarah Jacobson, AIA
President, Lamar Johnson Collaborative
As President of the Lamar Johnson Collaborative (LJC), Sarah provides leadership in both architecture and construction management for her team of architects, interior designers, planners, and landscape architects. A licensed project architect, she has been involved in all aspects of project delivery from conceptual design through construction administration, leading teams on a variety of developments across the globe, including corporate buildings, hotels, civic and institutional facilities, and high rise, in both new construction and adaptive re-use. As a founding member of Lamar Johnson Collaborative in 2017, Sarah has been integral in growing the firm from a start-up with six people, through a merger with Bates Forum in 2019, to the 250 person, multi-discipline, multi-city design firm it is today. In a male-dominated industry, Sarah leverages her leadership position to help increase the diversity of the architectural practice, at multiple levels – introducing high school students of color to the profession through mentorship and internships, looking for ways to partner with MBE and WBE firms in the community for skill sharing and skill growing opportunities, working with industry women’s leadership initiatives to increase the number of female leaders at the table. She is passionate about making sure that the field of architecture better reflects the community it serves.

Sona Gevorkyan
Architect and Adjunct Professor, SGAO, CPP
Sona Gevorkyan is the founder of SGAO (Sona Gevorkyan Architecture Office) a Los Angeles-based multidisciplinary practice founded in 2015. Sona earned her M.Arch degree from Southern California Institute of Architecture and is a licensed architect in California. Sona currently is an adjunct at Cal Poly Pomona teaching first year studio and is the president of Association for Women in Architecture and Design. Sona is originally from Armenia, but also lived in Russia and Japan before.

Staci Nesbitt, AIA
Principal Architect, Partner, GGA+ Architects
Principal at GGA+, Staci Nesbitt, AIA is the firm’s Director of Strategic Partnerships. She has 30 years of combined experience in architecture and planning. Her experience includes 10 years of her independent architectural practice with mixed-use and institutional projects. With her deep understanding of the LA region, she brings a cross-disciplinary approach to guide the firm’s strategic direction and development of partnering relationships. Her leadership is instrumental in positioning the firm’s design professionals with our evolving client base. She is an active member of the AEC industry, respected for her positive and forward-looking approach to our practice. A licensed architect, Staci holds a Master of Architecture degree from UCLA.

Stephanie Reich, AIA
Urban Designer/ Design and Historic Preservation Planner, City of Santa Monica
Stephanie Reich, AIA, LEED AP is the Design and Historic Preservation Planner (formerly Urban Designer) for the City of Santa Monica. Prior to joining the City of Santa Monica, she had similar roles for the cities of Glendale, West Hollywood, Long Beach and also previously for the City of Santa Monica. Stephanie has also practiced architecture and urban design more traditionally for almost 20 years with a variety of high-profile architecture firms in Los Angeles and New York. Stephanie earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, and her Master of Architecture from Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and has taught design and other topics at design and architecture schools in both LA and NY. She moved to Los Angeles from New York City in 1991 to be a part of building a great city. Stephanie is active in the local AIA chapter, serving as Chair of the AIA/LA Urban Design Committee (UDC) from 2001 to 2011, and has served on the AIA/LA Board of Directors. She has also been active for 20 years in the Association for Women in Architecture and Design (AWA+D) and the AIA California Council Urban Design Committee.

Tania Van Herle, FAIA
Corporate Operations Leader, HED
Tania Van Herle is the Corporate Systems Leader of HED, responsible for maintaining and driving operational results. With her experience in architecture, she has participated in all aspects of the practice including project management, business development, technical leadership, operations, office management and corporate governance. An effective leader and driven businessperson, Tania works with internal stakeholders to spur company growth, maintain key operational procedures, create new processes, and ensures adherence to HED’s mission of creating positive impact through responsive, innovative, and sustainable design solutions. She is the Corporate Treasurer for the firm and served on the Board since 2006. Throughout her career, Tania has been an advocate for equity, inclusivity and diversity. She has championed policy and program development and actively models change both within her firm, for the profession and within her local community. Trained in both architecture and engineering, Tania earned multiple degrees at UCLA in both Civil Engineering and Architecture. Tania is a founding chair of the Women in Architecture Committee of AIA-LA, served as the President of the AIA-LA Chapter in 2018, and is currently serving her second term on the Board of Directors for the Girl Scouts of Greater Los Angeles.

Yu-Ming Wei, AIA
Principal | Project Management Leader, HED
Yu-Ming Wei, AIA, is a Principal at HED where she serves as Operations Manager and Project Management Discipline Leader for their Los Angeles Office. She has extensive experience with large complex projects and client stakeholder groups and has garnered the relevant knowledge and skill set to successfully execute projects from inception through construction. She is well versed in the design process and teamwork necessary to drive projects from entitlement through construction. Over the course of her career, she has been involved in diverse project types ranging from residential high-rises, mixed-use commercial developments, K-12 classrooms, to higher education academic and student support facilities. It is her ability to steer collaboration and balance innovation with technical project requirements that has enables her to practice so broadly and achieve distinctive and relevant results for her clients. As a Project Manager, she focuses this experience on supporting and guiding her team members toward project success. As an Architect, she enjoys mentorship so others may discover their own paths forward in the multifaceted architectural profession.