Chair

Catherine Hernandez, Assoc. AIA
Brilliant Corners

Catherine Diane  Hernandez, born and raised in South Central Los Angeles, has an extensive background in community organizing, policy, and the built environment.She leads capital investments in Southern California at a non profit development and architecture studio where she creates service-enhanced affordable housing and socially-beneficial community facilities that promote the social, economic and physical transformation of underserved communities. She’s a housing advocate in her field and supports various organizations throughout Southern California ranging from tenant unions to policy development pushing for initiatives like Housing for All. Additionally,she  serves on the National Council of Architecture Registration Board Think Tank to share feedback on licensure programs, brainstorm areas for improvement, and strengthen equity, diversity, and inclusion efforts. She also serves as the Community liaison and design strategist for the National Center for Community Organizing where she engages residents in place making workshops, development advocacy/actions, and land trusts. Most recently she served on the board of SoCal NOMA.

email Catherine

Vice Chair

Esmeralda Aceituno, Assoc. AIA

Esmeralda Aceituno is a first-generation Chicana designer and Harvard GSD graduate specializing in equity-driven design and cultural storytelling. With a background in creating high-impact community spaces, she currently serves as an Event Architectural Designer I at Populous. There, she is contributing to the design of the LA28 Olympic & Paralympic Games, working to ensure inclusive and transformative experiences for the global event.

Past Chair

Cynthia Sigler, Assoc. AIA
HKS

Cynthia is an Architectural Designer motivated by the impact that our built environment has, from the macro to the micro scale. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame (BArch 19’). She began her career in Chicago and moved to Los Angeles in 2021. A member of HKS Los Angeles’ Commercial Mixed-Use Studio, Cynthia is also actively pursuing licensure. She is passionate about supporting the newest members of our profession navigate the workforce. Some of her other interests include sketching and watercoloring, seeing new places, and working on her DIY home projects.

email Cynthia