2018 AIA LA Board of Directors Election
Architect, Associate, Fellows & Emeritus Members-in-good-standing of AIA|LA are eligible to vote for one (1) Vice President/President-Elect, one (1) Secretary, two (2) Directors, and one (1) AIACC Representative. Only Associate Members in-good-standing of AIA|LA are eligible to vote for one (1) Ex Officio Associate Director.
Voting will be open from Tuesday, October 3, 2017 until Tuesday, November 14, 2017 at 12:00 PM Pacific time, at which time the votes will be tabulated. Results will be made public at the Board Meeting on November 14, 2017. Voting results will be broadcast via email to the AIA|LA membership on Thursday, November 16, 2017 and also posted on www.aialosangeles.org.
VOTING FORM BEGINS BELOW THE CANDIDATE BIOGRAPHIES & PLATFORMS
UNCONTESTED POSITIONS
VP / PRESIDENT ELECT
(one position available in 2018 / 3-year term)
Barbara Bouza, FAIA, IIDA, LEED AP, EDAC
Barbara is Co-Managing Director and Principal of Gensler's Los Angeles office and a leader of the global Health & Wellness practice. Through her collaborative leadership role, she brings strategic design management to highly innovative clients such as Netflix, JPL/NASA, Amgen, Kaiser Permanente and the City of Hope. As a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Barbara has been an influencer elevating human wellbeing through design excellence. She was featured on the internationally televised National Geographic Channel documentary, "Origins: The Journey of Humankind – Building the Future." A proven advocate, Barbara has been a leader with the AIA LA POWERFUL: Women Leading Design series, active with Girl's Inc, Dress for Success and the National Organization of Minority Architects.
In the community, Barbara was recognized by The Los Angeles Business Journal as the Executive of the Year: Women Making a Difference. This honor recognizes women who "lead by example," successfully blend effective business vision with passionate commitment to positively "making a difference," both in the world of business and in the communities they serve. She has also been named by Real Estate Forum magazine as a Woman of Influence: California. 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 Women Presidents' Organization.
Passionate about Gensler's strong design culture, Barbara's career has also been influenced through her work with Foster + Partners and Morphosis. She 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. Barbara's work has been published nationally and internationally.
Quality of Life: Los Angeles is creative, diverse, and vibrant. Curiosity and the drive for innovation is evident through our unique integration of architecture, science, wellness, art, media and technology to frame the social fabric of the city. We strive to elevate quality of life through design excellence and expertise. Through our commitment to cultivating livable cities, AIA LA is positioned to create a meaningful impact across all communities. Providing value to the membership is crucial as we look to the future of the built environment in support of transportation, health, housing, education and business.
We must continue our progress for an inclusive culture, and to leverage more quality opportunities for women and minorities in architecture and the design professions. I value the opportunity to serve the AIA LA chapter and will bring energy, leadership and commitment to ensure we shape the policies that shape our community.
Wade Killefer, FAIA
Killefer Flammang Architects
Wade Killefer is a founding Partner of Killefer Flammang Architects (KFA), a practice dedicated to designing great places in Los Angeles where people flourish. Wade received his B.A. in English from Stanford University and Master of Architecture degree from UCLA's School of Architecture and Urban Planning.
KFA designed its first Los Angeles library in 1983, first school in 1985, first affordable housing project in 1988, and first mixed-use residential project in 1990. In the late 1990's, Wade was a driving force in the development of LA's Adaptive Reuse Ordinance, which sparked the resurgence of Downtown's historic core. Under Wade's leadership KFA designed the first three efforts under this ordinance in the Old Bank District, and have since rehabilitated over 40 historic buildings throughout the City.
In addition to the adaptive reuse work, KFA has completed dozens of new mixed-use, market-rate housing projects, hotels, creative office, and campus master plan projects. They have also designed over 4,000 units of affordable housing in 57 different buildings for 27 different affordable housing developers in Los Angeles County. Twelve of these projects, containing over 1,000 units, are on Skid Row. Wade's efforts to rebuild communities outside of the firm has been matched only by his dedication to mentorship and licensure within. Alongside his four partners he is active in fostering diversity among staff, and providing the support for young practitioners to gain professional credentials. KFA has received numerous awards and recognition for its forward-thinking architecture, and in 2016 was honored with the prestigious AIA California Council Firm of the Year Award.
Over the course of a 40+-year career I have dedicated myself to envisioning the potential of our City and improving the lives of those who live here. As Secretary of the AIA|LA, I am interested in blending the work of my practice with these larger community-minded efforts. Drawing inspiration from the raw materials of our City, I would like to further initiatives and education surrounding Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, Affordable Housing, and Transit Oriented Development. I believe that linking and improving Los Angeles' diverse neighborhoods through transit, housing and work opportunities is the way to realize the City of the future.
As a hands-on practitioner, I also have seen the benefits of direct involvement and engagement by designers, stakeholders and participants from across the racial, socioeconomic and gender spectrum. As Secretary, I would like to help further AIA's goals for diversity and licensure. I believe our workplaces should look like our streets, a gathering of all humanity at work. Firms should be staffed with individuals who, with eligibility, have the resources, mentorship and encouragement to become licensed, and reap the benefits that come along with that designation. Licensure fosters better architects, better designs, and ultimately better contributions to the City. The licensed among us should help those starting out to get over the finish line.
AIACC REPRESENTATIVE (one position available in 2018 / 2-year term)
Darrell S. "Rocky" Rockefeller, AIA
Rockefeller Partners Architects
Darrell S. "Rocky" Rockefeller, AIA, is the Senior Partner at Rockefeller Partners Architects, an award-winning firm headquartered in the Smoky Hollow neighborhood of El Segundo, California. Rocky has always focused on projects located primarily in the greater L A region. He currently serves on the Board of L A Street Car and was a key private member and author of "Bring Back Broadway Historic Commercial Reuse Guidelines" designed to activate dormant, underutilized buildings in the historic core of downtown LA. His project experiences range from adaptive reuse and conversion of historic buildings from their former uses as commercial, institutional or industrial facilities to multifamily residential, creative office, hospitality, educational, retail and mixed use transit oriented developments in downtown LA, Hollywood and Long Beach.
Upon graduation from High School, Rocky began an apprenticeship for the Case Study firm, Killingsworth, Brady & Associates as a draftsman. He assisted on institutional, residential, hospitality and mixed-used projects, all while attending Long Beach City College at night. He received an Associate of Science degree in Construction Technology from LBCC. Shortly thereafter, with the strong support and assistance by his mentor, Ed Killingsworth, FAIA and AIA|LA President (1967), Rocky was accepted to Cal Poly's School of Architecture in San Luis Obispo, where he ultimately received a degree in architecture. Rocky's dedication to the community is also firmly emplace as an Architect, Developer and Stakeholder in downtown and has served on the Douglas Buildings HOA Board, LA City Councilman Jose Huizar's Bring Back Broadway Commissions, and as a Board Member on L A StreetCar, Inc.
I have served the past three years as an AIA|LA Chapter Board of Directors and co-leader of the Political Outreach Committee. It would be my honor and privilege to continue representing the chapter and deliver your voice to Sacramento as the AIACC Representative. I have been fortunate over the past two decades to be one of our chapter's delegates at the yearly AIA National Convention. As a delegate I've attended the California Caucus, listened to the candidates, resolutions and discussions that have had a direct impact on our profession. As a result, I came to firmly believe that I had to get involved and that as an Architect I should strive to be vocal, share our collective vision for our community. As Architects we all solve complex problems on a daily basis and we can be the bridge between policy-makers, politicians and our neighbors. As one of the largest chapters in the country I feel strongly that we should have a say in what the State and National organizations decide. The future of our profession is changing and as your advocate I will continue to strive to transform public policies, encourage our own are diverse, inclusive and forward thinking approach, inspiring new attitudes all while improving our political and professional stature. I am certain that AIA|LA can lead the way towards positive changes for the Los Angeles community as well as for all of California Architects.
EX OFFICIO ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (one position available in 2018 / 2-year term)
Rachel E. Martinelli, Assoc. AIA
Price Architects
Rachel Martinelli, Assoc. AIA, is a recent graduate, holding a Master of Architecture Degree from the University of Southern California (2015) and a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Ball State University (2013). Through her studies, she gained a great interest in how users with varying needs interact in architectural spaces and how design can enhance their experience. Rachel is passionate about accessibility, emerging technologies, and discussing issues relating to diversity and equity in the profession and the community. She is currently working at Price Architects, Inc., where she is gaining a better understanding of the construction process and how she wants to make an impact on the profession.
Being actively involved in AIAS and AIA throughout my education, I am aware of the value of participating as an Emerging Professional. I have been able to learn, grow, and influence many discussions about our profession. However, many of my colleagues believe there is no place for them to be involved in AIA at this stage in their career. That what they have to say and what they believe has no value to the organization, due to their level of experience. I see the importance of the need to change this mindset. I will strive to increase the participation of AIA|LA's Associate Member Community, to make them feel that they are empowered and welcome to participate in events and discussions. Working with the Associate Director, I believe we can continue the success of current Associate Member programs as well as create many new opportunities that allow our members to "learn, grow, and influence" the future of our profession.
CONTESTED POSITIONS
DIRECTORS (two positions available in 2018 / 3-year term)
John Berry, AIA
John Berry Architects
John Berry, AIA is a native of Southern California and studied architecture at Rhode Island School of Design and Columbia University. John Berry Architects, Inc. was founded in 2007, a practice based in Los Angeles. Most notable work to date:
The Herb Alpert Educational Village (Ann & Jerry Moss Theater), New Roads School, Santa Monica, A Noise Within, Pasadena, and King Saud Bin Abdulaziz University for Health Sciences, Jeddah, Saudi Arabia (Associate Architect with Perkins & Will, Los Angeles).
Architects hold a particular understanding that as the city evolves and we see buildings rise around us that it is the quality of individual projects that greatly determine the quality of the urban experience. Architects understand that a successful project, regardless of size, can inspire, challenge, and change our way of thinking. An essential role of the AIA is to promote and support individual architects and practices so that their collective voices are audible. We need to imbue a notion in the minds of the clients and community we serve that design is important and every project is important. In the building process it is architects that are the best guardians of value and quality. All too often we see projects develop and the influence of the architect yields to other forces. If elected to the Board of Directors I would draw from my experience as Co-chair of the AIA/LA Awards Committee and from my participation in the AIA Committee on Design and passionately advocate our core message that the endeavor of architecture is worth the effort, must be encouraged, and should be protected.
Fabian Kremkus, AIA
CO Architects
Fabian Kremkus is a Design Principal with CO Architects in Los Angeles. Current Chair of the COTE AIA |LA. During his 23-year architectural career – 18 with CO Architects – he has worked nationally and internationally on academic facilities, secondary schools, and corporate headquarters, sports, and entertainment facilities. With CO Architects, he has designed major research, higher education, healthcare, museum, performing arts and justice facilities. These institutional facilities have fueled his interest in, and focus on, the impact that architecture makes on peoples' lives. In his work, Fabian merges design sensitivity with great attention to detail and craft. His award-winning career stands both as a testament to his design ability and to the art of building well. Fabian holds both a Master of Architecture and Pre-diploma of Architecture from the University of Braunschweig, Germany, and is a California licensed architect. He is also one of Los Angeles' most avid bicyclists.
I will leverage my current position as chair of the AIA|LA Committee on the Environment to reach out to the architectural and design community through engaging programming that engenders commitment, provides education, and builds consciousness in order to positively impact the physical world. I am looking to draw young architects and designers into the AIA through education in this participatory process. Examples of outreach include tours, lectures, and committee dialogue. Future programming will include a symposium in 2018 ranging from political topics such as the U.S. leaving the Paris Climate Accord to international trends such as carbon taxation, probability through sustainable practices. I am equally interested in furthering the dialogue within the design community to improve the way we design, using a people-centric methodology that engages stakeholders in the process as active contributors. I am an advocate for designing with empathy. The challenge to furthering design intelligence lies within diversity, richness of ideas, and the leveraging of group knowledge – ideals that are abundant in the Los Angeles architectural community. As a practicing architect, my personal interests lie in architecture that makes positive impact on peoples' lives, that is a "good neighbor", that provides sustainable solutions beyond what is typical, and that is designed to last, save energy, and build community.
Sarah Lorenzen, AIA
CalPoly Pomona
Sarah maintains one foot in practice and one in academia. She is a partner at TOLO Architecture (previously Peter Tolkin Architecture), architecture professor and former chair at Cal Poly Pomona (2013-2017), and resident director of the Neutra VDL Studio and Residences.
Sarah spent her first eighteen years living in Mexico City. At 18 she left Mexico to attend college in the U.S. to pursue a BFA in Drawing at Smith College and at the Atlanta College of Art. After graduating art school, she broadened her interest to architecture, receiving an M.Arch I from Georgia Institute of Technology and later an M.Arch II in Metropolitan, Research & Design from Sci-Arc. During her early career, Sarah worked on the design of research and technology buildings at Lord, Arch and Sargent Architecture in Atlanta and at MBT Architecture (now Perkins + Will Architecture) in San Francisco. Sarah has taught urban design and architecture courses at Cal Poly Pomona (2005-present) and at Georgia Tech (in 2000). In 2011-12 Sarah spent a sabbatical at TU Delft in the Netherlands conducting research on the influences of technology on mapping and urban development. In 2015 Sarah was honored by AIA LA with educator of the year.
It has been a great privilege to be a part of the architecture department at Cal Poly Pomona for more than a decade. And while I admit to being partial to this program, I am genuinely interested in seeing that all architecture programs in Southern California thrive. This is a terrific community. Architectural faculty move freely between institutions, participating in each other's design reviews and engaging in lively debates on the meaning of architecture and the role of academia vis-à-vis the profession. Common to all schools is a commitment to attract and offer opportunities to women, minorities, and economically disadvantaged students, who are poorly represented in architecture. This push is making a difference. Visit any architecture school in Southern California and you will see a remarkable cultural, economic, gender, and ethnic diversity. This diverse student body may well lead to an architectural profession that is more reflective of our ,verall demographic make-up. Something that will be good for the profession and for society as a whole. Still the news is not all good—while women and minority architects are entering the profession in greater numbers they are still leaving the profession at higher rates. The student body graduating from our architecture programs is less diverse that the one that was admitted. Five years out, the percentage of minority and women still practicing architecture drops significantly. And on it goes.
I am interested in serving on AIA LA's board of directors to act as a liaison between academia and practice. And I am interested in working with others to better understand and develop programs to reduce attrition rates of early career minority and women designers. I have other skills—event & party planner, chief among them—which I refined as director of the Neutra VDL House that might also prove useful to the board and its members.
Jason Morris, AIA
Gruen Associates
Jason E. Morris, AIA, NOMA is an Architect at Los Angeles based firm Gruen Associates. As an Associate of the firm he specializes in managing large-scale Luxury Retail projects for exclusive high-end brands such as Louis Vuitton, Jimmy Choo, and Salvatore Ferragamo. Morris currently serves as Associate Director on the AIA Los Angeles Board of Directors; and with his involvement in the SoCal NOMA chapter has taken special interest in increasing diversity in the profession and improved opportunities for minority-owned architecture firms. He was recently awarded by the AIA California Council the 2016 Associate Award. He was an invited speaker at the AIA|LA Encompass conference on equity and diversity, as well as featured a number of times on NPR radio stations for his work promoting diversity and inclusion in the profession.
As the current Associate Director on the AIA|LA Board of Directors I have dedicated my time to those who I represent. I take this responsibility very seriously and constantly brainstorm new ideas for providing support to the Emerging Professionals of Los Angeles. To that end I have become very involved with promoting; developing and advancing new and existing programs at the AIA which cater to Emerging Professionals. Through these activities my ultimate goal is to begin to bridge the gap between Emerging Professionals and experienced Licensed Professionals. If bestowed the honor of serving the AIA|LA as a Director I will continue these efforts with the hope that they will ultimately translate to growing enthusiasm for Membership at all levels.
Newly elected board members will join the following existing board members who have terms continuing in 2018:
Tania Van Herle, AIA, HED
Greg Verabian, AIA, HKS
Douglas Teiger, AIA, Abramson Teiger Architects
Alex Anamos, AIA, R&A Design
Drake Dillard, AIA, Perkins+Will
Douglas Hanson, AIA, HansonLA
Clay Holden, AIA, Clay Holden
Carissa Oyedele, AIA, Moore Ruble Yudell Architects and Planners
Jeanette Hattan, Assoc. AIA, Jeanette Hattan Design
PUBLIC DIRECTOR
Anne Williams, Psomas
AIACC REPRESENTATIVE
Lisa Matthiessen, FAIA, Matthiessen Consulting
VOTING FORM BEGINS BELOW
Member ID# *
VP / PRESIDENT ELECT (Vote for one)
-- Please select --Barbara Bouza FAIA
SECRETARY (Vote for one)
-- Please select --Wade Killefer FAIA
DIRECTOR (Vote for ONE from each dropdown menu)
-- Please select --John Berry AIAFabian Kremkus AIASarah Lorenzen AIAJason Morris AIA
AIA|CC REPRESENTATIVE (Vote for one)
-- Please select --Darrell S. "Rocky" Rockefeller AIA
EX OFFICIO ASSOCIATE DIRECTOR (Associate AIA members ONLY; vote for one)
-- Please select --Rachel Martinelli Assoc. AIA
Last updated: 12-Oct-2017 10:55 AM