Our Slate of Nominees for the 2026 AIAPF Officers and Directors

Jonathan Kelly, AIA, LEED AP
Vice President / 2026 President-Elect

Jonathan Kelly, AIA is Licensed Architect in the State of California, a LEED Accredited Professional with the U.S. Green Building Council, a  graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture, and a Principal at Tyler+Kelly Architecture. Jon has accumulated over 14 years of professional experience in a variety of different project types including commercial, institutional, hospitality, mixed-use, multi-family residential, and single-family residential. Prior to Tyler+Kelly Architecture, Jon worked under the tutelage of two prestigious and celebrated traditional architects: Robert A.M. Stern in New York and Marc Appleton in Santa Monica. 

Jeanne Hariton, AIA
Secretary

At Hariton Engineering, Inc., Hariton provides firmwide strategic planning and client focused business development for the growth and expansion of a design engineering consulting firm. She is an experienced Project Manager and Architect with over 20 years of progressive responsibility for design and construction projects. Previous experiences include major commercial and institutional buildings, highly specialized scientific facilities and public agencies. Possesses an expertise in project planning, budget development and management, vendor selection and contract negotiation, user interface and communications and management of permitting processes. A personable leader who has an ability to work well with employees at all levels and tackle complex problems.

Nicholas Barger, AIA
Treasurer 

Nicholas Barger is a licensed architect in California and a Senior Design Manager at Tesla. He holds a BA in History from the University of Washington in Seattle, as well as a Master's Degree in Architecture from SCI-Arc. Nicholas is an advocate for emerging technologies, and the expansion of architectural methodologies into the greater AEC industry. Both his education and professional experience have largely been focused on understanding the complexities inherent in curvature. His commitment to this topic is demonstrated through his work designing substructures for curved buildings across the country. Nicholas also led the design department for a manufacturer where he worked to create a more seamless integration between architects, fabricators, and builders through the development of new machines, software, workflows, and products. Paired with a commitment to a more sustainable future, these interests led him to his current role at Tesla. Nicholas believes that all things difficult are achieved as a team, and is excited to support and mentor the next generation. Some notable projects in the region he has worked on include the (W)rapper, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, the Sphere, and the Orange County Museum of Art.

Alex Athenson, AIA
Director of Programs 

Alex Athenson is an Architect and Urban Designer at Moule & Polyzoides in Pasadena, CA. Mr. Athenson was born and raised in Lake Forest, IL, and has previously earned a B.A. in Economics from the University of Chicago, as well as a Master of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. With an expertise and passion for regional design, Mr. Athenson has contributed to a number of architecture and urban design projects with M&P throughout the country over his four year span with the firm since relocating from Chicago. He has undertaken several architectural research endeavors as well, with extensive study most notably in places such as Oakland, CA, Zanzibar, Tanzania, and most recently a study of urban reconstruction in postwar Germany.

Yin Liu, Assoc.AIA
Director of Sponsorship 

Yin Liu is a highly accomplished business development executive with nearly two decades of experience collaborating with all leaders in the AEC industry. He spearheads the business development effort at WET. As an accomplished business development executive, Yin brings a robust network and a proven track record of forging strategic collaborations to the chapter.

His work spans many international markets including the UK, Asia and Middle East, with notable groundbreaking developments such as Beijing Daxing Airport, Jewel at Singapore Changi Airport, Wynn Macau and Expo 2020 Dubai.

Educated in both the UK and US, Yin combines a strong technical foundation with strategic insight, holding a BA and MSc in engineering alongside an MBA. His diverse academic background grounding him in both technical and business perspectives effectively. Driven by a passion for excellence in the built environment, he is a dedicated advocate for innovation and creativity in sustainable development, and constantly striving to elevate standards in the industry.

Sheida Roghani, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Director of Government Affairs & Advocacy

Sheida Roghani is a Senior Project Manager, California-licensed architect, and LEED AP BD+C professional at Accenture. She holds dual master’s degrees in Architecture and Landscape Architecture from the University of Southern California. With over 15 years of experience, she has led a wide range of projects, with a recent focus on mission-critical facilities and large-scale infrastructure across Southern California.

Sheida has successfully managed complex projects from programming through closeout for utilities, transportation agencies, and educational institutions. She is recognized for fostering collaboration, mentoring teams, and delivering resilient, high-performing facilities. She is also a strong advocate for integrating digital tools into construction and project management to enable data-driven decision-making.

Her critical thinking, creativity, and out-of-the-box problem-solving distinguish her in dynamic, fast-paced environments. She remains actively engaged in professional organizations, contributing to the growth and advancement of the design and construction community.

Darci Wong, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Director of Membership

Darci Wong is a dynamic Senior Project Manager and licensed architect at Stantec, bringing a wealth of experience to the California Higher Education sector and Civic sector. Throughout her career, Darci has successfully managed a wide range of projects, from institutional developments to commercial and residential. Her attention to detail, knack for fostering collaborative environments, and dedication to exceeding client expectations truly set her apart. Beyond her professional achievements, Darci is deeply involved in the community, where she loves connecting people with one another in the industry and building meaningful relationships. Her exceptional leadership and project management skills have earned her a well-deserved reputation as a trusted and effective leader in the industry.

Sara Jandaghi Jafari, AIA, LEED AP BC+C
Director of Emerging Professionals

With a Master of Architecture from UMass Amherst, Sara Jandaghi Jafari is a Licensed General Contractor and LEED AP BD+C certified professional with over 15 years of experience in the architecture and construction industry. She is the Founder and Principal of Kids Corner Studio LLC, a design practice specializing in creating innovative environments for children—ranging from pediatric dental centers and childcare facilities to indoor play cafés and sensory rooms.

Her work focuses on designing spaces that nurture learning, play, and emotional well-being, blending evidence-based design with sustainability and aesthetics. Through Kids Corner Studio, she is redefining how thoughtful design can shape positive childhood experiences, particularly for children with special needs.

Meredith McDaniel, AIA

Director of Communications

Meredith McDaniel is a licensed architect who co-founded her practice, MAAM, in 2019 after gaining experience at other Los Angeles-based firms including Marmol Radziner, Clive Wilkinson Architects and JKA. Prior to pursuing a master's in architecture at Yale University, she applied her liberal arts education from Pomona College to the task of running a contemporary art gallery and took evening classes in Interior Design through UCLA's extension program. This unique trajectory continues to inspire her work as she seeks to blend conceptual rigor with a love of the visual arts and story-telling. She currently lives in Pasadena and serves on the board of Walden School.

Kirstyn Bonneau, FAIA
Citizen Architect

Kirstyn Bonneau is a partner with PBWS Architects, a 67-year-old Pasadena, California-based architectural firm.  Kirstyn is passionate about creating built environments that embrace and integrate the natural environment, resulting in places which support wellness for individuals, families, and communities. Kirstyn has extensive experience as a workshop leader and consensus-builder with user groups and members of the public. With over 18 years’ experience, she has led teams on educational, non-profit, civic, and multi-family housing projects.  She leads the AIA Pasadena Foothill Chapter’s Rebuilding Education program which develops programming and resources to support homeowners’ affected by the Los Angeles wildfires on their road to rebuilding.

Alex Phung, AIA, CDT
Member-at-Large

Project Architect at Perkins & Will with a B.Arch. from California State Polytechnic, Pomona. Phung’s work is focused on the technical coordination of healthcare and commercial projects. Always looking for new opportunities for learning and being of service to our AIAPF community.