Joseph Almeida, AIA, LEED, WELL
Current Firm: Flewelling-Moody
Specialties: Multi-family residential, mixed-use, education, commercial, hospitality
Education: B.Arch. Cal Poly Pomona
My Career Journey: Born in Torrance and growing up in Inglewood, my journey into the world of architecture began unexpectedly during my high school years. It was through my involvement in the FIRST Robotics team that I discovered my passion for design and engineering. The exhilaration of strategizing, designing, and building robots to compete in international competitions fueled my fascination with creating and innovating. This passion led me to pursue a Bachelor of Architecture degree at Cal Poly Pomona. During my time there, a pivotal moment occurred when I embarked on a week-long trip to New York City to study our final project site in person. Standing amidst the towering skyscrapers and intricate facades of the Big Apple, I was overwhelmed with awe. The city's architectural diversity and rich history captivated me, reinforcing my resolve to pursue a career in architecture in this vibrant metropolis. After graduating, I made the bold decision to move to New York City without a secured job, driven by my desire to contribute to the city's architectural landscape. Despite the challenges of starting anew in a bustling city far from home, I found my footing at Cooper Carry, where I spent seven years honing my skills as a project architect. Working on a diverse range of projects, from mixed-use developments to historic preservation, I immersed myself in every aspect of the architectural process. My involvement in sustainability initiatives and professional organizations like the Urban Land Institute broadened my perspective and deepened my commitment to creating sustainable and innovative architectural solutions. Due to COVID-19 pandemic, I was laid off in 2020 and I was able to seek another opportunity at another prestigious architecture firm: Beyer Blinder Belle (BBB). I worked in the mixed use/multi family residential studio. I was the project architect on a development in Newark and in Harlem, both with an affordable housing component. I also led various sustainability initiatives, led the 2030 AIA commitment database, and was a mentor for the ACE program. However, due to financial and personal circumstances, after two and a half fulfilling years at Beyer Blinder Belle, I made the difficult decision to return to Los Angeles to be closer to family and friends. While bidding farewell to the bustling streets of New York City was bittersweet, I am grateful for the invaluable experiences and knowledge gained during my time there. My passion for architecture lies in creating spaces that transcend mere structures, elevating human experiences and positively shaping our future. Collaboration, communication, and sustainability are at the core of my values, guiding my interactions with colleagues and clients alike. Inspired by architects like Tadao Ando, I am drawn to the idea of using architecture to evoke emotions and create meaningful experiences for occupants.
My favorite project is my most challenging project through my work experience, Lighthouse Point - a Retail and Residential Development in St. Geroge, Staten Island. This is a mixed is a mixed-use development that includes 115 residential units (affordable housing for qualified residents), 26,000 SF of office space, 50,000 SF of retail space, and parking that serves all its users. The project capitalizes on the urban relationships of uses and the collection of historic buildings; it provides an integrated public courtyard with an overlook to the water and the Manhattan skyline beyond. The project was very complicated, it was on a very steep sloped site, with historic lighthouse buildings known as the Staten Island Lighthouse Depot, and the subway line ran through the site below ground. Many authorities were involved in the design and approval of this master plan including Metropolitan Transit Authority, NY Department of Buildings, New York City Economic Development Corporation, NYC Housing Authority, and USGBC for LEED Certification. I started as an Intern Architect on this project in 2013, when the project was in it's master planning visioning phase, and through the years, I grew in knowledge as the project became more and more real. It took several years to start its construction in 2018 and through the many challenges the project faced, I learned and collaborated with others to solve the issues. The project is now scheduled to complete Fall of this year, and although I am not in NY anymore, I feel that I a part of me remains within this project and positively impacts the community of State Island. The reason why this is my favorite project is not only the amount of time and effort I spent making my ideas and my designs a reality, but the project was a true culmination of collaboration between different agencies, different ideas, and different people to create a place that will be sustainable to our environment, and provide affordable housing to the community. Collaborating with others and working towards the creation of a place, a destination, and a strong collaborative relationship with the team are things I enjoy doing and this project is a prime example of that. From this project, I did other larger projects that enjoyed working on, especially those that were thoughtful in their design and intent.
Eddy Santosa, AIA, LEED Fellow, BEMP, CBCP, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP
Professional Highlights: Now at Mott MacDonald as the Building Performance and Climate Responsive Design Leader - North America, Eddy is a global leader in sustainable building strategies and design. With over 24 years of experience, he has delivered high-performance sustainable designs for over 300 building projects across the US and worldwide. His expertise spans the full remit of sustainable design including regenerative design, net zero planning and design, energy performance optimization, embodied and life-cycle carbon, and alternative low-carbon material uses.
Eddy’s journey began in architecture firms, where he worked in design and production. However, his passion for sustainability led him to focus exclusively on this field starting in 2007. He obtained his architectural license in California in 2018 and has been an AIA member since 2019.
Within the AIA National community, Eddy has played pivotal roles. He previously chaired the Building Performance Knowledge Community in 2023 and co-chaired the Energy and Water subcommittee for Sustainability’s LFRT from 2015 to 2017. Recently, he served as a juror for the National COTE Top Ten Award 2024 and was previously a juror for the Embodied Environmental Impact Contest during the Solar Decathlon 2023 Build Challenge.
Eddy’s contributions extend beyond the AIA. He provides technical leadership to several professional bodies, including the International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA) US, where he serves as a board director. Additionally, he is a voting member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE) SPC 209-2018R committee and a LEED Pro-Reviewer.
Eddy’s outstanding contributions to sustainability have earned him the prestigious LEED Fellow designation from the US Green Building Council (USGBC). His expertise in sustainable design, energy performance, and building science has led him to speak at numerous conferences, including the recent AIA 24.
Fariba S. Shantiyai, AIA, is based in Diamond Bar, is an AIAPF Past President (2012) and has been on the Board for AIA California as well.
Specialties: Commercial, Retail, Mixed Use, Residential with focus on Educational projects.
Professional Highlights: Now at LA Design Group (founded in 2011), a family-oriented boutique design firm dedicated to providing the highest level of personal service to our clients. All of our projects have a special place in my mind and my heart as we aspire to bring a fresh, innovative perspective to all of our projects.
Shantiyai has been fascinated with buildings and their impact on our lives since a very early age and has successfully pursued her vision and has a remarkable experience working with significant education architectural firms in California. She became the president and co-founder of LA Design Group, a full service architectural and planning firm, in 2011. Fariba is a licensed architect in California, Arizona and Texas, as well as LEED Accredited professional and CSI certified, with 40 years of experience in a variety of building types. These include educational facilities, institutional, retail & commercial, Mixed-use, and single and multi-family residential projects. Though varied, she has focused the majority of her architectural practice on educational facilities.
Her professional goal is to shape environments that create inspiring places and consider the unique cultural and social context of the community through results-oriented approach to design. Her professional work over the years include gymnasiums, libraries, science labs, and multimedia centers for higher education campuses as well as a brand new high school for 3200 students.
Ms. Shantiyai has been a member of AIA since 1995 and served on
the board of directors for local chapter as well as the AIA California. She has also served as president of AIA Pasadena and Foothill Chapter in 2012 as the 4t
h female president in the 70 years history of the chapter.
Highlighted project: The School of Art + Enterprise in downtown Pomona. A California State Accredited, non-profit Charter School for ART + DANCE + DESIGN + MUSIC + PHOTOGRAPHY + THEATRE. Transformation of an existing office building to a unique art school for grades 6-12 with a finishing touch of the whole building murals by a local graffiti artist. A Pomona Landmark.
Joe Catalano, AIA, is based in Sierra Madre and is an AIAPF Past President (2008) as well as an award-winning Historic Architect.
Specialty: Historic preservation
Pictured: An example of his work is the Historic Reconstruction of the previously-demolished wing of the Pio Pico Mansion in Whittier, using authentic adobe construction of the period (circa 1830-1880). It is on the National Register of Historic Places and is also a California Landmark, and is open to the public as an Interpretive Museum.
Professional Highlights: As a qualified Historic Architect, whose consulting practice is a combination of research and craft in the service of restoring or reconstructing historic buildings.
Recognition of his work includes the California Preservation Foundation Design Awards and the Governor’s Historic Preservation Awards, as well as a number of awards from the cities of Pasadena and Los Angeles. His research includes studies and reports, and also the studied drawing development of very accurate, and beautifully drawn, historic reconstruction work. He works as an architect of record himself, and as a consultant to contractors and other architects. Most of his work is for National Register or State Landmark buildings. though he believes that many of the same principles apply to sustainable adaptive reuse of other older buildings. Joe is also an AIA Citizen Architect. He has served on Sierra Madre’s Planning and Cultural Heritage Commissions, two General Plan committees, the board of the local historical society, and the facilities masterplanning committee for a major Pasadena Unified School District bond issue. He is also a Lecturer in Urban and Regional Planning at Cal Poly Pomona.
Why are you a member of AIAPF? The collegiality of the Chapter is very important to me as a sole practitioner.
Current Firm: Precision Property Measurements (PPM)
Specialties: As-Built Surveying, Drafting and Modeling
Professional Highlights: Cameron has diligently served his clients in the Southern California AEC community for over 15 years. With PPM’s headquarters in Long Beach, he has been instrumental in expanding our services across the region, while leading an ever-growing team of Surveyors and Project Managers to support the hundreds of projects he has managed. When you work with Cameron, you can expect a true partner on your project. He is committed to fulfilling PPM’s Worry-Free Promise – to deliver your As-Built Plans with accuracy, timeliness, and strong communication.
In his spare time, Cameron enjoys country music concerts, LA Kings games, and traveling with his wife and their newborn daughter.
Education: George Mason University
Current Firm: Roof Resources
Professional Highlights: I have been in the roofing & waterproofing industry for 7 years. I started with a major in Biology but quickly realized my passion is in the construction industry. My family has a construction background so this industry felt natural.
This industry is evolving and I enjoy constantly learning and honing my craft. I thoroughly enjoy and excel in helping the design community obtain the best information to help them with their project delivery. With extensive experience in roofing, waterproofing (below grade/above grade), and plaza decks, I am your go-to resource. The journey to a successful project is rewarding!
Why I Joined AIAPF: To foster meaningful professional connections, it is essential to actively participate in advocacy efforts, contribute to policy discussions, and make a positive impact within the local community. As a designer, I relish the chance to connect with peers, stay informed about industry trends, and engage in initiatives that shape our profession while benefiting the community.
Education: Master of Architecture, University of Massachusetts
Current Firm & Position: Golden Sun Enterprises, AIA Associate, LEED AP BD+C, General Contractor B License
Favorite Project: My master's thesis project on humanity in a children's cancer hospital, which I completed in 2017, continues to hold a special place in my heart. It served as a profound inspiration, driving me to pursue a career that focuses specifically on designing spaces for children, especially those in need, such as hospitals and orphanages. I firmly believe that my purpose in this world is to utilize design as a catalyst for change and to aid children in need. Building upon my academic background and recent work experiences in a construction company, where I was involved in projects related to schools and playgrounds, I have decided to embark on a new journey. Alongside my current job, I am committed to dedicating my efforts to designing spaces for children, aiming to prepare our future creators for a better world through the transformative power of play.
Education: BA Architecture, Tuskegee University; MDE, Anderson Graduate School of Business, UCLA
Current Firm & Position: Masbuild Design Solutions, Principal
Industry Leadership: Past President, AIA Pasadena & Foothill (2021); Past president, NOMA So. Cal. chapter, et al.
What you really want to know: With 30+ years of experience in the design and construction industry. he has served clients including the US Department of HUD, U.S. Navy; Air Force; the State Department; Caltrans; Los Angeles, Pasadena, Lynwood Unified School Districts; and Mt. Vernon School District (NY).
As a design builder, a licensed architect, and a licensed contractor, Mr. Bryant has worked on projects of various sizes and complexities for private and government agencies providing design solutions to complex and challenging tasks. Most notably, Mr. Bryant served as developer, architect and general contractor for his own 12,500 square foot award-winning commercial office building at 751 N. Fair Oaks Ave. in Pasadena.
Mr. Bryant is an NCARB - certified, licensed architect in California and numerous states
Dedicated to improving the urban landscape, inside and out, Mr. Bryant has provided architectural design service for many non-profit agencies developing homeless shelters and single room occupancy hotels for the elderly and the physically challenged.
Education: BA Architecture, UC Berkeley; MA, Harvard University
Current Firm & Position: DOMM, Principal and Co-founder
Favorite Project: Of all of our projects, the AGBU Innovation Studios distinguishes itself as one of my favorites. Despite working within the stringent spatial limits of a traditional mid-century school building interior, the project was able to create an unexpected, yet practical space. A cross-shaped circulation core with equal sized openings is situated within a larger classroom footprint, creating the 4 discrete, equally sized studio spaces required by the program. Yellow, operable welding curtains transform the circulation core into an otherworldly realm, while also acting as partitions which allow the 4 studios to function independently, or as a singular space for the exhibition of student work..
Why I Joined AIAPF: To work towards elevating the value of Architecture within the community with like-minded individuals.
Current Firm: Xia Structural Engineers
In Brief:
“A skilled person can make bold moves.” (Loose translation of a Chinese proverb, and a guiding thought for Ji Xia)
Focusing on single-family and multi-family residential (often mixed use and podium design) Ji understands the architect is the “agent” of the owner, representing the owner’s needs to the other consultants. A knowledgeable structural engineer sees the bottom line, the building code, materials, carbon footprint, construction. With a deep understanding of code and construction methods, each structural component can be designed with minimum materials waste, directly reducing cost. Ji is highly skilled and actively applies Value Engineering processes in his work. The payoff -- developers are asking architects to use XIA. He’s building a practice with repeat clients.
Why I joined AIAPF: Architects are key players in the build environment and AIAPF is the best place to connect with local architects.
Why I support the JRD Scholarship Fund: As an international student in structural engineering, I pursued my master’s degree in the US. SUNY-Buffalo was the least costly and ranked in the top 30 structural engineering colleges. Money was tight. Now, I am privileged to support students in our industry.
See Xia's portfolio: https://www.xiaengr.com/
