Firm: Gray Real Estate Advisors
Education: BA Applied Mathematics UCLA; MArch UCLA
Website: Gray Advisors
Social Media: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anngray/
As principal at Gray Real Estate Advisors Ann Gray advises property owners, investors and attorneys on development related issues from transaction through entitlements and construction with a goal of optimizing value. She has provided strategic property advice to property owners as Citibank, Wells Fargo, Crimson Pipeline, The Los Angeles Times, the South Coast Transit District, and the Auto Club of Southern California. She is a frequent member of legal land-use teams from firms such as Sheppard Mullen Richter Hampton and Hill Farrer Burrill.
Prior to forming her company, Ann oversaw development of the studio lot at Paramount Pictures for eight years where she oversaw approximately $500 million in new construction and remodeling of industrial, corporate, and specialized production facilities. Prior to her work at Paramount, Ann was Vice President at Indivest, a real estate development company. Ann is the founder of Balcony Media, Inc. a publishing company that publishes arts and architecture books and previously FORM magazine. Ann Gray is a licensed architect and real estate broker. She has degrees in Math and Architecture both from UCLA. In 2015, Ann was elected to the Global Governing Council of the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors and elected to the presidency in 2023.
Why AIAPF:
"I have a long history with the LA Chapter that I've really enjoyed, but having lived in the Pasadena area for a few decades now and feeling very at home with my fellow AIAPF colleagues, I thought it was time to make an honest woman of myself and transfer over!"
School: John Muir High School, Pasadena
Specialty: Technology
Bio: During my internship, I immersed myself in real-world projects that challenged me to think critically, work collaboratively, and adapt quickly. I gained hands-on experience, honed new skills, and grew both professionally and personally. Working alongside a supportive team, I learned how to manage my time effectively, take ownership of my responsibilities, and communicate with confidence. This experience strengthened my problem-solving abilities and opened my eyes to the diverse career paths within the industry. It was a meaningful stepping stone, one that not only deepened my understanding of the field but also helped shape my vision for the future.
Favorite Project: AIAPF Banner Creation
One of my favorite projects was designing banners for the company website. This project allowed me to combine creativity with purpose making visuals that not only looked good but also matched the brand’s style and communicated key messages to the audience. I learned how to work with design tools, follow brand guidelines, and take feedback to improve my work. It’s rewarding to see something I worked on go live and know they were part of the company’s public image. Overall, the internship gave me a clearer idea of how design fits into real-world business goals and helped me build skills I’ll carry forward.
Why I joined AIAPF?
I joined AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter because I wanted to explore the professional world of architecture and design in a hands on way. I was interested in learning how creative ideas are turned into real projects, and this chapter gave me the opportunity to connect with professionals, contribute to meaningful work, and understand the behind the scenes process of architectural organizations. Being part of this chapter also allowed me to build skills, gain mentorship, and experience a collaborative environment that helped shape my goals for the future.
Firm: Darin Johnstone Architects
Website: www.djarch.net
Education:
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Bachelor of Architecture, 1993
I’m one of those people who always knew what they wanted to be. At 10 years old, I would have said—an architect. Of course, I didn’t know what that meant, and I’ve happily spent my life trying to figure it out.
After earning my BArch from Cal Poly Pomona in 1993, I worked with Coop Himmelb(l)au and Frank Gehry in Los Angeles, then earned a Master’s from Columbia. I continued my career in New York with Bernard Tschumi and Gaetano Pesce, and later in San Francisco with Holt Hinshaw. These formative experiences in design-driven studios shaped my lifelong commitment to architectural experimentation.
In 1999, I returned to LA to teach at Cal Poly Pomona and serve as resident director at the Neutra VDL Research House. I founded Darin Johnstone Architects in 2002 and began teaching at SCI-Arc, where I’ve now taught for over 20 years. In 2014, I began a decade-long collaboration with ArtCenter College of Design, resulting in 17 award-winning renovation projects totaling over 165,000 SF.
Whether in the studio or classroom, I view architecture as a process of discovery—where building becomes a tool for learning and transformation.
SCI Arc gallery installation ‘drop’ | 2004
Mullin Transportation Design Center (MTDC) at ArtCenter
One of several defining projects in my career is the recently completed Mullin Transportation Design Center (MTDC) at ArtCenter College of Design—an adaptive reuse of the historic wind tunnel into a state-of-the-art facility for the school’s world-renowned Transportation Design program. This project reflects my design ethos on both practical and conceptual levels. Environmentally, we employed a “building within a building” strategy that preserved the original structure and envelope, achieved LEED Gold certification, and significantly reduced material waste and embodied carbon. Conceptually, the wind tunnel’s identity as a vessel of space and motion inspired a composition of expansive voids and sculpted functional zones.
Why I joined AIAPF:
After decades of AIALA membership I switched to the AIAPF chapter after the fires. Quite simply, after a decade of mostly building in Pasadena and attending many AIAPF events I already felt the Pasadena Foothill chapter was my home. (I live inside the region, and my office is right on the border of LA and Pasadena) Then after the fires, I joined the remarkable ‘ask an architect’ program and moved over my membership to AIAPF. It felt like the right thing to do, and the best way for me to pitch in and help.
Energy Code Works
Firm Website: http://www.energycode.com
Mark Madison has been passionate about energy modeling and building performance long before it was a trend. As founder of Energy Code Works, he’s spent over 40 years helping architects, builders, and engineers navigate the complexities of energy codes—making Title-24 compliance more understandable and more integrated with good design.
Known for his clear guidance and collaborative spirit, Mark has trained countless professionals in how to use codes, materials, and smart design strategies to get the most from their projects. His team has completed over 75 fire-rebuild CF1R submittals across Southern California and continues to lead with technical rigor and real-world insight.
With deep expertise in California’s Title-24 standards (including the 2022 and upcoming 2025 updates), and national codes like IECC and NECC, Mark remains a steady resource in an ever-evolving field.
Energy Code Works expertise covers: • Residential new builds, additions, remodels, and ADUs • Commercial and multi-family compliance • Tenant improvement reports • Tailored lighting and solar documentation • Third-party review for precision and quality • Utility incentive program submittals
My Favorite Project - Frank Gehry Residence Santa Monica
Very challenging as you would expect. But had a great experience meeting with Mr. Gehry in his offices and it was there that I saw the first model of what would become the Walt Disney Concert Hall. Also had the opportunity to sit in his iconic cardboard furniture in the meeting room. I'll never forget that.
Why AIAPF?
I've been working with architects for over 40 years. Love to support the AIA chapters.
Firm Website: http://tsstructural.com/
Social Media: Garrett Mills, LinkedIn
Education: B.S. Architectural Engineering - Cal Poly SLO, M.S. Structural Engineering - UCLA
Garrett Mills is Principal and CFO at T&S Structural, where he has led much of the firm’s work across Southern California over the past 20 years. Currently serving as Past President of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California (SEAOSC), Garrett is dedicated to advancing the profession and supporting resilient communities. His career includes global reconnaissance and design efforts, and he remains deeply engaged in recovery initiatives for the Los Angeles wildfires. Specialties are: Residential, commercial, forensics, existing buildings.
Favorite Project: Moxi | Santa Barbara
T&S worked closely with the architect, AB Design Studio, to develop a creative and efficient structural system comprised of concentric steel braced frames, steel moment frames, masonry shear walls, and custom exposed steel trusses. One noteworthy design element was the 720 square foot glass floor at the roof deck with long-spanning steel tubes designed with aesthetics in mind and exposed to the courtyard below. Another unique design element was the curvilinear staircase within the entry tower, designed with curved steel tube stringers and cantilevered treads.
My favorite part of every project is the collaboration with the design and construction team. Joining AIA-PF and finding many ways for SEAOSC and AIA-PF to collaborate has been an incredible opportunity to regularly meet architects outside of individual projects and to see the passion and hard work that goes in to this chapter's success.
Business: Randal Winter Construction
Website: Randal Winter Construction
We're on Facebook, too!
Randal Winter, Allied AIAPF memberAs a General Contractor, Randal enjoys seeing the progress and final results of a well-orchestrated project. Having acted as an expert witness for the Contractors State Licensing Board, he saw a need to set a higher standard in the Remodeling Industry and strives to serve as a role model for other Remodeling Contractors. Randal continues to build a strong team of qualified individuals with exceptional organizational abilities.
Randal holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from UCLA, a MBA from the University of La Verne, served in Vietnam for the U.S. Army and was awarded a Bronze Star while attached to the 101st Airborne Division. Randal is active in his community and is an Adjunct Professor at the College of the Canyons.
Randal G. Winter founded Randal G Winter Construction in 1980 and has spent over 45 years in the construction industry as a Licensed General Contractor. He holds licenses in eight different trades including: Concrete, Drywall, Electrical, Landscaping, Painting, Plumbing, Tile and Asbestos. He is certified by the EPA for Lead in addition to being certified as an ICC Building Inspector and Plans Examiner.
Why AIAPF? We joined the chapter because want to help in the rebuild efforts for those in the Altadena/Pasadena areas that lost their homes, We understand the stress, and since we are a reputable, trustworthy contractor, we want to make sure they have the opportunity to discuss their projects with us and a reliable architect.
My favorite project...There is a 2600 square feet single story rebuild that we did after the Thomas fire in Ventura. The client was from the Valencia area and decided to move to the Ventura area after retiring. Unfortunately, before she got her boxes unpacked in her new home, the house caught fire. It's a custom craftsman inside and out and has fire resistant exterior. We are very proud to be able to help them rebuild after such a tragic event.
We thank Eric for his continued partnership in AIAPF and hope you all take the opportunity to get to know him.
Company & Website: Marvin Windows and Doors
Social Media Connection: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-wing-6484461a/
Eric Wing serves as Architectural Project Manager at Marvin, bringing 20+ years of fenestration expertise from leadership roles at industry giants Marvin, Andersen, and Milgard. For architects seeking precision and excellence in window and door specifications, Eric provides invaluable consultation throughout the design-to-installation process.
His comprehensive understanding of architectural challenges, product applications, and technical requirements ensures seamless integration of fenestration solutions that enhance design intent. His collaborative approach has helped architects realize distinctive projects across Los Angeles and Orange County markets. Eric transforms architectural visions into practical, beautiful reality.
I am very interested in Pasadena's history as well as the architecture of the surrounding areas including San Marino. Beautiful contemporary and traditional homes and commercial structures. I am looking forward to developing relationships with members of the AIA as well as others in the industry.
Firm: Uriu Architecture
Firm Website: http://www.uriuarchitecture.com
Education: BArch California Polytechnic of Pomona, Diploma Unit 7 Architectural Association of London
Principal, Uriu Architecture
My architectural journey began in 1993 while still a student at Cal Poly Pomona, when I joined the office of Frank Gehry as employee number 26. It was an incredibly exciting time—by the time I left in 2000, the firm had grown to over 150 people and completed major milestones like the Guggenheim Museum in Bilbao and had broken ground on the Walt Disney Concert Hall.
From 2000 to 2006, I worked with the talented residential architect Georgie Kajer. It was there I gained invaluable experience—not just in thoughtful residential design, but also in navigating contracts, managing client and contractor relationships, and understanding the importance of clear communication—lessons sometimes elusive in larger, more corporate settings.
Between 2004 and 2022, I co-led the firm Baumgartner+Uriu, focusing primarily on avant-garde architecture. In 2022, I launched Uriu Architecture, returning to my passion for high-quality residential work. Our current projects include homes in Pasadena, South Pasadena, Sierra Madre, Glendale, and Los Angeles, as well as a cliffside residence on the island of Sardinia. We’re also engaged in select commercial work, including a warehouse/office in South El Monte and a mixed-use project in Hollywood.
I’ve also been teaching since 2010 at both SCI-Arc and USC. At SCI-Arc, I lead the Professional Practice course, where students learn about the business, ethics, and mechanics of architecture, and engage with leading professionals such as Larry Scarpa, Barbara Bestor, Thom Mayne, Michael Maltzan, and others. The course also brings in voices from city government, development, film, and client-side perspectives. At USC, I teach across a spectrum of design studios—from “Super Future,” a forward-looking urban design studio imagining resilient, sustainable cities 200 years from now, to comprehensive studios that explore real-world systems, construction, and detailing. Recently, my students developed design proposals for the Odyssey School’s South Campus, tragically lost in the Eaton Canyon Fire, with a focus on resilience, fire resistance, and innovative prefabrication techniques. Their work was presented to Odyssey’s Executive Director, Dr. Carlos Garcia Saldana, and Governing Board Chair, Dr. Joretta Joseph.
Favorite Project: Villa Scalesciani Costa Paradiso in Sardinia is a seaside home I've had the great experience of working on the renovation of. The home originally designed by Alberto Ponis in 1977 was literally built into the cliffside fo the amazing Costa Paradiso. Our renovation updated the kitchen, bathrooms and modernized amenities to the project while maintaining all of it's original main rooms character.
A bit about me personally: I’m a not-so-great guitarist, but I loved jamming with a neighbor’s band—also a fire survivor. The night of the Eaton Fire, I foolishly left my prized guitars hanging on the wall, thinking I had more time. I also swim regularly—not quite avidly, but it’s my go-to for meditation and clearing the mind.
Design Philosophy: I truly enjoy working with clients and believe that great architecture comes from strong collaboration. It’s often said that great projects require great clients—and it’s true. I also believe that meaningful, beautiful design doesn’t require extravagant budgets. Many of my clients actively contribute to the design process, and together, we shape projects that are more refined, more personal, and ultimately more successful.
The Eaton Fire... I joined the volunteer efforts of "ask an Architect" and have been involved with many of the AIA PF's outreach programs, and although I was a member of the AIA LA chapter for decades, which is a wonderful group, a large portion of the LA chapter's efforts are concentrated with the Palisades (understandably, being part of the City of Los Angeles) and Altadena (being an unincorporated part of LA County) did not have the focus per se that the PF chapter has on the local community (while also looking at the bigger picture and continuing to help LA where it can as well). I do foresee the need of great architects in this community and predict that Altadena will become one of the most desirable neighborhoods (if not the) to live in the future, with a focus still to the middle class, which is a design challenge that many of us are taking on full heartedly.
Jodie Mendelson, AIA
Current Firm: JAM Project Management
Education: MArch University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee & Bachelor of Art Architecture, UC Berkeley
instagram.com/jamprojectmanagement
Mini-Bio & Highlights:
Background & Inspiration: I had no idea I wanted to be an architect until my first architecture lecture class in college, Environmental Design I, and immediately fell in love with the ideals of great architecture. I applied to the major on a whim after my mother told me to choose architecture over art and art history which would be more practical. The joke of course is that my education at Berkeley was totally theoretical. My uncle is an architect who I consider my biggest initial influence, and I have benefitted from so many mentors in my career. Career & Projects: Thirteen years ago I transitioned from architecture to owner's representation project management. I am most proud of a transformers replacement project at The Music Center which was technically challenging to work with multiple landlocked buildings, experienced four rounds of turnover from DWP's design staff, and absorbed 11% inflation in 2021 alone. Gruen Associates and PNG Builders were amazing partners and we got it done on budget and schedule. I love all project types, and the more challenging the better! My biggest challenge in my career growth is learning how to navigate stress and I pride myself in wading through it much better than I used to. Philosophy & Process: Listen to the better designers around me. I think building an expert team is the key to successful design that meets form and function and I am very excited by the potential for the use of earthen building materials like Adobe is Not Software and CalEarth Superadobe in California post-fire. Personal & Fun: My favorite building is Fallingwater by Frank Lloyd Wright - it is completely one with its natural setting, and of course like a lot of starchitecture, was under-designed structurally with water intrusion issues. I would love to go back in time and collaborate with Alvar Aalto. My biggest hobby is cooking new, elaborate recipes. If I weren't an architect, I would love to be a food blogger.
Advice: Architecture is an incredible education - the field trains you to think critically about the visual, functional and written intersection of ideas. Success means marrying all three seamlessly and turning it into a business. Never be afraid to ask for what you want, be on time, and send a thank you email within a day. I learn by staying in touch with colleagues even when we're no longer working on a project together.
My Favorite Project | Music Center Plaza Renovation:
The team was wonderful to work with and truly experts in their particular fields: Gary Leonard (photographer of this photo), Howard Sherman (Music Center COO), Chase Neuwald (Matt Construction), all the trades, RIOS (AOR) and many many others. The interventions on the site were challenging, and this photo is one example. We had to relocate the 15-ton Jacques Lipchitz Peace on Earth sculpture, and didn't realize the steel structure was completely corroded and covered in hazardous material until we removed the 60-year-old granite veneer base. There was a week of scrambling to coordinate with Peyton Hall of HRG and Mike Krakower, a structural engineer specializing in historic bronze sculptures to confirm means and methods for abating and resupporting the sculpture prior to relocating it 150' to the west.
I joined the AIA when I was a student because I think it's important to be part of a group to share resources and learn from others. Now that I am further along in my career, I think it's important to pay it forward. I belong to the AIA LA chapter, but I started volunteering with the AIA PF chapter quickly after the fires to start the Ask an Architect program. I worked in Pasadena and South Pasadena from 2010-2016 and the region is very dear to me.
Past president for AIA Pasadena - Foothill (1982). He dedicated much of his career to community service, culminating via the photograph below, in the presidency of the Tournament of Roses.
Bud Griest, President of the Tournament of Roses for the 1996 parade, passed away in December at the remarkable age of 91.
The 1996 parade, with his theme “Kids’, Laughter & Dreams,” featured Kermit the Frog as Grand Marshal—the first non-human to host the event solo. Muppet-lover Bud had long dreamed of inviting Jim Henson to lead the parade, but when Henson passed away, Jim’s star, sidekick and best friend, Kermit the Frog, hopped up in his honor.
Bud joined the Tournament in 1967 and quickly became a major contributor to a variety of committees over the years. He chaired Television & Radio, Parade Operations, Queen & Court and a variety of other committees. His leadership was instrumental in shaping the success of many Parades, and his enthusiasm for the Tournament was contagious.
Professionally, Bud was an architect. He received his degree from the University of Texas School of Architecture in 1957, then returned to his native Pasadena to practice for more than four decades. Voluntarily, he was a member and president of the Optimist Club of Pasadena, the Pasadena-Foothill Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, the University Club of Pasadena and the Pasadena Jaycees. Contributing to his community and the friendships he made while doing so were central to his full and laughter-filled life.
He loved the early Tournament years of staying out all night in the cold just as much as visiting the bands, riding down the Parade route, or awarding the Game trophy during his year as President. His favorite Rose Bowl Game, however, was not the 1996 game, but the 2006 game, when Texas beat USC in the final seconds in “The Best Game Ever.”
