Growing up in L.A., I was exposed to a lot of different opportunities.  As long as I can remember, I loved drawing and making model cars and planes.  When I was young, my parents enrolled me in a summer rocket building course at the California Science Center which sparked an interest in engineering.  Later in my teenage years, I pursued engineering at a UCLA outreach program and also developed an interest in graffiti and murals.  After studying Classics for a year in college, I decided to switch majors and pursue my passion for art; taking courses in photography, sculpture, painting, and ultimately focusing on filmmaking.

In my last semester of college I took two architecture classes and instantly realized that I found my calling.  Architecture brought together my interests in history, art and philosophy through the study of buildings and structures that have cultural meaning. I enrolled in a pre-graduate summer program at CalPoly, Polmona and completed my Masters degree in their program.  I enjoy Architecture as a career that offers a creative yet practical outlet with the opportunity to shape the city in which I grew up.

Currently, I’m serving as the project manager for both phases of the PATH Metro Villas affordable housing project to house L.A.’s homeless, which includes three new buildings around a landscaped “townsquare” that will provide a total of 187 apartments with individualized supportive services.  I am also currently working on a very interesting project for a Skid Row Housing Trust called SP7, which is an 81-unit, 100 percent affordable housing for formerly-homeless individuals. My profession as an architect and my position at KFA allow me to be a part of reshaping Los Angeles.  I love driving around and seeing our work on the major boulevards and avenues of our city.

I’ve also had the opportunity to work on projects with Jamison Properties. While they are a giant in property management, they’re relatively young in terms of development.  They are in a sense creating their brand in Los Angelels and especially in Koreatown. I believe their vision is to create modern, creative environments that reflect the vibrant, diverse spirit of K-town.

For example, in Jamison’s Luna mixed-used housing development on Wilshire Boulevard, we clad edgy, crisp, modern forms in tile, metal and glass materials.  The color palette is black and white with pops of vibrant colors in an atmospheric gradient. The idea is to represent mid-Wilshire with a design that is simultaneously commercial and residential. Luna’s lighted “halo” is by far my favorite feature. Not only will it be visible up and down Wilshire Blvd, but it will also light up the bamboo landscaped roof deck appointed with fire pits, barbecues and teak-trellised cabanas. That roof offers uninterrupted views of the Griffith Observatory, the Hollywood sign and the stately architecture of the Wilshire Boulevard Temple right across the street.

Outside of work I’m on the Board of the Juan Garcia Farmworker Scholarship non-profit, founded by my family for farm worker students and I’m a part of Mosaic Church; a creative community that is engaged in the art, entertainment and thought-culture of Los Angeles.  When I think about practicing architecture in Los Angeles, I see both LA; the urban fabric and LA;  the community; formed out of relationships with family, friends, coworkers, clients and neighbors.  The most rewarding and challenging part of designing projects like Luna, PATH Metro Villas and SP7 is to design spaces for people; whether it’s to connect with others, have an intimate gathering or have time alone; we want our buildings foster a sense of community and belonging for the people who live there.