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I was born in the Pacific Northwest, in the heart of Oregon wine country, West of Portland. Being raised in this idyllic environment gave me a deep appreciation of the natural environment. I was a boy scout, learned to hunt and fish, and camped often - weather permitting (and many times, in the rain).
I also had a fascination of buildings and how they could uplift the spirit. Our town built a new high school when I was a Freshman, and often I would visit the site (to the dismay of the workmen) to see how it was built. It was exciting to watch it take form - and the sense of pride I had that this was my new school! The building design was cutting edge, and the town was quite proud of it. I would often sketch the building, and buildings in nearby Portland.
Portland was an early pioneer in 'smart growth' introducing the 'Urban Growth Boundary' inacted in 1973. The downtown core development plan supported medium and high density infill projects, laid along a new system of light rail. Today, the city stands as a model of revamping urban decay and controlling suburban sprawl, while respecting the natural environment. These influences had a profound impact on me and my later design sensibility.
I attended California Polytechnic University Pomona and graduated in 1999 Magna Cum Laude. I also had the privilege of attending architecture school for a year in Florence, Italy, through the California State International Program. While studying in Italy, I also worked for Christiano Tornaldo (of Superstudio) and his client Sr. Gori of The Fattoria di Celle (Celle Farm), located in Pistoia, Italy.
After college I set out to explore what architectural focus was a 'best fit' for me. I worked for Togawa & Smith Architects during college (now Togawa, Smith, Martin), which gave me a fundamental understanding of how an architecture firm functioned. With the basics down, it was time for me to gain experience and skill, and also ascertain what possibilities were available to me.
My search began with Caldwell Architects of Marina Del Rey (now Tate Snyder Kimsey) where quickly I was given much responsibility working on various educational projects. I next worked for Dean Larkin Design (DLD), specializing in high end residential and small scale
commercial work. I became a Project Manager for DLD, refining my custom detailing skills, working on a variety of custom home projects.
Although I spent much time in the field working at DLD and Caldwell, I felt the need to learn more about how better communication between the contractor and architect could be achieved - vis-a-vis interpreted designs and drawings.
I was then hired by Gordon Ross; a custom home "one stop shop" encompassing building construction, architecture, and interior design, all under one roof. My experience with Gordon Ross allowed me to frequent the field and develop relationships with the contractors, which I found vital in mitigating confusion and streamlining the construction process.
I next worked for Smith Consulting Architects (SCA). While there, I had the opportunity to assist in the master planning of several large mixed-use centers, and headed up design of these large-scale projects. I also produced discretionary approval packages, construction documents, and managed the construction administration phase. Unfortunately, The recession cut short what would have been a long career with Smith.
I have since worked contractually for several firms, with opportunities including: lead designer for the Palm Springs Animal Shelter, project manager and designer for the renovation to the historic landmark Santa Barbara Courthouse Public Defenders Office interiors upgrade, Access and ADA compliance. I also headed up design and construction to several T.I. projects, restaurants, as well as design and construction to new and renovated residential projects and sub-divisions, plus the design of custom furniture.
I am LEED AP BD+C certified, Sketchup proficient, work in Revit and AutoCAD 2012 , and am a California Licensed Architect.
HFS Concepts 4, Long Beach, CA, Senior Architectural Project Manager
Hotel / Hospitality design firm. Direct planning and monitoring of project activities to ensure that service and services are delivered within the established scope, budget, and schedule. Oversee assigned Design and Architecture teams to ensure client program, budget, and schedules are maintained. Allocate design fees, prepare proposals, and direct design concepts into working solutions based on client need.
Projects:
• Embassy Suites – Hilton. A complete remodel 'refresh' of guest room and public areas, with emphasis on property improvement plans issued by Hilton. Properties:
El Paso, TX - $3M budget, eight story complex, 212 rooms, with addition of a restaurant and bar in atrium. Also, addition of compliant public restrooms, FF&E, ramps, retaining walls, Porte Cochere and roof elements. redesigned Lobby, meeting rooms, pre-function, business center, and corridors. Remodeled rooms with added accessible rooms throughout.
Denver, CO - #3M dollar budget, seven story complex, 215 rooms. Addition of compliant public restrooms, cook-to-order kitchen, bar, FF&E, ramps, retaining walls, meeting rooms, pre-function, corridors, business center, and exterior elements. Remodeled rooms with added accessible rooms throughout.
Colorado Springs, CO - $4M budget, four story complex 312 rooms. New compliant public restrooms, cook-to-order kitchen, bar, FF&E, ramps, retaining walls, meeting rooms, pre-function, lobby, corridors, business center. Remodeled rooms with added accessible rooms throughout.
Scottsdale, AZ - $23M budget, East and West building complexes four stories each, 312 rooms, with a 12k sq. ft. conference center and separate fitness complex. Exterior remodel including retooled stucco color and finish, new roof elements, new Porte Cochere and entry sequence, landscaping improvements, fountains, and pool remodel. New cook-to-order restaurant, bar, wine tasting room, boardroom, compliant public restrooms. Update finishes of meeting rooms and convention center, lobby, pool courtyards, and guest rooms with added accessible rooms throughout.
• Pullman - Sofitel. $4M budget, 15 story complex 310 rooms. Remodeled Porte Cochere, building colors, awnings and patios. Remodeled lobbies, bar, pre-function, restaurant, meeting rooms, public restrooms.
• Sheraton - El Monte - $40M budget. New 12 story tower attached to a 500k sq. ft. retail mall. Design of all public areas and guestrooms, including lobby, check-in, restaurants, business center, back of house, gift shop, meeting rooms, 12k sq. ft. ballroom and pre-function space. Rooftop bar. Pool and courtyards.
John Gilmer Architect, Palm Springs, CA, US, Project Architect (on contract)
Project Architect on contract - assigned to tasks in all phases of the Architectural Process for the firm. Schematic Design, Design Development, Construction Documentation, Bidding, Contract Negotiation, Site Documentation, research and design with historic precedent, and application of historic elements to updated code requirements.
• Private Residence, Indian Wells, CA – A mid-century single family residence complete renovation to meet current Green Code standards. Schematic Design, Design Development, and Contract Document production, code research, FF&E research and procurement, Bidding and Negotiation, Contract Document review and negotiation.
Chris Pardo Design - Elemental Architecture, Palm Springs, CA, US, Project Architect
Project Architect for a Seattle based firm, who specialize in custom contemporary homes, hotels, interiors, and retail spaces. Duties included managing a small team for the production of permit and construction documents, including the production of discretionary approval packages, and design concept development based on client need. Also: Code compliance research, Schematic and Design Development, client presentations and public hearings.
• Sandfish Whiskey & Sushi Bar – T.I. for a boutique restaurant located in the North end of Palm Springs, CA. Produced Schematic Design concepts, Design Development documents, and Construction Documentation, Planning Department submittals, permit submittal, Health Department Submittal and approvals, contractor selection and bid auditing. Selection of interior furnishings and finishes, fixtures, and equipment per CBC.
• Ernst Coffee & Tiki Bar - T.I. for a boutique coffee house and Tiki bar located in the North end of Palm Springs, CA. Produced Schematic Design concepts, Design Development documents, and Construction Documentation, Planning Department submittals, permit submittal, Health Department Submittal and approvals, contractor selection and bid auditing. Selection of interior furnishings and finishes, fixtures, and equipment per CBC.
• The Orchards - A new subdivision of eleven custom modern homes in the City of La Quinta, CA. Schematic Design of four home prototypes using 3D imaging, Design Development, Construction Document production, discretionary approval packages, consultant coordination, code compliance, public hearings.
• Morgner / Whitener Residence - Extensive custom residential remodel in the City of Palm Springs, CA. Produced Design Development drawings and 3D images, client presentations and approvals, assisting client in contractor selection, production and submittal of discretionary approval packages, development of permit documents, bid auditing.
Independent Consultant Architectural Services, Dallas Ft. Worth & Palm Springs, CA. US, Project Architect / Design Consultant
Remodeling service and design consultation, expediting permits, contracts, bidding, and construction administration services. Residential and commercial remodeling design including additions, tenant improvement, and new construction. Developed permit drawings, expedited permits, administered the bidding process, directed construction administration, FF&E selection and installation, design and review of shop drawings and RFI's. Site measuring and documentation, 3D modeling concepts, CAD drawings, concept hand sketches, finish color and material selection, budgeting. Procurement and leasing services.
• 7@ 150 Event Venue & Showroom, Dallas, Texas – 11,000 sq. ft. T.I. event space and custom furniture showroom. Feasibility analysis of potential properties, assisted lease negotiation, developed budget outlines. Wrote business plan. Produced schematic, design development, and construction documentation, permit submittal, contractor selection and bid auditing.
• Daireds Spa, Salon & Café, Fairview, Texas – 15,000 sq. ft. T.I. FFE and interior design services for new branch location. Space planning. Selection, coordination, and installation of equipment, furniture, finishes. Custom cabinet design and installation. Product displays, custom furniture design, custom art design and installation.
• Santa Barbara Public Defenders Office - for CBA Architects, Arcadia, California. Title 24 Accessibility upgrades and interior renovation for the Public Defenders office in the historic Santa Barbara County Courthouse building. Design Development and Construction Documents for cost estimator. Design of new elevator and shaft, space planning, lighting, security gates, cabinetry, office systems, color and finishes.
James Cioffi Architects, Palm Springs, CA, US, Project Coordinator, Design Lead
Developed design concepts, and produced presentation drawings (using Sketchup, hand sketches, Photoshop, ACAD). Researched and selected materials and systems. Fabricated and submitted presentation and discretionary approval packages. Organized, participated, and recorded client meetings. Coordinated and implemented project LEED outline strategies. Organized and streamlined production document records.
• Palm Springs Animal Shelter – 24,900 sq. ft. full service animal shelter for the City of Palm Springs. A high-profile civic building, the design incorporated programming elements which required that the city's established 'mid-century modern' aesthetic be reflected in the design. Prepared discretionary approval documents and supporting 3-D graphics, pre-bidding proposals, value-engineering, and presentations during city council and community meetings. City of Palm Springs, owner.
Smith Consulting Architects, Palm Desert, CA, US, Project Coordinator, Design Lead
Collaborative Management leader of design team (3 to 4 persons) . Produced presentation drawings (using hand sketches, Sketchup, Photoshop, ACAD). Code research and compliance, and selected materials/colors and systems. Fabricated, submitted, and presented discretionary approval packages. Produced and published Project Master Plan. Organized, participated, and recorded client meetings. Created and produced logo and sign / style packages for projects. Coordinated and expedited City permit documents. Managed a small, secondary office.
• Madison Crossing, Indio, California – 197,250 sq. ft. mixed-use office/retail center with ‘indoor’ farmers market anchor. Design of anchor building and 15 pad buildings. Creation and publishing of Project Masterplan. Presentations at city council meetings. Tenant leasing coordination. Coldwell/Lyle & Associates, developers.
• Ramon/Crossley, Palm Springs, California – 57,250 sq. ft. mixed-use office/retail. Design of one 2-story office/retail building and three single story buildings. Preparation of discretionary approval documents and 3-D graphics. Client meetings & presentations. Wessman/Gonzales, developers.
• Bob Hope & Country Club, Rancho Mirage, California – 140,500 sq. ft. mixed-use office/retail with Tesco “Fresh & Easy” anchor. Design of Grocery anchor, with two-story office/retail building, and 6 pad buildings, including a corner pharmacy. John Wessman, developer.
• Desert Business Park, Lots 4, 5, 6 & 7, Palm Desert, California - Tilt-up industrial park. 4 tilt-up industrial buildings, 13,800 sq. ft. each, within the Desert Business Park complex.
• RaboBank T.I., Salinas, California – 28,000 square foot tenant improvement for new corporate bank headquarters. Permit documents and construction administration. Client meetings & presentations.
Gordon Ross, Palm Desert, CA, US, Project Manager
Produced all schematic, design development, and construction documents for custom design-build homes and landscapes. On-site construction observation and administration. Managed and coordinated consultants. Researched code compliance. Coordinated and expedited City permits. Produced and presented architectural discretionary review packages. Created and managed project schedules and budgets. Developed and applied custom detailing solutions. Lead client meetings and presentations. Produced and implemented scheduling project flowcharts. Managed 7 projects at any given time.
• Holt Residence, La Quinta, California – 4,000 square foot custom residence with detached cabana, pool, spa, & landscaping. Custom interiors.
• Wier Residence, La Quinta, California – 5,400 square foot custom residence with detached cabana, pool, & landscaping. Custom interiors.
• Pretti Residence at Bighorn, Palm Desert, California – 7,800 square foot custom multi-level home, with separate cabanas, custom pool, spa, and desert landscaping, subterranean garages.
• Goodrich Residence, La Quinta, California – 4,500 square foot custom residence with custom pool, spa, landscaping, and interiors.
Dean Larkin Design AIA, Los Angeles, CA, US, Project Coordinator, Designer
Produced design development and construction documents and details. Documented and analyzed site conditions. Researched code compliance, and specified materials, colors and finishes. Produced & expedited City permit documents. Coordinated and lead client and consultant meetings. Coordinated bidding and negotiation procedures. Responsible for project-assigned construction administration, including site observation and documentation, coordination of consultants, and liaison to client.
• Oriel Drive Residence, Los Angeles, California – 2,200 square foot remodel/addition. Complete remodel with new kitchen, baths, finishes, new Master Suite, fireplaces, remodeled pool & cabana, hardscape & landscape.
• Oriel Way Residence, Los Angeles, California – 5,400 square foot remodel/addition. Complete remodel and design, with addition of a 3 car garage, pool deck, media room, spa, and all finishes & details. This home is currently featured on the HBO series “Entourage.”
• Pennington Residence, Cherry Valley, California – 4,800 square foot custom home, with separate Master suite, three guest suites, Great Room, and detached 3 car garage with 'man cave' retreat space.
• Santo Coyote Restaurant, Beverly Hills, California – 2,100 sq. ft. Restaurant T.I. Exterior design, interior space planning. Site analysis and documentation. Permit documents and coordination, acquisition. Materials selection and coordination, site observation, meetings, coordination of subcontractors.
• York Residence, Brentwood, California – extensive remodel/addition of former Joan Crawford home. 4,900 sq. ft. total. Site analysis and documentation. Schematic design, construction documents. Materials & finishes selection and research. Client meetings, presentations.
Caldwell Architects (now Tate, Snyder, Kimsley), Marina del Rey, CA, US, Intern III
Produced construction documents & details. Contributed in team-oriented schematic and design development assignments. Documented and analyzed site conditions. Management of office filing. Research of color and material specifications. Model building. Specification writing. Produced and expedited City permit documents. Allocation of bidding and negotiation documents and distribution. Coordinated construction administration documents and procedures. Attendance and recording of client meetings and presentations (including the DSA).
• Torrance High School portable classroom expansion, Torrance, California – installing 4 portable classrooms on high school campus. Site planning, permit document creation and coordination. Site analysis, documentation, and observation. Coordination of contractors and sub-contractors. Division of State Architect CBSC Title 24 Accessibility compliance.
• Santa Monica City College Temporary Library, Santa Monica, California – post-earthquake temporary facility of campus library, with 6 connected portables, and custom-designed library entry. Site analysis and documentation. Design team collaboration for solution to create entry.
• Santa Monica City College Daycare Facility, Santa Monica, California – Remodel and T.I. of a former residence to a daycare facility for 25 children. Design of interior spaces, and exterior playground. Construction drawings and construction administration.
Togawa Smith Martin, Inc., Los Angeles, CA, US, Intern II
Produced construction documents and details. Documented and analyzed site conditions. Research of color and material specifications. Researched governmental regulations to historic preservation projects. Implemented and revamped office filing systems. Specified materials, colors, and finishes. Model building. Specification research and writing. Administrative support.
• Homestead Village Extended Stay Hotel, Arcadia, California – 60 room extended stay hotel catering to business class guests (first of it's kind). Assisted in construction documents, code research, site analysis, construction document production.
• Habitat for Humanity 96th Street Housing, Los Angeles, California – 26 single family homes (four completed in first phase). Homes varied from 2 to 4 bedrooms, 942 to 1257 square feet. Assisted in production of construction documents, site analysis & documentation, City permit acquisition, construction administration.
• Union Center for the Arts, Los Angeles, California – Formerly the ‘Old Union Church’ – renovation of historic landmark. Site analysis & documentation, assisted with construction document preparation, created project overview description, & assisted in discretionary approval process.
California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, Pomona, CA, US, BArch, Architecture
Magna Cum Laude. Five year Bachelor of Architecture degree, with a minor in Architectural History. Studied Architecture in the fourth year with the CSU's International Studies Program in Firenze, Italy.
The Art Institute of Seattle, Seattle, WA, US, Associate of Applied Art, Interior Design
Applied Interior Design: Color theory, space planning, furniture design & history, lighting theory, textiles, finishes, acoustics, art history.
Los Angeles Trade Tech, Los Angeles, CA, US, Pace Program
Associates Degree under the "Pace" program (Project for Adult College Education) with added classes in Architecture History, Architecture Studio, and AutoCAD computer courses.
