Jennifer Flinck

Controller, Senior Associate

Jennifer Flinck describes herself as someone who has “always been good with numbers.” Born and raised in Santa Barbara, Jennifer attended California State University, Chico, and received a Bachelor of Science degree in Exercise Physiology –another passion. One of her first positions was as an administrative assistant to the Controller at Design Solutions; she quickly learned the ropes and was promoted to Controller. She came to ShubinDonaldson in 2004 as Controller. In her spare time, she can be found snuggling and making squeaky noises to her cat.

Jay Fukuzawa

Senior Associate

Jay is driven by the creative aspects of the craft and practice of architecture. To Jay, architecture is a means of contributing to the built landscape and to the enduring continuum of design.  A Los Angeles native, Jay worked for Kanner Architects for 13 years before joining SD in 2012. He’s a self-professed foodie, movie-nerd and avid cycler—biking the PCH every weekend in order to “reboot.”

Greg Griffin

Studio Director, Senior Associate

Greg Griffin, a Southern California native, grew up riding bikes, motorcycles, skateboards, building, fixing, and customizing said wheeled items. He graduated with honors in 1998 from California State Polytechnic University with a Bachelor of Architecture, trying to get outside between studio projects, be it snowboarding, hiking, camping, or mountain biking. Having joined SD as a licensed architect in 2005, he brings with him a respect for the outdoors, and a passion for exploring how a building can connect people with a site. Whenever he can, he still heads outside; riding a 1964 Vespa from Alaska to New Orleans, or around Egypt…maybe the Pacific Crest Trail is next, on foot, not on wheels.

Bradford Kelley

Project Manager, Senior Associate

Brad Kelley believes in the human dimension of architecture and its simple yet profound importance in addressing global concerns while shaping the quality of our lives. From the corporeal response to form, color, material, and the experience of space to the socially impactive properties and other performative benefits possible through purposeful and thoughtful ideas, Brad values the unique and transformative ways that design affects our thoughts, relationships, and emotions.

Brad Kelley was born and raised in the Hawaiian Islands and from a very early age learned the importance and value of cultural diversity as well as the necessity of coexistence. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Washington State University and later received a Master’s degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University in New York City.

Brad has collaborated with the internationally recognized office of Steven Holl Architects in New York City as well as with the Atelier of Pritzker Prize winning architect Alvaro Siza in Porto, Portugal and later with the Studio of John Ronan Architects in Chicago before relocating to Los Angeles where he has been a part of the ShubinDonaldson team since 2005.

With a broad range of experience in distinctive project types ranging from cultural, religious, residential, and commercial work to larger urban developments both in the United States and throughout the world, Brad’s perspective has underlined a critical interest in the meaning, applicability, and particularity of each architectural design for each client and site. Brad’s project involvement at ShubinDonaldson ranges from conceptual and pre-design through construction administration on national projects and abroad.

Brad is an avid surfer, hand-shaping custom equipment for use in travels around the world. He is fluent in English and Portuguese.

Ilya Kozin, LEED AP

Project Architect, Senior Associate

Ilya Kozin brings 14 years of experience in architecture, design, construction, and management. Studying architecture at Woodbury University, Ilya received his Bachelor of Architecture. degree in 1998. During the last 14 years, Ilya has been involved in a multitude of complex projects, ranging from repositioning of existing industrial building to large-scale, ground up mixed-use developments.

Fredrik Nilsson

Studio Director

Born and raised in Stockholm, Sweden to a family of builders and craftsmen, Nilsson’s aptitude for design was shaped in early years. In the first part of his professional career, he interned and worked as a building engineer for prestigious firms that evolved into what is now Sweden’s most successful architecture firm, Wingårdhs. Nilsson went to Los Angeles and SCI-arc in the mid-nineties, and graduated in 2001. While at SCI-arc he won an international student competition. The first prize was to have his design realized in built form, and an opportunity to return to Scandinavia and intern for the executive architect—internationally acclaimed architecture firm 3XN.

After graduation Nilsson, worked for Pugh + Scarpa (currently Brooks + Scarpa), where he was introduced to working in an environment where design and craft had the highest attention. In 2004, Nilsson started working for the respected firm, DMJM (later AECOM), where he had the opportunity to design large corporate commercial projects in Los Angeles and internationally. He rose through the ranks and was appointed studio director at AECOM. In 2015, Fredrik joined ShubinDonaldson as a studio director. His expertise leading the design for commercial projects contributes to the robust design process at ShubinDonaldson. Nilsson’s attention to craft and detail furthers ShubinDonaldson’s reputation for design innovation.

Sieglinde Pukke, AIA, LEED AP

Principal

A Principal at ShubinDonaldson, Sieglinde Pukke brings 25 years of experience in architecture, design, construction, and management to the company. She holds several prestigious awards for her work on Ocean Institute in Dana Point, the Headquarters for Quiksilver in Huntington Beach, and 3388 Via Lido in Newport Beach. Born in Munich, Germany, Sieglinde studied architecture at the Georg Simon Ohm Polytechikum in Nuremberg, Germany where she received her Master’s degree in 1990. Dr. Seegy, who was a Professor at the Georg Simon Ohm Polytechikum brought her into his firm while she was working on her thesis. After she graduated, she worked in Germany for 7 years before relocating to California in 1997. She has been working with Shubin Donaldson since 2007, and was promoted Principal in 2013.

Christine Reins

Studio Director

With nearly two decades of professional architectural experience, Christine provides firm-wide leadership, management expertise, mentoring and inspiration to everyone at SD. She is accountable for the work product and processes within the residential studio of the Los Angeles office, including the well-being of the LA residential team. To Christine, architecture is “a big puzzle that is fascinating to put together.” Christine Reins has a nomadic history. Born in Michigan, her family moved to Kentucky, then Ohio and then to Sutton Coldfield, England before finally retuning to Michigan. In her spare time, she enjoys playing cello and rowing, as well as coaching rowing with the Los Angeles Rowing Club.

Jenny Cabal, CSI, ICC

Studio Director

Jenny Cabal brings to ShubinDonaldson more than 17 years of multifamily & mixed used experience from small to large scale projects. She provides firm wide leadership, overall management of all projects and project teams, as well as provide mentorship at ShubinDonaldson. She is accountable for strategic direction that brings “best practice” approach to process and procedures with a focus on delivering high quality designs. She is directly responsible for executing contracts, project schedules & budgets, and direct communication for the successful delivery of projects to clients. Her extensive experience ranges from high-rise to low-rise market rate condominiums, apartments, mixed used, veterans housing, affordable/HUD housing, and senior housing projects. During her tenure at TSM, she gained extensive experience working on complex projects obtaining modifications through code research and implementation. Prior to working on multifamily housing, she was critically involved in design and construction of commercial buildings, office renovations, regional shopping centers, and movie theaters.

Ivan Blanco

Senior Designer, Senior Associate

Growing up in the family furniture business, Ivan Blanco got an early start in the world of design. This background influenced Ivan, not only thinking about the built environment as a constructed entity, but also in terms of fabrication and manufacturing. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California in 2002. Ivan has over 14 years of professional design experience focused on interiors for the commercial, hospitality and retail markets. He has designed spaces and products from multinational corporate headquarters to furniture and architectural products for major national hospitality and retail brands. His experience and specialty brings knowledge of industrial design, design engineering, fabrication, manufacturing, 3D modeling, visualization and sourcing to SD.

Emily Balas

Architect

Emily Balas was born and raised in Detroit, Michigan and initially became interested in architecture after growing up in a city with such a complex urban fabric. She received her Bachelor of Architecture in 2010 from the University of Michigan and immediately had wanderlust to explore. Moving to Beijing shortly after, she worked as an architectural designer at an art museum. Returning state-side in 2012, Emily began graduate school at the University of Southern California where she ultimately graduated from in 2014 with a Masters in Architecture. She then went on to work at Perkins Eastman where she worked on Marin County General Hospital for three years. She passed her AREs and CSE in a year and became a licensed architect in 2016.

Emily is an avid adventurer and has visited Japan, Singapore, & the Maldives just to name a few. With plans for much more travel to come. She is an avid gardener with a serious green thumb, cultivating over 30 different plants. With an affinity toward the structure of plant anatomy, Emily draws much of her design inspiration from the organic world around us.

Joining ShubinDonaldson in early 2017, Emily brings expertise in construction administration on large scale projects.

Matthew Beausoleil, AIA

Architect

An Architect at ShubinDonaldson, Matthew Beausoleil brings 15 years of experience in a wide range of project types including single and multi-family residential, hospitality, commercial, theme park, and institutional projects. He received his Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University where he graduated with honors. Matt also was born and raised in Santa Barbara and loves to spend his free time downhill mountain biking in the local mountains, and competitively racing outrigger canoes in the ocean with a local club. He sees parallels between racing outrigger and architecture as a profession. “Achievements are made in both sport and architecture when careful preparation meet unforeseen opportunities. Creativity, commitment to goals, and integrity often create delightful and often unexpected results in both areas.”

Geo Chevez

Designer, Associate

Geo Chevez grew up in North Hollywood in the neighborhood which is now the NoHo Arts District. After being inspired by an architectural exhibition during his studies at UCSB, he transferred to Woodbury University to pursue an education in architecture. During his academic career, he studied abroad in Rome, Barcelona and Berlin; he also participated in an exchange program with students from the University of Buenos Aires. During his 4th year, his team was awarded 1st place in the USGBC Emerging Talent Design Competition for a mixed-use project comprised of shipping containers in downtown Long Beach. After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture in 2012, he joined ShubinDonaldson. Geo works on diverse project typologies including tenant improvement, adaptive reuse, master planning, multi-family developments, graphic design, and architectural competitions. His passion for architecture centers on the pursuit of shaping the everyday environment that we inhabit; by how history, our present-day realities, as well as our aspirations for the future all inform architecture. In addition to architecture, Geo loves playing sports.

Gabriela Colmenares

Designer, Associate

Born and raised in Valencia, Venezuela, Gabriela Colmenares moved to the United States in 2002 in pursuit of art, architecture and design-related activities. To her, architecture makes a conscious effort to explore and integrate different fields, opening doors of knowledge beyond buildings. She is influenced by the way nature, people, culture and emotions shape design. When she’s not working you can find her exploring the city and taking photographs. “Curiosity is my motivation to learn. It also encourages me to trespass abandoned barns just to photograph them.”

Elisabeta Curea

Designer

Elisabeta Curea was born in the Socialist Republic of Romania where she lived out the last years of the Ceausescu regime. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Washington and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon.

Anthony Dailey

Office Assistant

A native of Long Beach, California, Anthony currently attends West Los Angeles College in Culver City, California, where he is pursuing his degree in Aircraft Engineering. At ShubinDonaldson, Anthony keeps the LA office organized, and the day-to-day machine well-oiled and humming. In his downtime he enjoys hiking, reading and watching documentaries. “Failure will never overtake me if my determination to succeed is strong enough” ~ Og Mandino

Adrienne Danet

Architect

As an Orange County native, Adrienne Danet was inspired by the Newport Neutra dental office and at age 10 knew that Architecture was her calling. Graduating from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo in Architecture, she returned back to Orange County to practice in a broad range of roles, including: design architect, project architect, programming specialist, and interiors architect. Adrienne works with a strong commitment to the design integrity of a project, from its initial conception to the final execution and realization. When not practicing architecture, she enjoys the lifetime commitment of experimenting with her Eichler home in Orange, a.k.a. more architecture. When really not practicing architecture she enjoys camping and hiking activities with her family, running for health, and not running around to the seemingly endless kid sporting events (when she can help it).

Joining ShubinDonaldson in the summer of 2017, Adrienne brings over 20 years’ experience as an architect in various project types including commercial office, retail, residential, higher / lower education, and justice.

Stacey Dubs

Project Manager

Christiane Dussa, LEED AP

Project Manager, Associate

Christiane Dussa brings over 20 years of architectural experience to ShubinDonaldson. She joined ShubinDonaldson in September of 2014 and has been project manager for the Boston Consulting Group’s Headquarters project. Prior to joining ShubinDonaldson, Christiane worked for AECOM, where she successfully managed a variety of complex projects including a number of ground up theme park rides for Universal Studios Hollywood; projects including both King Kong and the recently opened Fast and Furious ride.

Eric Foster

Designer

Eric Foster earned his Masters of Architecture degree at Drury University where he spent his time studying everything from art and architecture to sculpture and fashion design. During his time at university, he collaborated on art installations, designed builds, and community development projects. Through his studies, Eric has found a fascination with how people perceive, understand, and interact with interior space. Much of Eric’s passion for interior space derives from his world travels from which he’s developed an understanding of design aesthetics and a belief that architecture can ascend beyond a purely visual experience. He finds that by using textures and materials to create a multi-sensory experience, architectural space can engage its users on a basic human level. Outside of the office he enjoys hiking with his dog, climbing, and exploring new areas, cultures, and types of design. Eric joined SD in 2017.

“A meaningful architectural experience is not simply a series of retinal images. The ‘elements’ of architecture are not visual units or gestalt: they are encounters, confrontations that interact with memory.” – Juhani Pallasmaa, The Eyes of the Skin

Anne Graham

Designer

Born and raised in Nashville, TN, architecture was the natural next step in a journey that had primarily been focused on painting and the visual arts. Anne completed the B. Arch/M. Arch program at Tulane University, after studying architecture at the Glasgow School of Art and completing her thesis during a semester abroad at Cornell University. Her career began in a small boutique design firm in Chicago that approached its projects comprehensively; completing the architecture, interiors, and even furniture design of its spaces, both commercial and residential. A move to Atlanta introduced her to more solution oriented design at Kronberg Wall Architects, where messy urban redevelopment projects were the focus, and a commitment to strengthening the fabric of the city was the priority. LA is where she sharpened her design skills, focusing exclusively on high end, meticulously detailed, residential projects in Los Angeles and Malibu. After 3 years as a project manager with a local LA firm, she took a year’s sabbatical to get creatively reinvigorated; spending time in the French Mediterranean, exploring photography, making songs for film and TV, and doing contract work as a designer and project manager with an LA builder. Anne comes to Shubin Donaldson in 2017 to continue an artful journey of place-making.

Walter Grey

Project Manager, Associate

Walter Grey’s love of design was more of a natural progression than a singular “eureka” moment. He had studied to be a sculptor, receiving his Bachelor of Fine Arts in sculpture from California College of the Arts in Oakland, California in 1996. Shortly after he went to work for a Digital Special effects firm but his interest in construction and building slowly cut a path towards architecture. He received his Master of Architecture from the University of Washington, Seattle in 2004 and had his own design build firm for 10 years in the San Francisco Bay Area. He then worked for AE3 in San Francisco before moving to Santa Barbara ‘for a change in scenery’. He brings with him his skill set as a licensed general contractor along with proficiency in design, construction administration, project management, design build, residential construction and Type 1 Type 1B office structures. He joined ShubinDonaldson in 2015. When he’s not at work, Walter enjoys swimming and biking.

Ruth Hasell, AIA

Architect, Associate

With over 30 years of experience, Ruth Hasell has worked on a wide variety of project types and scales. Her project experience spans programming and schematic design phases through construction administration for both residential, commercial and institutional clients. She has extensive coordination experience with clients, consultants, owner representatives, construction managers, and contractors. She understands that good design is collaborative effort, and that the whole team—client, architect, consultants and contractor—play a vital role. Ruth is well-versed in resolving city planning issues, building and safety plan check, CBC and IBC. She incorporates sustainability as a parameter of good design. She is passionate about architecture and brings that intensity to every project in which she works, the quest for design excellence being both her motivation and goal.

Matthew Lahr

Designer

It took Matthew a few years of searching to discover his passion for architecture, though he recalls drawing floor plans of his “dream house” as early as the fourth grade. Regarding the value of architecture, Matthew explains, “I had a distinct moment, not a spatial experience in the sense of built form, but rather a realization of how impactful created space can be.” It led him to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he received a Bachelor of Architecture. When he’s not working he enjoys surfing, snowboarding and spending time with his wife and their two young boys.

Matthew Joined ShubinDonaldson in early 2015 and strives to create impact with his work on a personal level for the end user/client.

Erin Lani

Architect

A Los Angeles native, Erin Lani earned her Bachelor of Architecture at SCI-arc and received her Architecture License in February of 2018. After graduation, Erin worked for a Venice-based design-build firm that specialized in remodels, additions, and landscapes; spaces where the boundaries between indoor and outdoor blur. She moved on to work for a large corporate architecture firm in downtown Los Angeles where she gained solid experience working on university student centers, professional offices, and high-rise residential towers coordinating interior, architecture and landscape design. She is an advocate for integrated design and documentation to achieve the best results. Seeking experience in refined detailing and an opportunity to work at the residential scale, she was inspired to join the ShubinDonaldson team, where, “design is modern, delightful, and thoughtful.” When she’s not working she enjoys hiking in the mountains with friends and family and contemplating the future of architecture and built environment. “I see the task of architecture as the defense of the authenticity of human experience” ~ Juhani Pallasmaa

Rafael Lopez

Designer, Associate

Rafael Lopez is from Oxnard, California and discovered his passion for architecture while in high school. He recalls seeing Maison a Bordeaux by OMA, and loving the simplicity of it—his passion for design was ignited. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA in 2006. Influenced by the work of Frank Gehry, Rem Koolhas, and Luis Barragan, Rafael worked for Gehry Partners, LLP as a Junior Architect for seven years before coming to ShubinDonaldson in 2014. To Rafael, great design is, “when an architect’s sketch ideas and visions are executed without forfeiting the design due to building constraints.”

Stuart Lord, AIA

Architect, Associate

Stuart Lord received a B.S. in Economics from Emory University and his Master of Architecture degree from SCI-arc. He’s been with SD since 2013 and brings with him expertise in all phases of design and construction, from concept through completion. An avid explorer, Stuart enjoys getting lost in State and National Parks, playing tennis and basketball, and “thinking” he can surf.

Spencer Mak

Designer

A childhood spent bouncing around San Francisco, Hong Kong, and Vancouver combined with summer trips abroad showed Spencer the beauty of wanderlust and the built form. After earning a Bachelor’s of Architecture from the University of Arizona, he spent three years in Hong Kong engaging in a series of published, residential, retail, high-rise and hospitality projects. He returned to California to first join a design-build group engaging in residential, hospitality, and tenant improvement projects; then a well-respected residential firm where he executed meticulously detailed homes throughout Los Angeles’ premier neighborhoods. Spencer comes to ShubinDonaldson in 2016 to further explore of the dynamics of both the residential and commercial sectors. His love for food, art, and culture runs deep; when he’s not busy designing, he can often be found exploring the city’s latest and greatest.

Natsuki Matsumoto, LEED AP

Designer

Natsuki Matsumoto grew up in the Bay Area in the small town of Sebastopol, California. At a young age, he enjoyed both drawing and math so the decision to study architecture seemed inevitable. In 2008, he received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of California, Berkeley. Prior to joining ShubinDonaldson, he worked on 20,000 SF and up, elite, high-end residential homes. During a summer in Osaka, Japan he worked on competitions at the Endo Shuhei Architect Institute. Natsuki, who joined the SD team in 2015, brings with him a passion for residential architecture, and helping clients, “realize a home from what was a mere concept.” Whether it’s design development, model making or construction documentation, Natsuki believes in being detail-oriented because, he says, “It leads to thoughtful architecture that has the power to evoke emotions.” In his spare time he enjoys playing ice-hockey and tennis, as well as playing the guitar.

Fernando Mingo

Job Captain

Fernando was born and brought up in Argentina. He lived most of his life in Buenos Aires where he received his Bachelor of Architecture from the Facultad de Arquitectura, Diseño y Urbanismo of the Universidad de Buenos Aires in 2008. He worked in several architectural firms in Argentina and in 2009 he moved to New Zealand. In 2012 he received an MBA degree from the IAE Business School of the Universidad Austral.

In 2015 he moved to the USA where he currently lives with his wife and daughter. He is fluent in English and Spanish. Prior to his work at SD he worked at several smaller architectural firms in California.

His major influences are Amancio Williams, Christopher Alexander, Glenn Murcutt and Le Corbusier.

“I am attracted by the shape and form of things, and I believe the form follows function”. While Architecture should be the reflection of the times we live in, we must always consider our environment and how our designs and constructions affect it”.

Roodbeh Mirzaei

Designer

Roodbeh “Roody” Mirzaei appreciates “clean” design and space planning. She has an eye for color combined with a strong ability to develop design concepts. At SD she specifies and develops design construction details. Trained as both an Interior Designer and Architectural Designer, Roody has been with the company since 2014.  She received her Bachelor of Interior Design at University of Dubai (AUD), and worked for two years as an interior designer before moving to the United States to pursue her Master of Architecture degree at SCI-arc.

Juan Carlos Ornelas

Senior Project Manager

Juan Carlos has always been inspired by how materials and structural elements come together to create the spaces in which we live and work. He approaches all projects, small or large, with a focus on positive team work and efficient use of resources.

His family emigrated to the United States in 1977 from a small town in Mexico, and he credits their hard work and dedication for making it possible for him to continue his education after high school. He attended Cal Poly Pomona and received his Bachelor of Architecture in 1992 and a Master’s degree in Liberal Studies, with an emphasis in Latin American Literature, from New York University in 1998. Between his studies Juan Carlos worked as a draftsman for KNA Structural Engineering—and values this experience for shaping his appreciation for details.
He enjoys spending time with his wife and two children, attending films and going to museum openings especially those that focus on modern art—and the works of John Schlesinger, Jacques Audiard, Cy Twombly and Jean Michelle Basquiat.

Christopher Petzak

Designer, Associate

Christopher Petzak hails from Grand Rapids, Michigan where he had early exposure to design through the local office furniture industry. He received his Master of Architecture degree from the University of Detroit Mercy, and studied Architecture and Urban Design at the Warsaw University of Technology in Poland. He joined SD as an architectural designer in 2015 after working for AECOM Los Angeles, and several firms in Detroit. In high school, Christopher was a member of the U.S. National Team in competitive trampoline. He traveled extensively while competing in two world championships, as well as many other national and international competitions. These travels were what initially sparked Christopher’s interest in architecture and urbanism.

Korab Radoni

Architect

Korab was born and raised in Kosovo (a young European nation). Korab relocated to the United States during high school, and followed in his father’s footsteps by studying architecture. After graduating from Woodbury University San Diego, Korab spent the next decade practicing architecture in Palm Springs as well as construction management in New York City with a focus on high-end residential projects. Korab, a licensed architect, joins Shubin Donaldson as a Project Manager in the Residential studio.
Architecture for Korab is very simple; a shelter in a specific climate. That very basic driver alone can set up the grounds and inform a successful building.
Outside of architectural endeavors, Korab enjoys traveling and exploring new places where you can find him mostly on two wheels climbing local mountains and some distant ones

Diana Ramirez

Human Resources Administrator

Original from San Diego, Diana joins the SD team as Human Resources Administrator based out of the Santa Barbara Office. With over 6 years in a HR / Administration role, Diana enjoys creating goodwill and recently obtained her aPHR certification from the HR Certification Institute. In her free time, Diana enjoys cooking and going to the batting cages to practice slow pitch softball on a regular basis.

Colin Rickard

Marketing & Graphics Coordinator

A Southern California native, Colin Rickard was first introduced to design at a young age where prior to college, he studied Industrial Design at the Art Center in Pasadena. His formal design career began when he attended San Jose State University, where he graduated with a B.S. Degree in Creative Advertising. Before joining SD, he worked in the creative digital marketing sector for a variety of notable start-up tech companies in the San Francisco region. Colin joined ShubinDonaldson in Mid-2017, bringing to the company a wealth of expertise in the digital landscape and discerning eye for design.

Nicklaus Schwaller

Designer, Associate

Nicklaus Schwaller’s love of design began when he took his first studio course, where he started to refine his abilities and realized that architecture is a medium where a designer is able to connect with a very wide audience over a very long time span. During his time at school, Nicklaus spent a year of off-campus study at the LA Metro Urban Design Studio in downtown Los Angeles along with a number of visits to canonical structures, foreign and domestic. Nicklaus received his Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, after which he studied for six months abroad at Studio Ticino in Switzerland before returning to begin his professional career in Los Angeles. Relocating to Santa Barbara, he’s been with SD since 2015. His expertise encompasses conceptual design, schematic design, 3d modeling/visualization, and digital fabrication. Working to push into new territory within the discipline, Nicklaus explores techniques of making and representation. Nicklaus believes, “Great design should be rigorous in concept and realization, clear in its intentions, and highly attuned to the human experience with space; producing new types of experiences that shape the way in which we live.” When he’s not at work he enjoys sailing, photography, and music production.

Brittany Stangel

Office Manager

This Burbank, California native has a passion for photography and film. She attended West Los Angeles College taking fine arts courses; and currently freelances as a research assistant at Loyola Marymount University. Her focus is split between her photography and her non-profit organization she co-founded, Juvenilia Books Collective. JBC’s mission is to use mindfulness and creativity with a focus on childhood and nostalgia through arts and education, and plans to use their proceeds to help homeless youth specifically within the LGBTQ community. 

One of her favorite quotes is by John Lennon: “When I was 5 years old, my mother always told me that happiness was the key to life. When I went to school, they asked me what I wanted to be when I grew up. I wrote down ‘happy’. They told me I didn’t understand the assignment, and I told them they didn’t understand life.”

Zack Teixeira

Project Manager, Associate

A Boston native, Zack Teixeira came to California in 2008 for graduate studies at SCI-arc. Prior to that, Zack attended Pratt for his undergraduate work. He then spent nine years in New York City before moving to Los Angeles to attend SCI-arc, where he received his M. Arch I. He spent time in the Hamptons between 2011-2014 before returning to Los Angeles. Zack believes that architecture is “a challenge.” He enjoys dinners out, gardening and being outdoors as much as possible.

Alex Towpasz

Designer, Associate

A native to Santa Barbara, Alex Towpasz was drawn to architecture at a young age through his innate love for drawing and natural desire to build. At Woodbury University, where he graduated with a degree in Architecture in 2012, his natural inclination and interest in design flourished. He was able to experiment in specific aspects of design that he loved and incorporate those elements into his growing understanding of architecture. After his matriculation, he spent the summer of 2010 studying in Barcelona and Berlin, then later traveling in 2011 to the Universidad Alfonso Diez el Sabio Madrid, Spain to further his studies. He joined ShubinDonaldson in 2012. To Alex, great architecture is, “emotional, instinctive, responsive and inventive.” When not at work, Alex can be found playing hockey, riding motorcycles, and listening to 80’s metal music.

Luciana Vidal, AIA

Architect

Originally licensed as an architect in Argentina, Luciana brings over 15 years of architectural experience to ShubinDonaldson. Prior to joining SD, She worked with a variety of architectural firms on complex mixed-use projects, such as Gehry Partners and more recently from Los Angeles based Gensler, as a Project Architect on Century Plaza Hotel, Broadcom Campus, and Metropolis High Rise. Luciana brings an expertise within Core and Shell projects, and joined ShubinDonaldson in early 2017.

Ping Wang

Assistant Controller

Born and raised in Taizhou, China, a city 200 miles south of Shanghai, Ping Wang came to the United States in 2010 to further her education. She loved living in California so much that she wanted to stay. After graduating from California Lutheran University with an MBA in Finance and University of the West with an MBA in Accounting, Ping joined ShubinDonaldson. Her skill set includes financial and trend analyses, strategic planning, cash-flow analysis, budget forecasting, and cost projections. She’s bilingual in English and Chinese. When not at work Ping enjoys travelling, reading and listening to country and jazz music.

Linda Yang

Designer, Associate

Always searching for ways a space, object, or idea could be improved, Linda Yang was drawn to design at an early age. She discovered her passion for architecture while at Wellesley College, where she earned a Bachelor of Arts degree, with a major in Architecture and a minor in Women’s Studies. After working three years for an architecture firm in NYC, she relocated to Los Angeles and earned an M.Arch I from Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc). She joined SD in 2013 and brings relevant experience in residential, commercial TI, hospitality, and restaurant design projects. To Linda, the most compelling designs are those that are catalyzed by a simple yet powerful concept outside of architecture. Whether it’s art, nature, music, fashion, she is fascinated by the how disparate cultural and natural influences can enrich architecture.

Zhimin Zhang, LEED AP

Designer

Before coming to Southern California, Zhimin Zhang worked as an architectural designer for D-Form-A (DFA) in New York City. While at DFA, Zhimin worked on a variety of commercial projects, including Design Within Reach retail studios nationwide in the US and the McCall Winery in New York. Holding two Architecture degrees, Zhimin graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from South China University of Technology in 2014, and received her Master of Science degree in Architecture and Urban Design in 2015. The education that Zhimin has been able to achieve has not only given her a way to think about design in different scales and perspectives, but also to embed her thinking in various cultural and social contexts. In her spare time she likes to explore new things – She’s a leather making apprentice, amateur barista, and bartender. Zhimin joined ShubinDonaldson in the summer of 2017.