Wendy Acosta

Junior Staff Accountant

Wendy Acosta was born and raised in Santa Barbara, California and became interested in learning accounting after working as a bookkeeper for local businesses. She developed a passion for numbers and went on to major in accounting at Santa Barbara City College where she continues her studies. Wendy describes herself a Master of Multitasking, as she is most passionate about being a mom to her three children Layla, Tomas, and Rio. She can often be found crafting, organizing, or dancing Zumba. Joining Shubin Donaldson in late 2019, Wendy offers support to our accounting team as our dedicated Junior Staff Accountant.

Edward Anastas

Senior Project Coordinator, Associate

A licensed California Architect with LEED AP BD+C accreditation, Edward received a Bachelor’s of Architecture from the University of Southern California and an M.S. in Architecture and Urban Design from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. Edward has worked on a variety of projects such as high-rise, mid-rise mixed-use, hospitality, healthcare, and commercial office projects located throughout the Middle East, India, China, Japan, and the United States.

Through his exposure to urban design studies and experience working on large scale projects, Edward advocates for localized self-sufficient communities and has a strong passion for PRT (personal rapid transit) technology in master plan and urban scale projects. In conjunction with having a detailed eye for design aesthetics, Edward is continually expanding his knowledge of technical documentation in BIM production, VR, and augmented reality as it applies to architecture, 3D visualization, as well as construction administration.

Bronte Araghi

Designer

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Bronte established her passion for Architecture at an early age while engaging in the Architecture program at her high school. She received her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at UCLA in 2017 and then continued on to achieve her Master’s in Architecture degree from Sci-Arc, graduating from their MArch 1 program in 2021. Bronte admires all things design, from discovering obscure furniture to 3d printing her own earrings and small scale objects during her spare time.

Matthew Beausoleil, AIA

Project 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

Senior Designer, Senior 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

Architectural Designer II, Senior 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.”

Adrienne Danet

Senior Project Architect, Associate

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.

Jerome Deck

R+D Intern

Born and raised in Oakland, CA, Jerome is a curious maker who’s not afraid to work with new mediums, scales, and design methods. Driven by a passion for fabrication, representation, and documentation of art and architecture, Jerome received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo where he lead a student architecture committee, and his thesis “Becoming Anthrometal” received an honorable mention. During his time at Cal Poly, Jerome worked for an architectural metal fabrication shop where he learned to appreciate the overlooked details in a building such as the smoothness of a handrail’s curve or the countersinks on an aluminum bracket. Prior to working at ShubinDonaldson, Jerome worked as a Shop Fabricator at Morphosis Architects where he specialized in architectural model making and shop maintenance. When not in the office, Jerome enjoys tattooing himself, practicing asemic writing, and playing tango on his violin.

Robin Donaldson, AIA

Partner

A fourth-generation Southern Californian, Robin Donaldson, AIA, was born and raised within the SoCal surf and skate culture. Before founding ShubinDonaldson, he received a Bachelor’s in Studio Art at UCSB, focusing on painting and printmaking. He then attended the Southern California Institute of Architecture, receiving his Master of Architecture and winning the Henry Adams Medal. During his SCI_Arc studies, Robin began working with Morphosis Architects and served as the Project Architect on the Crawford Residence. In 1990, Donaldson founded ShubinDonaldson Architects. Today he lectures at AIA events, academic institutions, devotes time to AIA advisory boards, and serves on community planning advisory boards across Southern California.

Donaldson’s creative force is at the heart of advancing SD’s design ethos. He leads the firms’ investigations between buildings and topography/landscape integration, representation and drawing sensibilities, and unique fabrication methodologies. His interest in exploring new possibilities for conventional building typologies also includes leading ShubinDonaldson’s research and development efforts.

Christiane Dussa, LEED AP

Senior Project Manager, Senior 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.

Jennifer Flinck

Director of Finance & Administration, 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 Designer, 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.”

Nick Funess

Administrative Assistant, Office Runner

Born and raised in Pelham, a small suburb of Westchester, New York, Nick moved to Los Angeles to receive his cinematic education, receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Screenwriting from Chapman University in 2019. Prior to joining ShubinDonaldson in 2023, Nick was a staff writer at Merry-Go-Round magazine, where he wrote features covering music, film, and pop culture. When not in the office, Nick can be seen watching/making indie films, reading horror novels, and enjoying a good game of tennis or pickleball, which his parents are currently obsessed with.

Diana Garegnani

Human Resources Manager

Originally from San Diego, Diana joins the SD team as our Human Resources Manager based out of the Santa Barbara Office. With over 7 years of HR experience, Diana enjoys the administrative process and holds her SHRM-CP and aPHR certifications. In her free time, Diana enjoys going for walks and hanging out with her cat.

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 and commercial construction. He joined ShubinDonaldson in 2015.

Greg Griffin

Studio Director, Principal

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.

Jessica Hall

Architectural Designer I

According to Jessica, architecture is the perfect marriage of precision and creativity. Born and raised in Florida, she discovered that architecture was a uniquely satisfying field worth exploring after designing and building a tree house with her father in middle school. In 2016 this direction led her to receive a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida, with her last semester abroad in Italy before returning to begin her professional career in Orlando. Jessica was primarily interested in single-family residential design and landed her first job designing private residences at the Walt Disney Resort. These homes were highly custom, and Disney was no ordinary client, but her dream was to live and practice on the west coast, where the landscape is more dynamic, and the culture is more sustain-ably focused. After relocating to Santa Barbara Jessica began to work with SD in 2018. She has a strong passion for cooking, and enjoys hiking, surfing, and traveling in her free time.

Ruth Hasell, AIA

OC Studio Director, Senior 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.

Mark Hershman

Partner

A native Southern Californian, Mark Hershman graduated from Woodbury University in 1997. After studying abroad at Sorbonne University in Paris, France, he began his professional career studying with Anthony J. Lumsden, FAIA. Joining ShubinDonaldson in 2000, Mark was integral to the many ShubinDonaldson’s early signature projects that helped define the future of “creative” commercial interiors, which has now become the norm. In 2017, he was elevated to Partner, becoming the first to join the Founding Partners to drive the firm’s vision forward.

During his 20-year tenure with ShubinDonaldson, Mark has led the firm into new territory, branching into ground-up mixed-use, multi-family projects and advancing the conversation regarding adaptive reuse into more significant campus developments, which are redefining the urban landscape of LA. Mark is continually scouting for new opportunities, questioning new methods of living and working, and technology’s role in the discipline. His relentless attention to craft, detail, and the design process has made him a lynchpin at the core of SD’s reputation for innovative, award-winning design.

Charlotte Hofstetter

Project Architect

Charlotte developed her passion for architecture at a young age. Growing up with a family of Swiss architects she had an early taste for two things: straight lines and strenuous hikes. After receiving her Bachelor’s of Architecture with distinction at the California College of the Arts in 2010, Charlotte worked for award-winning firms Foster & Partners and Mark Cavagnero Associates in the Bay Area, before joining ShubinDonaldson in 2021. Professionally, Charlotte is interested in how architecture plays a role in society: how buildings adapt to economic and environmental trends, how we learn from the past to create safer and healthier spaces, and how other disciplines contribute to the development of a projet. When not in the office, Charlotte can be found traveling around the world.

Bradford Kelley

Director of Design: Residential, 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

Senior 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.

Matthew Lahr

Project Architect, Associate

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 degree. 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-Sciotto

Project Architect, Associate

A Los Angeles native, Erin Lani-Sciotto 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

Stuart Lord, AIA

Project 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.

Mark Montiel

Marketing & Graphics Coordinator

Liana Nourafshan

Job Captain, Associate

Born and raised in Los Angeles, Liana was drawn towards architecture at a young age. Her early love of drawing led her to earn a Bachelor’s of Architecture with distinction from SCI-Arc in 2015. After graduating, Liana worked at Morphosis Architects prior to receiving her Master’s degree in Architecture from Harvard’s Graduate School of Design. She has studied with world-renowned architects such as Zaha Hadid, Rem Koolhaus, and Thom Mayne before joining ShubinDonaldson’s Residential Studio in 2018. Liana believes that architecture can be used as a tool to respond to the ever-changing facets of our world. While not at work, Liana can be found spending time with family and friends, hiking, painting, or traveling around the world.

Juan Carlos Ornelas

Senior Project Manager, Associate

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.

Sieglinde Pukke, AIA, LEED AP

Senior Project Manager, 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.

Brice Schiano

Designer

Born in Orlando, Florida, Brice moved to Los Angeles in 2021 to pursue his Master’s of Architecture from the University of Southern California, graduating in 2022 from their M. Arch program where he received an award for M. Arch Outstanding Directed Research. Prior to attending USC, Brice received a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida, graduating Summa Cum Laude

Brice has helped design Architrave 25 & 26, an annual student publication featuring undergraduate student work from the University of Florida School of Architecture. In addition, he has also had several works featured in Architrave 25, 26, & 28. During his time at the University of Florida, he produced two short texts, “ Adding Value to our Physical Urban Spaces” and “Satchels Pizza Playscape”, which feature some of his research, work, and evaluation of Architecture and the built environment.

Brice has participated in several design competitions, most notably the CBDX: Cities for All International Design Competition where he and his team became competition finalists, among over 150 submissions. His architectural interest focuses on representational and visualization skills, composing compelling narratives of spaces, interrogating how users interact and engage in space, as well as questioning the role of representation in current architectural practice.

Nicklaus Schwaller

Senior 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.

F. Myles Sciotto, Ph.D.

Director of R+D, Senior Associate

Gianni Seinfeld

Senior Designer

Born and raised in Lima, Peru, Gianni moved to the US in 2000 to continue his Architectural education. He received his bachelor’s degree from Kansas State University in 2004, having spent one year abroad in Australia, at Queensland University of Technology. After working in Los Angeles for 4 years, he moved to NY to pursue graduate studies, where he received his Masters Degree in Advanced Architectural Design from Columbia University. After an extended stay in NY, followed by a return to Peru for both work and academia, Gianni moved back to LA in 2018. Having worked at different offices around the world on projects of different scale and typology, Gianni brings a multitude of perspectives to his work and a constant pursue of new ideas and approaches to design. Outside of the office, you can find him at a coffee shop, sketching design ideas or in the water, surfing any swell that hits the LA or San Diego coast line.

Russell Shubin, AIA, LEED AP

Partner

Russell Shubin, AIA, is a native Southern Californian, being born and raised in Los Angeles. He received his architecture degree at Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, studied at the L’Ecole d’Art et d’Architecture in Fontainebleau, and was an Associate at the Blurock Partnership before founding ShubinDonaldson Architects in 1990. Russell is active in the AIA, local development organizations, and regularly speaks on architecture and design panels throughout Los Angeles.

Russell has a passion for distilled ideas, elemental diagrams, and developing strong and relevant narratives that question assumptions about what it means to be current in today’s context. His reputation for thoughtful and detailed work stems from a deep investment and intentionality in crafting unique elements and the delineation and articulation of materials. Russell’s involvement in the development community has established robust relationships leading to a thriving luxury residential practice serving an international clientele, alongside mixed-use, multi-family, and commercial office projects contributing to the Southern California landscape.

Brittany Stangel

Executive Assistant

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.”

Alex Towpasz

Project Coordinator, Senior 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.