Jen’s professional experience in architecture and design for the past twenty years in Los Angeles centers on working with existing and historic buildings. In 2018, she started Dunbar Architecture to focus on projects that continue to build upon her past body of work and knowledge of existing and historic buildings while conscientiously addressing environmental sustainability and renewal.

Jen has been responsible for and led design teams in the development of design concepts and solutions, construction documents, consultant coordination, project cost analysis, building material selection, code analysis, and construction administration. Jen works with her clients to find compatible and appropriate solutions to their design problems, breathing fresh new life into historic & existing structures, and finding a balance between modern design interventions with the existing built environment.

Jonathan is a graduate of the USC School of Architecture & the UCLA School of Architecture & Urban Design. He began his career in the commercial architecture sector before transitioning to custom residential architecture. As a residential Architect Jonathan has been part of and has lead several project teams for AIA award winning projects and his work experience as has given him broad knowledge of the building industry.

Jonathan has been a part of the AIA San Fernando chapter since 2016 and previously served as the organizations president in 2018. His primary focus as the chapter has been Advocacy where he works with sister organizations to support the profession.

Neil Silberstein is an award-winning project architect with over 20-years of local and international experience in architectural design, project management, and construction administration. Prior to co-forming Urban Architecture Lab, Neil was Associate Vice President and Senior Project Architect at JERDE, an internationally renowned architectural design firm where he managed and collaborated on several award winning built and published projects including: Kuntsevo Plaza mixed-use project in Moscow, China Overseas Unipark mixed-use center and office tower in Jinan, Daegu Retail project in South Korea, and City of Dreams Hotel Resort in Macau. Neil’s prior roles include: Designer at Hodgetts + Fung for The Hollywood Bowl, Gershwin Gallery at the Walt Disney Concert Hall, and Architect / Project Manager at Marmol Radziner on several custom and residential development projects.

Neil holds a Master of Architecture with a Minor in Real Estate Development from UCLA where he was awarded best thesis for his work on mixed-use development. Neil also received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a Minor in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska.

Vladimir Elmanovich, as a member of American institute of Architects, served for many years on the board of directors of AIA/San Fernando Valley Chapter. As a part of service to chapter, previously he has served as President of the chapter, as well as a Vice President.

Vladimir Elmanovich is the principal of VEA Architects, firm that offers full range of architectural services for various building types, specializing in custom residential and commercial design and renovation. Commercial projects vary from Restaurants, salons, church renovations to new retail and office buildings to change of use, as well as tenant improvement work. Primarily in Los Angeles, Beverly Hills, Bel Air, Malibu, Sherman Oaks, Encino, and vicinity.

Architectural Designer and Senior Associate at RBB Architects Inc. Established in 1952, RBB Architects Inc has been a leader in the programming, planning and design of complex institutional facilities for over 65 years – we believe that great design has the power to affect the lives of the patients as well as the care providers. RBB designs an average of over $500 million in construction annually. The firm has successfully completed over 15,000 healthcare, laboratory, higher education and master planning projects throughout the United States and overseas.

RBB is a preferred provider for such leading healthcare entities such as Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, Northridge Hospital Medical Center, St. Agnes Medical center, Catholic Healthcare West (Now Dignity Health), UCLA, and St. Joseph's Health System. RBB's resources have afforded the firm the privilege of being ranked #1 by the Office of Healthcare Planning and Development; #28 in The Los Angeles Business Journal annual list of architecture firms; #86 in ENR's Top 100 Green Building Design Firms; and consistently ranked in the Top 10 firms in Southern California. RBB has received AIA Design Awards annually, for over a decade.

Jesse A. Santiago, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate

Burdge Architects, Project Architect

Jesse A. Santiago, AIA, is a licensed architect in the State of California with experience ranging from large scale luxury hospitality and multi-family development to providing owner’s representation services in higher education and hospitality. Jesse is an active member of the AIA and NCARB fostering dialogue and forums for diversity, inclusion and opportunities for all members. He currently is a member of the AIA California Council Board of Directors, Woodbury University’s Alumni Council and a subject matter expert for NCARB.

Carolina completed her studies in Colombia, South America, at the esteemed Pontifical Javeriana University in 2001. With a career spanning over 23 years, she has delved into various project types, harnessing her extensive knowledge and expertise to navigate architectural development with precision and enthusiasm. Her focus has primarily been on the restaurant, retail, commercial, and market sectors. Over the years, Carolina has collaborated with prominent supermarket chains such as Vallarta, Big Saver, Jons, and specialized markets like Village Market, Larios Meat Markets, and Great American International Seafood Market. This diverse portfolio underscores her adaptability and proficiency in meeting the unique requirements of different project types.

In 2017, Carolina co-founded CharcDesign with her longtime mentor, John Friedman, in response to a growing demand for her services independently of the firm she was previously associated with. While the decision was complex, given her loyalty to her former firm and colleagues, she received unwavering support from her husband and family, enabling her to take the necessary "leap of faith." Since then, she has never looked back. CharcDesign excels in traditional architectural processes and stands at the forefront of state-of-the-art design and construction programs. The firm specializes in implementing Building Information Modeling (BIM) for enhanced project visualization and coordination. Additionally, they offer innovative services like virtual reality and virtual worlds, allowing them to create immersive experiences that vividly showcase design concepts.

As a seasoned Urban Architect with a Master's degree in Architecture and over twenty years of experience, I bring a wealth of knowledge and expertise in sustainable design, heritage preservation, and supporting emerging professionals. My career has been defined by innovative projects that integrate modern green technologies while respecting the architectural heritage of the past.

After relocating from Russia 2.5 years ago to further my education and career, I have continued to make significant contributions to the field. My vision as an eco-architect is to lead the revival of polluted territories, creating harmonious urban environments that coexist with nature. My work focuses on designing buildings, planning parks, and developing public spaces that inspire a sense of community and respect for our natural world.

In addition to my professional endeavors, I serve as a Core Volunteer Leader at the California State Parks Foundation, where I contribute to the conservation of natural spaces and advocate for sustainable practices. My passion for promoting awareness in sustainable architecture drives my commitment to shaping a more responsible and environmentally conscious future.

Stephanie Jazmines is an artist and designer from Los Angeles, CA. She is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture and Yale School of Architecture. She was the winner of the Gabriel Prize in 2015, received a Fulbright Scholarship to study at Aalto University Wood Program from 2015 - 2016, and was an affiliated Fellow at the American Academy in Rome in 2019 at the winner of the Rieger Graham Prize. She has also shown work at Modest Commons and The Other Art Fair LA. She is currently working as a Senior Designer at Walt Disney Imagineering in California.

As a licensed architect in California and New York, Babak Azimi, has over twenty-eight years of experience working on a broad range of architectural and planning projects in the United States and Canada. An innovative designer and project manager, his forward thinking and sustainable approach has been an integral part of his practice. Babak has worked in all areas of architecture and construction administration, including design, management, production and construction of Multifamily Housing, educational, institutional, commercial, and residential projects.

Babak’s expertise has given him a broad perspective on design and special focus on understanding the needs of each project. Babak’s strength in Educational Building design, as well as variety of other types of projects has provided him with vast knowledge in technical and code issues and a thorough understanding of how they relate to the requirements of each project.

Babak received his Masters’ of Architectural Engineering and Planning degree in 1996. He is currently serving as board member of American Institute of Architects, San Fernando Valley Chapter (AIASFV) where he is leading the Government Affairs and Housing Committee.

Education: University of Cincinnati College of Design, Architecture, Art, and Planning (1995-1999); Woodbury University (2009-2011)

As a valued member of the GDA team since 2008, Hasani Hazeley brings over a decade of experience in architectural project management, specializing in navigating the permitting process and prioritizing client needs. Working under the mentorship of Gus Duffy for the past 15 years has ingrained in Hasani the core values and standards that GDA upholds.

Hasani's expertise extends to completing over 200 projects under Gus Duffy's guidance, showcasing his skill in coordinating with clients and technical services to bring projects to successful fruition. His proficiency in managing projects from concept to completion ensures a seamless process that aligns with both client expectations and regulatory requirements.

In addition to his work at GDA, Hasani is the Principal of Delineate Design, where he leads small project production with a commitment to quality and innovation. His dedication to upholding architectural excellence is evident in every project he oversees.

With a strong foundation in design and a proven track record of success, Hasani is a trusted partner in delivering exceptional architectural solutions. His ongoing pursuit of NCARB certification underscores his dedication to advancing his expertise and contributing to the industry at the highest level.