J.E.D.I. COMMITTEE 2023
COMMITTEE CHAIR BIOS
Chair
Johanna Hauser, AIA
Johanna Hauser grew up in Austin, Texas and spent much of her childhood observing dramatic landscapes and old buildings on road trips with her family. After studying German literature at Bard College, she landed a temp job as a receptionist at an inspiring architecture firm in San Francisco, which led her to pursue a Masters in Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. During that time, she traveled to Europe, studying the effects of fascism on the built environment in pre-war Italy and post-war Germany. A collage artist at heart, Johanna sees architecture as a practice of working with what’s available, be it good, bad or ugly. Her belief that anything can be uplifted, however broken it may appear, combined with her love of complex puzzles, makes her happiest working on adaptive reuse projects and organizing around restorative justice. She has over a decade of professional experience, and is currently employed at KFA.
Vice Chair
Arman Massahi, AIA
Originally from the picturesque city of Tabriz, Arman was inspired to become an architect due to all the amazing building designs throughout the City. After receiving his Bachelor’s in Architectural Engineering degree from IAUT in 2011, Arman ventured out to Los Angeles where he graduated with a Master of Architecture degree from SCI-Arc. As an immigrant, he sees the necessity of JEDI discussion in a variety level of societies to promote public awareness. His experience in designing projects in Los Angeles for the past ten years has driven him to become an architect with a deep knowledge of building systems. He has been with KFA Architecture as a project architect since 2019. He had the chance to work on several affordable housing projects where his passion for architecture meets his beliefs in Justice, Equity, diversity, and inclusivity.
Past Chair
Genelle Brooks-Petty, NOMA, Assoc. AIA
Principal designer – BPC Interior Design
Genelle Brooks-Petty is the principal designer of BPC Interior Design, a Los Angeles-based interior design firm servicing contract, and residential clients. After years in the fashion industry, her clients in that realm pushed her into interior design. While studying interior architecture at UCLA, she honed skills under a famed designer, and serviced residential and boutique scale commercial clients of her own, developing a unique perspective. Her work bridges gaps as she aims to build community through design.
Genelle is a graduate of Howard University’s School of Business, and she holds a Master of Interior Architecture from the UCLA Extension/ California State Polytechnic University, Pomona joint study program. She is an associate member of AIA (American Institute of Architects), Allied ASID (American Society of Interior Designers), AWA+D (Association for Women in Architecture and Design), and a current board member of SoCal NOMA (National Organization of Minority Architects) as well as SCOPE-LA (Strategic Concepts in Organizing and Policy Education).
Past Chair
Carmen Suero, Assoc. AIA
Principal, Good Project Company
Carmen Suero is a Principal at Good Project Company (GPCO). GPCO’s work is focused on developing projects that are clever, conceptually clear, and highly specific to the opportunities of each project while delighting in efficiency, unexpected experiences, and ways in which the work can improve daily life. Carmen has over 20 years of experience in the industry, having worked with award-winning architecture firms, local and national construction firms, and interior design offices across various sectors, including rail, aviation, civic, education, and residential. Some of the projects she has been involved with include MTA’s Gold, Expo and Crenshaw transit lines, LAWA’s Landside Modernization Program, City of Long Beach Civic Center, and the Los Angeles County Museum of Art. Alongside her practice, Carmen is currently pursuing a Doctor of Education degree at Southern California University, focusing on the practice of architecture and the relationship between career development learning and representation in the industry.
