BIO

A third generation Los Angeles native, Toni is founding principal of Lewis/Schoeplein architects, a multi-disciplinary practice focused on sustainable community-based projects for institutions, government, non-profits and private developers. She has served as AIA/LA Treasurer (2022-present), as CFO of AWA+D (2019-2021), and on the Mulholland Scenic Corridor DRB (2012-2014). Her previous gigs included stints at Frank Gehry’s office, and at Gensler. Toni has a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and an M.Arch from UCLA. She lives in an empty nest in Los Angeles with partner/husband Marc Schoeplein, two chickens, and a clownish pit-bull.

PLATFORM

As AIA/LA Board Treasurer I have worked as part of a team of volunteers and staff committed to building a long-term sustainable future for the AIA/LA. Continuing this work is critical, as we look to capitalize on the opening of our new Center for Communities. It is a pivotal time in the history of the AIA/LA, as the Center immediately allows us to expand our visibility and outreach locally, while we look ahead to the opportunities afforded in welcoming the 2028 Olympics to Los Angeles. As VP/President-Elect I will aim to capitalize on the inherent strength of our organization and the talent of our diverse membership to address Los Angeles’ challenges of housing, equity, transportation, and climate. Our skills as architects are vital to brainstorming creative solutions, creating positive change and leading on sustainable, equitable growth through design excellence, advocacy, and education.

BIO
John Arnold, AIA, is a Partner at KFA Architecture in Culver City. He has been with the firm since 1999, with a focus on multi-family housing, including mixed-use, affordable, and adaptive reuse projects. Much of John’s recent work has been in affordable housing assisting developers with the complex challenges of funding, cost, and public oversight while providing design that stays true to KFA’s mission to provide “great places where people flourish.” Since becoming a Partner at KFA in 2016, John and his two partners have worked to expand the firm’s robust culture and dedication to staff professional growth and diversity. John has served on several boards over the course of his career, including AIA/LA, Abode Communities Housing, Friends of Residential Treasures: Los Angeles (FORT:LA), United Neighborhoods Neighborhood Council, and as Board Architect for the Jefferson Park HPOZ and University Park HPOZ.

PLATFORM
My name is John Arnold and I am a partner at KFA Architecture in Culver City. I am honored to be considered for the position of Treasurer to the AIA/LA Board. I have been on the Board of Directors for the past two years in the position of AIA/CA Representative, and I am eager to continue the work that I’ve been a part of as board member.

Although I have enjoyed being the representative to AIA CA, I have felt most effective working with the AIA|LA Board on issues closer to home on our local committees and task forces. In particular, the Government Outreach Committee has been a great participation experience, and for which I have been the co-chair in 2024. Additionally, I have been a member of the Finance Task Force, which was formed in early 2024 to address the management and financial challenges of the organization’s expanding obligations for the new headquarters building in West Adams. Our work on this task force included developing an expanded income/expense spreadsheet that includes projections to facilitate long term financial planning and fundraising. This important work continues today as we implement this tool for the coming years. If elected Treasurer, I would be tasked to lead this effort and, importantly, provide Board continuity. As I have been on the Board for the past two years, I can hit the ground running being accustomed to the rhythms of the Board ecosystem and having established relationships with my fellow Board members and AIA|LA staff. It would be my honor to serve AIA|LA and its members, and I appreciate your consideration to elect me to this position. Thank you.

My name is Catherine Diane Hernandez and would like to be considered for the Associate
Director position within the AIA LA Chapter. In the last two years I have shared my time periodically with the Architecture for Communities Los Angeles community engagement committee and have found it to be a beautiful, uplifting, and diverse space for many members and community stakeholders to connect and amplify the work AIA is committed to nationwide and locally. In volunteering at several engagement events from ciclavia to the West Adams block party I have personally found it exciting to meet other professionals in the industry and to connect with community partners making architectural services accessible for adults and youth who are curious about the built environment. I grew up In South Central Los Angeles, a community that for many years has lacked investment, design, engagement, and presence of a group like ACLA. Seeing familiar faces and having neighbors & friends learn about the possibility of an ADU and imagining a future where spaces are intentionally designed made me hopeful
about our collective future.

My commitment to transform the way we build, work, design- has led to many advocacy efforts and participatory roles in executive boards and organizing with community members. I am passionate about the role we play in our built environment and the lifelong impact and experiences we create for people. The Associate Director role in particular interests me to cross collaborate with different task forces and engage in public policy, advocacy, and environmental justice/equity- which aligns with the work I currently exercise day to day. In addition, representing the emerging professionals task force would align with my previous experience and create an opportunity to further connect with NOMA and NCARB. As an emerging professional myself, I understand the barriers, difficulties, and changes we would like to see not only in labor practices but also in accessibility to mentors, growth opportunities, and endeavors
in using technical skills in architecture adjacent spaces. I am happy to connect with more of the AIA membership and listen to the broader needs and vision of the chapter and strategize with the board and strategize towards an equitable future.

BIO
Sarvine Ashkan is a highly accomplished professional with an impressive history of achievements in the field of architectural design. With emphasis on healthcare facilities, her career is distinguished by a profound commitment to the Los Angeles community. Sarvine is recognized for contributing and developing innovative design ideas that enhance patient and staff experience with efficiency in mind. Her leadership and management skills plus in-depth technical knowledge mixed with her design-build experience on large scale healthcare projects like Harbor UCLA medical center replacement project and Scripps Bed Tower #02, positions Sarvine as the ideal Director for AIA LA chapter.

PLATFORM
I am committed to improving architectural practice for our AIA members and architects in our community. I will advocate for advancing healthcare design in our communities by organizing and participating in seminars and presentations. Working collaboratively with AIA leaders and City of Los Angeles, I will promote health and wellness design in our buildings and across our community.

Angelinos deserve a better City planning with abundant parks, open outdoor spaces to enhance the health and lifestyle of current and future residents.

BIO
Nicole Cannon, NCA Studio founder, explores sustainable, community-focused design that
fosters connection and enhances everyday life. She is a licensed California architect and an active member of AIA, IIDA, NCARB, the Association for Women in Architecture + Design, and former chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment. Nicole has spoken on Sustainable Design, received numerous architectural awards, and been nominated for the Los Angeles Business Journal’s Women’s Leadership Award. She has led award-winning projects at firms such as Clive Wilkinson Architects, Marmol Radziner + Associates, Pugh + Scarpa, and Osborn Architects. Nicole holds a BArch from UTexas at Austin.

PLATFORM
As a long-standing AIA member, former committee chair, and firm principal, I am eager to deepen my engagement by applying my experience and perspective to develop programs that enhance our profession and the communities we serve. My work focuses on designing spaces for gathering, and I believe we can extend key principles to the public realm—championing access, thoughtful design, and sustainable practices. Architecture has a profound cultural and environmental impact, and I am committed to advocating for policies, creating initiatives, and supporting projects that foster resilience
and inclusivity as we navigate a rapidly changing future.

BIO
Lauren Coles, AIA, is an associate principal with over 20 years of experience partnering with institutional clients to provide detailed coordination, facilitate stakeholder consensus, and execute design excellence. Lauren’s work spans healthcare, health sciences education buildings, complex laboratory facilities, strategic planning studies, student centers, and recreation facilities. She has led several firm-wide initiatives in hiring, licensure, and mentoring. Lauren is the past chair for the AIA|LA Practice Committee and was featured in Building Design + Construction’s “40 under 40” list for her contributions to the industry. She received her BS in Architecture degree from Northeastern University (Boston).

PLATFORM
As architects, we hold a professional responsibility to help create better outcomes for communities. With advancements in technologies, modifications to design delivery methods, and the responsibility to meet sustainability objectives, architects need to continually adapt to new and unforeseen challenges. While architects must lead the charge, these goals will be met when design, regulatory, and building industries work together. I am running because I see the need to team and collaborate with all stakeholders (industry leaders, trades, local representatives, etc.) more than ever before. I will work to open these channels of communication to create better results for the profession.

BIO
Craig Hamilton, FAIA is a Principal at CannonDesign focused on college and university clients.
Craig’s brings years of practice in a large firm working leading complex, multidimensional stakeholder
groups in the planning and design process; additionally, he has volunteer experience working with a
variety of community group and is a current member of the Santa Monica Architectural Review Board.
Collaborating with complex client and community groups has reinforced his belief that participation,
engagement, and collaboration can produce great outcomes.
He received his B.S. and M. Arch from the University of Michigan.

PLATFORM

• Build upon the 2021-2024 strategic plan in planning for the future, including AIA’s role in the
  2028 Olympics.
• Work to ensure the AIALA’s long term financial stability to support our new AIA|LA and ACLA
  home and our strategic plan goals.
• Leveraging our new home as a place-based forum for conversations about the future of LA,
  particularly in areas of housing, equity, and our role in creating a sustainable future.
• Supporting and advocating for mentoring and early career support from our more experienced
  members
• Being a voice to encourage and support diverse practice models and participation in AIA|LA.

BIO
Brian focuses on what it is to be a good neighbor to raise the bar for community architecture that promotes equity and sustainability. He blends practical design and construction knowledge with innovation, drawing on his planning and visualization skills to help agencies and cities streamline housing guidelines and regulations. Frequently sharing his expertise in community forums and programs, Brian wrote “Dear Mayor” in 2022 with the AIA LA Government Outreach committee, outlining 10 issues and fixes to boost affordable housing production. He currently serves on the 2024 AIA California Housing Steering Committee and the Hollywood Sign Board of Trustees.

PLATFORM
I propose establishing an AIA|LA Affordable Housing committee to explore production solutions – an information-sharing think tank. The goal is to improve how we and our regulatory partners navigate with greater efficiency, clarity, and innovation. Additionally, I aim to create a mentoring program for emerging professionals interested in housing design, preparing the next generation of advocates.
With “Olympic” political will on the horizon, we have momentum to get things done, from greening streets to housing for all. AIA LA’s supportive, visionary, and collaborative spirit inspires me to contribute to and strengthen the diverse communities that are the heart of LA’s vitality.

BIO
Martin Ramirez Jr, AIA graduated with a Master’s of Architecture from Arizona State University and
started his career in 1999.  In 2022, Martin became the West Coast architecture practice leader at
Gannett Fleming and is a Vice President. Martin is currently the Principal Architect for the Inglewood
Transit Connector project.
Martin Ramirez is also an adjunct professor and taught architecture studio the last three semesters at
Arizona State University.  In 2023, his studio sponsored guest lecturers from Los Angeles such as Dr.
Dana Cuff, Michael Maltzan and Michael Lehrer.

Martin is Gannett Fleming’s champion for becoming the 2023 Sponsor for the AIA-LA City Leader’s
Breakfast.

PLATFORM
As a candidate for Director of the Los Angeles AIA chapter, I am committed to fostering collaboration between architects, city leaders, and the community to address the critical challenges facing our city. Drawing on insights from the City Leader’s Breakfast, I will work to implement actionable solutions that reflect the values of our profession and the needs of our community. Together, we can ensure that architects play a pivotal role in shaping a sustainable, inclusive, and resilient Los Angeles, while also elevating the voices of our members as part of the solution-finding process.

BIO

Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP, is a visionary at the intersection of sustainability, equity, housing, and education with nearly two decades of experience. He is dedicated to tackling housing and climate challenges by promoting inclusive and sustainable communities.

Ismar has supported transformative initiatives like the 2×8 Student Scholarship, which has awarded over $250,000. As a former AIA LA Committee on the Environment chair, he organized the influential 1.5 Degree Celsius Symposium on sustainability. He also serves as Commissioner for the Community Development Department in Long Beach and as a Board member for the William J. Worthen Foundation, advancing carbon neutrality and climate justice nationwide.

PLATFORM

The American Institute of Architects, Los Angeles Chapter, focuses on Value, Relevancy, Inspiration, Inclusivity, and Advocacy. My experience as 2×8 Student Competition Chair, Committee on the Environment Chair, and Board Member has given me a platform to serve our members meaningfully.

As an AIA LA California Representative, I aim to address Education, Equity, Climate, Housing, and Practice, bridging small and large firms and fostering inclusivity. Over the past five years, I’ve worked with AIA CA on advocacy and policy, strengthening our community and impact statewide.

I leave you with this quote from Edward Mazria: “What happens in LA and California goes global.”

VIDEO LINK

BIO

Stephen Phillips, FAIA, Ph.D. is an architect, historian, and educator with over 30 years of professional experience in California. He is principal architect at Stephen Phillips Architects (SPARCHS) and Professor of Architecture at Cal Poly — where he is the Founding Director of the Cal Poly Los Angeles Metropolitan Program in Architecture and Urban Design. Raised in Pasadena, Phillips received his B.A. from Yale, M.Arch. from Penn, and Ph.D. from Princeton. He has taught at U.C. Berkeley, UCLA, SCI-Arc, CCA, and Art Center College of Design and was professionally trained here in California at MRY, SMWM, and WTA/TGH prior to launching his award-winning mixed-use DTLA-based architecture firm.

PLATFORM

I believe the natural and built environment are extremely important as is our humanity, and that it is the role of the AIA to support, develop, and advocate for respectable, meaningful, and equitable building design for our entire society, culture, and community. To this end I have committed my life to the practice and education of responsible design here in California and have been a longtime active AIA member in the Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Central Coast chapters. With my broad experience as a California practitioner and educator alongside a strong interest in AI informatics, I am excited to support our LA concerns within a wider AIA CA context.