San Diego
Nikki Rashidian
Accounting — San DiegoNikki joined SGPA in 2022 with a background in customer service, banking, and accounting. As SGPA’s Accounts Payable/Receivable Specialist, Nikki’s attention to detail gives the team precision financials internally and to our various clients.
She is experienced in the financial industry and is skilled in customer service, technical research, management, and various financial software. Nikki is currently following her passion in the arts to become a Graphic and Web Designer through courses at UC San Diego.
“Creativity belongs to the artist in each of us. To create means to relate. The root meaning of the word art is “to fit together” and we all do this every day. Not all of us are painters but we are all artists. Each time we fit things together we are creating – whether it is to make a loaf of bread, a child, a day.”
—Corita Kent
Credentials
- Graphic and Web Design, University of California San Diego
- BS, Business Administration and Management, California State University, Northridge
"Success is no accident. It is hard work, perseverance, learning, studying, sacrifice and most of all, love of what you are doing
or learning to do." – Pele
Miguel Lopez Farned
Job Captain — San DiegoWith over 6 years of relevant experience, Miguel began his love of architecture when he worked with his uncle, a landscape architect, where he enjoyed transforming outdoor spaces and receiving pleasant reactions from clients. He originally started in K-12, but has since worked in multi-family, outpatient clinics, residential, hospitality, workspace, and has finally come full circle at SGPA working primarily with the Education Studio.
As a Job Captain, Miguel constantly coordinates with consultants and utilizes detail-oriented approach to resolve any design conflicts. His ability to listen and come up with solutions greatly improves communication between design teams and clients.
Miguel is timely, detailed, and most importantly turns in high quality work whether it is documents, presentations, or exhibits.
Credentials
- LEED GA
- B.A., Architecture and Community Design, University of San Francisco, 2015
"Eventually everything connects - people, ideas, objects. The quality of connections is the key to quality per se." - Charles Eames
David Santana
Marketing Manager — San DiegoWith over 7 years of relevant experience, David originally began his career in design. He entered business administration through marketing, and has built a career path into marketing professional services within the AEC industry.
As Marketing Manager, David oversees critical business efforts including proposal generation, internal branding and content development, and other types of business development support activities.
David is passionate about the opportunity to be involved in construction and influence the built environment through marketing leadership. He enjoys the challenge of getting into the client’s mind and out-positioning the competition – the real rush comes from winning a proposal and seeing the project through to completion!
Credentials
- SMPS
- B.A., Product Design and Material Studies, University of Oregon 2014
"Good ideas come from everywhere. It's more important to recognize a good idea than to author it." —Jeanne Gang
Kerry Goethel
Associate, Senior Project Manager — San DiegoAfter attending an architecture camp in the second grade, Kerry became hooked. As a young child, she started a portfolio of floor plans for imaginary houses, products, and businesses. Now, with over 18 years of experience, Kerry has engulfed herself in architecture and the collaborative process that comes along with design. On most project teams, Kerry can be found trouble shooting and turning potential issues into design opportunities using adaptability and creativity to look past the obstacles.
Credentials
- Bachelor of Architecture with High Honors, University of Texas at Austin
- LEED Accredited Professional
"Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works." —Steve Jobs
Cynthia Ayala
Senior Job Captain — San DiegoFrom an early age, Cynthia has always wanted to give back to the community. This lead her to attend Cal Poly to pursue her career in Architecture. She now focuses her interests on educational projects and designing schools for future generations.
Architecture design has always been an inspirational experience for Cynthia. Through her involvement in all phases of design, she is now able to not only appreciate the experience but understand the process of getting there.
Credentials
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University
"Never interrupt someone doing something you said couldn't be done." —Amelia Earhart
Annie Blessing
Associate, Accounting — San DiegoAnnie supports SGPA in our Accounting Department, bringing a wealth of knowledge and experience to our firm. Her upbeat attitude and friendly demeanor help move processes along smoothly. She enjoys the high-paced environment and diverse challenges that are presented each day.
“I enjoy the process of Architecture, the evolution and the emphasis to detail as a project evolves from concept through completion.”
Fernando Cavazos
Associate, Project Manager — San DiegoEven before working as a drafter of small custom homes in the Los Angeles area for a professor while attending the University of California, Fernando loved sketching buildings and sections. He eventually worked his way into a larger Architectural and Engineering firm in San Diego where he gained experience working in an office environment as part of a large production team focusing on large scale medical, commercial, and institutional projects. Familiarized with smaller and mid-sized firms along with hospitality & casino projects, small- & large-scale commercial tenant improvement, and high-end custom homes, Fernando has experience in overseeing production staff, coordinating with consultants & governing agencies, and Construction Administration. Fernando pays great attention to detail and has a growing appreciation for architectural history and design approaches, which is evident in his work.
Credentials
- B.Arch, University of Southern California
“There are 360 degrees, so why stick to one?” – Zaha Hadid
Megan Jones
Associate, Senior Job Captain — San DiegoAs a Senior Job Captain, Megan assists and collaborates with Senior Designers and Project Managers in the designing and presentation of projects. Megan focuses on residential, retail, and mixed-use projects. She works mainly in the Adobe Creative Suite to present our ideas in the most clear, efficient and effective manner.
Megan was first drawn to architecture for the chance to combine her mathematical left brain with her love for design. To Megan, architecture is limitless: With math, there’s only one right answer, whereas architecture allows for endless possibilities. She seeks to find a balance of aesthetics and practicality in each project.
As someone who grew from student intern in our San Francisco office to a full-time employee in our San Diego office, Megan continues to explore her passion and niche within architecture at each level of opportunity.
Credentials
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B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
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LEED Green Associate
"Everything plays a role in the finished product, and the goal is to find the balance between environment, economy, and equity."
Travis Keltner
Senior Associate, Project Architect — San DiegoAs a Project Architect at SGPA, Travis approaches design with a holistic viewpoint and believes that everything is linked – from form and function to materials and color to structure and infrastructure. Highly skilled in Revit, AutoCAD, Google Sketchup, Adobe and Microsoft programs, Travis, with a Bachelor’s in Architecture and a minor in Sustainable Environments, pays great attention to detail, which makes him a strong team player throughout project stages, especially document coordination and approval.
Architecture combines Travis’ passion for math, science, and drawing into a career he loves, one that propels him to find solutions to new challenges.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- BSA: Eagle Scout
"Travel and experiences shape our perception and create a new and unique vantage in our way of seeing."
Hilary Backman
Senior Associate, Senior Designer, Studio Leader — San DiegoWith over 25 years of experience, Hil has designed a range of successful projects in California and abroad. He has been fortunate to design many building types including Residential, Retail, Mixed Use, Senior Living, Hotels, Higher Education, and Creative Offices. Hil has also designed large scale planning projects from Eco-Tourism to Urban Planning.
At SGPA, Hil blends effective communication skills and a flexible approach to design while working with clients, consultants, and colleagues to create special places that resonate with end users. He is also involved with the architectural and planning communities with associations such as ICSC, NIAOP, ULI, and BIA.
Hil’s deep passion and wonder of our built environment inspired him to pursue a career in architecture and design. He enjoys bringing life to the projects, or in other words “taking it from dream to reality.” He enjoys the collaborative process of working with clients as he believes it always deepens and enriches the work. Hil draws his inspiration from past and current architectural masters defining design with mass, texture, light, time and space.
Credentials
- M.Arch, Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, CA
- B. Environmental Design Studies in Architecture, Dalhousie, Nova Scotia, CA
- B.F.A. Painting and Drawing, Concordia University, Montreal, Quebec, CA
“Being an architect means constantly approaching challenges and presenting solutions. It combines problem solving, technology and creativity into one profession, always inspiring you to push the boundaries and think outside of the box.”
Jaclyn Shor
Senior Associate, Senior Project Manager, Studio Leader - San Diego — San DiegoEnamored with architecture’s profound ability to impact society, Jaclyn discovered her professional calling at an early age. Her interest in architecture has taken her abroad, studying the profession in Italy and cultivating her experience back in California. Her career goal is to apply modern day construction, technology and design principles to create communities that will promote healthy lifestyles and sustainable environments.
Jaclyn focuses on smaller details while also maintaining the larger goals of a project. Motivated by architecture’s long-standing, influential effects on a community, Jaclyn often works on senior living, wellness, multi-family, mixed-use, master planning or commercial projects, which she approaches creatively and thoughtfully.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- NCARB Certified Professional
"Whatever you do, do it with all your heart."
Keith Pittsford
Vice President, Director - San Diego, Studio Leader — San DiegoKeith directs the San Diego office and oversees all projects, staff, and clients. Since joining SGPA in 1993, he has developed specialties in planning, design, entitlements, and repositioning strategies for large-scale projects that enrich the community.
At SGPA, Keith guides our project leaders to challenge conventional thinking and develop big ideas. He leads dynamic team efforts to find the path connecting great design, user experience, longevity, contextualism, community input, sustainability, and efficiency. Knowing that the decisions made early can affect factors downstream, he enjoys the early conceptual planning that set projects up for success.
Keith is a Registered Architect and an expert witness determining property value through evaluations of highest and best use. He is an active member of the Mission Valley Planning Group, ICSC, and NAIOP. Keith is committed to being a responsible contributor in the community and influence design for the betterment of our built environment.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Marla Martin
Vice President, Chief Financial Officer — San DiegoMarla has over 25 years of experience in the design service industry, including more than half that time at SGPA. As a Vice President and the Chief Financial Officer she is responsible for the firm’s financial operations: directing and coordinating all company financial objectives and obligations, ensuring integrity of financial statements, cash management strategies, and maintaining a financially solvent organization. She is also responsible for business management, firm risk management, and human resources. Marla has been featured in Real Estate Southern California’s “Women of Influence” Publication.
"Architecture is a visual art, and the buildings speak for themselves." —Julia Morgan
Stephanie Antl
Principal, Studio Leader — San DiegoStephanie leads the Education Studio with a focus on creating healthy, supportive learning environments for students and staff in a wide variety of building types. She calls upon lessons learned from experience in Retail, Residential, and Mixed-Use to inform her projects.
Stephanie’s passion for collaboration has guided the growth of her career as an effective partner who inspires the team to achieve excellence. She guides clients, students, and user groups through the planning and design process of creating sustainable and innovative facilities. Her technical expertise has gained her recognition as an industry leader.
As a Registered Architect and an active participant in organizations including Coalition for Adequate School Housing and the Design Build Institute of America (DBIA), Stephanie stays ahead of current trends in design and delivery methods. She is also responsible for providing strategic ideas that influence firmwide operations and business development.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.S. Architecture, University of Michigan
When Walt Disney was creating Disneyland and discussing the architecture of the park, he was quoted saying, "It's kind of fun to do the impossible."
Marianne Bates
Senior Associate, Office Manager — San DiegoIn 1995, Marianne took her first job with an architectural firm and fell in love with the profession. It was more than engineering and interior design—she admired architects’ ability to create vision not only within their firm, but within a community. She has worked in architecture ever since, collaborating with staff, consultants, and clients to reach the same common goal: beautiful design.
Known for her dependable nature and sharp eye for detail, Marianne assists principals and project managers in processing agreements for clients and consultants. She also manages the administrative staff and keeps the office running smoothly. In the ever-changing working environment of architecture, she helps the firm to continue moving forward as one team.
"When I'm working on a problem, I never think about beauty. But when I'm finished, if the solution is not beautiful, I know it’s wrong." —Buckminster Fuller
Pamela Camack
Principal, Director of Operations - San Diego, Studio Leader — San DiegoAs the Senior Living | Wellness Studios Leader, Pamela brings aging care and wellness expertise to the team. Her passion for these caring environments and knowledge of best practices translate into living and working spaces that are sensitive to the needs of the residents and efficient for staff.
Pamela blends strong management skills with 3D modeling expertise to help her clients visualize and complete successful projects. She is known for persistently tackling challenging issues and has built a reputation with clients, contractors, and teammates for getting things done thoroughly and on time. Pamela’s role as project leader includes over-sight of the project through all phases.
As a Registered Architect and LEED Accredited Professional, she believes in incorporating sustainable concepts into her projects. As an active board member of Leading Age, Pam stays ahead of current trends in universal design. She is also responsible for providing strategic ideas that influence firmwide operations.
Credentials
- Registered Architect, California
- B.Arch, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
- LEED Accredited Professional