Board of Directors

As principal of Kevin deFreitas Architects, Kevin has had the good fortune of many exceptional collaborations resulting in a diverse portfolio of recognized projects, a public restroom on the sand in Ocean Beach for the City, a rammed earth chapel on the Rincon Indian Reservation, custom residences, urban infill rowhomes, and several commissions on the UCSD campus including Galbraith Hall, Warren College bridges, and Computer Science + Engineering renovations. He greatly enjoys live music, sharing a meal with just about anybody, laughing out loud, and coaching a variety of youth sports that one of his four children happen to be playing. In 2023 he served as the President of the AIA-San Diego Chapter.

Melina is a distinguished architect who exemplifies an unwavering dedication to mentorship and architectural innovation. Her leadership at the NewSchool of Architecture & Design included chairing the Mentorship Committee and pioneering a long-standing Mentorship Program and serving as Alumni Board President. In her role as a founding board member of San Diego’s NOMA chapter, she collaborated with AIASD’s Women In Architecture group, uniting industry leaders with the community. Her passion for empowering future talent extends to engaging with institutions like Palomar College and MiraCosta College, while her presentations for organizations such as A4LE and CASH highlight her dedication to shaping architectural discourse. Melina’s array of accolades includes NewSchool’s Alumni of the Year, Alumni Mentor of the Year, and SDBJ’s Women of Influence in Architecture & Design three consecutive years.

As an experienced Financial Officer with an in depth understanding of both commercial and residential loan origination, Michael has developed strong relationships within the banking and lending industry which continue to support Dunn Premier and its clients. Mastering the processes of financial analysis and loan origination, Michael’s expertise in underwriting techniques is unparalleled. As President of Dunn Premier, Michael is committed to providing clients with access to superior products and services along with creating an affluent work place for his employees.

Tyler is a Senior Lighting Designer, Associate with Syska Hennessy Group and has been practicing lighting design for 15 years. Before transitioning to the world of architecture, he practiced theatrical and entertainment lighting design – traveling the US for various entertainment productions. He has worked on a diverse range of projects, including professional sport facilities, historic preservation, casino gaming, hospitality, commercial interiors, educational, retail, landscape, and building facades.

Traci Knight-Cortez is the owner/principal of TK Designs, a boutique graphic design company based in San Diego. The Phoenix native has made San Diego her home for the last 12 years and has over 20 years of graphic design experience in the region. She currently works with Flocke & Avoyer Commercial Real Estate, Urban Strategies Group advising their Marketing & Design efforts. Ms. Knight-Cortez joined the Board in 2023 with a 2-year appointment, after numerous years as a volunteer with SDAF creating graphics, monitoring guest experiences, and filling in wherever needed. She is the Chair of the Marketing, PR & Outreach committee and will oversee the overhaul of the Foundation’s website over the next six months. In addition to running her business, Traci is active within the local design community and exercises her passion for giving back and volunteering with two additional non-profits.

Having spent twenty years in business development, ten with Miller Hull, relationships are the most important part of the profession. Amber works hard not only to create meaningful business partnerships, but to form lasting connections within the office. A developer of business, relationships, friendship, and self-confidence, Amber was instrumental in leading Miller Hull into new sectors, new regions, and new ways of thinking. Today, Amber works with both studios throughout the country and serves as an invaluable advocate for the professional development of her colleagues, motivating partners, principals, and associates to create their own spheres of influence. “A big part of my job is making sure the people I work with get recognition. It furthers their individual careers and broadens their reach but also helps increase the visibility of the firm.” Amber’s own sphere of influence is large with involvement and Board leadership for organizations like the Downtown San Diego Partnerships, Urban Land Institute and Commercial Real Estate Women to name a few. This involvement has not only been important for her own professional development but has enhanced her ability to be a mentor in the industry and grow Miller Hull’s community involvement. Ms. Mauer serves as the Co-Chair of the Scholarship Committee.

Trained as an Architect at the Universidad Iberoamericana CDMX-Tijuana, graduating in 2016. She has collaborated with the architecture office “Amorphica Design Research Office” and with the Emerging + Sustainable Communities foundation. From 2017 to 2021 she was an assistant professor at the Universidad Iberoamericana CDMX-Tijuana. From 2015 to 2022 she collaborated with Se Hace Arquitectura, an office dedicated to architectural and urban design, where she continues as an external consultant. Currently, she is a Senior Associate at ULI San Diego – Tijuana, a Non-profit organization whose mission is to shape the future of the built environment for transformative impact in communities worldwide.

Benjamin Schaefer’s journey into architecture began with a broom in hand, sweeping job sites for his father’s construction company. This early exposure sparked a lifelong passion for craftsmanship, revealing to him the transformative power of creativity in shaping environments.

After earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree with high honors from the University of California, Berkeley in 2004, Benjamin honed his skills at several prestigious architecture firms in the San Francisco Bay Area. During this time, he led the design of award-winning residential, multi-family, office, and municipal projects. Through these experiences, he discovered a joy in collaborating closely with homeowners, which inspired him to establish his own office.

Benjamin Schaefer is the founder of LittleBig Design, a full-service architecture studio in Carlsbad, CA focused on contemporary residential design.

Outside of his architectural pursuits, Benjamin enjoys paddleboarding, playing the drums, and, unsurprisingly, teaching his young children the art of making. He firmly believes that his engagement with the natural world and creative endeavors enriches his work, allowing him to approach projects with fresh perspectives and innovative design solutions.

Francesco is a former scholar turned entrepreneur with a passion for connecting people through food experiences. With a strong foundation in urban studies and a PhD in Urbanism and Food Security, he transitioned from academia to the entrepreneurial dimension, bringing a unique perspective to the food industry with a combination of social aspects, storytelling, and creative dining solutions. He is the co-founder of Cucina Migrante, a unique culinary venture that celebrates the intersection of food, culture, and community. He is committed to creating meaningful culinary experiences and fostering a deeper appreciation for local agriculture, cultural diversity, and human connections. Francesco loves exploring farmers markets, playing padel, traveling, enjoying San Diego sunsets and – of course – cooking.  

Maria Caneja is a versatile designer specializing in architectural exterior and interior design and construction management. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University School of Architecture and is currently pursuing a Dual Degree MBA/MSRE at the University of San Diego. She is a Co-Founder of Atelier Parti Architecture, a design firm based in San Diego specializing in residential and commercial projects as well as 3D printing architectural models for other architecture firms. Maria’s passion for innovative design and community-focused real estate development drives her commitment to creating impactful spaces. She actively volunteers with the San Diego Architectural Foundation and has mentored aspiring younger generations through programs like ACE Mentor. Dedicated to fostering collaboration and inclusivity in the industry, Maria strives to make a lasting contribution to the built environment.

Rosina is a Project Architect at Miller Hull. She is a creative architecture designer who enjoys discovering new design approaches to create architectural solutions that inspire healthy/ positive experiences and enhance our everyday lives. She has served with OH! San Diego since 2017 at different capacities, stepping into the role of co-chair of the program this 2023. She is passionate to contribute to build strong communities that create unique settings to inspire important conversations about our built environment.

Paul currently leads the architecture department at Starcon Industries. As a San Diego native, he passionately engages in creating thoughtful design for urban infill multifamily residential spaces, exemplified by his recent achievement in North Park—pioneering the first mass timber multifamily development in San Diego.

Beyond his architectural pursuits, Paul enjoys spending time with his family, playing ice hockey, and golfing. Paul holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Woodbury University and is a licensed architect in the state of California.

With earnest dedication, Tony Garcia integrates his talent for thoughtful and efficient designs into his everyday practice.

As a founding principal of Asquared Studios, Tony has demonstrated a keen commitment to the profession, the discipline of architecture, and the social role of architecture.

With extended interests in hospitality, winery, commercial, residential, and historic renovation projects, Tony also applies his skills to volunteering and civic endeavors that have manifested in varying forms.

Jonathan brings a diverse portfolio that highlights his adaptability across various projects. With knowledge of navigating residential, educational, and commercial spaces, he excels in crafting custom residences for personal sanctuaries, creating conducive learning environments, and seamlessly integrating business functionality. Initially, he started as a student volunteer with SDAF as he attended Woodbury University, where he served in various roles on almost all of the SDAF committees over the past 9 years. His involvement in these initiatives underscores his belief in architecture as a tool for positive societal impact that uplifts and enriches the lives of the communities around San Diego. He is currently the Co-Chair of the PKN (PechaKucha) committee which produces four quarterly events themed around various topics and featuring 6-8 speakers.

Wayne attended the University of Minnesota School of Architecture, where he graduated with degrees in both Architecture and Environmental Design. He is a Principal at domusstudio architecture, actively involved in their Civic, Education and Religious focused projects. With a broad range of architectural experience over his career, he enjoys integrating his management skills as they apply to the firm’s multi-disciplined project teams; to facilitate the design process and engage client interaction at all phases. He has served as a Master Commissioner with the California Architect’s Board, active in the development of the Supplemental Exam and was recently named to the Public Arts Committee of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture. Wayne is a member of the American Institute of Architects.

Nikki is a seasoned Realtor and valuation expert specializing in property sales, offering unparalleled insight and precision in pricing strategies to help clients make informed real estate decisions. With a strong background in residential appraisal, she specialized in valuing architecturally significant and historic properties, cultivating strong relationships throughout San Diego County. Her comprehensive understanding of local markets enables her to deliver precise pricing insights tailored to the unique characteristics of a home and each neighborhood. This expertise is crucial for accurate property valuation in San Diego’s ever-evolving real estate landscape. When she’s not working, Nikki enjoys being actively involved in her community and spending quality time with her husband and daughter, making the most of everything San Diego has to offer.

Zeek earned his first degree in Cultural Anthropology in 2004 from San Diego State University (SDSU) with honors in Phi Eta Sigma, the National Society of Collegiate Scholars, and the Dean’s List. After several years in the Biotechnology industry, he undertook a 5-year career transition which culminated in earning his master’s degree in landscape architecture and Urbanism from the University of Southern California (USC), graduating with honors in Tau Sigma Delta for his academic achievements.

Prior to attending USC, he studied Residential Landscape Design at Cuyamaca College, while also working for the Cuyamaca College Plant Nursery, Armstrong Garden Centers, and the City of San Diego’s Water Conservation Program, where he co-managed residential landscape rebates for the 2012 fiscal year. Zeek has been active in various club organizations. While at Cuyamaca College he served first as the Media Officer, then as the Secretary of the ASLA Student Chapter. Concurrently, he was also active in the Cuyamaca College Botanical Society where he served first as an Assistant to the Board, then as its 36th President. While attending USC’s School of Architecture, Zeek served as the ASLA Student Chapter President for an academic year.

While in graduate school between 2013-2016, he completed over a dozen small to medium scale residential landscape designs for clients in Southern California through his side project, Integrifolia Landscape Design before returning to San Deigo to pursue his professional career.

Zeek joined McCullough Landscape Architecture in Jan. 2020 as an Associate and assumed the role of Studio Team Leader in 2022. Zeek has guided the development and refinement of McCullough’s office standards and approach to documentation, as well as personally on-boarded and trained 10 of the 12 members of the designer team. Zeek also works closely with the Principal and CEO on ensuring project leads and management are pursued with professionalism and integrity as the firm pursues its strategic goals and stated mission.

Zeek Magallanes brings a reliable history of leadership and accountability to the projects he works on and is passionate about the intersection of urbanism, social and environmental resiliency, and the business of design.

Jim Mumford, founder and President of Good Earth Plant Company, has spent over four decades transforming spaces and enriching people’s lives with plants. A pioneer in biophilic design, Jim is renowned for his expertise in creating stunning living walls, green roofs, potted plantscapes and moss wall installations that seamlessly blend nature with architecture.

A recipient of numerous industry accolades, Jim was honored by the Downtown Partnership “Building the Future” awards, named California’s “Entrepreneur of the Year” by Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger, and recently inducted into the Plantscape Hall of Fame. Recognized as one of San Diego’s “Most Influential Business People” by the San Diego Business Journal, Jim’s work continues to inspire innovation, success and creativity in “building integrated vegetation”.

Lynn Murray is a seasoned Talent Acquisition Professional with over 20 years of experience in the AEC industry. Specializing in recruitment, business development, and diversity & inclusion, she has successfully led strategies that drive organizational growth and enhance company culture. Passionate about mentorship, Lynn is committed to helping individuals leverage their skills for meaningful impact. Active in supporting diversity and education, she collaborates and has been a leader with organizations such as SD NOMA, ACE and WCC to foster community outreach and advance positive change in the industry.

Lynn is a California native and a longtime resident of San Diego. Whenever possible, Lynn’s enjoys traveling and experiencing new places and new cultures.

Ms. Sanchez is the founder and current President of TREM Lighting, a decorative custom lighting manufacturing company based in Tijuana, Mexico for over 20 years. The business caters to interior designers, architects, contractors, developers, procurement companies, hotels, casinos, and restaurants. Olga has a master’s degree in international business from the London South Bank University. She is currently the Co-Chair of the SDAF 2024 World Design Capital Committee.

Ryan Slaybaugh has been a structural consultant with DCI Engineers in San Diego since 2004. Ryan’s leadership within the firm motivates DCI’s technical staff to work at the highest design standards and current building codes. His dedication to the projects he works on is demonstrated through his availability to the design team and project team, as a whole; and with attention to design flexibility, Ryan provides structural solutions that benefit construction budget and scheduling. At SDAF, he is eager to offer a perspective from a structural consultant and looks forward to giving back to the architectural community. Additionally, Ryan is an avid (amateur) photographer (www.rslaybaugh.smugmug.com/) – with special interest in buildings and structures and photographs many local projects as well as personal interests.

Nearly twenty years of experience in real estate development, management, and finance and a passion for the harmonious co-existence of man-made structures with nature and the community has brought Derek to the San Diego Architectural Foundation. As a successful project manager, operations executive, not-for-profit development volunteer, and IT professional, he excitedly contributes his time and energy towards promoting excellent design for the benefit of all San Diegans.

Derek is a team member of AOS Consulting, a technology / IT advisor and brokerage in Chula Vista, and resides in the historic Bankers Hill neighborhood of San Diego.

Beri Varol is the principal of BV Architecture + Development, a boutique firm specializing in residential projects of all sizes. Beri believes that good architecture is informed by the past, responsive to the present, and aware of the future. His work seeks to enrich the urban environment and create spaces that harmonize with their surroundings.

Since the founding of BVA+D in 2009, Beri has collaborated on a wide range of work, from small scale projects (such as ADUs and single-family remodels) to larger multifamily projects (16 units to 98 units) and commercial tenant improvement projects. His development work includes a 5-unit mixed-use project in South Park (where his office is located), and a 24-unit apartment building in North Park.

Outside of work, Beri enjoys traveling, hiking, sailing, and spending time with his wife, two teenage daughters, and their three pets.

Jessica Vences is the owner and principal of OnPoint Architecture, a San Diego-based full-service architecture firm. Jessica graduated from Northern Arizona University with a Bachelors of Science in Interior Design then eventually continued on her education journey at the NewSchool of Architecture + Design earning a Master of Architecture and a Master of Construction Management. While architecture is her passion, studying all three of these disciplines gives her a unique perspective into how they can successfully work together.

Although Jessica sometimes misses the seasons of her hometown in St. Louis, MO, she loves all that San Diego has to offer such as: the beaches for surfing or reading a good book; the close proximity to mountains for hiking or snowboarding; the salsa dance community; a variety of restaurants; unique opportunities for volunteering; and the ability to easily travel to Baja California, Mexico.

Lauren Cook is an Association Executive with over 28+ years’ experience in the San Diego non-profit community. She serves as SDAF’s Executive Director and is passionate about increasing awareness and diversity, intersectionality, and inclusion through open dialogues to inspire the next generation of change agents. Or at the very least—admirers of design.
Lauren believes SDAF is really about inclusivity. I believe our events reflect all nuances of design and give everyone a part of its creation. Architects visualize a structure and then builders bring it to life. Landscape architects harmonize it with the environment and interior designers/artists continue the flow with paint, textiles, art, lighting, sound and much more. We are a community organization because that is what design is. Communal creation.