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.

Nadia is a San Diego – Tijuana bicultural architect, artist, and educator, who has focused her efforts on promoting design as a creative expression and empowerment tool.

Her love for art, the built environment, and community empowerment led her to work as a teacher and youth mentor. Creating multiple cross-sector collaboration opportunities for youth in the community.

As a trained architect, she has experience working in both small and big scale construction companies on both sides of the border. After obtaining her architect license in Mexico in 2009, Nadia continued her studies in San Diego earning a Master of Architecture degree from New School of Architecture + Design, where her area of interest and focus was on urban design and environmental solutions.

On her free time, Nadia likes to play with bright colors and materials to create beautiful spaces, objects and experiences that enhance living and inspire creativity.

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.

Pauly De Bartolo, founding principal at De Bartolo + Rimanic Design Studio [DBRDS] has collaboratively designed over 100 built & conceptual designs throughout Australia, China, Ireland & the United States. Pauly has been the driving force of the partnership’s collaborations having achieved entitlements for largescale hotel projects in Indian Wells & Huntington Beach, CA collaborations with McCullough Landscape Architecture for the Fushun Dreamworld Theme Park in Fushun, China, the Nanjing Kingdom Architecture & Design Co. for a mixed-use tower in Nanjing, China & with Bond Hospitality Development on the Cielo Resort in Baja California, Mexico. As a partner of DBRDS, Pauly is dedicated to creating innovative, imaginative & dynamic designs that encompass modern lifestyle elements & exceed each clients expectations for how a space can interact & inspire its user. Mr. De Bartolo has a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of New South Wales, Australia as well as an Associate Diploma in Architectural Design from Granville TAFE Technical College in Australia.

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.

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.

Tommy is a designer at De Bartolo + Rimanic Design Studio (DBRDS) with experience in hospitality and multi-family housing projects. After receiving his Associates from Bakersfield College, Tommy moved to San Diego and graduated from NewSchool of Architecture & Design in 2020 with a B.Arch., minoring in Construction Management and Neuroscience for Architecture. Tommy is also an adjunct professor of environmental systems at his alma mater and has previously held director positions at both the NewSchool Foundation and Balboa Park Committee of 100. Mr. Hernandez is the Co-Chair of the Membership Committee and has overseen the revamp of fulfillment options, marketing, and event models.

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.

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.

Conboy is a licensed architect, principal of DuCharme Architecture, which she founded in 1992. Laura’s work has won prestigious awards and been featured in numerous publications. She serves on the board of the La Jolla Historical Society, chairing the Education committee, which annually conducts the “Young Architect Summer Program”, which attracts middle and high school students from around the country. For the past 12 years, Laura has been focused on the Built Environment Education Program (BEEP), dedicated to introducing architecture, planning, and urban design related topics to school-age students, active in developing and conducting BEEP workshops on architecture. Laura was instrumental in developing KidSketch, a series of virtual sketching lessons for youth of all ages. The BEEP program was nominated for a 2023 Balboa Park sParks award for innovative work that has enhanced the Park.

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 is a design consultant and fabricator for the San Diego market. He is fulfilled with his work that allows him to draft, fabricate, sculpt, paint, and cast materials (clay or metal) into a variety of shapes and forms that complement the built environment. Initially a student volunteer with SDAF as he attended Woodbury University, he has served on almost all SDAF committees in various roles. He is currently the Co-Chair of the PKN (PechaKucha) committee which produces four events annually themed around various topics and featuring from 8-10 speakers.

Aaron Magdaleno joined the Board in 2023 and is serving as the Co-Chair of the PKN (PechaKucha) committee which produces four events annually themed around various topics and featuring from 8-10 speakers. Mr. Magdaleno has nearly 10 years of experience in the construction industry. His wide range of experience includes life science, corporate office, higher education, aerospace, and healthcare projects. Aaron is a graduate from San Diego State University with a degree in Civil Engineering and is a certified Engineer-in-Training (EIT) and Construction Manager-in-Training (CMIT).

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 has been 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.

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.

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.

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.

Allison Whitt has multi-disciplinary training in architecture and interior design. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from USC and Master of Interior Architecture from UCLA / Cal Poly Pomona and is a licensed architect in California. Her background and training have provided valuable insight into how to transform design concepts into reality. Allison is the principal of DesignX Architecture + Interiors, a San Diego based design studio, specializing in commercial interior design. She is also the founder and creative director of DesignX’s sister company, Handbuilt Furniture + Fabrication, a full-service FF&E Studio, providing custom furniture/ fixtures design and fabrication, specialty construction and FF&E selections and procurement. Allison believes in harnessing the power of design to create one-of-a-kind spaces that transform how people feel, not just what they see.

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.