Elisabet Olle Amat is a versatile urban designer, architect and planner, leveraging her multidisciplinary training to innovate across various fields and tailor optimal solutions for urban environments. She draws her urban experience solutions from living in Barcelona, London and a few cities in the U.S. Elisabet demonstrates a profound understanding of the complexities within urban landscapes, particularly in cities like Los Angeles where she advocates towards more inclusive, plural, livable, walkable and people-oriented environments.

Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey.  

My background in architecture and urban design allows me to cross-pollinate between both disciplines to develop effective solutions for urban environments. My career began in Barcelona, then I spent four years in London, and eight years ago, I moved to the United States to attend UCLA. Along the way, I had the opportunity to experience living in two different cities, Chicago and Los Angeles. Changing geographies exposed me to stark differences in urban design philosophies, particularly coming from a pedestrian-friendly environment to car-centric cities in America like Los Angeles.

Throughout my career, I’ve had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects, ranging from large-scale city master plans to smaller neighborhood designs and public spaces. My focus has consistently been on creating more walkable, human-centric environments that prioritize safety and livability. This often involves reimagining suburban models to foster pedestrian-friendly spaces. I’ve also contributed to transit projects, including station designs and transit-oriented developments. My work reflects a commitment to enhancing urban landscapes through innovative design solutions tailored to the needs of individual communities.

Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?

A pivotal project in my career was the Transit-Oriented Development (TOD) master plan for the Compton Artesia station on California’s Blue Line. This project tackles the challenge of transit infrastructure being disconnected from its surrounding environment.

Situated in a suburban area alongside an industrial zone and outdoor mall, the station suffered from wayfinding issues and underutilized lots, causing low ridership due to its isolated location. Funded by Los Angeles Metro, the project aimed to revitalize the station through a transit-oriented development plan. By introducing diverse programming, it aims to benefit Compton through housing, retail, and open spaces enhancement. It involved thorough assessments, conceptualizations and community engagement sessions. Initially held at a city-owned space, engagement efforts expanded to include various stakeholders as identified by the local community.

Our inclusive approach enabled direct dialogue with residents, offering insights into their needs and aspirations for the neighborhood. Engaging with Compton’s residents proved both challenging and rewarding. The process highlighted the importance of inclusive planning and getting to know what residents want for their community. Directly hearing the voices of the people and helping them articulate their vision for their neighborhood was incredibly interesting and hugely rewarding for me.

How do you incorporate green infrastructure into your designs to promote sustainable practices and positively impact health and well-being?

Incorporating green infrastructure into our designs involves various strategies aimed at capturing and managing stormwater, which plays a vital role in addressing urban climate challenges by working with nature. Depending on the project, whether that be urban design or planning initiatives, we employ diverse approaches which are always tailored to the specific context. For instance, when designing streets, we prioritize permeable surfaces, integrate bioswales, and plant more trees to mitigate stormwater runoff and enhance water absorption. In a recent project focused on urban forestry in Los Angeles, we investigated the disparities in tree distribution across different neighborhoods, particularly noting that low-income areas tend to have fewer trees compared to wealthier neighborhoods. Through community engagement and research, we highlighted the significance of tree preservation policies, as seen in cities like Pasadena, which have stricter regulations when it comes to protecting trees. As LA faces densification and increased construction, preserving trees is crucial to maintaining urban greenery and mitigating heatwaves. All these elements make up part of our sustainable practices and improve overall community health and wellbeing.

How does the unique culture and character of Los Angeles influence your approach to urban design?

I’d like to highlight two key aspects of Los Angeles. Firstly, it is a remarkably diverse community, comprising people from various cultures and backgrounds. Secondly, the city’s character, which is primarily designed for cars rather than for people, poses a significant challenge. Understanding these two elements of Los Angeles is paramount in the design process. Empowering the community and actively soliciting their input are essential steps in ensuring inclusivity and responsiveness to their needs. As an urban designer, my role is pivotal in reimagining urban spaces to prioritize pedestrian experiences and community connectivity. This involves fundamental shifts in how we conceptualize urban spaces with an emphasis on human-centric design principles.    

Transforming the city’s design ethos involves advocating for changes in urban planning policies, collaborating with municipalities, developers, and designers to integrate urban design principles at every stage of development. By fostering dialogue and raising awareness about the importance of urban design, we can catalyze a shift towards more inclusive, people-oriented environments that reflect the vibrant culture and diverse identities of Los Angeles.

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At the 2024 United for Infrastructure West Coast Anchor Event at Los Angeles’ historic Union Station, Dr. Beverley Stinson, ArchTam’s global Water business line chief executive, moderated a panel focused on the future of LA’s infrastructure amidst the growing impacts of climate change.

The panel, introduced by our LA Metro Executive & Strategy + Growth Leader Jill Kurth, featured Barbara Romero, Director and General Manager, LA Department of Sanitation & Environment, Aram Benyamin, COO, LA Department of Water and Power, Adel Hagekhalil, General Manager, Metropolitan Water District of Southern California and Mami Hara from the US Water Alliance.

Looking beyond funding

The panelists emphasized the importance of greater investment in water infrastructure in response to climate change, but also stressed the need to look beyond funding to find innovative solutions for the long term. “The US Water alliance just released a study with the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE), that demonstrates that even if we continue to invest in water infrastructure, at IIJA levels, for the next 20 years, we will not come close to meeting the trillions of dollars of gap in water infrastructure that have been accrued over the last 50 years,” said Mami Hara.

“We are going to have to be innovative, because of the limited resources that we have we must be very serious about renewable water resources that are sustainable. We need to think long term,” Aram Benyamin said.

The discussion also touched on the importance of continued water and power access for residents of LA. “We have been dealing with infrastructure in LA for a 100 years and we have pipes that are 140 years old still working in LA, so when you look at the decarbonization, and infrastructure renewals that we have to do, we have to make sure that the water and power for over 4 million people are sustained while we are doing that transition, “ said Aram Benyamin.

Looking to the future

The panelists agreed that substantial thought and investment will be needed to ensure the right decisions are being made, not just for today but for future generations. Adel Hagekhalil said, “What we do today is going to impact the future for our children and grandchildren. We must make a commitment to invest in resiliency.”

“We are relying on our grandparents’ infrastructure, so we have to invest and make it work to be prepared for not just a 10-year storm but a 100-year storm,” Barbara Romero shared.

Together is how we can succeed

Panelists recognized the critical need for not only a green transition but one that addresses environmental, economic and community health needs to create a regenerative economy. Mami Hara emphasized her firm belief that “funding partnerships with local community members are essential to meeting the demands of this region and others.”

Barbara Romero agreed that partnerships are essential for making good choices with the limited resources in the region: “When you do not have enough resources, you figure out how to make it work. Having those coordination efforts is going to be critical, we are at that critical point where we need to make some decisions to proceed forward.”

The issues facing the region are a collective problem requiring a collective solution across agencies and organizations. To uplift and protect communities from climate change, industry members need to collaborate and leverage their resources because this is a problem that cannot be solved alone. “You can only move at the speed of trust, and we need to build trust, trust each other, and create a new paradigm,” said Adel Hagekhalil.

As Jill Kurth shared during her panel introduction, “mega projects require mega partnerships.”

With nearly a thousand technical experts based in Los Angeles, we stand ready to partner with our clients to help transform LA’s future for the next 100 years. Click here to learn more about how our people are at the forefront of solving some of today’s most complex challenges in the region.

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Ken Billups is the vice president of economic inclusion and social impact based in Los Angeles, California, where he is currently leading inclusion and community engagement for Intuit Dome. His strategic approach of actively engaging with the community to prioritize education, empower local businesses and foster transparent communication results in meaningful contributions to the city of Inglewood.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey   

My journey began in my hometown of Los Angeles, where I was born and raised in a town called Inglewood. After completing my education, where I majored in business at Florida A&M University, a renowned historically black college and university, I returned to Los Angeles to embark on my career in the nonprofit sector. I started as a community organizer and leader, landing my first role overseeing the business inclusion and workforce development program for the Inglewood Unified School District (IUSD).

Subsequently, I transitioned into the private sector, focusing on inclusion initiatives in the construction and infrastructure sector.  Around two and a half years ago, I joined ArchTam Hunt to lead inclusion and community engagement initiatives for the Intuit Dome in my hometown of Inglewood, California and now as Vice President of Economic Inclusion and Social Impact for the LA Metro and Southern California area.

2. Talk to us about your work in the City of Inglewood, how have some of these projects and initiatives responded to the challenges and issues faced by the local communities there?

For our work in the City of Inglewood to be impactful, we first had to deeply understand the challenges, barriers, and needs of the local community. This involved active listening and learning in order to be responsive in our development and deployment of a business inclusion and workforce development strategy and ensure we really engaged with key stakeholders and community members. We prioritized education and youth support, to make sure our projects had a positive impact on future generations.

Our approach was highly strategic and inclusive, particularly in the empowerment of minority and local businesses. We made deliberate efforts to prioritize local residents, offering opportunities in the building trades and careers in construction. Open and transparent communication with the nearby community was vital to minimize construction-related disruptions. We also got actively involved in the community by supporting local block clubs that we call the ‘Good Neighbor’ program, which incentivizes and supports local neighbors, developed the first ever pre-apprenticeship program for IUSD — providing a starting point for local residents to enter skilled construction jobs, and supported the Inglewood Unified School District, by actively participating in after-school programs focused on architecture, construction, and engineering.

Our approach, emphasizing inclusion and community impact, was well-received by the local community. We continue to do great work, both within the projects we undertake and within the broader community. These efforts are instrumental in shaping a positive work culture in the communities we serve, aligning seamlessly with our commitment to ESG.

3. Community and stakeholder engagement is a vital part of urban renewal and regeneration, can you share any specific examples of successful community engagement strategies and their impact?

Successful community and stakeholder engagement starts with active listening and learning. At Intuit Dome, we organized various formal and informal events to understand the surrounding communities and cultures better. This insight influenced our decisions, including design choices and construction schedules that pertain to the sensitivity of the project that’s in the middle of the urban community.

Additionally, we were dedicated to being responsive to the needs and commitments that we had to the community. This included commitments to minority and local businesses, as well as ensuring the active participation of women in the trades related to our project. Our responsiveness extended to collaborating closely with key stakeholders, including faith-based organizations, city leaders, local businesses, and neighborhood block clubs, all of which contribute to the success of the project.

4. Business inclusion, workforce development and leadership are 3 vital ingredients in improving social equity. What are some of the best examples of these that you’ve seen across the industry?

At ArchTam, we take pride in our approach to business inclusion, workforce development and leadership. We’ve found ways to minimize barriers and maximize opportunities. We go a step further by investing in the marketplace and building capacity. When it comes to workforce development, we’ve identified strategic partners to collaboratively build opportunities for careers in construction. We focus on exposing the youth to various career paths within our industry and developing the future workforce.  We’ve also been very strategic about how we engage key stakeholders to ensure that they’re part of the success of the project.  

5. In your experience, what are some of the key elements in establishing successful strategic partnerships to advance equity, diversity and inclusion within a community?

We always say equity is a verb, but it starts with our leadership. Effective leadership is not only a commitment but an action. At Intuit Dome, we have a great leadership team that has embraced these commitments and ensured that our trade partners also adhere to these principles. So, equity is very much a part of leadership commitment.

Secondly, strategic partnerships are crucial. Equity is a team sport — it cannot thrive in isolation. It’s about leveraging expertise and resources to be able to identify the right trade partners that can work on the project because in this space, innovation happens through collaboration. The key elements — strong and accountable leadership coupled with strategic partnerships — create a framework where social equity can advance, leaving a lasting impact on projects and communities alike.

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Alexis Plair leads our strategic consulting team in Los Angeles, California. With 10 years of experience, Alexis is highly skilled in design strategy and driving product and design strategy for leading, mission-driven organizations across infrastructure, technology, urban design, clean energy, and transportation sectors. Through her work with public agencies on sustainable infrastructure, she has been a champion for social and climate impact in the Los Angeles area.

1. Tell us a bit about yourself – your role and career journey   

I am the manager of the Los Angeles team for Strategy+, ArchTam’s design-led strategic consulting group. My team works to guide organizations through strategic planning, process improvement, and organizational transformation. We also focus on understanding people and communications dynamics within organizations and advancing equitable community outcomes.

As a participatory design strategist, I approach design by centering the people we’re designing for throughout the entire design process. I work to engage the people we’re designing for in every stage, from defining goals and methods, to brainstorming and iterating on different ideas, to implementation and monitoring results. My approach in design strategy comes from my background as a product manager where I managed products and customer experiences with a focus on people, ensuring their needs were central to the entire product design process.

2. Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today?

One of the highlights of my career so far has been working with a local client on a move management strategy. My team led the design strategy and internal work planning through each stage of the project, from data collection and understanding, to solution ideation, to the development and delivery of the final study. We put the users of the facility at the center of the project from start to finish, by facilitating interviews, workshops, and feedback sessions with stakeholders to understand their required equipment, operations, and logistics needs to inform our recommendations.

3. The rise of AI and other emerging technologies are driving organizations to modernize and transform the way they work.  How does the work of Strategy+ help businesses to ensure their future success?

My career actually began at IBM, focusing on artificial intelligence technology in the form of text analytics and natural language processing. So now, nearly a decade later, it’s fascinating to witness the widespread adoption of AI across various sectors, including the public sector and our diverse client base.

Generally, when we think about technology, we perceive it as a facilitator for smoother processes, streamlined data gathering, and increased efficiency. The key, though, lies in understanding how people engage with and adopt these tools. Knowing where AI and technology generally provide the most value and how they can be optimally integrated into processes is more important than whether or not the technology is used. The tools by themselves are not valuable at all — the value is only realized when people use and adopt them effectively, maximizing their potential benefits.

So, this is where our Strategy+ team comes in, guiding the people side of technological advancement. We help clients understand the tools available to them. We draw expertise from digital specialists and help our clients to connect the dots — clarifying the objectives behind using specific technologies, identifying potential risks and disruptions to the business, and guiding clients in considering these factors as they plan their digital transformation strategies. We empower our clients to proactively embrace change, harnessing the potential of these innovations, and enabling them to thrive in an ever-evolving technological landscape.

4. Are there specific strategies or frameworks you utilize to assess and enhance the social value of infrastructure projects in Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is home to a diverse population, and it’s crucial that we prioritize communities that may have been overlooked historically and adversely affected by past investments as we design the future of infrastructure in LA. This shift aligns with the broader commitments of the City of LA and LA County to integrate equity into every infrastructure initiative.

At Strategy+, we embed this equity focus into our strategic planning process. When defining program success, we include equity as a fundamental aspect of our discussions. We approach equitable outcomes and social impact with the same rigor as we do business outcomes, ensuring they are integral to our project objectives. We’re actively partnering with our clients to drive tangible social change in Los Angeles. We establish equity-based objectives, make sure we center the right people and track the right data. This holistic approach is testament to our dedication in fostering meaningful social impact in the Los Angeles area.

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Dana Al-Qadi, D.Eng, PE is a vice president at ArchTam and a director of our Energy practice in the U.S. Her technical experience includes decarbonization, electrification, resilience and program management. She is a licensed civil engineer and graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC) where she completed her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil and environmental engineering and received her doctoral degree from the George Washington University where her dissertation focused on urban water system resilience.

1. Tell us a little bit about your career journey and your role at ArchTam?

When I first joined ArchTam, I worked as an engineer in the Water team. It was my first job in the industry after graduate school and I worked on water treatment plants, Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) compliance, and vulnerability assessments. Soon after, I started to expand my work to sustainability and resilience projects and transportation decarbonization projects across the United States.  

Today, I lead ArchTam’s Energy practice across the western United States and am active in our strategy and growth around transportation decarbonization.  This role is exciting for me because many states in the western US, particularly states like California, are on the cutting edge of key energy initiatives, such as grid modernization, renewables, and decarbonization.

I have enjoyed the diversity of my career journey thus far and am especially grateful to the wonderful mentorship I have received along the way.  It has made such opportunities possible and allowed me to shape my career in a way that is very meaningful for me on both a personal and professional level.

2. Talk to us about a project that has impacted or been a major highlight of your career. How is it solving the challenges and issues our clients and communities are facing today? 

ArchTam has a long history of supporting the Olympic and Paralympic Games, which includes London 2012, Rio 2016, Tokyo 2020, and now Los Angeles 2028 (LA28).

I’m proud to be currently working on the energy advisory and planning strategy for LA28, to ensure that the City of Los Angeles can deliver the Games more sustainably with decarbonization and resilience goals at the forefront.

LA28 represents a particularly poignant moment in the history of the Olympic and Paralympic Games. The Memorial Coliseum will be the first venue in the history of the Games to have been used in three Olympic Games (1932, 1984 and 2028). LA is also relying on existing infrastructure, providing an opportunity to evaluate opportunities for meaningful and long-term sustainability initiatives. In doing so, it also represents a microcosm of similar journeys other cities all over the world will find themselves on as they work to achieve decarbonization goals by leveraging their existing infrastructure.

The Games is also driven by clear goals to positively impact the broader Los Angeles community, with a particular emphasis on supporting disadvantaged communities, the need for inclusive access and meaningful legacy. The work with LA28 has been especially meaningful to me as it represents the ways in which energy advisory and planning are vital components of addressing real challenges faced by communities. I take pride in our team and the role that ArchTam has in working with partners all over the city to ensure that the Games is something our Los Angeles community will be proud of.

3. How is LA100 driving Los Angeles to transition to cleaner, greener, more sustainable energy sources?

The LA100 initiative is propelling Los Angeles towards cleaner, greener, and more sustainable energy sources by reflecting the city’s deep commitment to investing in renewable energy. By setting ambitious targets and milestones, LA100 is providing a measurable way to achieve goals related to decarbonization and grid modernization. As one of the first plans of its kind in the U.S, it stands out as a groundbreaking study that provides a blueprint for how to assess the impact such transitions can have on local jobs, the economy and equity.

As we consider the transition to cleaner and more sustainable energy, one of the important focus areas is to ensure that the benefits are widespread and inclusive.  As a study, LA100 is intentional about strategies to improve action and promote participation in programs aimed at advancing the clean energy transition. The commitment to meaningful actions and partnerships is a significant aspect of the LA100 initiative and it’s enabling ArchTam to support our LA community, which resonates strongly with our own ESG strategy Sustainable Legacies and improving social outcomes in the communities in which we work.

4. What are some of the innovations you’re seeing in the energy industry that are helping organizations to achieve their net zero carbon goals? 

The energy industry is full of innovation. Gone are the days when infrastructure projects were solely defined by a single discipline. Today, many infrastructure projects recognize the need to be multidisciplinary, with energy often serving as the foundational cornerstone for the success of the entire project. The big driver behind this transition is the need to address decarbonization, requiring fundamental shifts in how we address core infrastructure components such as buildings, mobility, and our grid system. It allows us to reimagine how infrastructure systems interact with one another – for example, commercial equipment that can combine both bidirectional EV charging and solar energy conversion and then be fully integrated into home battery storage to be used as a distributed energy resource (DER) represents how creative the energy sector can be and how technology is evolving to meet the interdisciplinary and holistic needs of the moment regarding infrastructure. At the core of this is a commitment to innovations within our grid system to ensure that as electrification continues to increase, we ensure that our system can meet demand.

We are seeing the energy industry increasingly embracing digital advancements to expedite the energy transition and enhance sustainable solutions. This includes the integration of tools like digital twins, Advanced Metering Infrastructure (AMI) networks, data analysis, artificial intelligence, and autonomous vehicles. All of these digital innovations contribute to a faster and more effective realization of net zero goals and are largely driven by the energy industry.

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Nancy Jones is a senior project architect based in Los Angeles, California in the United States. She leads the design and sustainability efforts for Intuit Dome, integrating eco-friendly solutions. Boasting over 30 years’ expertise, her passion transforms the vision of clients like the LA Clippers into reality, shaping the company’s legacy.

1. Tell us a little bit about yourself – your role and career journey

I began my professional journey more than three decades ago, initially working with a sole proprietor architect who specialized in crafting custom homes in Santa Barbara, California. I then worked in several other places in San Francisco and Los Angeles before joining DMJM (now ArchTam) and I’ve been with ArchTam for over 28 years now. I’ve served in many varied roles including the technologies manager overseeing computer-aided design (CAD) and visualization for the LA Architecture and Interiors practices, a scoping documents architect consulting for LA County public works projects and a construction administration architect providing services for LAX World Airports on the second level roadway projects involving the installation of new canopies and sculptural light poles/ribbon as part of a broader effort to enhance infrastructure in the airport vicinity.

Currently, I’m a senior project architect based onsite at Intuit Dome in Inglewood, California.  My role is providing direct in-field architectural support and construction administration services for the arena which will be the new home of the LA Clippers basketball team. As the full-time day-to-day contact member of the design team, I work daily alongside the owner’s representatives, the construction management team, and contractors. I bring history and experience to the jobsite as I have been involved with the project since the design development phase and through construction documents from managing the team focused on the exterior shell structure/facades of the arena.

2. How is Intuit Dome responding to the vision and aspiration the LA Clippers has for their new home?  

Working on Intuit Dome is an inspiring experience. The owner’s vision to provide the Clippers with their very own iconic home has been a driving force for our entire team. This enthusiasm and clear aspirations to make LA home have motivated us to do a great job.  We have great interaction with the client project management team, meeting regularly and conducting site visits. Currently, our ArchTam’s sports architecture practice is still fully engaged in refining every detail to meet client expectations, with support of professionals from interiors and consultant engineering teams. Witnessing instant progress has been immensely satisfying. Despite the project’s complexity, seeing it come together gradually is truly rewarding.

I studied Urban Design in graduate school at UCLA and this has influenced my approach to the project. I am inspired by the potential of this project to make a significant civic contribution, integrating seamlessly into the surrounding urban fabric. Situated near the NFL’s SoFi Stadium, Intuit Dome has become another vital piece in connecting and revitalizing this neighborhood. The vibrant atmosphere in the area, with events at SoFi Stadium, the Forum, and the upcoming adjacent complex, highlights the ongoing transformation. Looking ahead, as we move toward 2024 and the LA28 Olympic and Paralympic Games, our work on Intuit Dome is not just about building an arena — it’s about expanding Los Angeles and contributing to the city’s interconnectivity.

3. Sustainability has been a major factor in the design of Intuit Dome, what are the eco-friendly aspects that have been integrated into the building’s design and construction? 

Sustainability has been at the core of our design and construction process for Intuit Dome. In addition to the goal of attaining LEED Certification, right from the early phases of design, a tremendous amount of care and study were conducted to integrate eco-friendly elements into the building. Our approach involved comprehensive thermal energy modeling, facades analysis, lighting assessments, and wind studies carried out by our High-Performance Buildings and Facades engineering teams.

By the thermal envelope definitions, everything from the engineering of the systems to color and material selections is affected. For instance, the sheerness and the density of the PTFE membrane, the silvery mesh material on the grid shell outside structure, affects the light transmission, which then affects the cooling needs and mechanical loads. This directly translates into system capacity, equipment space requirements, and weather proofing. We also investigated the details of glazing transmission levels and the functional layout of the office building, exploring options for open-air ventilation and insulation. Subsequently these elements influence program space allocation, illustrating the intricate interconnectedness of every aspect in the design.

Our concept of sustainability extends beyond the physical structure. We also assessed how Intuit Dome would integrate into its surrounding site and impact the broader Los Angeles region. This holistic perspective is vital. We considered its relationships with adjacent venues, its connectivity to LAX, and how it fits into the future landscape, including its role in events like the Olympics. Sustainability, for us, is not just a feature — it’s a comprehensive strategy that encompasses both the immediate environment and its long-term contributions to the community and the city.

Working on Intuit Dome has been an incredible journey. We’re due to open in Fall 2024 and I’m incredibly proud of my role in taking the project from its initial documentation stages through to the advanced construction phase.

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I am an experienced transportation advocate with a demonstrated history of working in the transit, highway, and railroad industry, helping to transform the Southern California landscape. My multifaceted portfolio of skills includes urban planning, government, policy analysis, transportation planning and community development.

Before joining ArchTam, I worked for two transportation public agencies in Los Angeles — Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (Metro) and Southern California Regional Rail Authority (Metrolink) for 18 years. Prior to that, my experience included working for various elected officials, state assembly members, senators, Los Angeles City Council members and the Mayor of Los Angeles.

I truly believe in the importance of enhancing mobility in L.A. by offering many different alternatives to meet and address the diverse set of transportation needs. I’ve worked on key projects for Metro such as the Eastside Extension Light Rail that extends downtown to East L.A. as well as the Gold Line to Pasadena.

I think the future of transportation in Los Angeles and Southern California is bright. It is more than just profit margins and winning work, it’s making sure that what we do is meaningful and that we have true intentions behind the work that we are bringing to the community.

Visualizing the future of transportation, I am optimistic about the support coming from the public, policymakers and the funding that’s available. Partnering with local communities and developing a system that they’ll be riding and proud of is vital for the future.

Starting this path of designing and looking at our transportation investment is going to help us grow in a more sustainable and resilient way.

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With more than 20 years of transportation industry experience, I am a licensed civil and geotechnical engineer in the State of California. I received my bachelor’s and master’s degrees in civil engineering at UCLA, and my MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Los Angeles-grown, my ever-present entrepreneurial spirit’s defining moment took place when I was five years old. I designed a vehicle that would combine the swagger of a racecar and the convenience of a passenger van. Though the outcome of a modern minivan was not my doing, these aspirations proved inspirational while studying civil engineering and eventually entering the transportation industry. 

Now, I focus on all modes of transportation: highways and bridges, transit, airports, ports and goods movement, and Intelligent Transportation Systems (ITS) with an emphasis on large-scale infrastructure on the West Coast. Additionally, I’ve kickstarted a ventures team at ArchTam with my colleagues and co-founded a transportation startup in the advanced mobility arena.

Growing up in L.A., I’ve witnessed transportation evolve over time in the city. I experienced the first L.A. Metro light rail being built in Southern California and now look towards solving challenges surrounding mobility for all of L.A.’s residents and visitors.

While planning for the future of transportation, I see one of the biggest challenges in transportation as the abundance of infrastructure work in comparison to the supply of engineers and planners. Relying on incoming and future generations in the engineering and transportation fields will be vital for future success.

There is a lot of new infrastructure being developed in Los Angeles and a lot of change in how we deliver these solutions.  Most of these new technologies and techniques are being pioneered here in L.A., which is a breeding ground for innovation.  I’m excited about the next generation of infrastructure leaders that will come out of Los Angeles. There is a very dynamic ecosystem in L.A. and renowned educational programs filled with diverse, progressive thinking.

My optimism about the future of L.A. can be tangibly seen through a few of the projects that I’ve been involved with over the past two decades including the L.A. Metro Regional Connector project, LAWA Tom Bradley International Terminal expansion, and the hyperloop test track for SpaceX. Regional Connector is a 2.5-mile-long subway that just opened this year, creating smoother, faster, transfer-free rides through LA’s downtown core. This line allows me to take the train from my house to work now with no transfers. The Los Angeles World Airports LAX Tom Bradley International Terminal A380 Airbus Expansion I worked on over a decade ago included new taxiways, aprons and runways to accommodate the then new iconic wide-body airliner for the second busiest airport in the U.S. I had the opportunity to ride A380 airplane a few times on international travels for ArchTam and remember the heavy loading I had never seen in my life when we were designing pavements. Finally, the SpaceX Hyperloop Test Track is the world’s first hyperloop test track for Elon Musk and SpaceX. ArchTam took what was originally a design request, educated the client on alternative delivery methods, and ended up delivering the entire project as the design-builder. Educating traditional and new clients on the expertise ArchTam has to offer is one of the proudest things about my job. It is an added bonus when the clients are some of the world’s most renowned entrepreneurs and the projects are in my hometown of Los Angeles.

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I’m a passionate planning manager in ArchTam’s Los Angeles office and was drawn to California from 7,000 miles away to pursue my master’s degree in planning at the University of Southern California. With a seven-year tenure with ArchTam, I’ve dedicated myself to advancing the transportation sector and making impactful contributions to the broader L.A. community.

I have a deep passion for the transportation sector and actively seek opportunities to broaden my expertise and engagement. I’ve contributed to a wide range of projects, encompassing various modes of transportation and emerging technologies in diverse settings. I combine my experience in the public and private sectors for clients across the U.S. and globally such as FRA, USTDA, L.A. Metro, SCAG, TriMet, DelDOT, the L.A. 2028 Olympics Committee, and NEOM, to name a few.

My expertise in planning has flourished since my move to L.A., especially in transit and rail. I now understand how different modes of transportation support the diversified needs for mobility and its vitality. It’s more than just motion — it’s the lifeblood of the city, influencing the daily routines of residents and the delivery of goods.

I believe in and am deeply committed to sustainable development, and I will continue my journey as a transit advocate and do what I can as a practitioner to help advance quality transit systems and bridge neighborhoods with improved connectivity.

Pioneers in the transportation industry work towards crafting a more healthy, diverse and resilient L.A. My involvement in projects like the Crenshaw Northern Extension project for L.A. Metro holds personal significance because it directly influences my own commuting experience. I’m also contributing to the Sepulveda Transit Corridor project, aimed at addressing the infamous congestion on I-405, a challenge recognized nationwide. Engaging in projects closely connected to my daily life fills me with so much joy and satisfaction as I feel I’m actively doing my part to improve the quality of life for residents in communities just like mine.

L.A.’s reputation for urban sprawl, traffic jams and car-centric culture is undeniable. I believe that enhancing mobility in L.A. is a multi-faceted challenge that will require a harmonious blend of efficient cross-sector collaboration, astute infrastructure policy, technological integration and effective public engagement. 

To boost L.A.’s mobility, prioritizing the expansion and refinement of its public transit is essential. I advocate for systems with dedicated lanes and stress the significance of safe and seamless first/last-mile connections. Implementing robust policy measures, considering emerging transportation technologies and exploring innovative solutions like congestion pricing and EV infrastructure will drive L.A. toward improved mobility for all.

Envisioning L.A.’s transportation future, I’m a key member of ArchTam’s North American Zero-Emission Transportation team, specializing in EV-related policy and strategic development advisory. I foresee L.A. swiftly embracing mass EV adoption, bolstered by the rapid roll-out of charging infrastructure and fleet conversions. For cities like L.A, intertwining innovation with sustainability, equity and safety is key to establishing efficient and inclusive transportation networks.

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With many of us working from home to adhere to shelter-in-place guidelines and processing the events of the past two weeks that have been heartbreaking to witness, our employees may be feeling disconnected or experience increased levels of stress. It’s important to acknowledge that people are dedicating time and energy to process current events on top of maintaining a household that is suddenly together all the time. These sudden changes can negatively impact our physical and emotional health. Through our global employee network of more than 250 Well-Being Ambassadors and Well-Being Champions, we’re sharing tools and resources to strengthen our connection to employees and their families — from informational webinars about having difficult conversations during a time of unrest, to virtual bootcamp fitness classes, ideas for 30 days of self-care and more.

Building a culture of well-being has been a labor of love. For more than a decade, we’ve supported employee well-being through the Wellness at ArchTam program in the U.S. In 2018, we expanded our well-being program globally and kicked off “Global Well-Being Week” which focused on helping employees understand the importance of well-being for their personal and professional success and its alignment with our one of our core values: safeguard. As part of this effort, we introduced the five pillars of well-being (physical, emotional, financial, social and the planet) and launched WellBeingatArchTam.com, which gives employees easy access to resources, tools and action plans to help them prioritize well-being in all areas of their lives.

It’s been exciting to watch the program evolve. In 2019, we expanded to a “Global Well-Being Month” in June and saw a 200 percent increase in the number of countries hosting well-being events and activities, with more than 140,000 touchpoints (e.g. resources accessed, page views, event participation, downloads, posts and more). A surge of employees reported that they felt their well-being was supported by their managers. We’ve gone from a week to a month and now we are building on our culture even further with a year-round program.

Our efforts over the years have earned us a number of honors, including a 2019 Best Employers award for Excellence in Health & Well-Being by the National Business Group on Health, international and U.S. Silver Stevie Awards and an APEX Award of Excellence. As a leader at ArchTam, I’m proud of the work we’ve put into advancing this program, and that our focus on well-being is recognized — but we’re ecstatic to see our employees and their families make it a success and embrace our culture of holistic well-being around the world.

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