completed 2026San Diego, CA BACK TO PROJECTS < PREVIOUS NEXT > HIGHLIGHTS 531 market-rate and affordable units Detached, 676-stall wrapped parking structure COLLABORATORS Interior Design: Parisa O’Connell Interior Design Landscape Architect: EPTDesign Civil Engineer: Fuscoe Engineering Structural Engineer: VCA Structural Electrical Engineer: Candela Engineering Mechanical & Plumbing Engineer: FARD Engineers General Contractor: Trammell Crow Company PRESS San Diego announces plans for new housing, roads and parking in Convoy Asian Cultural District - KPBS Project will add 531 apartments to Convoy District — where there are none today - San Diego Union Tribune New Vision for Convoy – Mayor, Local Leaders Celebrate New Housing, Signage in District - Times of San Diego AWARDS Alexan Camellia is a 531-unit mixed-use development situated on a five-acre site in the Convoy Asian Cultural District of San Diego's Kearny Mesa community. One of the district's first large-scale residential developments, the project is a catalyst for the transformation of a 4,400-acre industrial area into a vibrant, walkable "live, work, play" urban center as outlined in the Kearny Mesa Community Plan update. Alexan Camellia's master plan transforms its challenging T-shaped site into an integrated and connected urban village with a configuration of five- and six-story buildings varied in height, setbacks, and façade expression. The buildings are organized around a structured podium and wrapped parking garage, together establishing a network of courtyards and open spaces. The development offers 509 market-rate and 22 affordable apartments, complemented by ground-floor live-work units that animate its three street-facing frontages. Façade elements including balconies, expansive glazing, and shaded projections respond to climate by extending living spaces outward and bringing light and air deep into the residences. A restrained material palette of plaster and tile provides continuity, while wood-toned accents and moments of glass introduce warmth and refinement at key locations. Community amenities include two open-air pool decks, a rooftop lounge with panoramic city views, a poolside social lounge, a state-of-the-art indoor and outdoor fitness studio, a speakeasy, dedicated pet facilities, and co-working and conference spaces, all designed to extend the sense of neighborhood beyond the individual unit. Alexan Camellia's three-sided street frontage makes the development uniquely permeable for a project of its scale. The area’s dense mix of restaurants, retail, and services puts daily needs within easy walking distance, while nearby bus stops and dedicated bike storage support a car-light lifestyle. In this way the project exemplifies the community plan's broader goals for walkability, land use diversity, and placemaking, offering an early and replicable model for the district's ongoing transformation. STATUS completed 2026 SIZE 700,708 SF CLIENT Trammell Crow Residential SERVICES | ROLE Design Architect | Architect of Record Alexan Camellia San Diego, CA

A selection of JWDA Architects’ accolades, awards, industry recognitions, and commendations from professional organizations and publications. Palisade at Westfield UTC | La Jolla, CA Profile People Past & Future Awards & Recognition News AWARDS & RECOGNITION ACCOLADES Year Organization Award Project 2025 Multifamily Housing News Excellence Awards Gold Award: Best Amenities The Lindley 2025 AIA Los Angeles Board of Directors Honoree | 2025 Building Team of the Year Weingart Tower 2025 Building Design & Construction Giants 400 2025 Giants 400: Top 200 Multifamily Architecture Firms 2025 Building Design & Construction Giants 400 2025 Giants 400: Top 180 Architecture Firms 2025 BIA Icon Awards Best Architectural Design of a Multi-Family Community For Rent, Urban The Lindley 2024 American Concrete Institute So. CA (ACISCC) Concrete Project of the Year (High Rise) Weingart Tower 2024 So CA Assoc. of Non Profit Housing (SCANPH) Multi-Family, Supportive Housing Weingart Tower 2024 Los Angeles Business Journal Housing: Multifamily – Affordable Architecture Award Weingart Tower 2024 BIA Icon Awards Multifamily Community of the Year Simone Little Italy 2024 BIA Icon Awards Best Architectural Design Multifamily (for Rent) Simone Little Italy 2024 BIA Icon Awards Best Community Amenity Feature Simone Little Italy 2024 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Multifamily Community of the Year Simone Little Italy 2024 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Multi-Family Housing Community - 200 DU/Acre or more Simone Little Italy 2024 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Interior Design of a Multi-Family Community - Common Areas/Spaces Simone Little Italy 2024 San Diego Business Journal Leader of Influence in Architecture & Design: Matthew Geaman 2024 American Concrete Institute (ACI) Best Residential Building Award Simone Little Italy 2024 U.S. Institute for Theatre Technology (USITT) Architecture Honor Award The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 2024 AIA San Diego Legacy Award The Neurosciences Institute 2023 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Award of Merit Framework 2023 UC Berkeley School of Environmental Design Distinguished Alumni Award, Joseph O. Wong, FAIA 2023 INT Interior Design Awards INT Interior Design Award 525 Olive 2022 San Diego Business Journal Best Multifamily Project 525 Olive 2022 San Diego Business Journal Best Affordable Housing Project St. Teresa of Calcutta Village 2022 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Award of Merit, Best Multifamily Housing Community Diega 2022 Travel & Leisure Magazine Best New Hotels in the World Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2022 Hospitality Design Magazine The 30 Best Hotel Openings of 2021 Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2022 San Diego Business Journal Most Influential San Diegans: Joseph O. Wong 2022 Architizer Best of La Cantina; Best Commercial Project Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2021 LIV Hospitality Design Awards Winner Architectural Design Hotel – Midscale & Lifestyle Monsaraz Hotel Point Loma 2021 Interior Design Magazine Best Resort of 2021 Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2021 San Diego Business Journal CRE Awards Best Hospitality Project of the Year Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2021 San Diego Business Journal CRE Awards Project of the Year Finalist The Monsaraz San Diego 2021 San Diego Business Journal CRE Awards Best Mixed Use Project of the Year Diega 2021 Travel & Leisure Magazine Best Beach Resorts of 2021 Alila Marea Resort Encinitas 2020 San Diego Architectural Foundation Orchid for Interior Design Broadstone Maker's Quarter 2020 Structural Engineers Association Award of Merit in New Construction The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 2020 San Diego Business Journal Best Residential Project Palisade at Westfield UTC 2019 ENR California California's Best Projects: Cultural/Worship The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 2019 San Diego Architectural Foundation Orchids & Onions People's Choice Orchid The Conrad Prebys Performing Arts Center 2019 Multi-Housing News Gold Award: Best New Mid-Rise Development & Design Broadstone North Park 2019 San Diego Business Journal Outstanding Architectural Designs of 2019 Broadstone Maker's Quarter 2019 Interior Design Magazine Best in Design: Residential Development Broadstone North Park 2018 Engineering News Record (ENR) Merit Award Atmosphere 2018 Credaward Project Award Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park 2018 MIPIM Asia Best Office and Business Development Bronze Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park 2018 San Diego Gas & Electric Excellence in Energy Leadership Award Atmosphere 2018 San Diego Housing Federation Ruby Award | Project of the Year Atmosphere 2017 Our City San Diego Development of the Year Atmosphere 2017 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best International Commercial Development Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park 2016 ASLA San Diego Merit Award North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2016 Our City San Diego Development of the Year Alpha Square 2015 AIA San Diego Honor Award - Urban Design North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2015 San Diego Architectural Foundation Orchid for Urban Design North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2015 CMAA San Diego Honor Award North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2015 AIA San Diego Divine Detail Award North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2015 ASCE San Diego Outstanding Project: Urban or Land Development Category North Embarcadero Visionary Plan 2015 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Grand Award, International Residential Unbuilt) Garden of Eden Beijing 2015 Union of Pan Asian Communities (UPAC) Leadership Award Joseph Wong, FAIA 2014 AIA San Diego Merit Award Hyatt Regency Chongming Hotel 2014 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best International Commercial and Special-Use Project Hyatt Regency Chongming Hotel 2013 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Grand Award - Best International Residential Project Bund House Shanghai 2012 AIA San Diego Merit Award 15th & Commercial 2012 Design-Build Institute of America Honor Award Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Camp Pendleton 2012 American Public Works Association (APWA) Project of the Year Bachelor Enlisted Quarters (BEQ) at Camp Pendleton 2012 Builder Magazine Merit Award for Affordable or Workforce Housing 15th & Commercial 2012 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Campus Housing Finn Hall Campus Housing 2010 International Parking Institute Award of Merit Ronald McDonald House& Rady Children's Hospital 2010 Travel & Leisure Magazine Best Resorts of 2010 L'Auberge Del Mar 2010 American Institute of Architects Design Award Hotel Indigo 2010 Illumination Engineer Society Award of Merit Hotel Indigo 2010 San Diego Housing Federation Inclusionary Housing Award Father Joe's Villages 16th & Market 2009 Contract Design Magazine Inspiration Award Father Joe's Villages 16th & Market 2009 California Construction Magazine Overall Top Project in Southern CA Ronald McDonald House 2009 AIA San Diego Honor Award Jarden de Jade Restaurant Shanghai 2009 Shanghai Magazine Best Awards Best Residential Development Project Bund House Shanghai 2009 California Construction Magazine Overall Top Project Ronald McDonald House 2009 Design-Build Institute National Design-Build Institute Award Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel 2008 AIA San Diego Award of Merit (Unbuilt Category) 15th & Commercial 2007 San Marcos Redevelopment Agency Educational Design Award San Diego North County Regional Education Center 2003 AIA San Diego Design Award Shanghai ICBC Data Center 2002 AIA San Diego Honor Award: Best Interior Design Shanghai Century Financial Center 2001 AIASD / Orchids & Onions Orchid Award Port of San Diego Quiet Home Design Program 2001 AIA San Diego Honor Award Industrial & Commercial Bank of China 2001 Design-Build Institute National Excellence Award San Diego Convention Center Pavilion Enhancement 2001 American Concrete Institute Project of the Year San Diego International Airport 2000 McGraw-Hill California Construction Award Best of California Award San Diego Convention Center Sails Pavilion 2000 City of Shanghai Best Historical Preservation Industrial & Commercial Bank of China 2000 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Redevelopment Project SDSU Piedra del Sol Student Housing 2000 PCBC Gold Nugget Awards Best Apartment Project SDSU Piedra del Sol Student Housing 2000 National Housing Administration National Best Residential Design JinLin TianXia Residential Community Shanghai 2000 National Housing Administration National Best Residential Design Wu Zhuang Residential Community Hangzhon 1999 City of Shanhai Public Works Best Project Award for Architecture Shanghai International Tennis Center 1997 AIA San Diego Citation Award Chinese Historical Museum 1997 San Our Heritage Organization (SOHO) Historical Preservation Award Chinese Historical Museum 1997 American Institute of Architects National Honor Award The Neurosciences Institute 1997 NYACE Engineering Excellence Platinum Award The Neurosciences Institute 1996 Time Magazine Best of Design The Neurosciences Institute 1996 San Diego Architectural Foundation Grand Orchid The Neurosciences Institute 1996 Concrete Reinforcing Steel Institute Design Award The Neurosciences Institute 1996 AIA San Diego Honor Award The Neurosciences Institute 1996 San Diego Gas & Electric Energy Efficiency Integration Award The Neurosciences Institute 1996 ASLA Design Honor Award The Neurosciences Institute 1996 AIASD / Orchids & Onions Orchid Award Chinese Historical Museum 1995 City of San Diego Earl Hayden Award Public Project of the Year Mission Trails Regional Park Visitor's Center 1994 City of San Diego Mayor and City Council Joseph Wong Day 1992 California Legislature Assembly Certificate of Recognition West Covina Office Building 1991 City of Alhambra, CA Beautification Award Far East Corporate Office Building 1991 San Diego Housing Commission Shelter Award for Housing Design Grand Avenue Public Housing Project 1989 City of Chula Vista Beautification Award Rollerskateland 1987 City of Chula Vista Beautification Award Beacon Cove Residential Apartments 1986 AIA California Council (AIACC) Merit Award Prospect Point 1983 AIA San Diego Merit Award Prospect Point 1983 AIA San Diego Citation Award Lindo Lake Town Hall 1982 American Planning Association (APA) California APA California Award Oceanside Strand Restoration Master Plan 1981 American Planning Association (APA) San Diego APA San Diego Award Oceanside Strand Restoration Master Plan 1981 AIA San Diego Design Award for Planning Design Oceanside Strand Restoration Master Plan

A snapshot selection of portfolio projects by San Diego, CA-based JWDA Architects. The Lindley Simone Little Italy 525 Olive North City Campus Continuing Education Building 800 Broadway Alila Marea Beach Resort Encinitas Harrington Heights Affordable Housing Ancora Apartments Alexan ALX North Embarcadero Visionary Plan Weingart Tower Rue Ferrari Expansion Accolade Campanile Father Joe's Villages: 15th & Commercial Columba Affordable Family Housing Andia Alexan Camellia Broadstone Makers Quarter Atmosphere Affordable Housing Belmont Village Senior Living Broadstone North Park Chengdu Luhu Headquarters Park Diega Framework Hilton San Diego Bayfront Hotel

OUR WORK

Connect with JWDA Architects. Use our online form to submit an inquiry, or sign up to receive updates on our projects and firm news. Get In Touch. CONTACT US Subscribe to the JWDA newsletter. First name Last name Email* Yes, subscribe me to your newsletter. Subscribe Say hello. First name* Last name* Email* Phone Company name Message* Submit JWDA Architects, Inc. 2359 Fourth Avenue, Suite 300 San Diego, CA 92101 U.S.A. Media Inquiries: press@jwdainc.com www.jwdainc.com jwda@jwdainc.com 619-233-6777

Senior Associate Bles Lopez Senior Associate with JWDA since 2011 Education: - B.S. Arch., University of Pangasinan, Philippines BACK TO TEAM

Principal Bert Shear, RA Principal with JWDA since 1988 Bert Shear is a native San Diegan with decades of experience in architectural design, project management, and construction management. As Principal and Senior Project Architect, Bert oversees technical issues related to all phases of Architectural Design including planning and programming, schematic design, design development, design drawings, and construction documents. As a JWDA lead in specifications and construction administration, Bert also thrives on the job site and excels in his talents for coordination, creative solutions, and communications with and between consultants and contractors, ensuring the most seamless construction process as possible. Education: - B.S. Arch., California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

Managing Principal Matthew Geaman, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP Managing Principal with JWDA since 2008 Matthew Geaman was born in Rochester, NY, and raised in the Chicago, IL, area where the region’s diverse cultural and educational influences laid a solid foundation for his future achievements and notable career. While attending the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, he spent a year of his undergraduate studies in Versailles, France; and was later inducted into the Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society. Matthew became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2005. After working in Chicago for four years, he moved to San Diego and joined JWDA in 2008. As Partner and Managing Principal, Matthew co-manages the firm with its founder Joseph Wong and is known for his commitment to the highest quality design, technical excellence, and transparent client relations. Matthew’s non-profit and industry-related volunteer leadership is emblematic of both his professional career and his personal ethos. In addition to overseeing a multitude of high profile JWDA projects, his list of current and previous community service includes President of AIA San Diego, Vice President of the San Diego Architectural Foundation, Board Member at La Jolla Music Society, seats on the AIACC Board of Directors and the AIACC Planning and Finance Committee. He is an active member of the Downtown San Diego Partnership. Matthew's honors include: Honoree, Leaders of Influence of Architecture and Design San Diego Business Journal (2024) San Diego County’s Men of Influence Award San Diego Metro Magazine (2021) Young Architect of the Year AIA San Diego (2016) Top 40 Under 40 San Diego Metro Magazine (2016) Top 40 Under 40 Business Professionals San Diego Daily Transcript (2016) Top 20 Under 40 ENR California Engineering News-Record California (2015) Education: - M. Arch., University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign - B. Arch. (with High Honors), University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign Registered Architect in: - State of California - State of Illinois BACK TO TEAM

Production Manager Edward Natanauan Production Manager with JWDA since 2006 Education: - B. Arch., Santo Tomas University BACK TO TEAM

Learn more about JWDA Architects and the people, projects, history, news, approach, accolades, and awards that continue to solidify our reputation for expertise and excellence in the industry. Mesa College Social & Behavioral Sciences Building | San Diego, CA Profile People Past & Future Awards & Recognition News North City Campus Continuing Education Building | San Diego, CA OUR CULTURE THIS IS US Deep Blue Residential | Hangzhou, China WHO WE ARE We are a focused team of architects, designers, and planners dedicated to creating projects that enhance social value and contribute to a sustainable future. Through collaboration and creativity, we develop innovative solutions that address today’s challenges and promote a more inclusive and resilient world. It is our ongoing aim to infuse commercial viability, iconic presence, urban integration, and cultural resonance into every project. Our design solutions embody thoughtful yet unexpected ideas, balancing development goals, functional needs, urban heritage, and aesthetic expression. OUR TEAM Integrating decades of seasoned insights with the fresh perspectives of emerging talent fosters a dynamic environment where senior and junior staff learn from one another. This commitment to continuous growth and collaboration advances our ongoing evolution as a team and strengthens our overall proficiency in every stage of the project creation process. Establishing strong ties both internally and externally—with colleagues, clients, and industry partners—is central to our culture. By fostering these connections, we reinforce our foundation and distinguish ourselves in the architectural world. OUR APPROACH We approach each project with a pragmatic mindset, prioritizing our clients' financial success as a key measure of achievement. Beyond aesthetic design, we address the full spectrum of project challenges, including financing, scheduling, and beyond. Our commitment extends to helping developers navigate these hurdles by exploring creative solutions that propel their projects forward. By understanding the broader context and intricacies of each endeavor, we're able to collaborate closely with our clients to overcome obstacles and ensure their visions are realized efficiently and effectively.

Associate Principal David Priest, AIA Associate Principal with JWDA since 2015 David Priest was born and raised in Duluth, MN. An energetic doer, he’s enjoyed solving construction challenges since he was a seven-year-old building tree houses. While attaining two professional degrees at the University of Minnesota, he was awarded the school’s ‘Golden Ruler’ for the Student Steel Bridge Design Competition, all while also a PSIA certified ski instructor. After completing his studies, David migrated to San Diego in 1984 to work for the celebrated Hope Consulting Group. Now, with over forty years of residential, commercial, and hospitality design experience, David’s work at JWDA Architects has involved programming, construction documentation, construction administration and project management, and he has completed architectural design projects for residential and commercial developers as well as many Southern California clients. His residential and mixed-use project experience includes programming, feasibility studies, master planning, and full architectural services, focused on the preparation of construction documents and construction management for large scale projects. For David, the best part of his job is seeing how grateful residents are when they move into their building, especially the affordable housing projects. David has been married for 40 years and has three children and one grandchild. An avid volunteer, he has been recognized with the Servant Ministry Award by the Episcopal Diocese of San Diego in 2014 and 2021. Education: - B. Arch., University of Minnesota - B. Civil Engineering (w/Emphasis in Structural Design) University of Minnesota Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

Associate Shannon Xiang Fu, RA, LEED AP Associate with JWDA since 2011 Education: - M. Arch., University of Arizona - B. Arch., Hunan University Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

Associate Sophia Del Mar English, Assoc. NOMA Associate with JWDA since 2016 Education: - M. Arch., New School of Architecture and Design - B.S in Zoology, University of California Santa Barbara BACK TO TEAM

Senior Associate Michael Tria Senior Associate with JWDA since 1998 Education: - B. Arch., Santo Tomas University BACK TO TEAM

Associate Daniel Geiger, AIA Associate with JWDA since 2019 Education: - M. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design - B.S. University of California, Santa Barbara Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM