Office Administrator Tamara Leeper Office Administrator with JWDA since 2003 BACK TO TEAM

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

Architect João Costa, RA Architect with JWDA since 2020 Education: - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design Registered Architect in: - State of California 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 Eduardo Franco Associate with JWDA since 2015 Education: - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design - AS Architecture/Architectural Drafting, Bakersfield College BACK TO TEAM

Associate Tomas Vega-Tapia Associate with JWDA since 1991 Education - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design BACK TO TEAM

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 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

Consulting Architect Brian Hansen, RA Consulting Architect with JWDA since 1983 Education: - B. Arch., University of Arizona Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM

Associate Principal Vivian Tria, RA Associate Principal with JWDA since 2007 Vivian Tria was born and raised in the Philippines before relocating to San Diego in 1998. Over the past three decades, she has worked on a diverse range of projects across the Philippines, Singapore, and San Diego. With a proven track record in delivering complex, high-density residential developments, Vivian collaborates closely with design and development teams from project conception through construction. Beyond her project work, she serves as a mentor to junior staff and a supportive ally to her peers, striving to ensure their recognition and success in the field. Vivian's passion for architecture stems from her fascination with design in both the natural and built environments. She sees architecture as a harmonious blend of art, design, spatial relationships, mathematics, and functionality, allowing her to express her inherent skills and interests fully. She takes great satisfaction in problem-solving, team collaboration, and continuously learning new things. Consistently engaged in extracurricular activities, Vivian began cultivating an orchid hobby during the pandemic, which has flourished and propagated since. She enjoys traveling, attending music concerts and musicals, biking, hiking, tackling home improvement projects, and exploring fashion. Married for over three decades with two children, Vivian is committed to work-life harmony, persistence, and an ongoing desire and openness to learn and grow. Education: - B. Arch., Santo Tomas University 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

Designer Mariela Cadena Designer with JWDA since 2022 Education: - B. Arch., Cal Poly Pomona BACK TO TEAM

Senior CAD Manager Melchor Sampal Senior CAD Manager with JWDA since 1998 Education: - B. Arch., Far East University of the Philippines BACK TO TEAM

Principal Rick Rounds, AIA Principal with JWDA since 1994 Rick Rounds is a native San Diegan who moved with his family to a small, woodsy resort town in Idaho when he was a child. He realized early that the construction process interested him, but it was a drafting class in high school that solidified his interest and aptitude for architecture. Working two jobs during the summer and part time jobs through the school year while obtaining his 5-year degree at the University of Idaho, he never forgot Southern California people, culture, weather, and activities of his youth. The day after his 1987 graduation, Rick migrated south to a job opportunity in Palm Springs. One year later he returned to his San Diego roots and began his career at JWDA. As a Principal and Senior Project Manager, Rick’s work ethic endures, and empowers him to provide coordination in all project phases, from programming through the completion of a contract. His expertise comprises master planning, site planning, schematic design for new construction, repair and renovations to working drawings, and construction management and administration. His sector experience includes hospitality, residential, mixed-use, governmental, and institutional projects. A seasoned manager, Rick is equally adept in communications with clients, jurisdictional agencies, and all design and construction associates. Education: - B. Arch., University of Idaho Registered In: - State of California - State of Washington BACK TO TEAM