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- Edward Natanauan
Production Manager Edward Natanauan Production Manager with JWDA since 2006 Education: - B. Arch., Santo Tomas University BACK TO TEAM
- João Costa
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
- Joseph Wong
Founder and President Joseph O. Wong, FAIA, NCARB Founder and President Founded JWDA in 1977 Joseph On-Woo Wong was born in Guangzhou, China and emigrated with his family to San Diego, California when he was 16 years old. Joe graduated from San Diego High School, and went on to attend the University of California Berkeley and Harvard University before founding JWDA Architects in 1977. Among its many achievements and successes, Joe is especially proud of the firm’s collaborations with nonprofit organizations including the San Diego Chinese Historical Society and Museum, Father Joe’s Villages, Ronald McDonald House Charities, The Alpha Project for the Homeless, and La Jolla Music Society. In 1994, San Diego City Council honored Joe for his contribution to the city’s downtown redevelopment efforts, adopting June 6th as Joseph Wong Day. In 2003, Joe was elevated to American Institute of Architects College of Fellows for his contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture. He was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of San Diego's "Most Influential People" in both 2021 and 2022. He has served as a volunteer member of the Dean’s Advisory Council at UC Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design for several years, and in 2023 was recognized with the school's Distinguished Alumni Award; and he continues to serve as an Advisory Board Member at UCSD Real Estate and Development, School of Social Sciences. Education: - M. Landscape Arch. Harvard University - M. Arch., University of California, Berkeley - B.A. (Hon.), University of California, Berkeley Registered Architect in: - State of California - State of Arizona BACK TO TEAM
- David Priest
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
- JWDA Architects | Firm Profile
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.
- Paul Uong
Designer Paul Uong Designer with JWDA since 2021 Education: - M. Arch., University of Houston, TX BACK TO TEAM
- Matthew Geaman
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
- Cathy Hadley
BIM Manager Cathy Hadley, RA BIM Manager with JWDA since Education: - B. Arch., University of Oregon Registered Architect in: - State of California BACK TO TEAM
- Zimo Ren
Designer Zimo Ren Designer with JWDA since 2021 Education: - M. Arch., University of Virginia - B. Arch., Central Academy of Fine Arts BACK TO TEAM
- Sophia Del Mar English
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
- Bert Shear
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
- Tomas Vega-Tapia
Associate Tomas Vega-Tapia Associate with JWDA since 1991 Education - B. Arch., NewSchool of Architecture & Design BACK TO TEAM
- Per Erickson
Associate Per Erickson Associate with JWDA since 2019 Education: - M. Arch., cum laude, NewSchool of Architecture & Design (Presidential Merit Scholarship) - B. Arch., University of Minnesota BACK TO TEAM
- Michael Tria
Senior Associate Michael Tria Senior Associate with JWDA since 1998 Education: - B. Arch., Santo Tomas University BACK TO TEAM
- Brian Hansen
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















