Firm: The Miller Hull Partnership
Ben Dalton is a Design Partner at The Miller Hull Partnership, recognized for his ability to bring diverse voices together into cohesive design solutions. A registered architect in California, Washington, and New York, Ben brings extensive experience from roles with local and national impact, including leadership positions in sustainability. Ben is dedicated to enhancing chapter governance and preparing for the 2026 AIA National Convention in San Diego, making him a strategic choice for advancing our chapter’s vision.

Firm: Studio E Architects
Maxine Ward, a Principal at Studio E Architects, has over 20 years of experience in both the U.S. and the U.K., focusing on projects that promote design accessibility. Known for her commitment to community engagement and leadership in organizations like the San Diego Architectural Foundation, Maxine brings strong organizational skills, a holistic design perspective, and a proven dedication to the San Diego architectural community.

Firm: domusstudio architecture
Michael Meizen is an Associate at domusstudio architecture and currently serves as Chair of the AIA San Diego Committee on the Environment (COTE). With over 13 years of experience spanning education, housing, and commercial projects, Michael combines financial stewardship and a commitment to sustainable design. His expertise in financial alignment with mission goals will bring a valuable perspective to the Treasurer role

NOMINATED: Ben Dalton, AIA

NOMINATED: Maxine Ward, AIA, LEED AP

NOMINATED: Michael Meizen, AIA, NCARB

Valentina Castilla is a seasoned architect with over 20 years of experience across commercial, residential, and educational projects, currently a Senior Architect at AVRP Studios. Her career has emphasized the importance of collaboration, effective communication, and addressing diverse community needs, making her well-suited to co-lead AIASD’s EDI&J initiatives.

Firm: Gensler

Zachary Silver brings a deep commitment to inclusive, equitable, and accessible design as the Southwest Regional Director of Inclusive Design at Gensler San Diego. With two years in this role, Zachary has led coaching and implementation of inclusive design strategies across Gensler’s Southwest region, which includes Southern California, Colorado, and Nevada. His work emphasizes creating impactful, people-centered spaces that align closely with AIA San Diego’s Equity, Diversity, Inclusion, and Justice (EDI+J) goals.

Zachary’s involvement with AIA San Diego has included presentations on inclusive design at the A’23 AIASD Conference and a collaborative project tour of the Southwestern College Wellness and Aquatic Center. Driven by a passion for amplifying diverse voices and perspectives, Zachary looks forward to advancing AIASD’s mission of fostering an inclusive and empowered design community.

Institution: NewSchool of Architecture and Design
Daniela Deutsch is the Dean of Architecture at NewSchool of Architecture and Design, where she is known for her commitment to mentoring emerging architects and enhancing educational programs. Her academic expertise and dedication to architectural education make her a valuable ex officio addition, supporting AIASD’s future-focused initiatives.

Sami Khoury is an Associate Principal, Operations Director, and San Diego Studio Leader at AC Martin Inc. With over 20 years of experience, Sami has made it his mission to strengthen the architectural practice through leadership and innovation. His professional journey includes significant contributions at leading firms such as NBBJ Design, Steinberg Hart, and Carrier Johnson +CULTURE, where he gained expertise in design, project management, financial oversight, and talent acquisition.

Sami’s portfolio spans multifamily housing, higher education, life sciences, urban planning, and adaptive reuse projects, offering him a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the field. He is passionate about fostering collaboration and sharing knowledge in areas such as project management, business practices, technical standards, and emerging technologies.

As Co-Director of Practice, Sami aims to serve as a resource for AIA San Diego members, advocating for best practices and addressing the evolving needs of the profession. His vision is to create a collaborative and inclusive environment that strengthens our shared commitment to architectural excellence.

CO-DIRECTOR NOMINATED: Valentina Castilla, Architect, AIBC, AAA

CO-DIRECTOR NOMINATED: Zachary Silver, Assoc. AIA

NOMINATED: Daniela Deutsch

CO-DIRECTOR NOMINATED: Sami R. Khoury, AIA

The purpose of this directorship is to identify pressing issues in local governance which affect the profession and the business of architecture, to develop communications plans or campaigns to advocate on behalf of architects and the architecture community, and to fortify relationship with key government and civic leaders in pursuit of those goals. In recent years, the top issues have been drafting a Mayoral Agenda, advocating for a city architect, and addressing the challenges that architects face in the PPP and design build landscape.

The Director of EDI+J shall work to achieve and uphold the vision of the American Institute of Architects to champion a culture of equity, diversity, inclusion, and justice within the profession through the implementation of programs and campaigns. Additionally, the Director shall oversee administration of the Laura Shinn Diversity in Architecture Scholarship fund.

The purpose of this directorship is to advocate for the architectural community in North Count and the non-urban core, the bulk of which is represented by smaller firms and sole practitioners.

The purpose of this directorship is to identify emerging trends in practice, facilitate and broadcast communication about the wide range of topics that are relevant to today’s practice of Architecture, and develop programs accordingly.

The Young & Emerging Professionals Director(s) supports those who have recently completed their academic studies, those on the path to licensure, and those within ten years or less of licensure. The YEP Director(s) also liaises with local academic institutions and students enrolled in architecture programs. YEP Director(s) may form Committee(s) to create programs supporting path to licensure, interdisciplinary networking, exam prep, and more. YEP Directors take an active role in the annual Career Expo (Spring), the Young Architect of the Year (YAYA) program (Fall), and will be encouraged to implement programs which support mentorship.

The AIA San Diego Healthcare Committee supports awareness of developments in this large and dynamic practice area through events with HCAI/ OSHPD, project tours, panels, and more.

The Committee on the Environment (COTE) works to achieve climate action and climate justice through design. We seek to enhance both the design quality and environmental performance of the built environment by promoting design practices that empower all AIA members to realize the best social and environmental outcomes with the clients and the communities they serve.

The mission of the AIA San Diego Custom Residential Architects Network (CRAN) is to increase awareness within our community of the value architects bring to custom residential projects.

The AIA San Diego Preservation Committee seeks to broaden awareness and appreciation of preservation and educate members regarding current trends and practices.

The Regional Design Advisory Council (RDAC) operates under the auspices of the Advocacy Commission and meets monthly. Members include design professionals interested in helping to shape San Diego’s future and address the “big picture” issues in the region.

Technology in Architectural Practice (TAP) is a “Knowledge Community” that serves to educate, illustrate, and illuminate the nearly limitless opportunities presented when connecting technology and architectural practice.

Formerly WIA, We in Architecture is an AIA knowledge community dedicated to empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of women and minorities in the design community; WE-A aims to bring more leaders to the table to make measurable progress toward representation in the profession.

The Young & Emerging Professionals (YEP) supports emerging professionals at all levels, including students, those on the path to licensure, and those licensed within the past ten or fewer years. The newly formed committee invites all to join us in creating programming which engages the next generation of architecture and design professionals, supports the path to licensure, offers opportunities for interdisciplinary networking, and provides support for exam success.