Julio Medina, AIA | 2024

2024 Young Architect of the Year Award

Julio Medina, AIA, NCARB, is a highly respected Licensed Architect and Project Manager whose expertise spans a broad range of project types, including Multi-Family, K-12, Higher Education, Civic, and high-profile Historic Renovations. Raised in San Diego County’s Barrio Logan neighborhood and adopted by his grandmother, Julio overcame numerous challenges that ultimately shaped his path in architecture and fueled his commitment to designing impactful spaces. After graduating cum laude from The NewSchool of Architecture and Design, Julio joined SILLMAN Architects, where he championed the firm’s vision for integrated design, leading interdisciplinary teams to create contextually meaningful and sustainable work. His notable projects include several LEED Gold-certified and NetZero designs focused on environmental responsibility.

Outside of his professional work, Julio remains deeply engaged with his alma mater, teaching Integrated Design Studio at The NewSchool of Architecture between 2017 - 2021. Through hands-on experience and industry connections, he inspires students to explore architecture, furthering his dedication to mentorship with the San Diego Chapter of ACE Mentor Program.

Julio also volunteers with the International Relief Team, constructing homes for underprivileged families in Tijuana, Mexico. His contributions have earned him accolades, including a place on SD Metro’s 40 Under 40 list. Julio’s commitment to "Making a Difference Together" drives his work—from designing meaningful spaces to fostering a new generation of socially conscious architects—strengthening the bond between the community and the built environment and inspiring the next generation of architects.

Bryn Young, AIA | 2023

Bryn Young, AIA

Bryn Young is the principal and founder of BYoung Design, a design studio in San Diego.

Bryn’s background is in architecture, interior design, and entrepreneurship. She started her studio at the age of 25 while still in school and has since grown it into a successful, award-winning firm.

Bryn Young, AIA is involved with her community, serves on the La Jolla Historical Society’s Board of Directors, and is an adjunct professor at California State University, Chico. Her passion is inspiring and teaching emerging professionals, especially women and mothers, which led her to start her YouTube channel and podcast, Design Create Inspire. She loves being able to design custom residential projects with her team while also being able to teach and inspire her community.

Bryn holds a Master of Architecture from NewSchool of Architecture and Design, a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, and a degree in Entrepreneurship and Small Business Management both from Chico State. She is a licensed architect in California and NCARB certified.

Victor Navarro, AIA, 2022

Victor H. Navarro is a San Diego based Architect and Educator. He holds a License to practice Architecture in the State of California, is certified by the National Council of Architects Registration Board (NCARB) and is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Currently he is a Principal at the legacy firm, Architects Mosher Drew. As a creative thinker, Victor’s philosophical approach to architecture and design is influenced by his diverse life experiences and professional involvement. He engages discussions on social and environmental issues, and evokes a hybrid of research, rationale, and intuition, resulting in unique design solutions. Through a collaborative process he calls Emergent Design and with the versatility of his work, he has developed projects that range from small additions to campus planning and are of diverse construction and structural methods. His accomplishments include publications and awards.

Born in Chile into a military regime, Victor’s family fled to the U.S. when he was 1 year old in the late 70’s. After 10 years, once democracy was reinstated, they returned to their home country where he later began his architecture studies at Universidad Central de Chile. Victor was enamored with architecture and he decided to expand his horizons by returning to the U.S. in 1999 where he would graduate with honors from Lawrence Technological University in Michigan, obtaining a B.Arch. and an M.Arch degree. Victor’s formational years as a young professional began as design intern in the historic firm Albert Kahn Associates in Downtown Detroit. He remained in Michigan until 2005 when he was hired by Carrier Johnson + Culture and relocated to San Diego.

Later, in his pursuit to become a well-rounded architect, he furthered his technical experience while working with Cass Sowatsky Consulting Architects, a practice dedicated federal design-build work. The following years were critical to Victor’s professional development and refinement as a designer. He founded Taller Emergente Design Studio, which was based on the idea that design is an emergent result from a collaborative process. While this became a foundational philosophy that he has carried through in his practice , Victor gained additional benefits from seeking out professional independence. He explored small scale projects of diverse categories, began instruction and training in 3D software to other professionals, provided consulting services to distinguished architects such as Graham Downes Architecture, Luce et Studio and gkkworks, and built relationships with groups of interest that are focused on the environment (Recon Recycling), homelessness (Think Dignity) and human rights (Amnesty International).

Additionally, Victor became active in academia, having joined the adjunct faculty at Newschool of Architecture and Design, where he instructed several design courses, workshops, lectures and co-authored and published a book on housing titled Social, Growing and Expandable Housing in a Border Community.

In 2016, Victor was invited to join Architects Mosher Drew to participate in new projects the firm was pursuing and to additionally stimulate a design culture within the office. He has since proven to be a key member within the firm and a design leader on projects of different magnitudes, leading large architecture teams in addition to engineering consultants. He has had a strong focus on education projects with an involvement in community outreach to design to construction. In recognition to his significant contributions to the firm’s success and evolution, he was promoted to Principal in 2021.

Join us on November 16th, 2022 as we celebrate the achievements and impact of architects in our community at the Lifetime achievement, Legacy, and Young Architect of the Year Awards.

Jamie Intervalo, AIA | 2022

Jamie Intervalo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Jamie is an experienced project manager and architect with 15 years of practice in the San Diego area. Her passion and dedication to advancing the profession through advocacy has provided an abundance of opportunities for the pipeline of future architects in our region.

Jamie received her Master of Architecture from the NewSchool of Architecture and Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies and Planning from the University of California, San Diego. As Director of BNIM’s Pacific Studio, Jamie guides project teams and serves as a key point of contact for clients within the key market sectors of higher education, workplace, equitable housing, and urban planning.

Jamie is a mentor and advocate for future emerging professionals in the architecture, engineering, and construction industry. She utilizes her work with AIA San Diego to elevate and support a culture of equity within the profession. As AIA San Diego's first director of Equity Diversity, Inclusion and Justice,  Jamie guided and advanced the chapter’s initiatives for EDI+J, introducing important dialogues on gender, ethnicity, race, and inclusion and establishing EDI+J fundamentals as part of the chapter’s strategic plan and functions. She has also advanced the collaboration between other AIA chapters across the country and organizations such as NOMA, SDAF and ACE Mentor to elevate thought leadership on these types of issues. Her work with the local chapter has also extended chapter resources to community college networks in the cross border region to broaden the outreach for future emerging professionals in the pipeline.  

 She believes that, as citizen architects, the design community has the power to change lives not only through design but also through advocacy. Jamie focuses her efforts in the chapter around elevating social justice issues via contributing to the intellectual conversation, providing a platform to empower and share ideas from other minority communities as well as contributing to the future pipeline of architects.

Join us on November 16th, 2022 as we celebrate the achievements and impact of architects in our community at the Lifetime achievement, Legacy, and Young Architect of the Year Awards.

Garrett van Leeuwen, AIA | 2021

Garrett van Leeuwen has been honored with a Young Architect of the Year Award for significant contributions and leadership in the architectural profession through his work and persistent engagement with the mentorship of young professionals. Garrett is an architect firmly committed to making San Diego a better place to work, learn, live, and play. His passion for design and commitment to the profession is evident through his volunteerism and his sustainable, community-focused approach. 

A San Diego native, Garrett takes pride in what makes this city unique, and he strives to celebrate the climate and culture of the region in all his work.

Garrett earned his Bachelor of Architecture with distinction from Cal Poly Pomona in 2009 where he was the recipient of the Calvin Family Fellowship design competition. The award led to a 4-month expedition through Asia, where he spent his time researching emerging urban regions.

Upon his return, Garrett started his career working at Safdie Rabines Architects where he gained experience on a wide range of project types. In 2013, shortly after obtaining his architectural license, Garrett  began working with Gensler as a project architect and quickly rose to be a design director for the firm. Since then, he has focused his expertise and talent toward higher education, sports, and commercial office projects.  

Throughout his career, Garrett has intentionally developed a well-rounded approach to the practice of architecture. His work shows his ability to engage in projects that not only benefit the communities they serve, but their effect on a local and global scale.

His projects represent the principles of sustainable design and have been the recipients of over 13 awards, including distinctions from the AIA Committee on the Environment and the San Diego Green Building Council. Garett has shown his commitment to the AIA 2030 challenge through his dedication to energy efficient building, many of which will be net zero energy once completed. 

In addition to his professional accomplishments, Garrett has been committed to mentorship. He has participated with over 100 students at multiple university programs for over five years. Garrett has also mentored students through leading and developing design charrettes through Gensler's summer internship program.

Mathilda Bialk, AIA | 2020

Mathilda on site for the UCLA Saxon Commons Project- Studio E

Mathilda is an exceptional recipient of the YAYA award in recognition of her efforts in service to the chapter and the profession. Her leadership and mentorship through the AIA and WIA have paved the way for an inclusive and diverse future, demonstrating the values and qualities that AIA San Diego holds in distinction for an architect.

Washington Street Apartments- Studio E Architects

A native of the San Diego Region, Mathilda completed her undergraduate education at San Diego State where she earned her degree in environmental design. Ready to begin her architectural career, she immediately made the jump to the NewSchool of Architecture and Design where she graduated Cum Laude with her masters degree in architecture. 

Upon graduation, in 2007, after five years with various local firms, she landed her dream position as job captain at Studio E Architects. In 2012, Mathilda became a licensed architect, and remains at Studio E today as partner and principal.

Dedicated to community and mentorship, Mathilda used her new leadership role to revitalize the AIA San Diego Women in Architecture Committee, working to uplift and support the next generation of design leaders. The WIA community has nearly doubled as a result of Mathilda’s efforts, and the committee continues to be dedicated to empowering the next generation of leadership to mentor, uplift and support women and other minorities in the industry. 

Mathilda has also taught design as an adjunct professor at San Diego State University and volunteered for San Diego Architectural Foundation’s Orchids & Onions award ceremonies. In 2019, she was recognized by the San Diego Business Journal as one of the Outstanding Women in Construction & Design.

As a result of Mathilda’s ambition, care, and leadership, WIA has empowered women in the profession with the tools, confidence and community needed to advance and thrive in the industry.

Anthony Damon, AIA | 2019

Anthony Damon, architect and Chief Operating Officer at Jeff Katz Architecture, sees himself as a public servant who has focused his efforts on public works and public-safety buildings such as parks, libraries, and fire stations, having completed more than 30 projects of that typology thus far in his short career.  He is a nationally recognized expert on Fire Station and Public Safety Design, with local work including the Fairbanks Ranch Fire Station in Rancho Santa Fe.   

Anthony is an advocate for the advancement of emerging professionals and relies on his passion for design and con-struction to propel his mentorship opportunities. For more than 15 years, Anthony has supported the ACE Mentor program, which inspires and encourages high school students to pursue careers in Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. In addition to serving as treasurer of the ACE Mentor San Diego board, Anthony has participated on the boards of NCARB, USGBC, AIA San Diego, and Southwest High School’s Eco-Engineering Academy Board of Directors.  

Philip Auchettl, AIA | 2018

Philip Auchettl, AIA is the CEO of RAD LAB, and President of Quartyard. Originally from outside of Melbourne, Australia, he graduated with a Master’s Degree in Architecture from The NewSchool of Architecture & Design, achieving the level of summa cum laude, and is now based in San Diego. RAD LAB has emerged as a powerful leader in social design and is sought after both nationally and internationally for its exceptional approach on tactical urbanism architecture and design. Auchettl has a strong background in senior management, design, and development, and is an accomplished leader in the San Diego community. 

Jared Basler, AIA | 2018

Jared Basler, AIA is a San Diego native, holding an architectural license in Georgia, NCARB certified, and is currently working toward reciprocity in California. Basler graduated with a Bachelor’s degree from The NewSchool of Architecture & Design. Basler has remained engaged in local and state policy while building a specialty firm focused on providing expertise on Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs) for homeowners, industry and government alike. His advocacy has had a significant impact on local and state policies involving ADUs. Jared is the owner of Basis Studio and is known throughout the state as The Godfather of Granny Flats. 

Marin Gertler, AIA | 2017

Marin Gertler is a Design Director & Architect with Gensler’s San Diego office. Marin was born in Annapolis, Maryland to American / Canadian / Scottish parents who relocated to Switzerland and then France when Marin was five years old. Marin returned stateside at the age of eighteen to study Architecture at the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). After graduating in 2005 with a B.F.A and B.Arch., he relocated to San Diego with his wife, Rocio Lastras De Gertler, a landscape architect from Mexico, to work for the design firm Safdie Rabines Architects. Key contributions at SRA include; the award winning UCLA South Campus Student Center, Mercado Del Barrio & the Harbor Drive Pedestrian Bridge.

Marin is passionate about the intersection of the public and private work in complex urban environments and has made this the focus of his work. Since joining Gensler, Marin has become an office leader for mixed-use and the Southwest Regional leader for the residential practice area. He has led the design for a wide range of projects including; Mesa College Center for Business and Technology, Sanford Burnham Prebys Medical Discovery Institute, IDEA1 , Heights of Del Mar, Music Box (formally known as Anthology) & most recently Fifth Ave Landing.

Outside of work, Marin is a mentor in the industry. Within the higher education community, Marin has lectured at the USD graduate developer program and has co-taught a design studio for a semester as an adjunct professor at the New School of Architecture, which focused on analyzing and repurposing existing structures. Marin is a leader with the ULI; he is a member of the Residential Council, a board member of the Young Leaders Committee and a co-chair for the Partnership Forum Groups. Marin was also hand-picked to partake in the 2015 ULI TAP program, which focused on a TOD in city Heights.

He serves with the Downtown SD Partnership, a not for profit that sponsors programs that enhance the public realm. He was requested as the design juror for a selection committee for the Downtown PopShops project, which installs art and retail kiosks across 14 locations to stimulate challenging spaces. He is also a key member of the Arts and Culture task force and identified the tactical urbanism project the group opted to focus on this year, “E-Street” Live. He is regularly featured in industry publications including Hospitality Design, which highlighted his Music Box project. Another key project Marin directed, 5th Avenue Landing, was recently featured in the San Diego Union Tribune, San Diego Business Journal and several other publications. Marin is also panelist and writer for San Diego UrbDeZine, a national blog for urban design & Planning.

Besides his dedicated career, Marin manages to find quality time with his two young children and his wife Rocio Lastras De Gertler. In 2013, Marin helped Rocio found LDG Landscape Architects, a thriving seven person boutique landscape architecture firm focused on innovative urban spaces.

Matthew Geaman, AIA | 2016

Matthew Geaman is an exceptional architect and respected leader in the profession who has accomplished a great deal in a short time. His service to his firm, the American Institute of Architects (AIA) San Diego, AIA California Council, and community groups such as the La Jolla Music Society and the San Diego Architectural Foundation has set high standards for the profession. While attending the University of Illinois, Geaman was inducted into the Gargoyle Architecture Honor Society, an academically elite group of students who demonstrate an uncommon degree of scholarship and excellence. He earned a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies (with High Honors). He then worked in Chicago for 4 years. Geaman moved to California and joined Joseph Wong Design Associates (JWDA) in 2008 as an intern. His passion and expertise was noticed immediately and while still an intern, the firm entrusted him with complete oversight of the design and construction of the San Diego Community College District’s North City Campus. Completed in 2013, the project is one of the firm’s most successful buildings, architecturally and technically, in its 39-year history according to founder Joseph Wong, FAIA. Despite the rigor of managing this and several other projects, Geaman simultaneously completed the Architectural Registration Exams, became a Licensed Architect in Illinois and California, achieved NCARB certification, and led the firm’s implementation/transition from utilizing AutoCAD to utilizing BIM. In 2011, he led JWDA’s winning RFP response effort to secure the $32 million San Diego Mesa College Social and Behavioral Science Building. He has risen through the ranks at JWDA at an unprecedented pace by showing outstanding skill and commitment to the highest quality design, construction and client relations. In 2014 he was elevated to Associate Principal of the firm and is currently the youngest Associate Principal in the 40-person firm by nearly two decades. In addition to Geaman’s leadership at JWDA, industry related volunteer leadership has been the trademark of his time in California. In 2012, on behalf of AIA San Diego, Geaman applied for and was awarded a $2,500 Leadership Grant from AIA National and then single-handedly organized the 2012 AIA San Diego Mayoral Candidates Debate that occurred on October 15, 2012. The Debate forced the candidates, Carl DeMaio and Bob Filner to take positions on issues such as long range planning, green building, land use policy, and community group involvement that had not otherwise been addressed in campaign venues and that significantly impact the design and construction industry and community at large. The event strengthened the leadership status of the AIA and architects in general within the community. After serving on various AIASD Committees, Geaman was elected Vice President / President-elect of the AIASD in 2013, and Chapter President in 2014. He also served on the AIACC Board of Directors and the AIACC Planning and Finance Committee from 2013-2015. In short, Matthew Geaman has set high standards for the industry. The highlighted contributions in this submittal are a few of the many examples of his personal engagement in the advancement of the profession and community at large.

Maxine Ward, AIA | 2015

Born and raised in Northern Ireland, Maxine received her architectural education in Edinburgh, Scotland. There, she was awarded a prestigious scholarship, which brought her to the United States as a student and intern architect.

Maxine’s early work with the multi-disciplinary firm Graven Images left a lasting impression in her holistic approach to design, considering all aspects from architecture to interiors to graphics and branding and their collective impact. Through her later work in the realm of affordable housing, Maxine’s architectural philosophy was shaped by the belief that design can make a difference on quality of life and should be accessible to all.

Her diverse background as an architect includes more than 15 years of professional practice with architectural firms in the United States and United Kingdom, in all phases of various public project types, from programming to construction administration, from schools to libraries. With a design philosophy focused on finding value, Maxine endeavors to find thoughtful responses to the needs of the client and user.

As an associate at Studio E Architects, Maxine is an integral part of the firm’s leadership and works in close collaboration with design principals Eric Naslund, FAIA and John Sheehan, AIA. She provides a critical voice in the design and detailing of many of the firm’s significant projects.

Maxine has served as Project Architect on high-profile projects, including multiple charter schools and sizable projects on university campuses in San Diego and Davis. Most notable has been her work with High Tech High Learning, with whom she designed and built three charter schools at two campuses within six years. Her varied body of work with Studio E Architects includes schools, mixed-use, multi-family and high-rise housing and and can be viewed in the attached exhibits.

Maxine has always had a strong commitment towards the architectural community and their impact on the greater community at large. As a graduate in Glasgow, Scotland, she was part of the city-wide, public education initiative of Glasgow 1999, UK City of Architecture and Design. This planted the seed of public engagement and the importance of a public understanding and awareness of architecture and design.

The seed has flourished during her 10-year involvement with the San Diego Architectural Foundation, an independent 501(c)3 non-profit organization, whose mission is to to educate and promote outstanding architecture, planning, and urban design throughout the San Diego region. In her 3 years as President of SDAF, she has developed into a passionate leader and spokesperson for the value of design.