Michael J. Stepner Receives the Lifetime Achievement Award for Life-Long Career of Dedicated Commitment to the Build Environment

Michael J. Stepner, AIA, receiving the Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award

The American Institute of Architects, San Diego presented Michael J. Stepner, FAIA with the prestigious Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement award, the highest honor that the San Diego Chapter can bestow upon its members. Robert Mosher, the award’s namesake, was a prolific architect with a career that spanned 50 years in San Diego. His work included the San Diego/Coronado Bridge and the Golden Door Spa as well as many homes, commercial buildings, UCSD Campus buildings and art institutions.  The award was presented at the 2024 AIA San Diego Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2024.

After developing a profound appreciation for architecture from his early years growing up in Chicago, Mr. Stepner has shared and expanded his dedication to the profession here in San Diego for over five decades.  He is a licensed architect, certified urban planner, and consummate educator. 

Mr. Stepner started out at the City of San Diego Planning Department where he was on a team with Bruce Appleyard and Kevin Lynch to help develop the foundational planning document for the San Diego region, Temporary Paradise. He went on to become the City of San Diego’s City Architect and then on to Assistant Planning Director. During his tenure he worked on many significant projects including the transformation of Naval Training Center into Liberty Station and the Downtown San Diego Centre City Community Plan.

After 27 years at the City of San Diego Mr. Stepner started his own consulting firm. From there he took on his most influential position of his career as the Dean for the New School of Architecture and Design. Mr. Stepner also has taught at all the major educational institutions in San Diego including UCSD, USD and SDSU. 

He has received dozens of awards over the years including the Lambda Alpha Society’s Crystal Globe Award and Thurgood Marshall Award for Community Leadership. His leadership, perseverance, and vision has led to several monikers including: Godfather of the Gaslamp, Mr. Planning, City Planning Philosopher, and the 9th Wonder of San Diego by several local newspaper columnists.

Mr. Stepner has always encouraged architects to get involved in their communities on issues that impact design and the urban experience. Over the years he has volunteered for many organizations including the Urban Land Institute, the Federal Department of General Services Administration’s Design Excellent Program, and the AIA’s Regional Design Advisory Council. His longest-serving volunteer work has been dedicated to Balboa Park. 

He has served on the Balboa Park Committee, the Committee of 100 and on the Park and Recreation Board. He is currently serving on the Balboa Park Design Review Exploratory Committee and is Chairman of the Balboa Park/San Diego High School Connections Working Group.

Jamie Intervalo, AIA, President of AIA San Diego Board of Directors noted, “Mr. Stepner’s role in large-scale urban projects, decades of teaching and inspiring young minds, and his continued volunteering engagements on issues critically important to our region, are an important part of San Diego’s planning, design and development history. It’s as if the Robert Mosher Lifetime Achievement Award was particularly designed for him.”

Julio Medina Honored as AIA San Diego’s Young Architect of the Year

Julio Medina, AIA (left) with Life Time Committee Chair Laura DuCharme Conboy, AIA (right)

 The American Institute of Architects, San Diego presented Julio Medina, AIA, with the Young Architect of the Year Award during the 2024 AIA San Diego Awards Ceremony on November 13, 2024. This prestigious award recognizes an emerging architect whose contributions to the field and community demonstrate exceptional promise and impact.

A San Diego native, Julio was inspired to pursue architecture by his experiences growing up in Barrio Logan, where he developed a passion for creating community-centered spaces. After earning his Bachelor of Architecture degree from NewSchool of Architecture & Design in 2015, Julio joined SILLMAN Architects, where he has played an instrumental role in shaping the firm’s core values of “Making a Difference Together.”

Julio has distinguished himself as a leader on impactful projects such as the Santa Ysabel Nature Center, Ramona Community Resource Center, and the historic renovation of the County Administration Center, which earned him a Recognition for Leadership Award from the County of San Diego. His dedication to community-focused design and sustainability has made him a trusted partner for public agencies across the region.

In addition to his professional achievements, Julio is committed to fostering the next generation of architects. Through his involvement with the ACE Mentor Program, volunteer work at his alma mater San Diego High School, and teaching roles at NewSchool, Julio has inspired students and colleagues alike to pursue meaningful careers in architecture.

Jamie Intervalo, AIA, President of AIA San Diego Board of Directors presented the awards that evening and noted that this award recognizes an architects significant contributions early in their career, laying the groundwork for what lies ahead.

In Memoriam: Robert K. Burkett, S.E., Founding Partner of BWE (1936 - 2024)

Robert K. Burkett, S.E., Founding Partner of BWE  (1936 - 2024)

It is with great sadness that we announce the passing of Robert “Bob” Burkett, the  founding member of Burkett Engineers (now BWE). 

“Adequately describing Bob is challenging,” reflects Mark Batten, Principal at BWE, who worked  alongside Bob for decades. “The first words that come to mind are polymath and doyen.” Bob’s  contributions spanned over five decades, shaping the future of engineering and inspiring countless  individuals along the way. 

After graduating from UC Berkeley, Bob began his career with CALTRANS before joining A.J. Blaylock  & Associates in San Diego, CA. In 1971, he established Burkett Engineers, which later became Burkett  & Wong Engineers in partnership with Frank Wong, and has since evolved into BWE. Bob certainly had an eye for engineering and business talent, and surrounded himself with first-rate partners including Timothy Yeun, Steve Wong, Keith Mountain, Poy Low and others. His vision of establishing a company  that would succeed in the long term included guiding principles that, at the time, were quite novel but  have become standard practice in many firms, such that now BWE is operating on its fourth generation  of ownership. 

Bob was a respected Fellow of the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) and Structural  Engineers Association of California (SEAOC). He also served as President of the Structural Engineers  Association of San Diego (SEAOSD) from 1979 to 1980, and of SEAOC from 1984 to 1985.  

Engineering and business did not fully capture Bob’s efforts and interests. Bob was actively committed  to his three children and was not shy about bragging with regards to their accomplishments. His  community involvement was equally enthusiastic, with over 20 years of service on the Board of  Directors for the Boys and Girls Club of San Diego, actively participating on their Endowment and  Scholarship Committees, as well as serving as past President for the Clairemont Hills Kiwanis Club, and his involvement with the San Diego Automobile Museum, the San Diego Yacht Club, and Boy  Scouts of America. 

Known for his unique vigor and keen intellect, Bob engaged in discussions on a wide array of topics— from politics and economics to sports and theology. Being the force that he was, Bob’s tenacious spirit  and zest for life were evident in his passions for power boating and exotic cars. He was generous with his belief in the abilities of others and invested in their success and shared his blessings and  experiences liberally. 

“Bob was always there for me throughout my time at BWE, from my early days in the office to my  transition to Presidency,” said Charlie Colvin, President of BWE. “His conversations would take you  through engineering and politics to environmental concerns and finally, cars! Bob lived life to the fullest,  and he truly cared about BWE and the people who work here. I will never forget him.” 

As we reflect on Bob’s remarkable life and legacy, we celebrate the values he championed—integrity,  innovation, and community engagement. For BWE and many others, a significant page has been  turned, but one that will always be worth remembering and honoring. 

For further information, please contact:  

Charlie Colvin, SE, BWE, Inc. 

(619) 299-5550 | ccolvin@bwesd.com 

www.bwesd.com 

About BWE, Inc.: For 53 years, BWE has provided Structural Engineering, Civil Engineering, and Land Surveying services on  construction projects throughout San Diego, the Southwest, and beyond. The firm’s engineers have built a reputation for  excellence in design and service by fulfilling our self-imposed mandate to exceed the expectations of our clients and  colleagues. BWE supports the career development of its employees through mentoring, training, licensure fees, professional  association dues, among other means. For more information about BWE, please visit www.bwesd.com.

Introducing our 2024 WE-A Chair

Introducing our newly appointed WEA Chair,  Lina Asad is an experienced architect with a wealth of international experience in Architectural Design. Her portfolio includes contributions to the Downtown San Diego skyline, as well as educational facilities and numerous sustainable buildings.  With expertise spanning across diverse building types, from commercial to residential and everything in between, as well as her international experience, Lina brings a unique perspective to the table. Join us in welcoming Lina as she leads our efforts in empowering, cultivating, and celebrating the contributions of ALL in the AEC community.