Celebrating Community
The Community Spotlight Series recognizes and uncovers the stories, inspiration, and work behind extraordinary individuals making a positive impact in our shared built environment.
Whether through thought leadership, product innovation, or artistic perspectives, these individuals are relentless advocates of active design thinking and the Center’s role in bringing people together to collaborate, celebrate, and shape our city into a vibrant and equitable place for all.
015: Katy Birnbaum
Katy Birnbaum Founder/CEOInto the Streets SF Where did the idea for Into the Streets/Bhangra & Beats originate? At the end of 2022, it became clear that San Francisco needed an organization who centers community, diversity, and culture to lead innovative...
014: John Quintos
John Quintos OwnerSystème D Cafe by Cento Coffee | Center for Architecture + Design Who or what inspires your aesthetic and direction for your cafes and business?First influences were the teenage sub-culture; music, cafes such as Savoy Tivoli in North Beach,...
013: Stacy Williams
Stacy Williams Executive DirectorAIA San Francisco and the Center for Architecture + Design What are you currently working on?I work with AIA San Francisco and the Center for Architecture + Design Board of Directors on raising funds for our Shape Your City...
012: Amy Ress
Amy Ress Deputy DirectorAIA San Francisco and the Center for Architecture + Design What are you currently working on?I juggle a lot at AIASF from managing operations and finances to working directly with each staff member to help build their professional...
011: Lise de Vito
Lise de Vito| Assoc. AIA Owner, Zack | de Vito Architecture & Head of Strategic Design Partnerships, Northern CA, HenrybuiltZack | de Vito Architecture & Henrybuilt What are you currently working on?Working on a small-scale residential, urban infill...
010: Jessica Lane
Jessica Lane, AIA ArchitectEHDD What are you currently working on? Early stage project definition and programming with the GLIDE foundation as they explore modernization to their services administration facility in the Tenderloin. Who or what has inspired you...
009: Julie Vogel
Julie Vogel President, Principal In ChargeClearstory What are you currently working on?We are currently working on the Data Science and Computation Complex at Stanford University with LMN Architects; the Richards Boulevard State Office Complex with ZGF in...
008: Lisa Boquiren
Lisa Boquiren Brand Strategist + Design & Architecture Aficionada What are you currently working on? I'm working on a variety of projects for clients--from branding and messaging strategy to a press release on dining trends and innovations. And, I have on-going...
007: Kristen DiStefano
Kristen DiStefano, LEED AP BD+C Associate DirectorAtelier Ten What has been your role on the Center for Architecture + Design (the Center) project? Atelier Ten are the environmental design consultants on the project. Starting in the concept design phase we...
006: Roslyn Cole
Roslyn Cole, AIA, LEED AP PrincipalAidlin Darling Design What are you currently working on? I am currently working on a number of innovative projects in the public realm, from the first pan-university building dedicated to the Contemplative Sciences at the...
005: Alex Nichols
Alex Nichols Conceptual Artist and Writer What are you currently working on? I am currently launching a blog highlighting artist processes and perspectives called: ALEX: Perspectives in Present Tense https://alexhnichols.home.blog/ This is an artist’s take. An artist,...