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.
019: Nicole Paiement
Nicole Paiement Artistic Director & ConductorOpera Parallèle Where did the idea for Opera Parallèle originate? Opera Parallèle was founded in 2010, first as “Ensemble Parallèle” to create space for contemporary opera in the performing arts landscape and...
018: Quinlin Messenger
Quinlin Messenger Director/ FounderJUST Design Where did the idea for JUST design originate? The roots of JUST Design trace through multi-racial heritage and profound dialogues with elders. Quinlin Messenger, founder and director, draws inspiration from his...
017: Sameena Sitabkhan
Sameena Sitabkhan Undergraduate Assistant DirectorAcademy of Art University How has your work as a mentor evolved? What I love most about teaching is working together with the next generation of architects. Through my work as licensing advisor, AIAS advisor and...
016: Dion-Jay (“DJ”) Brookter
Dion-Jay ("DJ") Brookter Chief Executive OfficerYoung Community Developers (YCD) What does your work as a mentor look like these days? As the CEO of YCD, my role as a mentor embodies several key principles that are fundamental to my approach in guiding,...
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...