Urban Development & Design

Policy & Planning, Balancing Density & Building Vertical Cities

• 

  Marin Gertler

  With over 20 years of experience spanning architecture, real estate development, and urban placemaking, Gertler brings a holistic design approach to the firm, balancing cultural context with client goals. His career includes significant leadership roles at CREARE Collaborative, IQHQ, and Gensler, where he led transformative projects across California, including award-winning technology and life science campuses, urban mixed-use districts, retail, and hospitality environments. “Carrier Johnson + Culture has a deep legacy of weaving community narratives into design, and I’m excited to help expand that vision,” said Gertler. “My goal is to bring hybrid thinking to every project—combining cultural empathy with technical excellence and always designing with flexibility for the future.” Gertler’s portfolio includes projects such as One Paseo, a mixed-use benchmark in San Diego that has become a resilient model for post-pandemic urban design, and the Research and Development District (RaDD) along San Diego’s waterfront, where his leadership redefined the public realm to attract top-tier retail tenants and foster community connection. At CJ+C, Gertler will serve as a catalyst for cultivating talent, facilitate internal design reviews, and elevate the firm’s external reputation through thought leadership and design intelligence. His approach focuses on fostering bold experimentation, continuous learning, collaboration, and creating inspiring, enduring spaces. “We’re thrilled to welcome Marin to Carrier Johnson + Culture,” said Ray Varela, NCARB, Co-President and Design Principal at CJ+C. “His background bridges architecture and real estate development, which is exactly the kind of leadership we need as we guide our clients through today’s evolving landscape. Marin’s experience in mixed-use, life science, and community-focused design will help us expand the way we think about flexibility, resilience, and long-term value in every project.” Beyond practice, Gertler is an active voice in the industry. He served on the Executive Board of the Downtown San Diego Partnership and has held leadership roles with the Urban Land Institute (ULI). His accolades include the Global ULI 40 Under 40 award, AIA San Diego’s Young Architect of the Year, and Mentor of the Year Honoree recognition from the San Diego Business Journal. Gertler holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). He has also shared his expertise as an adjunct professor at the New School of Architecture and as a lecturer for USD and UCSD’s graduate real estate development programs.

  Carrier Johnson + Culture

  Design Principal & Firmwide Head of Design

  Marin Gertler

  Design Principal & Firmwide Head of Design

  Carrier Johnson + Culture

• 

  Tiffany Dahlen

  Tiffany Dahlen is an Associate Partner at MAD Architects. She is an American-born architect who graduated from the University of Pennsylvania, and joined MAD in 2010. Leading projects and competitions both in China and abroad, she has experience with large scale projects in dense urban conditions that aim to emulate MAD's philosophy of the Shan-Shui city and evoke the emotional connection of humanity to nature. She currently leads several projects in MAD, including Shenzhen Bay Culture Park - the new landmark in Shenzhen. She has worked on a number of MAD’s iconic projects including the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles, Melbourne Southbank competition, Nanjing Zendai Himalayas Center, Chaoyang Park Plaza in Beijing, Huangshan Mountain Village, and Xinhee Design Center in Xiamen. She has also been involved in the realization of several MAD art projects, including: “Moon Landscape” for Swarovski and the “Vertu Mobile Pavilion”.

  MAD Architects

  Associate Partner

  Tiffany Dahlen

  Associate Partner

  MAD Architects

• 

  Michelle Levy

  Senior City Planner, Urban Design Studio

  Los Angeles City Planning

• 

  Joey Shimoda

  Since establishing his own studio, Shimoda Design Group, in 1999, his work has been consistently published and award-winning, and the product thus far indicates even greater promise for the future. Joey earned his bachelor of architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo in 1988. After graduation Joey worked in several notable studios around Los Angeles, including Morphosis, Frank O. Gehry, Marmol + Radziner, Johannes Von Tilburg and Partners, Keating Mann Jernigan Rottet, and DMJM Design. He also spent time in Europe working for Peter Wilson of the Buros von Bolles + Wilson. The Shimoda Design Group has a core staff of six and currently has projects underway in Los Angeles, Dallas, and Phoenix. Joey has taught at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and continues to participate in symposia and student reviews at USC, UCLA, SCI-Arc, Art Center College of Design, and Woodbury University. He is also an appointed Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles Affordable Housing Commission.

  Shimoda Design Group

  Co-Founder

  Joey Shimoda

  Co-Founder

  Shimoda Design Group

• 

  Mark Motonaga

  Mark Motonaga is a Creative Director and Partner at multidisciplinary firm RIOS. His work integrates architecture, landscape architecture, and urban design to create bold, expressive environments rooted in the cultural and environmental context of each site. His approach emphasizes the interconnectedness of built and natural environments, creating designs that resonate with both the environment and the people they serve. A recognized voice in the design community, Mark brings a nuanced, experience-driven approach to projects of all scales—from private residences to transformative urban developments. His leadership is defined by his grasp of creative culture and placemaking that influences the qualities of successful, dimensional, and expressive places. Mark's recent work includes 42XX, the largest constructed mass timber office campus in Los Angeles, located in Marina del Rey; GreenStreet, a dynamic mixed-use redevelopment in downtown Houston; Echo Street West, a 19-acre creative district bridging Atlanta's BeltLine with West Midtown; El Pueblo Masterplan, a comprehensive planning effort for the historic birthplace of Los Angeles; and LA County General Hospital Redevelopment, the adaptive reuse of the landmark 1930s Art Deco building and surrounding West Campus into a mixed-use community.

  RIOS

  Creative Director & Partner

  Mark Motonaga

  Creative Director & Partner

  RIOS

• 

  Ruby Rose

  Ruby Rose is a seasoned building industry professional with 15+ years experience specializing in building science and sustainability. She is a Senior Advisor with Southern California Edison supporting developers and new construction customers. She is a Cal Poly Pomona Alumn with a Bachelor of Architecture. Her experience ranges from working at an architecture firm, general contractor, sustainability consultant and now as a utility employee supporting energy efficiency and decarbonization. Ruby Rose holds several certifications including LEED AP BD+C, Certified Energy Analyst and a Homes Green Rater. She certified over 30 affordable housing developments as LEED or GreenPoint Rated. She continues to support the effort of building sustainable buildings by promoting programs that influence high performing buildings, minimizing the carbon footprint of the built environment. Ruby Rose has served her local and industry communities in a variety of roles including Planning Commissioner, Board member for USGBC LA, California Association of Building Energy Consultant, Building Industry Association - Baldy View Chapter, Professional Women in Building, Latino Professional Alumni Chapter for Cal Poly Pomona and SCE’s Business Resource Groups. She is passionate about serving those around her offering free yoga to her community members to create unity amongst them as well as PTO President.

  Southern California Edison

  Senior Advisor

  Ruby Rose

  Senior Advisor

  Southern California Edison

• 

  Sofia Szabo

  Szabo Studios, Inc. is a full-service visualization and marketing partner for multifamily design and development teams. Led by Sofia Szabo since 2015, the Los Angeles–based agency delivers high-end 3D renderings, animations, interactive leasing tools, and custom marketing solutions that help projects stand out and lease up faster. From concept to completion, Szabo Studios combines cutting-edge visuals with concierge-level service, making it easier for architects, developers, and sales teams to showcase their vision, win approvals, and connect with buyers and tenants before a project breaks ground.

  Szabo Studios, Inc.

  President

  Moderator

  Sofia Szabo

  President

  Szabo Studios, Inc.

Technology & Innovation

Smart Buildings, Integrating AI for Operational Efficiency & Implementing Amenities

• 

  Mia Strazzella

  Design Development Manager

  LaTerra Development

• 

  Anil Singh

  Mr. Singh is the head of Technology overseeing all aspects of information security, infrastructure and network operations, business intelligence, enterprise applications, and cloud-based software development. He is responsible for driving strategic, innovative technology solutions throughout Veritas and its affiliates. Mr. Singh has over 20 years of Technology experience with both public and privately held companies. Prior to joining Veritas, he held key technology leadership roles with investment bank Houlihan Lokey and Asset Management firm Ares Management with $145 billion in Asset Under Management.

  Veritas Investments

  Chief Technology Officer

  Anil Singh

  Chief Technology Officer

  Veritas Investments

• 

  Olin McKenzie

  Design Partner

  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

• 

  Cameron Canepa

  Cameron Canepa, Senior Interior Designer & Business Development Manager for Maybeck Design, is a Southern California native with a passion for design, travel, and storytelling. The San Diego State University, Interior Architecture & Design Alumn, brings a versatile and elevated approach to every project with her strong foundation across residential, multifamily, hospitality, and commercial design, whether it’s local or cross-country, large-scale or intimate. Her work is driven by the belief that thoughtful, detail-rich design leaves a lasting impact. She collaborates closely with clients, artists, and multidisciplinary teams to deliver spaces that are visually compelling, deeply personal, and universally resonant. In addition to her design practice, Cameron hosts a podcast, Beyond The Basics, exploring the intersections of creativity, entrepreneurship, health/wellness, and the business world. Her strong business development acumen and intuitive understanding of client needs have been instrumental in growing her portfolio and building lasting industry relationships.

  Maybeck Design

  Sr Interior Designer, Business Development Manager

  Cameron Canepa

  Sr Interior Designer, Business Development Manager

  Maybeck Design

• 

  Teal Brogden

  As an avid listener, Teal enjoys the refinement that comes with vetting concepts in a collaborative team forum. Just as there is balance inherent in light and shadow, so too comes the balance of art and science, aspiration and pragmatism, in the final solution. Teal’s combined background in the arts and engineering puts her at ease with both the ephemeral and technical challenges inherent in lighting design. Her holistic design perspective has been honed and applied over three decades of industry leadership and iconic project work, making her an invaluable team member that elevates the aspirations of every project she is involved in.

  HLB Lighting Design

  President

  Moderator

  Teal Brogden

  President

  HLB Lighting Design

Built to Last

Innovations in Sustainable & Resilient Design

• 

  Martin Berneman

  Martin is the Construction & Design Officer of Golden Bee Properties, leading the design of the company's development projects from pre-development stages to finishing touches, conducting visits of active construction sites, communicating the company's vision to subcontractors, strategizing the design of unit turnovers, as well as creating and monitoring construction budgets.

  Golden Bee Properties

  Construction & Design Officer

  Martin Berneman

  Construction & Design Officer

  Golden Bee Properties

• 

  Arne Emerson

  Arne Emerson is a Partner at Morphosis with nearly 30 years of experience leading projects across the globe. He believes architecture should connect people, place, and purpose—fusing bold ideas with a deep respect for context and the environment. His work seeks to transform constraints into catalysts for creativity, integrating sustainability, craft, and cultural resonance. Notable projects include the Perot Museum in Dallas, lululemon’s headquarters in Vancouver, the headquarters campus for ENI in Milan, new U.S. Embassies in Beirut and Riyadh, and a multi-building cultural district for The University of Texas at Dallas, including the Crow Museum of Asian Art and a new music and 700 seat performance hall. As an educator, Arne focuses on harnessing research and design to solve urgent urban challenges like housing, social equity, civic life, and disaster resilience.

  Morphosis Architecture

  Partner

  Arne Emerson

  Partner

  Morphosis Architecture

• 

  Ben Feldmann, PLA, LEED AP

  Principal

  Studio-MLA

• 

  John Denman

  John Denman is Managing Partner at Tournesol Siteworks, where he’s spent more than 20 years driving the company’s growth and shaping its reputation as a leader in commercial landscape products across North America. Under his guidance, Tournesol has grown into a nationally recognized brand known for innovation, quality, and design-forward solutions. John is known for his energy, strategic vision, and unwavering dedication to both his clients and colleagues. A natural leader and risk taker, he inspires his team to think big, act boldly, and keep the customer experience at the center of every decision. He’s especially passionate about working alongside designers to bring ambitious, creative concepts to life—often pushing the boundaries to achieve exceptional results. When he’s not working, John is usually moving; from road cycling to mountain biking to hill walking, he’s always up for a challenge and often takes the road less traveled.

  Tournesol Siteworks

  Managing Partner

  John Denman

  Managing Partner

  Tournesol Siteworks

• 

  Tina Hendrix

  Tina Hendrix, Affiliate AIA|LA is a Program Outreach Manager at Willdan, the implementer of the statewide new construction program known as CEDA, the California Energy Design Assistance program. Tina is based in Temecula, CA and her professional background for the past two decades as has been in the commercial lighting industry. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Public Administration with an emphasis in City Planning from San Diego State University.

  Willdan

  Manager

  Tina Hendrix

  Manager

  Willdan

• 

  Ben Stapleton

  A native Angeleno, Ben Stapleton is a recognized sustainability leader, who brings to this position extensive experience and connections across real estate, technology and innovation. He launched and managed the La Kretz Innovation Campus in Downtown Los Angeles, most recently serving as SVP, Operations & Finance for the LA Cleantech Incubator (LACI). The Campus has become an epicenter for sustainability in the region featuring events with prominent local, national and international leaders, while being home to a community of cutting-edge businesses and nonprofits. At LACI, Stapleton led major operational growth, program development, and partnerships to triple revenue for the non-profit. Simultaneously, he helped lead efforts that resulted in the La Kretz Innovation Campus becoming an iconic green building for the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power and the City of Los Angeles, with multiple certifications, as well as pilot projects targeting waste, water, and energy efficiency. Stapleton has also held the positions of Managing Director of the LA Better Buildings Challenge and Vice President & Cleantech Practice Group Lead at JLL. He has served on the boards of LA Bioscience Hub and USGBC-LA. Representing competing schools in Los Angeles, Stapleton holds a MBA from the University of Southern California, Marshall School of Business, and a Bachelors of Arts degree in Economics from the University of California, Los Angeles.

  U.S. Green Building Council, California

  Executive Director

  Moderator

  Ben Stapleton

  Executive Director

  U.S. Green Building Council, California