We believe every great project starts with a GREAT STORY . It’s about creatively merging PEOPLE and PLACE to an AUTHENTIC EXPERIENCE that expresses LOCAL CHARACTER, CULTURE, and HISTORY .
FIRM OVERVIEW
REGIONAL EXPERIENCE
MEET OUR TEAM
RELEVANT EXPERIENCE
Founded in 1906, AC Martin is one of California’s oldest and most influential architecture firms, with a continuous design legacy spanning more than four generations.
From shaping Los Angeles’ skyline to redefining the built environment across California and beyond, our work is a testament to innovation, resilience, and design excellence.
At AC Martin, we believe that architecture is more than buildings—rather, it’s creating spaces that inspire connection, foster innovation, and enhance the communities they serve. Guided by a mission to push the boundaries of design, AC Martin has pioneered groundbreaking technologies and critical thought leadership in the industry as we embrace cutting-edge technology, sustainable strategies, and research-driven solutions to deliver projects that are both visionary and enduring.
As stewards of our profession, our city, and the built environment, we see stewardship as both our legacy and our responsibility. This commitment drives us to shape the future with integrity, inclusivity, and care for the communities we serve.
By prioritizing user needs, market performance, and urban vitality, we create responsive, impactful design that meets today’s demands while leaving a lasting, positive imprint for future generations to come.
AC Martin thrives in cross-disciplinary collaboration, bringing together experts across diverse markets to deliver thoughtful, innovative solutions for our clients. With deep expertise spanning eight in-house studios, Civic and Institutional, Commercial and Industrial, Higher Education, Hospitality, K-14, Multi-Family Residential, Planning and Research, and Special Services, our team approaches each project with a holistic perspective. This breadth of knowledge allows us to anticipate challenges, integrate best practices, and apply insights from one studio to another—ensuring that every design is not only functional and forward-thinking but also tailored to the unique needs of its users and community. From shaping academic environments and research facilities to high-rise developments, master-planned communities, and government buildings, our work is rooted in a commitment to creating spaces that serve, inspire, and endure.
At AC Martin, our people are the foundation of our legacy and success. With offices in Los Angeles, San Diego, the San Francisco Bay Area, and Sacramento, our team of over 130 professionals brings together diverse expertise from backgrounds in architecture, construction, real estate development, entertainment, Fortune 500 companies, and beyond. Our architects, planners, interior designers, and specialists combine strong educational and professional experiences with a shared passion for creating meaningful, enduring design. By building upon our individual strengths and fostering both personal and professional growth, we strengthen our collective impact.
Innovation thrives within our firm, fueled by hands-on leadership and an open exchange of ideas at every level. Our collaborative culture allows us to push boundaries, refine our methods, and remain agile in response to the evolving needs of each market we serve. Recognized as industry leaders, we are at the forefront of design-build innovation, with eight certified DBIA members and over 30 completed design-build projects. Through active participation in industry panels, conferences, and thought leadership initiatives, we remain engaged with emerging trends, continuously learning and evolving alongside our peers.
Beyond our projects, AC Martin is committed to social responsibility and fostering a culture of inclusivity. As recipients of the Los Angeles Business Journal Disruptors – Social Responsibility Award, we take pride in our efforts to create positive change both within our firm and in the communities we serve. Through our in-house Employee Resource Groups (ERGs), we champion sustainability, equity-focused design, company culture, and mentorship programs that support the next generation of architects and designers.
We believe that architecture reflects culture and community—spaces should not only serve but also uplift. Through our equity-based design approach, we actively engage with user groups and community members, ensuring that the voices of those often-unheard shape the environments we create. By listening, integrating feedback, and prioritizing inclusivity, we design spaces that remove barriers, foster opportunity, and enhance well-being.
As a firm deeply rooted in Los Angeles, we proudly support the city’s initiatives to promote local, small, and diverse businesses, consistently striving to exceed participation goals. Our mission is to create environments that positively impact lives, ensuring that our work reflects the richness of the communities we serve. Through socially responsible, equity-driven design, AC Martin continues to shape a more inclusive and forwardthinking built environment.
At the forefront of our residential studio’s practice is our technical strength to execute complex projects often with very challenging site conditions or zoning constraints.
AC Martin has designed and built over 60,000 residential units across the Western United States, establishing a reputation as a leader in the residential and mixed-use markets. With a dedicated team spread across four offices, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually improve design and construction techniques, creating high-performance residential buildings that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
The origin of AC Martin’s Residential Studio traces back to 1975, when Togawa & Smith Architects (TSM) was founded in Santa Monica, California. Recognizing the need for a savvy, developer-centric, institutional-class multifamily architectural practice in Southern California, founding principals Tim Smith and Glenn Togawa established the firm to deliver smart, cost-sensitive, highquality mixed-use design. Their approach emphasizes technical precision, robust detailing, and well-coordinated execution. Their reputation for technical excellence and deep understanding of construction quickly earned them a loyal client base, allowing the firm to expand and solidify its presence in the Los Angeles multifamily market.
After more than 30 years of recognition and success, Glenn and Tim joined forces with longtime friend Chris Martin of AC Martin in 2005, merging their collective expertise under one firm. Having raised their families in the same tight-knit community, the partnership was a natural evolution, blending TSM’s residential mastery with AC Martin’s century-long legacy of impactful design.
At the forefront of AC Martin’s Residential Studio is an unparalleled technical expertise that allows us to execute complex projects with precision—often overcoming challenging site conditions, complex program objectives, zoning restrictions, and evolving regulatory landscapes.
Our deep technical knowledge is supported by a team of specialists spread across four offices, each bringing decades of experience in residential and mixed-use development. This expertise allows us to continually refine design and construction techniques, integrating advancements that enhance design ideas, building performance, marketability, and livability.
AC Martin has earned a reputation as a trusted partner in the residential sector, reflected in our longstanding relationships with some of the nation’s most respected developers, including AvalonBay, Holland Partner Group, Mill Creek Residential, Trammell Crow Company, and Cityview. These industry leaders not only develop best-inclass multifamily assets but also serve as their own general contractors and property managers, ensuring long-term stewardship of their investments.
Their continued partnership with AC Martin is the highest compliment, as they return to us time and again for our ability to deliver design-forward solutions that balance innovation with cost efficiency, all while successfully executing projects across multiple geographic markets.
60K
Residential Units
Designed & Built
17 Projects in SoCal that are
20+ Stories
As a fully integrated firm, AC Martin’s Residential Studio continues to serve both private and nonprofit developers across California, providing innovative design and technical expertise that shape vibrant, resilient communities. Through collaboration, thoughtful planning, and forward-thinking execution, we remain at the forefront of shaping the future of housing.
Multifamily housing has been at the core of our practice since the beginning, driving many of the industry’s most significant advancements. Our pioneering role in the development of the Type III wood-over-concrete podium building, now a standard across California, exemplifies how AC Martin has continually pushed the boundaries of design and construction to benefit our clients, communities, and the industry at large. This spirit of innovation, combined with a refined, narrative-based design approach and hands-on leadership, ensures that every project delivers lasting value. Guided by decades of lessons learned, we remain committed to shaping environments that are financially sound, culturally authentic, and deeply connected to the people who experience them.
2017 Wilshire Grand is the first high-rise in LA to forego helipad requirement
We successfully negotiated a complex fire/life safety code modification with e City of LA, making Wilshire Grand the first high-rise in LA allowed to forego the rooftop helipad requirements.
Metropolis is the first 7-story wrap project in the City of Irvine + Orange County Fire Department.
2017
2015 Wren is the first triple podium project in LA
Blossom Plaza is the first Type III with a double podium, 5-level wood framing project in the City of LA
Centria is the first fivestory wrap project in the country.
Hope Village is the first residential stoop units (under podium) in California
1996
2009
Lotus Graden is the first mechanical car lift system in a residential project in the City of LA.
Union Square is the first seven-level type III building in San Diego
1999
Casa Heiwa is the first type III, five-story wood building in California
At AC Martin, we believe that architecture is not just about creating buildings—it’s about creating communities.
AC Martin has designed and built over 60,000 units across the Western United States, establishing a reputation as a leader in the residential and mixed-use markets. With a dedicated team spread across four offices, we bring a wealth of knowledge and experience to every project. Our commitment to innovation drives us to continually improve design and construction techniques, creating high-performance residential buildings that push the boundaries of what’s possible.
As one of the oldest operating firm in Southern California, we’ve seen our communities grow and change over the past 120 years in business. Our mission is to design spaces that endure and enrich lives, which is why we are particularly committed to addressing California’s affordable housing crisis.
Our Managing Principal, Gilbert Rocca, is the leader of our team which combines technical expertise, design excellence, and a mission-driven approach to deliver impactful projects. Our passion for affordable housing is rooted in the belief that everyone, regardless of income, deserves a place to call home.
We don't just build affordable housing—we elevate it. Our projects are designed with the same attention to detail, quality, and sustainability as any high-end development. We use durable materials, integrate natural light, and focus on creating vibrant communal spaces that foster connection and well-being. Whether it’s a senior housing community, a mixed-use development, or a family residence, we ensure that our affordable housing projects offer a sense of dignity, pride, and place.
4,200+
• Long-Term Partnerships: We've worked with leading developers to build over 4,200 affordable units across California, our collaborative approach helps us build trust and strengthen partnerships contributing to greater efficiencies and long-term success for our clients. We’ve built lasting relationships with top developers like Avalon Bay Communities, Holland Partner Group, Mill Creek Residential, and CityView, and are proud to be trusted partners in delivering projects across diverse markets.
• Social & Economic Mobility: Studies done by Harvard’s Opportunity Insights project show that children who grow up in affordable housing in wealthier areas have higher earnings later in life. By designing housing in these communities, we help break cycles of poverty and create opportunities for future generations.
• Inclusive Design: We believe affordable housing should not stand apart but be part of the broader fabric of the community. Our designs integrate seamlessly with the surrounding architecture, enhancing neighborhoods rather than disrupting them.
• Active Advocacy & Industry Involvement: We’re proud to be involved in organizations like SCANPH, ULI, and AIA, which keep us connected to market trends and give us the opportunity to help shape solutions for one of the most pressing issues of our time.
At AC Martin, we are driven by a vision of inclusive communities where everyone has access to a safe, beautiful, and affordable home. Our work in affordable housing is more than just a commitment—it’s a passion, and we’re dedicated to being part of the solution for California’s housing future.
• Housing Crisis in California: With over 161,000 homeless residents, California accounts for nearly 30% of the U.S. homeless population. We believe architecture can play a crucial role in solving this crisis.
• Wealth Inequality: Many of California’s wealthiest areas have a shortage of affordable housing, leaving essential workers, seniors, and families struggling to live near their jobs or in communities where they grew up.
• Environmental Sustainability: Affordable housing can lead the way in sustainable design, proving that energy-efficient, highquality buildings are not only for luxury developments.
At AC Martin, we see every project as a shared effort between clients, consultants, civic leaders, and the community itself. We begin by listening—because lasting design solutions come from understanding many voices and finding consensus. This approach allows us to balance client objectives with community priorities, while staying ahead of emerging trends and technologies. It’s why our partners trust us not just as architects, but as collaborators invested in every project’s success.
Our approach to project delivery is grounded in hands-on leadership and clear communication. With strong principal involvement at every stage, we take the time to understand vision, economics, and schedule before building a strategy for execution. This high-touch process sets us apart, ensuring each project is managed with precision and aligned with the goals of all stakeholders from start to finish.
We are proud to help shape California’s most vibrant communities through a diverse residential portfolio that spans towers, podiums, wrap buildings, and garden-style housing. Our pioneering role in the podium building type remains a touchstone for the industry, yet our work continues to evolve—sensitive to context, responsive to community character, and focused on creating long-term value for clients and residents alike. From landmark urban developments to neighborhood-scale projects, our designs aim to enrich everyday life and strengthen the fabric of the places we serve.
AC Martin’s involvement in modular projects and unique construction techniques is varied and vast. This experience includes traditional volumetric modular units constructed off-site and brought to the site, to prefabricated building components of all size. Additionally, our design teams are knowledgeable on the nuances of designing projects intended to be built using modular techniques, including ‘baking’ into the design the ability for any project to have the capacity to utilize modular construction. Designing the project to be ‘modularfriendly’ provides maximum flexibility to our clients through their due diligence. Recent experience includes working alongside Katerra on a very large affordable housing project called Mission Gateway; and three projects in Playa del Rey and Marina del Rey area with Legado Communities; as well designing and constructing Dumosa Senior Village in Yucca Valley with National CORE.
Mission Gateway
Katerra/Meta Housing | Los Angeles, CA
AC Martin originally started working on this project with a prior owner. At that time the project was designed assuming to be built as a modular project with Katerra. ACM was retained by Katerra to be the architect and utilize their systems, modules, and kit-of-parts for the project. Soon after Katerra imploded, the project was sold to Meta Housing the project was re-designed and built as an Affordable Housing project.
Dumosa Senior Village
National Community Renaissance | Yucca Valley, CA
The LEED Gold certified Dumosa Senior Village project provides the rural town of Yucca Valley in San Bernardino County 751-bedroom units of much needed affordable senior housing.
Offsite modular project delivery was selected due to the project’s remote location and limited access to skilled trades for traditional site-built construction.
Early team collaboration focused on achieving time and construction waste savings through the standardization of stacking unit cores, corridors, and utility distribution routed to a single point of connection on-site.
Wilshire Grand Hanjin Intl. Corp. | Los Angeles, CA
AC Martin was the Architect in collaboration with SurePods to design and develop 698 factory built, fully furnished bathrooms that would arrive onsite during interior construction. Each bathroom remained locked once onsite as the remainder of interior construction took place, and once ready required minimal mechanical, electrical, and plumbing connections once onsite in Madera, California.
Pod fabrication began in the factory at the same time concrete was being poured for the building’s foundations.
This method of modular restroom installation allowed for an expedited schedule for the overall project that meant the project was able to maintain overall completion date.
AC Martin has designed numerous mixed-use projects that creatively merge place, people and experience to redefine innovative environments and serve as vibrant social hubs throughout Southern California. In many cities today, the demand for live-work-play communities is rising. A prospective tenant’s ideal living situation is no longer limited to a residential unit. One centralized location that provides residential units, office/work spaces, amenities, open spaces, commercial/retail and additional components continues to increase in popularity. Additionally, the desire to see an environment that thoughtfully responds to its surrounding neighborhood context as well as cultural elements has been recognized as one of the key factors of a successful mixed-use project.
Our mixed-use portfolio consists of a wide range of projects in scales, complexities and uses. Through thoughtful and collaborative team effort, the firm has demonstrated our design and technical excellence while providing many added values to our developer clients. We strive to create a more engaging and healthy communities for the future generations to come.
With the urban lifestyle demands evolving at such a rapid pace, high density mixed-use projects are widely accepted as an essential component to the urban fabric of any neighborhood. An enriched urban respite that enhances and invigorates the population is now more than ever highly desired. Compounding market pressures and the increasing construction cost have proven the task of responding to this demand somewhat challenging. We have approached these complex projects in an intelligent manner – focusing on project efficiency, designing to a budget and maximizing the value offered through appropriately sized common areas, smart living spaces and unit configurations as well as bringing the outdoors in as a way to deliver flexible spaces which can evolve with the user’s needs. Moreover, operations and security play essential roles as the contemporary urban project becomes more complex and adaptable.
We are very proud of our rich history working with some of the nation’s most respected institutional-class multifamily/mixed-use private developers. For the past ten years, AC Martin’s Residential Studio has averaged over 1,000 units a year of delivering high-performing multifamily projects. With this experience and the everchanging demands of multifamily market sector, we are well aware of market conditions and user preferences. We fully understand and appreciate the competitiveness of the market and the importance of attracting a certain renter-profile in order maximize the return on cost. The ability to curate an amenity experience and perspective tenant lease-walk processing is paramount to creating a world-class commercial asset that outperforms the competition.
Within our design approach, our Studio pays particular attention to the aspects of each project in order to achieve the following desired results: lease walk procession, amenities that are unique and flexible to enhance tenants’ needs, and smart units that serve as an urban respite and sanctuary for the residents to maintain their live/work lifestyle.
Collaborating with many of our design partners, including landscape, lighting, branding and interiors, we seek to create positive synergies and truly work together as a collective team to achieve the project’s success. Our team is known in the marketplace as approaching each project collaboration devoid of ego and welcomes good ideas from all angles.
Best Places to Work | Los Angeles Business Journal, 2024
Disruptors Award for Social Responsibility | Los Angeles Business Journal, 2024, 2025
Commuity Oriented Project, Together California, A Village for Brothers & Sisters | NOMA | SoCal Design Awards, 2025
Gold Award, Multifamily, AVA Arts District | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2025
Bronze Award, Community Impact, Las Dahlias | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2025
Best Affrodable 55+ Community, Citrus Crossing | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2025
Multifamily - Silver Award, Belle on Bev | LABJ | Commercial Real Estate Awards, 2024
Merit Award, West Edge | Westside Urban Forum, Design Awards, 2024
Merit Award, AVA Arts District | Westside Urban Forum, Design Awards, 2024
Multifamily Residential Award, AVA Arts District | SCDF, Design + Philanthropy Awards, 2024
Mixed-Use Community of the Year, West Edge | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2024
Judges Special Award of Excellence -
Best Supportive/Transitional Housing, Together California, A Village for Brothers & Sisters | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2024
Mixed-Use Project, High Rise, AVEN | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2020
Best Recreational Use Facility/Amenity, Oceanaire | PCBC, Gold Nugget Awards, 2020
• Headquarters/Office Location in Los Angeles
• A Team of 100+ Architects, Designer, Engineers and Specialists
• Completed over 40,000 units in Southern California
• Designed and Completed work in City and County of Los Angeles
Based on new construction permits issued by the City of Los Angeles in 2017, AC Martin’s Residential Studio (legacy TSM) ranked third among all architects with $187 million in construction valuation and 1.9 million SF as reported by TheRealDeal.com. In 2016, when Downtown Los Angeles witnessed more than 12,500 residential units under construction, and our projects alone accounted for over 2,500 of those new units. Over the past four decades in Los Angeles, we are proud to have been at the forefront of advancing the science of the residential building sector.
We continue to be a prominent force in the field of multifamily residential and mixed-use architectural design. Having many of the nation’s renowned developers and public housing agencies among its clients, our Studio has designed over 60,000 units throughout California. With legacy TSM’s and AC Martin’s combined expertise and resources, we have designed many award-winning multifamily and mixed-use projects.
AC Martin enjoys a long-standing relationship with the City and County of Los Angeles, having delivered some of the region’s landmark projects, such as the Los Angeles Department of Water and Power (LADWP) John Ferraro Headquarters Building, Los Angeles City Hall, the LAPD Hollenbeck Replacement Police Station, the Los Angeles County Hall of Justice Repair Project, more recently high-rises in Downtown Los Angeles – Wilshire Grand and AVEN.
In addition to having entitled over 100 projects through the City of Los Angeles Planning Department, and processing over 100 building permits (over 8 million SF in the past 20 years alone) through the City of Los Angeles Building Department, AC Martin was on the advisory committee to help implement the parallel plan check process for the Building Department.
Additionally, AC Martin has worked closely with the Building Department and the Los Angeles Fire Department to implement innovative new ways to improve fire-life safety measures for the Wilshire Grand project, which ultimately led to the approval of a non-flat roof on the 73-story high rise.
Regulatory Agencies that AC Martin has successfully worked with include:
• Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety
• Los Angeles City Planning Department
• Los Angeles Fire Department
• Los Angeles Bureau of Engineering
• Los Angeles Bureau of Street Services
• County of Los Angeles Department of Health
• Los Angeles Police Department
• Los Angeles Department of Water and Power
• Metropolitan Transportation Agency
• Los Angeles Department of Transportation
• Los Angeles Department of Cultural Affairs/ Cultural Heritage
• Completed over 40,000 units in Southern California
• Currently designing and have completed work in various Orange County cities, including Irvine, Orange, Santa Ana, Mission Viejo, and Costa Mesa.
• Actively pursuing work in various market sectors: affordable housing, market rate housing, student housing, office, commercial, mixed-use, higher education and civic/government
AC Martin has been part of Orange County’s growing multifamily and mixed-use market for the past decade, having designed projects such as Metropolis and Elements in Irvine, One Metro West in Costa Mesa, and several mixed-use projects in Santa Ana.
Combined with AC Martin’s experience in higher education, student housing, civic/government, and commercial, we continue to contribute to the architecture scene of Orange County.
• Local Team Based in San Diego with Extensive Local Experience
• Completed Over 12,000 units in San Diego in the last 25-years
• Designed the First 5 over 1 Type III Podium Building in San Diego (Union Square)
• Active Projects in La Jolla, Mission Valley, North Park, Mission Hills, Bankers Hill, Downtown, Hillcrest and Chula Vista
• Expanded Experience in San Diego Including Higher Education, Market-Rate, Affordable Housing, Student Housing and Mixed-Use
We have designed over 10,000 units in San Diego. Our project experience in the region includes Ollie at North Park, Hazard Center, Lux UTC, La Jolla Crossroads, Casa Mira View, Heritage, Union Square at Broadway, to name a few. In addition to our San Diego residential/mixeduse projects, AC Martin has been steadily expanding our footprint in other market sectors in the region such as higher education, K-14, commercial, hospitality, and industrial as well.
Some of our staff have many years of experience working in the San Diego region, including Matthew Cobo, Sami Khoury, David Gonzalez, and Patrick Sin. They have contributed to the local architectural scene for many decades and are familiar with San Diego’s plan check and permitting processes. Having lived and worked in San Diego for over a decade, Project Director, Sami Khoury brings his familiarity with the region and site context as well his experience working with the local jurisdictions. Similarly, David Gonzalez, the Design Director, has designed and completed a substantial amount of awardwinning design work and was an integral part of the San Diego design communities for many years. Our Project Manager/Associate Principal Patrick Sin has diligently worked with several San Diego private developers and has led them to project success by closely coordinating with local consultant teams and applying his experience working with local jurisdictions.
• Studio Leadership Located/Based in Bay Area
• Office Locations in Pleasanton & Sacramento
• A Team of 40 Architects, Designer and Specialists
• Designed and Completed work in 24 Northern California Cities,
• including San Francisco, Dublin, San Jose, Fremont, Hayward, Pleasanton, Sacramento, Oakland, etc.
• Active Projects in East Bay Area, Oakland, Downtown Sacramento, and Central Valley
Our Northern California offices are located in Pleasanton and Roseville. Collectively, we have been practicing architecture and engineering in the Northern California area for over 30 years on a variety of different projects, ranging from residential/mixed-use and civic/government projects to K-14 and higher education projects in various Northern California cities and counties. The local jurisdictions we have worked with include but are not
limited to Oakland, San Francisco, Sonoma, Sacramento, San Jose, Stockton, Modesto, Berkeley, Roseville, Milpitas, Pleasanton, to name a few.
Our clients have benefited from the breadth of experience and expertise from the leaders of the Northern California offices. Their extensive experience working with the local jurisdictions and familiarity with the sites allow them to analyze how to best address clients’ needs and create design visions that thoughtfully address site context, cultural environment, and user experience.
Recent residential/mixed-use projects include Oakland Waterfront Parcel J, a dynamic mixed-use project that takes advantage of the great view of Oakland waterfront, and also Newpark Phase II, a large-scale mixed-use redevelopment in Newark that repositions a mall. Additionally, the DGS New Natural Resources Building is approaching construction completion.
• Active in IE for more than 25 years
• Completed over 10,000 units in IE
• Currently Active Projects in Pomona, Fontana, El Monte, Montclair
• Recent projects include Affordable, Market Rate, Mall Redevelopment,
• Infill and Large Site Master Planning
The AC Martin residential studio has worked on various low density projects in the Inland Empire for more than 30 years. Projects include affordable housing, and two to three story walkup buildings. As hard costs are rising,
and with an increase of people working from home in this post Covid era, many developers that we work with are seeing a demand for housing in less urban areas such as the Inland Empire. Residents are attracted to these areas is they can have a larger unit, extra office space and more outdoor space. AC Martin has been engaged in many high end apartment projects in locations such as Pomona and Fontana as a result of this trend.
Hugo Suarez
Studio Principal
Hugo brings over 45 years of experience leading multifamily and affordable housing projects across California, Arizona, Texas, and Hawaii. He has guided the design and delivery of complex residential developments, navigating funding programs, building codes, and community priorities with expertise and care. Known for his deep understanding of supportive services and essential amenities, Hugo takes a thoughtful, people-centered approach to housing. Passionate about addressing California’s homelessness challenges, he is committed to creating enduring, inclusive communities that improve quality of life for all residents.
Jeff Mertzel
Associate Principal / Design Director
Jeff oversees and is involved in each project from the conceptual design phase through construction. His vast design experience includes multi-family, mixed-use, hospitality and affordable housing. He is interested in design that explores innovative unit plan and new residential building prototypes to maximize densities, in addition to challenging infill housing sites. Jeff has an exceptional ability to work with various city jurisdictions for project approvals. His talent for creating design visions that balance both client needs and capturing the spirit of place is well recognized.
Gilbert Rocca Managing Principal
Gilbert brings over 30 years of experience shaping communities through thoughtful, impactful design. His work spans multifamily, mixed-use, and affordable housing projects—from 60-unit housing for homeless veterans to luxury urban high-rises and large-scale mixed-use developments. Gilbert’s collaborative approach and engagement with communities ensure that each project responds to the needs and aspirations of its residents. Known for his ability to translate complex challenges into clear, elegant solutions, he leads teams with a focus on design integrity, technical excellence, and lasting community value.
Abhijeet
Mankar Studio Principal
Abhijeet brings over 30 years of leadership across the public and private sectors, with a focus on multifamily residential, mixeduse, commercial, and high-rise developments. As Principal, he combines strategic insight with a hands-on approach, guiding teams and clients toward thoughtful, successful outcomes. Known for his ability to balance the big-picture with technical precision, Abhijeet plays a key role in shaping project strategy, marketing, and client relationships. His collaborative leadership style and commitment to excellence have earned him the trust of long-term clients and colleagues alike.
Janet Cheng
Associate Principal / Project Director
Janet brings over 20 years of experience in the design and management of multifamily, mixed-use, affordable housing, hospitality, and commercial projects. As Project Director and leader of the firm’s Northern California office, she guides teams and clients with clarity and collaboration. Building on deep roots in Los Angeles, Janet brings her expertise to the Bay Area, where she continues to strengthen client relationships and expand the firm’s presence. Known for her balanced approach to design and delivery, she ensures each project meets both client goals and community needs.
Sami Khoury Principal
Sami is a Principal and leader of the San Diego Office. With a master’s in design studies from Harvard and a Bachelor of Architecture from USC, he brings over 20 years of experience in both architecture and real estate development. Known for his strategic insight and organizational leadership, Sami excels in planning, budgeting, forecasting, and contract administration. A champion of innovation, he integrates emerging technologies into our practice, and his knowledge of design, finance, and construction enables him to guide projects that are both visionary and technically sound.
Lesther brings over 20 years of experience delivering multifamily, affordable housing, and mixed-use projects of varying scales and complexity. As Technical Director, he oversees projects for the duration, ensuring technical excellence and smooth execution. Known for his collaborative leadership and attention to detail, Lesther works closely with clients, consultants, and contractors to bring challenging projects to life. A key contributor to many of the firm’s notable developments including West Edge, AVA Hollywood, and Ybarra Village, he strengthens the firm’s reputation for quality and reliability.
David Gonzalez
Associate Principal / Design Director
With over 30 years of industry experience, David has designed a series of award-winning projects across Southern California, ranging from mixed-use, residential podium and high-rise to office buildings and academic facilities. He has been responsible for overseeing and guiding various design teams from project conception through the schematic and design development phases. With his simple yet thoughtful approach, David seeks to create building designs that tell a strong story through cultural, pragmatic, sustainable and innovative lenses.
Peterson Principal
Kyle brings over 15 years of experience leading design and development efforts across mixed-use, multifamily, and hospitality projects. As Principal, he combines creative vision with a pragmatic approach, helping clients uncover the full potential of their sites through thoughtful analysis. Known for his ability to quickly assess project viability, Kyle plays a key role in business development and client relationships. He believes every project begins with a strong idea—one that reflects its context, community, and purpose—and guides teams to translate that vision into meaningful, high-performing design solutions.
Natt Puapornpong Principal / Interior
Natt brings nearly 20 years of experience as an NCIDQcertified interior design leader delivering creative, client-focused solutions that balance aesthetic vision with business goals. She leads projects from concept through construction, guiding teams to transform complex ideas into impactful environments. Experienced in project management, space planning, and design execution, she has led projects nationwide across multifamily, corporate workplace, education, and mixed-use sectors. Collaborating closely with clients, she creates spaces that elevate brand identity and enhance the user experience.
Allison Sumner
Associate Principal / Senior Project Manager
Allison is a Senior Project Manager with over 20 years of experience overseeing a variety of multifamily typologies including market-rate, affordable, senior housing, and adaptive reuse. Her hands-on approach brings alive her passion at managing complex, multi-stakeholder projects from concept through completion, ensuring design intent and technical quality remain aligned. Known for building lasting relationships, Allison builds strong relationships that drive successful outcomes.
Patrick Sin
Associate Principal / Project Director
Patrick has over 20 years of experience and focuses on marketrate, mixed-use, and affordable housing, as well as student housing, high-rise, and adaptive re-use projects. He has extensive experience managing complex projects while working closely with clients, consultants and general contractors. Having lived in Europe and Asia before moving to the United States, Patrick has had exposures to various architectural styles. He has comprehensive understanding of how built environment interacts with its users and the diversity of building structure.
Felix Lim Senior Associate / Director of Quality Control
Having extensive job site experience, Felix is well versed in construction management and construction documentation. He works closely with the production team to create and review construction details and improve the technical standards to efficiently streamline workflow. Felix’s areas of expertise focus on multifamily, mixed-use, commercial, and educational projects. His keen attention to details and dedication contribute to success of each project he is involved in. Felix also is at the forefront of finding innovative solutions to complex technical problems.
Michael Evans Senior Associate / Senior Project Coordinator
Michael has worked on a wide range of projects including multi-family, mixed-use, student housing and hospitality. Much of his career in architecture has run concurrent with the evolution of PC hardware and software. He has customized AutoCAD with real-world applications for automating complex, time-intensive tasks. Michael has also pioneered the firm’s use of Revit, and devised a workflow that draws upon Revit’s modeling, rendering, and animation features to provide a start-to-finish BIM-based approach to integrated project delivery.
Matt Wister
Associate Principal / Project Director
Matt brings nearly 25 years of diversified experience as a project leader with a strong focus on sustainability and adaptive re-use. He balances broad strategic initiatives with hands-on project leadership and team mentorship, guiding complex design and construction efforts from concept through completion. Engaged in the evolving landscape of sustainable design, Matt integrates environmental responsibility with technical and operational excellence. Known for his collaborative leadership and ability to align client goals with practical solutions, he ensures each project delivers long-term value and performance.
Jerome Scott Senior Associate / Director of Construction Administration
Jerome has over 30 years of experience and his experience ranges from low-rise to high-density mixed-use and multifamily housing projects, and serves as an essential connection between the frontend design and the back-end construction teams to help identify issues that need to be addressed early in the project. His duties include providing input to management on construction contract language, monitoring contract budget and schedule during the CA phase, as well as visiting job sites and interacting with general contractors and owners’ representatives.
Hyo Hong Senior Associate / Senior Designer
With over 20 years of experience in all types of multi-family, high-density housing, Hyo’s responsibilities encompass the development of initial design concepts to obtaining entitlements from various governmental entities. His creative talents are utilized solving complex design challenges and Hyo is often called upon to refine various elements during the design development phase ensure the design meets client’s goals and aspirations.
Gina Gutierrez
Senior Associate / Director of Accessibility Compliance
Gina has been with the AC Martin’s Residential Studio for over 20 years and has worked on various residential project types and scales in California, especially focusing on affordable housing, mixeduse, and multifamily projects. As an expert in building code accessibility and ADA regulations, one of Gina’s primary roles is to review projects for strict code compliance, as well as assist in proper remediation. Each project goes through Gina’s thorough and careful review process to ensure an accessible, safe, and sustainable space.
Jeremy Grant Senior Associate / Design Director
Jeremy has more than 20 years of experience in the retail and hospitality sectors as well as designing and executing more than 40 hotel projects. He is detail-driven and has extensive understanding of the hospitality embellishment and lifestyle culture that market sector demands. Responding to the demand for hospitality environments in the residential and commercial market, the unique value Jeremy brings to projects is providing distinct enhancement and embellishment to residential and mixed-use projects from affordable to the high-end of the market.
Andrew Miller
Senior Associate / Design Manager
Andrew brings over 25 years of diverse experience with an emphasis on residential, workplace, and education environments. His role includes supporting client relationships through strategic planning and design. His past experience includes programming, documentation, and construction administration. Andrew has excellent knowledge of materials and construction techniques. He is known for being a skilled communicator and develops excellent relationships with clients through his ability to listen to their needs
Arielle Rouleau Senior Associate / Project Architect
Arielle has over 10 years of experience in multifamily housing, mixed-use, affordable housing and urban in-fill projects. With exceptional Revit skills, she excels in closely coordinating with various consultants on complex projects. She strongly believes that design excellence is not solely about aesthetics but it can be realized in process efficiencies, project workflow and coordination of systems. As a true team player, Arielle participates in several technical and social in-house committees.
Matias Creimer
Senior Associate / Design Manager
Matias is a designer and professor of architecture with over 25 years of experience. He has worked extensively on projects that range from single family homes to billion dollar, mixed-use developments in the United States and abroad. Matias’s specialty is multi-family and mixed-use projects, but also has extensive retail experience. Matias gives back to the architecture profession by teaching architecture studios at Otis College of Art and Design. Matias serve as a bridge between designers, stakeholders, and other departments to ensure effective communication and collaboration.
Lori Reynolds Associate / Senior Interior Designer
Lori has over 25 years of diverse interior design experience and has comprehensive knowledge of all phases of interior design from programming through procurement. Her project experience includes space planning, blocking, concept development, construction documentation, construction administration, finish & material selection and specifications, FF&E layouts, budgets and specifications, overseeing furniture installation, environmental graphics, art selection, and client follow up.
PROJECT
Los Angeles, California
‘The Brine,’ named after a pickle factory that was previously on the site, will occupy two-thirds of a block in East LA and will be comprised of multiple buildings. Along with the relocation and re-purposing of three historically significant structures to be used as a pediatric clinic and single-family dwelling units, the five-story building includes 97 units of permanent supportive housing, a manager’s unit, facilities for a social services provider, local grocery store, health clinics, medical offices as well as a separate at-grade two-story parking structure.
With several significant goals in mind, our design aspires to create a safe and secure residential environment for a wide range of community members in critical need of housing in the Northeast Los Angeles while providing commercial and industrial spaces to improve local economy and workforce, especially for the local residents. CLIENT
CLIENT Affirmed Housing
PROJECT
Altadena, California
Lincoln Avenue Apartments is an affordable senior housing project located in the historic Pasadena/Altadena region of Los Angeles.
The contemporary design of the five-story structure features bold yet harmonious architectural elements inspired by the local context. Soft wood tones naturally blend well with the site’s surrounding landscape and mountain backdrop. Strong horizontality is a key characteristic in Craftsman and Prairiestyle homes which are prevalent in the surrounding neighborhood. Horizontal design elements help to reduce the building’s vertical scale while adding hints of modernism. Concrete breeze block, commonly used in mid-century modern design, is utilized as a visual screening element to an open parking garage along Figueroa Drive.
The Lincoln Avenue project will provide a mix of 96 studio and 1-bedroom units in addition to a landscaped outdoor podium courtyard, welcoming ground-level lobby, over 2,000 SF of indoor/outdoor community amenity spaces, laundry room, bicycle storage room with maintenance area, and 35 parking spaces for its residents, property manager and case management staff.
CLIENT Affirmed Housing
PROJECT SIZE
36,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 56 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2021
Los Angeles, California
The Dahlia is situated on a 0.3 acre corner lot where S. Main Street intersects with E. 120th Street in South Los Angeles. This affordable housing project consists of one 5-story building containing 56 affordable residential units and one manager’s unit.
Designed in a contemporary architectural style with high contrasting color tones offset by natural wood textures and faceted architectural forms, the building consists of four levels of wood framed (Type V) construction over one level of concrete (Type I) with a slab on grade foundation. The exterior skin consisting primarily of stucco and metal wall panels with a realistic spruce wood siding pattern and texture.
Resident amenities on the ground level include a community room, computer room, laundry room and secured room for bike parking with space allocated for residents to service their own bikes. The roof terrace features open and shaded areas for residents to relax and take in the surrounding neighborhood views.
CLIENT National CORE
PROJECT SIZE
60,000 SF
UNIT COUNT 71 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2024
Los Angeles, California
The project proposes two affordable residential buildings with a total of 64 rental units. The larger of the two is a 4-story, 56-unit family oriented building, while the smaller is a 3-story walk-up of 8 studios. The larger building provides amenities common to both, including a ground-level fitness room, a community room, a landscaped resident’s courtyard and tot lot, and a rooftop garden. A public forecourt plaza off East 3rd Street forms a public plaza and houses a LA Metro bike station and repair shop. Live/Work units line both East 3rd Street and Dangler Avenue, and parking (at one stall per unit) is below grade.
CLIENT Abbey Road
PROJECT SIZE
SF
PROJECT STATUS Design
Lancaster, California
Located in the City of Lancaster, California, Imagine Village II will provide 80 units of affordable housing to meet the special needs for youth and young families at risk. The project has a focus specifically for transition aged/ homeless youth.
This new 3-story development, located within the urban core of the City with access to public transportation and within walking distance to social services and business in the area. Constructed in a U-shape around a centralized courtyard with access to the site via a gated driveway leading to a centralized parking lot.
As part of the design, there are several support services such as management offices for staff, a community room with TV lounge, dining area and kitchen, a computer lab/ work area, on-site laundry facilities, bicycle parking, community garden and dog run.
CLIENT
Cesar Chavez Foundation
PROJECT SIZE
88,000 SF
UNIT COUNT
64 Units
PROJECT STATUS
Completed in 2019
Los Angeles, California
Ybarra Village, a joint effort by the Cesar Chavez Foundation (CCF) and New Directions for Veterans (NDVets), is a new affordable housing community in the West Adams district of the City of Los Angeles. This LEED-certified residential community will feature 64 units as well as on-site social service programs for veterans provided by NDVets. Thirty-six units will be reserved for homeless veterans, some with special needs, and 27 will be designated for seniors—with a preference for senior veterans. Both the veterans wing and the senior wing open onto a private courtyard where the residents can relax and socialize. Dwelling units are designed with open plans to take advantage of views and maximize natural light from each area of the plan.
The property’s name pays homage to a U.S. Marine Corps and World War II veteran, Miguel “Mike” Ybarra, who also worked with the United Farm Workers and Cesar Chavez to organize farmworkers across California. Onsite services include counseling, case management, job training, legal assistance, Veterans Affairs (VA) health services, and benefits assistance.
Palmdale, California
The village includes 12 thoughtfully crafted townhome units, providing a healthy and secure environment for children to grow and flourish. In addition, 2 studio units provide flexible living arrangements for young adults transitioning out of foster care, ensuring that every child’s unique needs are met with compassion and care.
Outdoor spaces are designed to cater to a spectrum of needs. From expansive areas for community gatherings to intimate corners for quiet play and study, the project ensures that every child can find solace and joy. Covered outdoor areas with BBQs and tables create spaces for shared meals and bonding, fostering a sense of family and community. Diverse outdoor play spaces accommodate children of different ages, while a citrus grove and gardening area instill a connection to nature and sustainable practices.
The landscape design features indigenous and drought-tolerant plantings, reflecting a commitment to environmental stewardship. Photovoltaic panels strategically positioned throughout the site not only generate electricity but also provide shade over parking areas, merging sustainability with functionality.
LOS ANGELES
900 Wilshire Boulevard, Suite 2800
Los Angeles, CA 90017
T. 213 683 1900
SAN FRANCISCO BAY AREA
4305 Hacienda Drive, Suite 500 Pleasanton, CA 94588
T. 925 648 8800
SACRAMENTO
2500 Venture Oaks Way, Suite 210 Sacramento, CA 95833
T. 916 783 9500
SAN DIEGO
401 West A Street, Suite 200
San Diego, CA 92101
T. 619 500 7899
