AIA SMC | Victories, Learnings and Future Challenges in the A/E and Design Workplace (1.5 LU)

AIA SMC is pleased to announce an in-person networking panel

Victories, Learnings and Future Challenges in the A/E and Design Workplace
hosted by the TBS Design Gallery at 3283 De La Cruz Blvd, Suite A, Santa Clara CA 95054

Meet our distinguished panelists:

  Mamuka Grigolia, TBS Design Gallery

Mamuka Grigolia, entrepreneur and founder of TBS, grew up with a firmly held belief, passed down from his father and grandfather that says, “You can’t argue with results”. The legendary duo instilled within Mamuka, at a very early age, the business ethics and integrity that he continues to live by; and clearly showcases throughout his company. TBS excels in quality design-build, customer service, and value, with every project that the company acquires, whether a small or a multi-million dollar project. Mamuka is a hands-on businessman, who has a passion for nurturing relationships with every client. He enthusiastically approaches each project with a positive and team-oriented attitude that results in successful projects time and time again.

Ana Williamson, AIA, Ana Williamson Architect

Founder and principal Ana Williamson’s professional standards and love of modern design are shaped by her Colombian roots. Ana’s uncle Vicente Nasi, a colleague of Le Corbusier, was an Italian-born architect who had successful practice in South America. Ana earned her Masters of Architecture at Princeton, and her Bachelor of Design from the University of Florida, Gainesville. Ana has worked for internationally influential architects Alvaro Siza Vieira in Porto, Portugal and Michael Graves Architect in Princeton, New Jersey.

Ana’s design vision and enthusiasm for each project weaves together the colors and textures of life into beautiful and meaningful spaces. She is dedicated to choosing work that feeds the soul.

AWA is a leading residential architecture firm in the Bay Area and beyond. Their vibrant, creative collective brings design excellence and passionate commitment to their projects. They engage actively, forming lasting relationships with their clients and collaborators. As a practice, AWA encourages personal development, explorative learning, and strives to create a healthy environment for growth and abundance. Their design language is expressive, spatial architecture, crafting site-specific solutions that employ light, natural materials, color and texture with the highest level of design integrity. Through their process, they embark on a journey of discovery and close collaboration with their clients, channeling the client’s personality and energy into inspired design.

Ana Williamson will discuss challenges and opportunities her firm AWA encountered working throughout the pandemic. She will focus on several projects in San Mateo County, including a new ADU – the first to be completed in Portola Valley under the new State approvals process; a residential compound and pool house featuring dramatic windows framing site vistas; and an innovative new residence nestled within a redwood grove resulting from a close cooperation between the architect, arborist, landscape architect, civil and structural engineers. In each project, Ana will explore how AWA adapted to working virtually in Covid and how dealing with uncertainty – in staffing, supply chain issues, and limited site access – gave rise to creative collaborations and design solutions.

Doug Robertson, P.E., S.E.     Daedalus Engineers

Doug has managed and directed the structural design of many diverse projects during his career spanning 39 years. Placing great attention on important project details while executing broader project goals pertaining to construction budget, schedule, and constructability, Doug has led many technologically innovative and diverse projects including new building design, seismic evaluation and strengthening, historic renovation and preservation, sustainable design, and implementation of energy dissipation technologies. Through careful study and collaboration Doug consistently helps owners and architects develop creative and innovative design solutions.

David Thorne, David Thorne Landscape Architect

David founded his firm in 1983 and has over forty years of experience in residential landscape design. Coming from a family of architects and designers, including Case Study Architect Beverley D. Thorne, David brings a unique understanding of design and construction to his projects. David’s profound understanding of construction, engineering and aesthetics pervades his approach to landscape design and implementation.

David is personally involved on every project. Clients appreciate his innovative design solutions and his ability to anticipate project pacing, which helps clients get the most value from the resources devoted to the project. David is passionate about creating spaces that are not only beautiful and functional, but that also unify the architecture of the home with the exterior spaces.

• University of California, Berkeley, B.S. Landscape Architecture
• California Licensed Landscape Architect, CLA 2274

Learning Objectives
– The panel will discuss unique project and design challenges in a (post) pandemic world.
– They’ll share information about global economic volatility, rising fuel prices, supply chain issues impacts on projects, budgets, cost estimating
– You’ll learn about labor shortages and impacts on project staffing.
– They’ll discuss working remotely and designing virtually as well as new observations on trends in design and firm culture.

Tour the vast showroom of custom cabinetry, windows and doors, quartz surfaces and more.

Enjoy Appetizers and Beverages!

This is a FREE Event!
1.5 LUs pending

Image Credits: Mamuka Grigolia, Ana Williamson, Doug Robertson & David Thorne