Board of Regents + Staff

Mr. Porter is a licensed architect with a degree in urban planning from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona, and is a John S. Bolles Fellow of the California Council of the American Institute of Architects. He serves on the committee for the Monterey Design Conference the bi-annual gathering of architects from around the world. Michael designs commercial and residential projects throughout Southern California. Fascinated by art his entire life, he has served on a variety of nonprofit art-related boards including the Museum of Contemporary Art Santa Barbara, the Newport Harbor Art Museum (now the Orange County Museum of Art), California State University Long Beach’s University Art Museum Advisory Board and the Santa Barbara Museum of Art. Michael is also an advisor to 2023 Visions an organization devoted to harnessing the artistic imagination to create new paradigms and new models of society.

Mr. Gaudineer knew he wanted to be an architect by the time he was 11 years old. As president/CEO of Flewelling & Moody, he has overseen the facilitation of numerous K-12 and higher education buildings throughout the state.

“I consider myself so lucky to have been offered the opportunity to attend and graduate from Cal Poly and pursue my passion of creating great school facilities for the next generation. My best days are when I get to create, design and build something special that will make a difference in someone’s life.”

He is passionate about supporting the profession he loves, whether through the role of architect advocate or mentoring and supporting students, emerging professionals and citizen architects. He is an active member of his local AIA and the Trustee Division of the State Architect Advisory Board. He received the Presidential Citation from the AIA California Council in 2013 and is currently serving as AIA California President.

Ms. Bertolaccini brings over 30 years of architectural experience in many architectural sectors including Medical, Commercial and Educational. As a firm principal she leads a Studio in charge of the firms most complex medical and commercial projects while her experience also includes several specialized educational projects.

As an owner’s representative she understands the financial and practical implications of her architectural decisions. In addition to her significant technical capabilities, she is often sought out for her skills in interior finish and furniture selections. She has an experienced eye for color and an impressive knowledge of material properties and durability.

Jeannie enjoys sharing her design passion with the community by mentoring high school students at the Independence High School Energy Academy. She has participated in the advisory council for Bakersfield College’s Architecture program and is active in the local American Institute of Architect Golden Empire Chapter as the 2018- and 2021-Chapter President. She is a founding member of the Kern County Women in STEM and a board member of the Kern Economic Development Foundation. Jeannie displays her enthusiasm for sharing the career of architecture with youth of all ages by visiting classrooms and participating in career day expositions.

Ms. Follenweider is a member of the AIA National Strategic Council representing California, is a long time member of AIACA Advocacy Advisory Committee and is past AIACA Vice President of State Government Relations. She served as President of SJC Association of Engineers and Architects, Executive Vice-President of the International Federation of Professional and Technical Engineers, Local 21, Chairperson of AIA Colorado State Government Affairs, President of AIA Santa Clara Valley.

She is licensed in California and Colorado. She was Building Official for Boulder Colorado, Project Architect with several Colorado firms and Senior Architect with the City of San Jose, California. She holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Colorado and a Bachelor of Science from DePaul University.

Mr. Caskey is a Fellow in the American Institute of Architects and has BA and MUD degrees in Architecture and Urban Planning & Design from USC. At age 27 he started his firm in Orange County as Coleman/Caskey Architects then sold after 21 years to nationally based architectural/engineering firm Carter Burgess and subsequently to international-based Jacobs Engineering. Don then became the Associate Vice Chancellor of Administration and University Architect for the University of California, Riverside. He has served on several professional Boards at the local, State and National level, including the Association of University Architects. In retirement, Don remains a recognized leader in the design and construction profession and brings those specific credentials to the City of Laguna Hills at a time when they are needed most.

Ms. Gerod joined Gruen Associates, a 65-person broad-based planning and architectural firm, in 1988 and became a partner in 2002. During her tenure at Gruen Associates, she has focused on the collaborative delivery of projects, primarily in the public sector. Her work includes large-scale, significant civic and cultural projects such as courthouses, embassies, performing arts centers, museums, libraries and transportation projects. Since the late 1980’s, she has created and/or led over two dozen collaborative teams on projects valued at more than $3 billion. Her recent and current projects include:

• Airport Metro Connector (AMC) w/Grimshaw
• Master Plan for Los Angeles Union Station w/Grimshaw
• Wilshire Boulevard Temple Gathering Place w/OMA
• Division 20 Maintenance Building for Non-Revenue Vehicles
• Division 16/SW Yard Maintenance Facility
• Brand Library Renovation/Historic Restoration
• Glendale Central Library Renovation
• LAX Central Utility Plant

She has been on the forefront of the sustainable design movement throughout her career, starting with her focus on sustainable design at the University of Colorado/Boulder. She has served as Vice President/President Elect for the American Institute of Architect’s Los Angeles Chapter, President of AIA California and on the Dean’s Advisory Council for Woodbury University. She also served on the Board of the ACE Mentor Program/Los Angeles from 2004-2015.

Ms.Gibbons has held arrange of roles during her career as an architect. Elected to the Campbell, California (population 42,000) city council in 2014 and 2018, Liz served as mayor in 2017 and 2021. She participated at the A’18 Conference where she moderated the panel “How to House the Next 10,000 in your Neighborhood.” In March of 2019, Liz participated in the AIACA Housing Forum asking if architectural IDEATION, INNOVATION and IMPLEMENTATION can address housing attainability for all? As a Strategic Counselor At-Large, she participated in the “Re-establishing the Role of City Architect” and contributed to the AIA Strategic Council workgroup on “The Next Big Thing” including the AIA Climate Action Plan.
Her passion is to connect and leverage the profession of architecture with elected office to address the issues of today and prepare for tomorrow. She got her start in politics as a Campbell Planning Commissioner, serving for 17 years. Between 2016 and 2022, she was an appointed representative for Santa Clara County cities to the Association of Bay Area Governments which is engaged in state housing legislation and greenhouse gas reduction. She was the 2022 Chair of Silicon Valley Clean Energy (SVCE) which provides 100% carbon-free power to Santa Clara County cities. SVCE (https://www.svcleanenergy.org) has reduced GHG emission by 35% from 2015 levels. Even with the impact of ‘clean power’ (not ‘clean’ natural gas) solidly in place, SVCE is keenly aware it is not enough to save our planet. While architects work to decarbonize materials and design to net zero, SVCE has a three-pronged decarbonization Strategic Plan: Power supply; Mobility; Built Environment which collaborate into Energy Efficiency and Grid Integration. Ms.Gibbons completed her two terms as an elected official in Campbell in December 2022, serving as Mayor in 2017 and 2021.

Mr. Graham joined PBK Architects in 1988 and has more than three decades of experience in education planning and design throughout California. His focus: well-designed architecture in NextGen and collaborative learning environments that ensure student success. He is an advocate for design excellence in the development of safe schools with an eye toward human comfort: transparency, security, adaptive temperature controls, abundant natural light, and fine-tuned acoustics. He is an active speaker on the ability of architecture to affect positive change in our communities. He is a new member of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) Board of Directors and serves on many other committees throughout California.

Mr. Holt's career has been driven by a deep desire to make an impact. As with most people drawn to architecture he was hooked by a very personal connection to two local architects at a very young age. These architects volunteered their time at his high school, and then gave him his first job in architecture many years later. This connection imparted two important principles in Mr. Holt that have remained touchstones throughout his career: Architecture is a profession of constant learning and the mentorship relationships one makes in architecture will drive forward and there is an obligation to do the same for those that come after.

Laura Knauss is a President and Chief Practice Officer at Lionakis and Chair of the Lionakis Foundation. She has over 35 years of educational facilities planning and design experience. In particular, she facilitates community engagement and outreach, and leads project teams in a collaborative and interactive design process. She holds a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign.

Ms. Knauss has served on the AIA CA Board of Directors and on the Planning and Finance Committee, and as Chapter President for the AIA Central Valley Chapter, where she also founded and chaired the Committee on Architecture for Education (CAE). She is also a Board Member for the Coalition of Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) and in 2023 was awarded the James L. Murdoch Award. Laura has been on Legislative Committees and a part of numerous conference speakerships. Her active involvement in the school design community allows her to build relationships that benefit Districts as they navigate the agencies inherent in school design.

Ms. Knauss’s specific involvement with the Division of the State Architect (DSA) includes the establishment of the 7x7x7 sustainable design initiative which enhanced relationships in the school facilities community, while presenting throughout the State, including at Cal Poly where she has also been on the University’s Advisory Council.

She is also active in her community, leading the River City Food Bank as President in 2022-2023 and as a current Board Member.

Maria Ogrydziak, founder of Maria Ogrydziak Architecture, is known nationally for her valley-inspired built works and her design and policy leadership. Ms. Ogrydziak studied architecture at the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, becoming its first female student body president. She was awarded the Compton School Prize and Grunsfeld Architecture Prize in 1969.

She served as President of the AIA Central Valley Chapter, where she founded and chaired the Sacramento Region Architectural Festival. She has served on the AIA CA Board of Directors and Urban Design Committee and as a juror for AIA CA and AIA Central Valley Design Awards. As a thought leader at the intersection of regional architecture and policy she was a member of the Long Range Planning and Public Policy Committee for the city of Sacramento, a design strategist for Zoning and Historical Design Guidelines, and project lead for the City Core Planning Study for the City of Davis.

Ms. Ogrydziak’s bold custom homes, retail, and worship spaces build on 30 years in the laboratory of the California landscape. She draws from the culture of identity, the character of materials, green technologies, and the distinct characteristics of the region to create architecture to transform and uplift the everyday experience. Her buildings share common threads of inspired geometries, light-filled interiors, and strong connections to the land.

In addition to her practice, Maria has taught architecture at MIT, Stanford, and UC Davis, helping to develop key design courses. She is also a painter and sculptor and has exhibited at the Oakland Museum. Born in Stockholm to Estonian parents, and raised in Canada and Taiwan, Maria holds both US and Estonian citizenship.

Ms. Osborne is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) with a Master’s in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and undergraduate studies at the San Francisco Art Institute and Antioch University.

Her architectural philosophy centers on site-specific, sustainable design that harmonize with natural elements. Her work prioritizes environmental responsibility, resource efficiency, and the joy found in thoughtfully crafted details. Recognized with prestigious honors such as the Nathaniel A. Owings Award, Polly’s projects have been widely published and acclaimed.

A dedicated educator and community advocate, Polly plays a key role in the California Architectural Foundation’s Architecture by the Book program. She has creating engaging lessons on Frank Lloyd Wright and Julia Morgan to inspire young learners.

Mr. Powell is the Senior Director of Capital Planning, Design & Construction at California State University Bakersfield. Dedicated to advancing the architectural profession, he has actively engaged with AIA California, serving as the Associate Director South for the Academy of Emerging Professionals Council of Advisors (AEP COA), Emerging Professional Director for the AIA California Golden Empire Chapter, and liaison for the Monterey Design Conference. In 2024, he served as the Emerging Professional Advisor to the California Architectural Foundation (CAF) ascending to Regent service in 2025.
Mr. Powell has a genuine passion for residential and institutional (church) design, where he enjoys space planning and generating digital 3D models for his clients. Beyond his professional practice, he mentors aspiring architects through organizations like the Bakersfield City School District, Kern Community College District, Alpha Phi Alpha Fraternity Inc., and the Bakersfield Senior Center. Through his leadership and outreach, he inspires youth to explore architecture and design, fostering a diverse and dynamic future for the profession.

Kenneth Rodrigues, FAIA is the founder and president of Kenneth Rodrigues & Partners, an architectural firm based in Mountain View that specializes in architecture, land planning, and interior design for residential, commercial and retail projects. For over four decades he has directed the design of many important Silicon Valley projects and has managed all phases of the process from initial concepts and public approvals through construction. His previous projects include the renovation of the De Anza Hotel, the United Artists Pavilion Theaters in downtown San Jose, and corporate offices for Apple, Netflix and LinkedIn in the valley. Recent design projects include Berryessa Bart Urban Village, Cambrian Park and El Paseo mixed-use master plan developments. He is a graduate of the School of Architecture and Environmental Design at California State University, San Luis Obispo. Mr. Rodrigues has served on many civic and governmental committees charged with planning and design review. He has been the President of the American Institute of Architects, California Council, member of the California Architectural Foundation, San Jose Museum of Art and currently sits on the Advisory Board of Heritage Bank of Commerce.

Ms. Sachs, a retired Managing Principal at Cumming Construction Management, continues to contribute her expertise and passion to the fields of architecture and construction management. During her distinguished career, Lisa led teams on some of the largest and most complex education projects in the nation, including initiatives for the Los Angeles Unified School District and the Los Angeles Community College District. A licensed architect and Certified Construction Manager, she blended architecture, project management, and sustainability to deliver award-winning results.

In 2012, Lisa was inducted into the prestigious AIA College of Fellows, recognizing her significant contributions to architecture and society. An accomplished author, her book What is Your Construction Management IQ? earned praise for its practical insights into construction management. Even in retirement, Lisa remains active with the CMAA Southern California Chapter, where she previously served as President and was recognized as Volunteer of the Year. She also serves as an advocate and mentor, focusing on supporting the next generation of architects and construction professionals.

Lisa is also a passionate artist, channeling her creativity into new mediums and projects. Her keen interest in nurturing young talent aligns with her lifelong commitment to education and professional growth. Dedicated to advancing the architecture and construction professions, Lisa continues to inspire through her innovative solutions, advocacy, and artistry.

A champion for sustainable design, Lisa leveraged her LEED Green Associate credentials to promote environmentally responsible practices throughout her career. Her leadership extended to award-winning projects, including the Los Angeles Southwest College Program and the Mark Taper Forum renovation, which garnered accolades from the Design-Build Institute of America and the Los Angeles Conservancy. She remains a vital part of the professional community, dedicated to fostering a vibrant and inclusive future for architecture and construction.

Ms. Theodoropoulos, Dean Emerita of the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, is an architect and civil engineer. In collaboration with colleagues and inspired by students, she has led curricular innovations, launched new programs, supported research initiatives, and realized opportunities that advanced the missions and increased the visibility of schools of design.

She has taught at several schools of architecture including Cal Poly Pomona where she was director of the Neutra VDL House, and the University of Oregon where she was head of the Architecture Department and ex-officio representative to the AIA Oregon Board. She has served on the boards of the ACSA (Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture), the NAAB (National Architectural Accrediting Board), the AIAS (American Institute of Architecture Students), and as founding President of the BTES (Building Technology Educators’ Society), and Chancellor of the ACSA College of Distinguished Professors.

She is passionate about helping students launch careers that will shape the future of the built environment.

Mr. Widom was the founding partner of WWCOT, an 185 person firm, subsequently merged with the DLR Group, with four offices in California and an office in Shanghai, China. After leaving WWCOT, he served as the Senior Architectural Advisor for the Los Angeles Community College District’s $6.1 Billion construction program. In December of 2011, Governor Brown appointed him California State Architect and Deputy Director of the Department of General Services. With service through 2018, he became the longest serving State Architect since 1962.

As a former President of both the National American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the California Council AIA, Chet is recognized as an international leader in the profession. He has been awarded Honorary Fellowship by the Japan Institute of Architects, The Federacion Colegios de Arquitectos de la Republica de Mexicana and by the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada and, served as the 2011 Chancellor of the College of Fellows for the American Institute of Architects. He is the 2011 recipient of the AIA’s Edward C. Kemper Award for service to the profession.

He was the 16th recipient of the Distinguished Alumni Award by the School of Architecture at USC where he has taught and sat on the school’s Board of Councilors. He has been a frequent guest lecturer at numerous universities including Harvard, Yale and UCLA. He currently teaches at East Los Angeles College

Expanding on his commitment to building a diverse profession, Mr. Widom has created the Chester A. Widom FAIA and Diana Widom Scholarship in honor of Paul Welch. Dedicated to assisting community college students who have been admitted to accredited schools of architecture. The first two scholarships are being awarded for the of Fall 2019.

In addition to his leadership of both the National and California AIA, he previously served on the Building and Safety Commission, the City Planning Commission and the Elected Charter Reform Commission for the City of Los Angeles, and as a member of the Hospital Building and Safety Board for the State of California (OSHPD). In 2010 and 2011 he served as member of the Bond Oversight Committee for the Los Angeles Unified School District.

Ms. Eliot’s career in architecture is defined by three key passions: designing and building meaningful spaces with diverse communities, mentoring the next generation of designers and architects, and supporting arts and education-focused nonprofits to fulfill their missions and inspire cultural change at the grassroots level.

She thrives on the challenges of architectural practice and brings creativity to every endeavor. Drawn to clients willing to take risks, Ms. Eliot embraces complex projects that push boundaries, encourage stakeholders to question assumptions, and deliver innovative solutions that exceed expectations.

A graduate of Smith College with an MArch from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, Ms. Eliot has been a practitioner-educator since the 1990s. She has taught design and professional practice at the California College of the Arts for over 30 years, where she is an Adjunct Professor. Her tenure includes curriculum development in professional practice, leadership in departmental and accreditation efforts, and a commitment to reframing the value of architecture for future generations.

Ms. Eliot currently serves on the Board of Directors of the Yerba Buena Center for the Arts and AIA California, where she serves as Vice President of Education and Professional Development. A passionate advocate for empowering emerging professionals across California, she works to create pathways for underrepresented voices to shape the future of architecture.

Mr. Murtaugh's practice focuses on counseling and representing design professionals concerning liability and business matters, employment counseling and litigation, and general civil litigation.

He performed his undergraduate work at the University of Cincinnati (BA, with honors, 1970), and received his law degree from the UCLA School of Law (JD, 1973) where he represented the school in the National Moot Court Competition and was elected to the Order of the Barristers.

He has received Martindale Hubbell’s highest possible “AV Preeminent” rating for ethics and competence; and he frequently lectures to legal and professional organizations including, the Orange County Bar Association where he has served on the faculty of the College of Trial Advocacy, the AIA OC (e.g., “Law 101,” and “Contracts 801,” “A/E Intellectual Property Primer,” “Surviving Difficult Times, ” and “Ownership Transition”), SEAOSC (“The Art of Contract Negotiation”) and ACEC (e.g., “Drainage Law” and “Litigationwise Project Management”).

He has served on the Board of Directors of the Association of Southern California Defense Counsel and as Chairman of the Board of Easter Seals of Southern California; and he is an honorary member of the Orange County Chapter of the American Institute of Architects.

Julia Weatherspoon is an architect on a mission to create more inclusive spaces within design. She has experience working on an array of architecture projects of various scales from workplace commercial interiors, aviation, community and civic design, and higher education.

Julia is committed to pushing the envelope for improvement in diversity, inclusion, and belonging within the design industry and dedicated to increasing visibility and representation in design. She is an associate member of the American Institute of Architects San Francisco, and the President of the San Francisco Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects and sits on the NOMA Board of Directors as the Recording Secretary. She is engaged in a variety of advocacy communities in the Bay Area and sits on various committees including AIASF Equity x Design, Mentorship, Professional Practice.

Julia is a champion for change and uses her voice to challenge people to look at design holistically and through an equity lens. Her inspiration is driven by the belief that architecture and design can do more. It has the power to change our perspective, elevate the human experience, and transform our lives. Her passion has brought her to moderate and speak on a number of panels including events for UC Berkeley, San Francisco Design Week 2018, and AIGA Pasadena 2019. She has also been featured in Architect Magazine in December 2018. Julia holds a Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Arizona.

Ms. Anderson brings nearly 30 years of experience within the American Institute of Architects, where she has played a key role in advancing the profession and fostering connections between architects and the communities they serve. She has served as Executive Director for both the AIA Redwood Empire and AIA Central Valley Chapters and as Vice President for the Council of Association Component Executives (CACE) for both AIA CA and National AIA, earning honorary membership in California in 2013.

A proud developer of Experience Architecture, AIA Central Valley’s annual public outreach campaign, Kimberly is passionate about making architecture accessible and meaningful to the public. She is dedicated to helping children and communities understand the value of design, with a vision of growing new ambassadors who appreciate architecture. This commitment extends to her efforts in connecting emerging architects with active practitioners, helping to foster the next generation of leaders in the profession.

Kimberly has also contributed to national AIA initiatives, including serving on the Continuing Education Task Force, the Equity, Diversity & Inclusion Task Force, and the AIA National Membership Marketing Task Force. She co-founded the AIA Mid-sibs Collaborative, representing chapters with 500-999 members, and has led efforts to create greater collaboration across chapters.

In 2023, Kimberly joined the California Architectural Foundation, where her leadership and experience are helping to shape its transformation into a more impactful organization, advancing architecture and empowering future professionals.

Ms. Taylor is a dedicated professional working with AIA California. With a tenure in AIA dating back to 2020, Ashley has actively participated in the California architectural scene. In 2021, she earned a degree in the history of art and architecture from UCSB. Her involvement with AIA began during her undergraduate years, where she contributed to both AIA Santa Barbara and AIA California Central Coast. Currently, Ashley holds the position of Awards & Scholarships Coordinator at AIA California and serves as the staff liaison for the Academy of Emerging Professionals.