Board of Regents + Staff

Mr. Gaudineer is a licensed architect and respected leader in the profession with more than four decades of experience in practice, advocacy, and service. A graduate of California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, he has long been committed to advancing architecture through leadership, mentorship, and civic engagement.

Mr. Gaudineer currently serves on the AIA Strategic Council and has held numerous leadership roles within the American Institute of Architects, including President of AIA Pasadena & Foothill, Chair of AIA California’s Government Relations and Business & Practice Committees, and Vice President of Regulatory Affairs. His contributions to the profession have been recognized with multiple honors, including the AIA California Presidential Citation.

As President and CEO of Flewelling & Moody, Mr. Gaudineer has led the planning and delivery of numerous K–12 and higher education projects across California, bringing a deep understanding of public-sector work and the impact of the built environment on communities. A forward-thinking advocate, he is deeply committed to equity, diversity, and inclusion within the profession.

As the 2026 President of the California Architectural Foundation, Mr. Gaudineer is dedicated to strengthening the Foundation’s financial sustainability and long-term resilience, ensuring CAF can continue to support future generations of architects and advance the profession across California.

Ms. Bertolaccini is a Principal at Ordiz-Melby Architects, Inc. in Bakersfield, California, with more than 30 years of experience across medical, commercial, and educational projects. As a firm principal, she leads the studio responsible for some of the firm’s most complex work, bringing a strong understanding of both design excellence and the financial and practical considerations that shape successful projects. She is also known for her keen eye for interior finishes, furniture selection, color, and material performance, informed by experience as an owner’s representative.

Deeply committed to professional service and community engagement, Ms. Bertolaccini has held numerous leadership roles, including President of AIA Golden Empire in 2018 and 2021. She has also served with the Kern Economic Development Foundation and is a founding member of Kern County Women in STEM. A LEED Green Associate, she is passionate about sustainable practice and thoughtful design that supports long-term community needs.

Mentorship is central to Ms. Bertolaccini’s work. She actively mentors high school students through the Independence High School Energy Academy, serves on advisory councils for architectural education programs, and regularly visits classrooms and career events to introduce young people to architecture and STEM careers.

As Vice President / President-Elect of the California Architectural Foundation for 2026, Ms. Bertolaccini is focused on expanding mentorship opportunities and strengthening pathways for the next generation of architects, particularly young women and students from underserved communities.

Mr. Thorne is a registered architect and firm leader with more than 17 years of experience spanning architecture, planning, and construction. He is the President of Winston Thorne Architect, an architecture and planning firm based in Pasadena, California, serving projects throughout California and Arizona. His portfolio ranges from private and multi-family residential to commercial, laboratory, restaurant, and historic preservation projects, and his work has been recognized with honors from the AIA Central Arizona Architecture Foundation, Resolution Awards, and RED Awards.

Mr. Thorne is also the owner of Thorne Construction, LLC, a licensed general contracting firm in Arizona, bringing a comprehensive perspective to sustainable design and construction methodologies. His architectural journey began at Toronto Metropolitan University’s School of Architecture and led him to Phoenix, Arizona, where he spent 17 years contributing to major projects, including historic preservation efforts, luxury residential developments, and the tallest hotel in the state.

A deeply engaged professional leader, Mr. Thorne has served in numerous roles within the American Institute of Architects, including Past President of the AIA Pasadena & Foothill Chapter and 2024 President of AIA California, where he became the first black president in the organization’s history. He is also active with the National Organization of Black Architects (NOMA) and remains committed to advancing equity, representation, and opportunity within the profession.

Through his leadership, service, and volunteerism, Mr. Thorne continues to strengthen the connection between architecture and the communities it serves.

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. Mr. Porter 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. He 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. 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. He 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, Mr. Caskey remains a recognized leader in the design and construction profession and brings those specific credentials to his hometown, the City of Laguna Hills.

Ms. Follenweider is a member of the AIA National Strategic Council representing California, is a long time member of AIA CA Advocacy Advisory Committee and is past AIA CA 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, and President of AIA Santa Clara Valley.

She is licensed in California and Colorado. She was the 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.

Ms. Follenweider is passionate about supporting architecture students, particularly in addressing the challenges of student debt.

Ms. Freeland is a licensed architect, Principal at PBK, and a dedicated advocate for leadership, mentorship, and equity within the architectural profession. She is also the founder of the first woman-owned architecture firm in Bakersfield, California, where she built a practice rooted in community-centered design and a thoughtful, people-first firm culture.

With extensive experience in public-sector work, Ms. Freeland has led projects across K–12 education, mixed-use, commercial, and multifamily residential sectors. She also teaches architecture at Bakersfield College, where she enjoys mentoring students and emerging professionals by bridging academic learning with real-world practice.

An active leader within the American Institute of Architects, she has served in a variety of local and state leadership roles, with a strong focus on emerging professionals, mid-career development, and advocacy for parents in architecture. Her work centers on empowering those early in their careers, fostering inclusive and sustainable firm cultures, and strengthening pathways to leadership.

As a Regent of the California Architectural Foundation, she is committed to expanding education, scholarship, and opportunity for future architects, helping ensure the profession continues to grow in ways that reflect the communities it serves.

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.

Ms. Itzen is the Principal and Founder of ITZEN Architects, Inc., a full-service architecture and design firm based in Santa Ana, California. A graduate of Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, she also studied in Brisbane, Australia, and brings a broad perspective shaped by professional experience in Southern California and abroad.

Known for her leadership within the architectural profession, Ms. Itzen has been a strong advocate for the value of design and has played a key role within AIA California, including serving as a past President, reflecting her long-standing commitment to advancing the profession statewide. In addition, she has shared her knowledge as an instructor for Introduction to Environmental Sustainability with the Young Architects Forum (YAF). AS a CAF regent, she continues her meaningful contributions to the architectural community.

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.

Ms. Mills is a respected architect and leader known for her dedication to mentorship, equity, and advancing professional culture. She served as the 2025 President of AIA California, where she championed initiatives to strengthen workplace culture and the profession’s impact. During her tenure, AIA California launched the Culture Shift initiative and CulturePledge, encouraging firms and individuals to commit to transparency, collaboration, respect, and practices that support well-being, career growth, and inclusivity across the profession.

A graduate of Cal Poly Pomona’s BArch program, Ms. Mills began her AIA volunteer service in 2014 and has held leadership roles at both local and state levels, including Director, AIA California representative, and Vice President and President of the Academy of Emerging Professionals.

Previously, she served as Senior Director of Talent Management at RDC-S111, where she focused on empowering colleagues, cultivating inclusive firm cultures, and advancing leadership development. As a Regent of the California Architectural Foundation, she continues to support CAF’s mission of empowering the next generation of architects and expanding educational access, while mentoring and inspiring emerging professionals to build rewarding, equitable architecture careers.

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.

Mr. Oliver is an architect, educator, and advocate for expanding access to the architectural profession through education, mentorship, and service. With more than 25 years of experience, he is committed to creating meaningful pathways that help individuals pursue careers in architecture and achieve licensure. A proud alumnus of the California community college system, he has been a member of AIA San Fernando Valley since becoming licensed in 2005 and values the role professional service plays in strengthening communities through good design.

Mr. Oliver serves as Architecture and Interior Design Program Chair at College of the Canyons, where his work closely aligns with the California Architectural Foundation’s focus on the profession, education, and public engagement. He leads programs that introduce students to professional practice while emphasizing advanced technical skills, emerging digital tools, and collaborative, resource-efficient design strategies. His leadership includes developing and implementing California’s first community college bachelor’s degree related to architecture—the Bachelor of Science in Building Performance—experience that supports CAF’s Built Environment Education Programs (BEEP).

Previously, Mr. Oliver volunteered with the California Architectural Foundation as a member of the Scholarship Committees in 2020 and 2021, an experience he found especially rewarding. As a Regent, he is eager to continue supporting CAF’s mission by strengthening connections between education and practice and helping expand opportunity within the architectural profession across California.

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.

Mr. Rockefeller's distinguished career began with humble origins. Before attending college, he worked as a draftsman under the legendary Case Study Architect Edward Killingsworth, an experience that profoundly shaped his path to becoming an architect. After several years and a challenging journey, Rocky was admitted to Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's School of Architecture, from which he graduated with distinction. When his license was finally in hand, he established his own architectural practice ten years after graduation from High School.

Since founding his practice, he has mentored numerous emerging architects, earning a reputation as a leading figure in the field due to his extensive knowledge and diverse experience. He has skillfully managed his practice, embodying the qualities of a supportive colleague and a leader with unwavering integrity. His adeptness at navigating the complexities of modern architectural challenges, combined with his commitment to team building and collaboration, has led to the successful completion of many projects.

Rockefeller Partners, his firm, is renowned for its pioneering efforts in converting underutilized high-rise buildings in Los Angeles into housing, setting a benchmark for adaptive reuse in California. This innovative work highlights his versatility and leadership in tackling complex project types. His award-winning portfolio spans historic restorations, high-rise housing, boutique hotels, custom homes, resorts, entertainment venues, restaurants, and various commercial spaces. Mr. Rockefeller's significant involvement in these projects and his active role in advancing Adaptive Reuse of long forgotten buildings underscore his profound contributions to the community.

Ms. Taylor has spent more than 30 years advocating for architects and the architectural profession through public relations and marketing communications. As an Hon. AIA member and non-architect, she brings a thoughtful, informed perspective shaped by decades of service to the American Institute of Architects at the national, state, and local levels.

Throughout her career, Ms. Taylor has communicated the value of architecture to broad audiences while supporting architects in telling their own stories more effectively.

Ms. Taylor’s professional mission closely aligns with that of the California Architectural Foundation, particularly its focus on advancing the profession and supporting its future through education, outreach, and advocacy. Serving as a Regent represents a natural continuation of her long-standing commitment to architecture and the people who shape the built environment.

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 that later merged with the DLR Group, with offices in California and Shanghai, China. After leaving WWCOT, he served as Senior Architectural Advisor for the Los Angeles Community College District’s $6.1 billion construction program. In December 2011, Governor Brown appointed him California State Architect and Deputy Director of the Department of General Services, a position he held through 2018, making him the longest-serving State Architect since 1962.

A former President of both the National American Institute of Architects (AIA) and AIA California, Mr. Widom is recognized as an international leader in the profession. He has received Honorary Fellowships from the Japan Institute of Architects, the Federación de Colegios de Arquitectos de la República Mexicana, and the Royal Architectural Institute of Canada. He also served as Chancellor of the College of Fellows for the AIA in 2011 and received the AIA Edward C. Kemper Award that same year.

Mr. Widom has been a dedicated educator, teaching at USC, East Los Angeles College, and as a guest lecturer at Harvard, Yale, and UCLA.

He and his wife established the Chester A. Widom FAIA and Diana Widom Scholarship to support community college students admitted to accredited architecture programs. This scholarship has had a profound and lasting impact, opening doors for deserving students to pursue architectural education and careers they might not have otherwise accessed.

In addition to his professional leadership, Mr. Widom has served on multiple commissions, including the Building and Safety Commission, City Planning Commission, Elected Charter Reform Commission, OSHPD, and the LAUSD Bond Oversight Committee, consistently advancing the profession and the built environment.

Ms. Thompson is the 2026 President of AIA California and serves in a liaison and advisory role to the California Architectural Foundation, helping strengthen alignment between the profession and the Foundation’s mission.

She brings a unique perspective to architecture through her background in behavioral analysis, which informs her understanding of how design shapes human behavior. Taking a nontraditional path into the profession, Ms. Thompson built her career through hands-on experience and has advanced into a leadership role in professional practice.

Through her advocacy and service, she is focused on elevating the essential role of the architect—ensuring that architects’ expertise, perspective, and impact are recognized by clients, communities, and the broader public. She is deeply committed to strengthening the profession’s relevance today while helping shape its role in the built environment for generations to come.

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. Hanlon has been actively involved with AIA California for the past 10 years, beginning as a student director and continuing through the Academy for Emerging Professionals, where he currently serves as Vice President. His long-standing commitment reflects a genuine passion for guiding and supporting the future of the architectural profession.

Early in his career, Mr. Hanlon is in the process of completing the AREs and has been an advocate for emerging professionals, including supporting the AIT bill recently signed by Governor Newsom. His professional focus centers on educational projects, where he is especially motivated by creating engaging learning experiences and improving learning environments.

Outside of architecture, he enjoys adventuring with his dog, gardening, camping, and traveling the world.

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.