People

James Drews, cofounder of LDA, has over forty years of experience in architecture and interior design with an emphasis on specialty retail stores and entertainment venues. With a commitment to creating vibrant retail spaces, Mr. Drews has been involved in all phases of the design and construction process, from initial programming and concept development through build out and fixturization. Mr. Drews is responsible for LDA’s noteworthy projects including H&M Flagship store at The Forum Shops in Las Vegas. He received his Bachelors degree in Architecture from Valparaiso University in Valparaiso, IN and his Masters in Architecture from UCLA.

Richard Brett, a Partner at LDA leads our Design and Management Team. He supplies a wealth of energy, enthusiasm, and design expertise to LDA. Richard provides our clients with Design, Planning, and Management assistance. He brings over thirty years of experience in design, planning, and production of retail and commercial projects throughout the United States and abroad. His interpersonal communication skills, a strong background in contract documentation, and a thorough knowledge of the construction process augment Richard’s design skills. Mr. Brett received his BA in Architecture from California Polytechnic University in Pomona, CA.

Vianka has been with LDA design group for the past 25 years.  She combines her interpersonal and communication skills to work closely with staff and clients to keep the firm running smoothly and efficiently.  She emigrated from Chihuahua, Mexico in 1988 and obtained her US citizenship in 1990.  Vianka went on to earn her business administration degree in 1993, and has been working in the Architectural field ever since that point in time.  Along with her responsibilities as Director of Human Resources, she manages LDA’s office, and financial resources.  Vianka is integral to the firm.

Heriberto, a Partner at LDA, has an extensive background in commercial, retail and housing development projects, with over fifteen years of multi-family residential design and development experience. At LDA, he has managed the design and construction of numerous projects including H&M stores throughout California and the southwestern US and has worked with national retail developers such as Macerich and Westfield. Heriberto’s experience ranges from site acquisition, financing, entitlements, design, and construction administration. He has managed numerous residential projects totaling over 600 units. He received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Woodbury University and is currently working towards a CA state architectural license.

Juan received his Bachelors degree in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley in 2003. He began his career with LDA just months after graduating. He has over seventeen years of experience in all aspects of project management from pre-programming through design and construction administration. Juan has successfully managed and led various retail projects throughout the United States for some of our high-end retail clients. He is a licensed architect in multiple states and a LEED Accredited Professional.

Mr. Bruce Parsons brings over forty years of experience in architecture and construction.  He is an integral member of our Production and Management team. As an Architect he has worked on a variety of commercial, retail project types with a focus on department stores and other large-scale complex projects. Bruce has extensive experience with multiple diverse project types, including office buildings, post offices, congregate care facilities, hospitals, dental centers, schools, gymnasiums, banks, hotels, theaters, industrial parks and industrial facilities, big-box retailers, department stores, and shopping centers.

Rember Aleman brings twenty-eight years of professional experience on a wide range of project types. While his primary focus is with mixed-use housing projects, his knowledge also includes educational, commercial and civic projects. Rember believes that architecture is a direct response to a special need; a need for shelter, security, learning or healing among some. By listening to clients, he brings passion and commitment to all aspects of project design and delivery. His design sensibility, technical knowledge and understanding of the construction process, provides opportunities to explore creative problem solving while collaborating with builders and clients.

Monica is a licensed architect with 20 years of experience. She established Collab Studio in Pasadena in 2017 and we are pleased to have her as an additional resource to LDA. She has worked on a broad range. Projects including housing, mixed-use developments, historic restoration, hospitality and commercial work. Monica has an in-depth knowledge of historic preservation, and expertise in adapting historic structures to current use while maintain their integrity. She has worked on the rehabilitation of over 25 structures of varying scope, from Craftsman bungalows to historic Hotels.

Edison is a versatile member of our production team offering more than seventeen years of experience in retail and commercial architecture. He obtained his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from USC. Since joining LDA, he has worked on projects of varying scales. Edison is familiar with all phases of design and construction. He has worked with national retailers on their store rollout programs across the United States, and recently completed a retail store concept in Lujiazu, China.

Sean is a versatile member of the LDA design team, creating new concepts for future projects as well as developing design and construction documents for a variety of commercial and retail projects. Sean received his Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and has been working in the field for the past fifteen years. Sean’s professional experience is multi disciplinary, working in furniture / fixture design, graphic, interior, and architectural design.

Chelsea graduated with her Master’s degree in Interior Architecture from Woodbury University. She now has 6 years of experience post-graduation in both residential and commercial architecture and design. Coming from an artistic background; she is detail oriented and has a strong desire for creating. She has extensive experience with California building codes, construction documents, construction administration and LEED design. Her objective in architectural design is to contribute to each project by delivering innovative solutions from initial programming to construction administration.

Manny has been part of the LDA team for over seven years. In 2014, he graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic University in Pomona.  Manny has proven to be a vital member of the LDA production team, with a strong work ethic and passion for quality work, he has been involved in a variety of projects including work for clients such as Guitar Center and Seritage Growth Properties. Manny is currently part of the team working in collaboration with Seritage on the multi-tenant building conversion at UTC in La Jolla, California.

Michael graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic University in Pomona. He began his professional career as an intern with LDA. After graduating, Michael has provided architectural modeling and production support on a number of large development projects including work for Brookfield, Seritage, and Cypress Equities. As an expert in Revit, CAD and Sketchup, he has the capabilities creating beautiful visualizations while preserving the accuracy required for construction documents. With over 8 years of experience, Michael has become an integral part of the LDA team.

Cynthia brings over 15 years of experience providing architectural production support on a wide range of projects including work for retailers such as Macy’s, H&M and Guitar Center. Her work experience also includes large development projects for developers such as Seritage and Cypress Equities. Cynthia strives to produce detailed work with great accuracy. Her dedication, enthusiasm and strong work ethic is a valuable asset to our production team.

Veronica is a valuable asset and has been a part of the LDA team for over 10 years. She is vital to the LDA family and helps coordinate all the needs and demands of the office. Veronica is LDA’s go-to person. She greets clients, customers, vendors and has excellent communication skills. She helps facilitate communication within our organization, manages the print room, assists in accounting and marketing and schedules special meetings and events. Veronica always strives to deliver solutions and provide quality work. Her positive, proactive and jovial demeanor makes her a pleasure to have as a part of the LDA team.

Max, our Elder Statesman has been working with our Client Relations group for the past 12 years.

This Power couple, Zoey and Finn, have been working hand in paw with our Human Resources Group for the past 5 years.

Oliver is a chip off the old block (Finn) and is currently in training.. begging his Humans to take a walk or to throw the ball around the office.