At our firm, summer is a season of exploration — and our team continues to inspire us with a dedication to learning. Whether they’re diving into books, attending lectures, taking classes, or exploring architecture in the field, each team member brings curiosity and passion to TBA. We’re proud to spotlight the wide range of ideas, interests, and experiences our staff are pursuing this summer — and to celebrate the thoughtfulness, creativity, and commitment that make them such an essential part of who we are.

Tim Barber, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Founding Principal
“I’m deep in the weeds of learning how to make an all-electric house, coordinating the panel upgrade and circuit breakers, and finding all-electric furnaces and water heaters.”

David Stone, AIA, NCARB
Principal & Director of Operations
“I am currently reading one of our client’s books. It is an incredible insight into their life and world. Getting to know our clients is a favorite part of the journey.”

Kelly Becker, AIA, NCARB
Principal & Director of Design
“This summer I will be exploring the Rocky Mountain National Park as part of a family reunion.”

Sharon Kramer
Director of Finance & Human Resources
“I plan to explore Japanese paper making and Neon glass blowing.”

Ari Engelman, AIA, NCARB
Senior Project Manager
“I’m reading “Ethics of Our Fathers” (from the Hebrew Mishnah).”

Katie Peterson-Hesketh
Senior Project Manager
“I’m currently studying for the CSE. I had postponed it after completing the AREs, but am hoping to finally have the official title of ‘architect’.”

Jim Coyle, AIA, NCARB
Senior Interior Project Manager
“I am revisiting Philadelphia, the city that sparked my interest in architecture, and will be on the lookout for creative and inspiring details on the centuries-old buildings there.”

Kevin Sack
Project Manager & Construction Administrator
“I am attempting to study for the CSE to complete my licensure if I can find time to do so.“

Kyra Bauman, RA, NCARB
Project Manager
“This summer, I’m looking into the future of a more sustainable and fire-resilient community with a series of webinars from AIA. I’m also looking into the past and working toward a Certificate in Classical Architecture with online videos and in-person events from ICAA.“

Max Rendon
Project Manager
“I’m currently reading architectural theory books from college. I have tons that I bought to read certain passages, so I’m going back and reading them completely. Outside of work, I’m learning girl hairstyles for my daughters (braids, different ponytails, etc.).”

Mengying Bai, RA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Job Captain
“I’m learning how to use digital modeling solar/energy analysis to help the design team and the clients to make decisions and create more sustainable/comfortable homes.“

Ben Jensen
Job Captain
“I’m studying for AREs to become a licensed architect!“

Omar Femat
Job Captain
“I have been reading and watching YouTube videos on how to sculpt an indoor plant into a bonsai.”

Tony Malyan
Job Captain
“I am starting to study for Architecture exams.”

Mher Khachikian
Job Captain
“I’m studying for ARE exams.“

Chris Buckler
Interior Resource Specialist
“I’m visiting Mexico City, and touring a Luis Barragán house to learn more about international architectural styles.”

Sara Higley
Interior Design Associate
“I am reading Good Material by Dolly Alderton because I haven’t read a fiction book in a while (I typically read non-fiction). I am traveling to Oslo, Barcelona, and Madrid to visit friends/family and have a vacation. I hope to see the Gaudí apartments in Barcelona.”

Michael Lee
Design Associate
“This summer I’m trying to expand my plant collection! Learning how and when to re-pot my plants has been very valuable. I’m currently working on trimming down a very unkempt Monstera into a bunch of little Monstera plants.”

Jake Betts
Design Associate
“This summer, I’m preparing for my LEED certification and ARE exams to become licensed, with the goal of enhancing my ability to design innovative, site-responsive, and energy-efficient homes tailored to the personalized needs of our projects.”

Greer Geissman
Design Associate
“I’m exploring the importance of color theory and how different shades can expand or compress a space. Studying this because I’m updating/refreshing my house and choosing new paint colors, finishes, and furniture!”

Ahmad Hassan Faisal, AIA, LEED GA
Design Associate
“I’ve been reading A Paradise of Small Houses by Max Podemski. The book explores the evolution of residential housing as we know today across various cities in the U.S. such as the New York tenement and the Philadelphia row house. As an architect working on residential design, I think it is really important for me to understand why houses today are the way they are, and the book lays out a great timeline of it.”

Orion Osbey
Intern Design Associate
“This summer I have begun to investigate multiple aspects of residential architecture. One specific aspect that piques my interest is detailed facade elements that allow the homes to distinct themselves from each other. I thoroughly love the creativity, dramatic shapes, and care each different element shows. It illustrates a degree of craftsmanship and pop that I believe is slowly becoming a lost art as mass production increases, concentrating on speed over care.”

Devon Henry
Client Concierge & Operations Administrator
“My goal for the summer is to engage more with L.A. and learn more about local history by visiting museums, taking architectural tours, and lectures.”

Stephanie Morrow
Communications Manager
“This summer, I’m taking introduction to needlepoint courses at a local store – a craft I have been interested in learning for some time now!“