Board Nominees

BIOGRAPHY:

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

BIOGRAPHY:

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

BIOGRAPHY:

As a licensed Architect in California with over 25 years of experience, Afsha brings a wealth of knowledge to every project. Her philosophy centers on enhancing user well-being and leaving a positive imprint on the community. Afsha joined Aedis Architects in 2007 and is currently leading projects as an Associate Principal. With extensive experience in k-12 projects, Afsha has worked on a variety of projects: Cafeterias, Multipurpose, Sports facilities, Libraries, Performing Art centers, and specialized classrooms. She views each project as an opportunity to transform lives. Her design prioritizes health, comfort, and well-being. Afsha strongly believes that as an architect, she must minimize waste, and create flexible, sustainable, and biophilic environments. Her passion for sustainability led her to co-design TimberQuest – a prefabricated modular classroom building made from cross-laminated timber (CLT). This pre-check DSA-approved building is a perfect outcome of innovation, sustainability, and biophilia.

Afsha thrives on collaboration. She loves working closely with the stakeholders and community members to solve architectural challenges and provide them with a unique solution. Her strength lies in listening to clients, understanding their vision, and delivering tailored solutions that foster lasting relationships.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

AIA Silicon Valley has provided me with a plethora of opportunities to connect with people from different platforms. As a board member, I had the privilege to collaborate and take the lead in organizing chapter events. With my involvement in the Design Awards committee last year and the program committee this year, the Chapter has completed many successful events. I enjoy collaborating and learning from these events as they encourage dialogue, knowledge sharing, and mentorship. I would love to continue serving the Chapter and local community in more ways. I am excited to express my interest in the AIASVC Secretary position. My vision centers around fostering positive lasting impacts within the AEC industry and beyond. I am committed to serving the chapter as a dedicated member who listens, collaborates, and champions positive change.

BIOGRAPHY:

Madhubala Ayyamperumal is an emerging designer, mentor and sustainable design advocate, who believes in improving the lives of people through socially and environmentally responsible design. Having worked in Asia, Middle East & United States, her areas of competence include Healthcare, Life Science, Tenant Improvement, Hospitality, Mixed use and Workplace Design. She currently works as a Project Designer at Five Design Architecture & Interiors. Madhu brings the fluency of sustainability and wellness centric design and believes in promoting these attributes as the basis of her design concepts. Graduating with a Master of Architecture and Master of Engineering degree from the Pennsylvania State University, she was awarded the Henry Adams Medal and Certificate of Merit from the American Institute of Architects during her graduation. She is involved with ACE Mentorship and SFNOMA leading mentorship programs in shaping the future generation of the profession and advocating for diversity & inclusion. She is also one of the recipients of Paul J Welch ARE Scholarship offered by AIA California and Architecture Master Prize Honorable Mention. Her involvement with American Institute of Architects Silicon Valley Chapter’s Emerging professionals committee and the committee on the environment has been instrumental. Her recent conversations with the professionals in the industry through spotlight interviews is significant in bringing in diverse perspectives within the profession. As a founding chair of AIASV’s Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, first of its kind in the west coast, she has been successfully running the pilot cohort of the program this year. She was recently named as one of 100 “Women of Influence” by Silicon Valley Business Journal. When she is not busy with work, she is involved in volunteering for the causes that she cares about, typography/sketching and hiking.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

As a design professional with global experience, I am interested in exploring the ways architecture express the stories of diverse cultures and people. As an active member of the AIA Silicon Valley COTE, I strive to promote health and wellbeing through the design of the built environment. As a founding chair of AIASV’s CKLDP Program, I will continue to bridge the gap between emerging / mid-career professionals and leadership opportunities. These leadership experiences have given me great fulfilment helping the community and I am fortunate to work with like-minded professionals with futuristic goals for the profession. Additionally, being the Team Lead for ACE Mentorship (focusing on introducing the Architecture, Engineering and Construction profession to high school students), SFNOMA Mentorship (Project Pipeline), I am passionate about the next gen mentorship within the AEC community. As a board director, I look forward to strengthening the core values of AIA through mentorship, outreach and advocacy efforts.

BIOGRAPHY:

I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the AIASCV chapter to help support architectural professionals and champion our roles as key members of the community.

After recently serving on the Women in Architecture Equity in Leadership panel, I was inspired by the enthusiastic discussions that followed. As a former participant in the AIASCV mentorship program I likewise found it incredibly rewarding, both learning from and sharing with others.

I hope to partner with the board and chapter members to continue developing energizing programs addressing salient issues impacting our profession, such as designing for climate resilience. I would likewise hope to lend support to the Women in Architecture committee.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

As an architect with a number of years of professional experience in the Bay Area, it feels like the right time in my life to more actively participate in the AIA Silicon Valley Chapter and contribute to the various activities of the AIA SCV as well as to the local community. I have been a member of the committee organizing the ai.24 conference and hope to contribute to other such efforts that will be a source of inspiration to our community.

BIOGRAPHY:

Pebel Rodriguez is a New York State Licensed Architect with a career spanning over a decade. Her professional journey is marked by a commitment to sustainability, holding certifications of Passive House Designer, Living Future Accreditation and LEED Accredited Professional. Having worked in the Bay Area, New York City and the Dominican Republic, Pebel has undertaken a diverse range of projects, including high-end residential, institutional, corporate offices, mixed-use developments, with a strong focus on Passive House and LEED principles.

She graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the Universidad Nacional Pedro Henriquez Ureña (UNPHU) in the Dominican Republic. In 2012 she was awarded the Mention of Honor for her thesis work at the XI International Architecture Biennale of Santo Domingo. Pebel also earned a Master of Science in Urban Environmental Systems Management from Pratt Institute in New York, where she was awarded the Leadership in Sustainability Award and the Pratt Institute Graduate Scholarship Award. At Pratt she was Co-Chair of the graduate student organization Leaders in Environmental Advocacy at Pratt (LEAP), and was a member of the Pratt Sustainability Coalition.

As chair of the AIA Silicon Valley Committee on the Environment, Pebel is a strong advocate for sustainable design and believes in environmentally responsible architecture practices. Her work centers on crafting high-performance buildings that leave a minimal environmental footprint while maximizing efficiency and comfort. As a member of the AIASV Home Tours Committee Pebel has played a role in showcasing innovative residential designs that embody sustainable living principles. Pebel is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), and the US Green Building Council (USGBC). She is also affiliated with the Living Building Challenge (LBC), the Passive House Institute (PHI), Passive House California (PHCA) and is a member of the Urban Green Council, reflecting her deep commitment to sustainable architecture.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

As a New York State Licensed Architect with over a decade of experience, I am dedicated to advancing sustainable design in architecture. My work across the Bay Area, New York City, and the Dominican Republic has focused on creating high-performance buildings that prioritize environmental responsibility and occupant well-being. My certifications as a Passive House Designer, Living Future Accreditation, and LEED Accredited Professional, reflect my commitment to integrating sustainability into every project.

In my role as Chair of the AIA Silicon Valley Committee on the Environment, I have led initiatives that promote sustainable practices within our profession. Additionally, my involvement with the AIASV Home Tours Committee has allowed me to highlight innovative residential designs that embody these principles. My academic background, including a Master’s in Urban Environmental Systems Management from Pratt Institute, has provided me with a strong foundation to advocate for environmentally responsible architecture.

As a candidate for the AIA Silicon Valley Board of Directors, I aim to continue promoting sustainability and supporting the growth of our architectural community. I am committed to ensuring that our chapter remains a leader in environmental and social responsibility within the profession.

BIOGRAPHY:

Wendy Woo is a LEED BD+C accredited, licensed architect with over twenty years of experience in a wide range of markets including commercial, retail, civic, education, electronic R&D labs, and residential. She spent her early post-graduate years in NYC working on gut renovations for urban workplaces and condominiums as well as single-family homes. Wendy then relocated back to her native SF Bay Area and developed further breadth in multifamily, civic, education, retail, and commercial work. She is now serving as an Associate Principal, Project Executive, and the Architect of Record at AP+I Design, where together with the leadership team she helps set the strategic vision for the firm while nurturing the next generation of designers.

Wendy graduated with a Master of Architecture from Columbia University and a Bachelor of Arts in Urban Studies with a minor in Studio Art from Stanford University. An urbanist at heart, she is passionate about sustainable and inclusive design that builds community. She is also a lifelong learner, curious to learn about new building technologies.

CANDIDATE STATEMENT:

I would be honored to serve on the Board of Directors for the AIASCV chapter to help support architectural professionals and champion our roles as key members of the community.

After recently serving on the Women in Architecture Equity in Leadership panel, I was inspired by the enthusiastic discussions that followed. As a former participant in the AIASCV mentorship program I likewise found it incredibly rewarding, both learning from and sharing with others.

I hope to partner with the board and chapter members to continue developing energizing programs addressing salient issues impacting our profession, such as designing for climate resilience. I would likewise hope to lend support to the Women in Architecture committee.

BIOGRAPHY:

Dr. Dave Edwards received his Ph.D. in 1999 in Biochemistry and Cell Biology. He worked in the pharmaceutical industry for four years before starting Earth Bound Homes in 2002. Dr. Edwards is a certified Green Building Professional, LEED-AP, Certified Passive House Tradesperson, HERS Rater, and Green Point Rater.

Earth Bound Homes was founded with the goal of being the greenest home building and remodeling company in the nation by using sound science and leading-edge building materials and techniques combined with a complete focus on collaboration with both the clients and the architects and other design professionals on every project, no matter the size.

In 2004, the company rebuilt Dr. Edwards’s home in Santa Clara. Living in this home, which is now rated the greenest home in California by Build It Green’s Green Point Rated System(315 pts.), providing Dr. Edwards with a unique understanding of what works and what doesn’t at the bleeding edge of green building. In 2009, Earth Bound Homes built the first LEED Platinum Zero Energy/Zero Carbon home in California.

Today, with a team of twenty people, Earth Bound Homes has developed into one of the most sought-after home builders in the Bay Area, with the ability to build architecturally beautiful homes that are also leading-edge Passive House homes that focus on resource and energy efficiency, durability, indoor air quality yet are still respectful of budgets. Earth Bound Homes has developed a highly respected PreConstruction Process that focuses on an open and transparent planning and building process that emphasizes a deep collaboration with our architects and clients. This process allows us to work on a wide range of projects, from remodeling small single-family homes in San Jose to building large new estates in Atherton and Woodside. Dave takes great pride in building great green homes for everyone, having built two smaller Passive House homes in just the last three years and with five more substantially larger Passive House homes/estates currently in Construction and PreConstruction.