November Chapter Meeting | Los Altos Community Center
November 9, from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
Free for Members
$25 for Non-Members
The Committee on the Environment (COTE) is hosting a panel discussion and project tour led by Noll & Tam Architects with key player involved in the design and development of Los Altos’ recently completed all-electric civic building. Join us as we discuss community scale resilience, carbon smart materials and systems selection, and thoughtful collaboration across disciplines, all accomplished to achieve this breathtaking building, where the event will be held. The discussion will be followed by a series of tours of the space alongside indivuals who were involved in bringing it to fruition.
SPEAKERS
Paul Carey, I. Eng.
Principal, Electrical Engineering
Paul Carey has over 45 years of experience in the electrical construction industry, 32 of which have been with O’Mahony & Myer. He has designed the electrical power distribution systems, generator systems, and life safety systems, for numerous facilities including the Hillview Community Center in Los Altos.
Gavin Ross, RA
Senior Associate, Noll & Tam Architects
Gavin Ross brings expertise in sustainable design, technical detailing, and construction administration developed over the course of 22 years of experience on projects ranging from corporate tenant improvements and new academic and institutional buildings to single-family residences. He joined Noll & Tam in 2017; his project work with the firm has included the Los Altos Community Center, the Laney College Library and Learning Resource Center, and multiple building renovations at UC Berkeley. Gavin is adept at working with numerous stakeholders, bringing disparate user groups to consensus to move projects forward. His technical skills are enhanced by his ability to clearly communicate design vision and intention. Gavin champions the use of sustainable design, bringing thoughtful solutions that are respectful of client budgets. Gavin holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Carnegie Mellon University. He is a registered architect in the state of Pennsylvania.
Dora Pollak, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate, Noll & Tam Architects
Dora Pollak is a registered architect and LEED Accredited Professional with seven years of experience and a strong background in sustainable design, community engagement, and social justice. Dora joined Noll & Tam in 2017. She was involved in the design and community process for the Los Altos Community Center throughout the project duration. Other projects with Noll & Tam include the Urban Tilth farm in Richmond, planning and conceptual design of a new community center and aquatic center in Walnut Creek, the Los Altos Hill Town Hall, and the North Berkeley Senior Center renovation. Dora is a licensed architect in California. She holds a Master of Architecture degree from Iowa State University and a BA degree from Reed College.
James Gwise, AIA
Principal, Studio Gwise
James Gwise is an architect with more than 25 years of experience in the design and construction of residential, educational, retail, institutional, and research/development buildings. His career has ranged from working on projects for Silicon Valley tech companies to designing facilities for the University of California, San Francisco and UC Santa Cruz. James has a strong ability to clearly communicate design vision and intention and is able to bring disparate user groups to consensus and move community projects forward. James established Studio Gwise in 2008 to focus on small-scale commercial and residential projects with a goal of fostering a collaborative design and construction process with project owners, designers, and craftsmen. Notable projects at Studio Gwise include creative offices for a Silicon Valley tech company, Seeds Design Studio, and R+D facilities for Silicon Valley tech company. Currently Studio Gwise is focused on residential projects throughout the Bay Area; the most notable is Skyhouse, which is a companion residence to Seeds Design Studio. Prior to establishing Studio Gwise, James was a senior associate with Noll and Tam Architects, serving as project manager for the Los Altos Community Center and as a technical architect for the New Center for Liberal Arts. James holds a Master of Architecture degree and Certificate of Sustainable Design from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Bachelor of Professional Studies in Architecture from the State University of New York, Buffalo. He is a licensed architect in California.
Jonathan Weinberg
City Council Member, City of Los Altos
Jonathan was elected to the Los Altos City Council in 2020 and is serving as the City’s Vice-Mayor in 2023. Community involvement has always been an important value for Jonathan. In 2015, he was appointed to the City’s Parks and Recreation Commission where he served until his election to the Council. As chair of the commission, Jonathan was also a member of the Design, Development Working Group who consulted with Noll and Tam during the planning and construction of the Los Altos Community Center.
Jonathan and his wife, Iditt, moved to Los Altos in 2009. Their son, Noah, is a sophomore at Los Altos High School and their daughter, Emma, is an eighth grader at Gideon Hausner Jewish Day School in Palo Alto.
A Bay Area native, Jonathan was born and raised in Oakland. He attended college in Southern California and received his law degree from Hastings College of the Law in 2001. Jonathan has practiced law for more than twenty years and is now a partner with the law firm Finkelstein & Fujii in San Mateo. Jonathan’s practice focuses on real estate law and trust and probate law.
An avid fan of the Oakland A’s, Jonathan enjoys going to as many baseball games as he can. He also enjoys travelling with his family, listening to music, and has recently started to explore the world of bourbon and other American whiskeys.