AMINA BOUAYAD, AIA

Amina's passion for architecture started in Fès, Morocco, where she was born. Fés is a city widely acknowledged as an open-air museum with narrow maze-like streets and a rich cultural history. Amina pursued her studies in architecture in Paris, France, and then in Naples, Italy, where she later participated in a student exchange program driven by her love for traveling and discovering new cultures.

After obtaining her architecture degree, she continued her studies in urban design in New York and decided to settle in the Big Apple to materialize her vast design ambitions. She became a registered architect in the State of New York in 2019.

Her primary focus is on residential buildings in New York City, encompassing all project phases, from schematic design to construction of new high-rise towers and renovation of existing buildings with a sustainable approach.

Amina's multicultural upbringing allows her to infuse the built environment with exotic design ideas. Her globe-trotting lifestyle has allowed her to analyze projects and value designs from varying perspectives. Amina brings a robust urban design & architecture background to the non-profit and has a wealth of experience in interior design and planning.

ANA ZAPATA, aia

Ana Zapata is a highly experienced project architect specializing in affordable housing, luxury mixed-use, and high-end residential projects. With over fourteen years of experience in the field, Ana brings a unique blend of expertise in architectural design, feasibility analysis, and client collaboration.

As a project architect, Ana oversees all architectural elements of various projects, from initial design conception to completion. She works closely with clients to understand their requirements and aspirations, striving to infuse each project with sensitivity to context, commitment to sustainability, and innovative design processes.

Throughout her career, Ana has honed her ability to recognize opportunities to integrate contextual considerations, sustainable solutions, and innovative design ideas into her projects. Her approach is characterized by a deep appreciation for the uniqueness of each architectural endeavor and a commitment to delivering projects that exceed client expectations.

As a creative individual in the digital age, Ana desires to influence the environment through her work. She is particularly interested in exploring the applications of emerging computational design techniques and recognizes the synergies between parametric design and architecture in enhancing our interactions with the built environment.

With her wealth of experience, technical expertise, and passion for design innovation, Ana Zapata is dedicated to shaping the future of architecture and creating spaces that inspire, enrich, and endure.

MELISSA ANDERSON, RA

Melissa grew up on a homestead in rural Kansas, where her natural curiosity and an eye for sculptural forms and the interplay of light were nurtured. This environment played a pivotal role in shaping her unique approach to architecture, which blended an appreciation for natural aesthetics with a methodical, scientific strategy.

Her academic journey in architecture extended from the plains of Kansas to the historic and culturally vibrant city of Paris, France. Melissa obtained her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Kansas through a joint program with the Ecole Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Paris-Vale de Seine. This international educational experience expanded her architectural perspectives and enhanced her understanding of diverse architectural styles and techniques, effectively bridging her theoretical knowledge with practical applications.

In her professional career, Melissa has successfully led the design and construction administration of over 1000 affordable and market-rate high-end units and several single-family homes. Her extensive portfolio highlights her strong capabilities in managing large-scale projects across various housing markets. Her projects showcase a refined design sensibility, rigorous management of project timelines, and a commitment to timely project delivery.

Through her experiences, Melissa has developed a deep understanding of the nuances of architectural design and project management. Her ability to blend technical precision with creative design solutions makes her a distinct figure in the field of architecture, capable of transforming theoretical concepts into tangible realities that resonate with both clients and communities.