PARTNERS

Scott Mitchell is the Founder, Chief Executive Officer and a Partner of Scott Mitchell Studio. Over more than 20 years he has developed an extensive design portfolio across the U.S. and internationally. He is renowned for his warm approach to connecting the built and natural environments and his humanistic approach to architecture. Scott’s design philosophy is influenced equally by his early encounters with antiquity, as by his relationships with modernist architects Richard Meier and Charles Gwathmey, and by the work of Louis I. Kahn and Rudolph M. Schindler.

Scott received a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University before moving to New York to work at Stephen Miller Siegel & Associates and then to Bridgehampton to work with Preston T. Phillips, a former protégé of architect Paul Rudolph. He was offered an internship in Norman Foster’s London office and then moved back to the U.S. to pursue graduate studies at the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc), before establishing Scott Mitchell Studio in 1999.

Scott is author of the monograph Scott Mitchell Houses (Rizzoli), which includes eight of the studio’s pivotal projects and includes contributions by Paul Goldberger, Calvin Klein and Michael Webb.

Scott is a patron of Desert X, the international, contemporary art exhibition and serves on the Advisory Council of The Glass House.

George Wickwire, AIA is a Partner in the firm and serves as Chief Operating Officer. He ensures the smooth operation of individual projects, helps its talented staff contribute to projects at the highest level and strategic management of the firm’s boutique practice. George’s hometown is Seattle, Washington. He graduated with a BA in Architecture from the University of Washington in Seattle and received his MA in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia. George views travel as an adventure and a necessary ingredient to gathering great architectural ideas.

Christopher Ford, AIA is a Partner in the firm serving as Technical Director. He manages internal and external project teams through the construction documentation process in addition to equipping the Seattle team with the tools and resources to execute its design vision. Christopher supervises and guides the translation from the early concept stages through the final articulation of complex details, all while ensuring that final construction meets the highest standards for both form and function. Christopher also leads retail projects local to the Seattle studio. Originally from Phoenix, Arizona, Christopher earned both his BSD in Architecture and Master of Real Estate Development from Arizona State University. Christopher played drums in a rock band while in high-school and even recorded a demo album—though it can’t be found on Spotify!

Max Lavet is a Partner in the firm and its Design Director. He works collaboratively to conceive, represent and realize projects in coordination with the technical team. Max is from Los Angeles, California and earned his BA in Political Science from Tufts University, Massachusetts. Max is a true Californian, who enjoys his most profound creative moments while on his surfboard in the Pacific Ocean.

OUR TEAM

Alan Abdulkader is an Associate. He oversees the technical coordination of key projects. Alan earned his BS in Architecture, his BFA and his MA in Architecture from Washington State University. Alan is from Sulaimani in Kurdistan. In addition to his interest in architecture, Alan enjoys reading and collecting art, architecture and design-related books, exploring new tastes in food and spending time with his family.

Kyle K. Becker is an Associate. He serves as technical lead and project manager, leading the firm’s Revit template and drawing standards. Kyle guides the internal and consultant teams towards a complete set of construction documents beginning with schematic design, through design development to permit submission. Originally from Tempe, Arizona, Kyle studied at Arizona State University. Kyle may bend over backwards to manage projects for Scott Mitchell Studio, however, he was once an elite gymnast who came seriously close to pursuing a career in Cirque du Soleil instead of architecture.

Andrew Burgess is an Associate. Born and raised in Baltimore, Maryland, he earned his BS in Applied Mathematics from Johns Hopkins University and his Master of Interior Architecture and Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. He is a licensed architect, construction documents technologist and certified construction specifier with experience in commercial and retail interiors. Andrew excels at solving intricate problems. He plays piano to unwind and has completed at least one New York Times Saturday crossword without cheating.

Ernesto Carrera is an Associate. Born and raised in Mexico, he earned his BA from the Institute of Architecture Design & Arts at the University of Ciudad Juárez. Over the last 10 years of professional practice, while based in Los Angeles, Ernesto has collaborated on a wide range of residential, commercial, hospitality, transportation, retail and multifamily/mixed use projects. The most remarkable projects he has worked on are two beach houses located in Malibu and Division 16 Southwestern Yard for L.A. Metro. His experience spans all aspects of project planning, drafting, design, and execution. He enjoys hiking, traveling, reading, watching sports, attending concerts and museums.

William M. Chami is an Associate. He collaborates and assists at different stages of the design process for the studio’s projects. William grew up in Lausanne, Switzerland. He earned his BA in Architecture from the College of Engineering and Architecture of Fribourg, Switzerland. Before joining Scott Mitchell Studio for the second time, he worked for six years as an architect and a lighting designer in Switzerland. His interdisciplinary approach pushed him to explore photography, lighting and animation. Even though he decided to move to the United States, his chocolate addiction remains very Swiss.

Arthur Cisneros is the firm’s 3D & Visualization Manager. Arthur manages the production of the studio’s renderings and 3D models. Originally from Tyrone, Georgia, he received his BFA in Architecture from Savannah College of Art & Design. Arthur enjoys figure skating with his daughter in his free time.

Lynzee Colclasure is Office Manager and Interior Consultant for the Los Angeles studio. Lynzee has been with the firm since March 2012 and brings more than 15 years of management experience. She is a member of the interior design team and responsible for coordinating the activities of Scott Mitchell Studio globally. Originally from Illinois, Lynzee received her BA in Marketing and Management from the Art Institute of Illinois. Lynzee has ridden her bicycle from San Francisco to Los Angeles—twice—to raise funds for AIDS research, treatment, and education.

Amelia Hazinski is a Creative Project Manager. She collaborates in the design process and works with technical and consultant teams to bring clarity and refinement to every project. Amelia grew up in Chicago and received her BA from Oberlin College. She completed her MArch at Rice University, where she graduated with the Henry Adams Certificate and the Alpha Rho Chi Medal. Amelia is teaching herself to play the piano.

Ella Kaller is an Associate. She helps maintain design standards across various studio projects. bringing them to life through the design visualization process. Before joining the studio in Los Angeles, Ella worked with its technical team in Seattle to progress drawings and models toward the construction process. Ella’s hometown is Los Angeles. She graduated with a BS in Architecture from the University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning. Her projects ranged from residential, public and environmental, to large scale humanitarian design. During her college education she was on the Dean's List for four consecutive years and received the James B. Angell Scholar Award twice. As a young competitive gymnast she starred in a 2012 Olympic Games commercial.

Yin Liuyingqin is an Associate, responsible for ensuring the development of project documentation in coordination with consultants and contractors. Yin is from Qinhuangdao, China. She received her Bachelor of Architecture from Jiangnan University in Wuxi, China and her Master of Architecture from the University of Idaho. Yin has lived in seven cities in the past fifteen years.

Michael Matthews, AIA is a Creative Project Manager, Before joining Scott Mitchell Studio in 2020, he practiced with Renzo Piano Building Workshop and Thomas Phifer and Partners. He is a licensed architect, registered with the American Institute of Architects. Michael graduated cum laude from Rice University with a Bachelor of Architecture and with Distinction from Harvard University Graduate School of Design with a Master of Architecture. He earned the AIA Henry Adams Medal for graduating first in his class. Across his academic and professional work, Michael has received multiple awards including the Louis Sudler Prize in the Arts, Margaret Everson Fossi Prize, Ralph S. Herman Memorial Award, Mary Ellen Lovett Traveling Fellowship, GSD Dean's Scholarship, AIA LA's Presidential Honoree Award, and the Harvard Joint Center for Housing Studies Thesis Grant Award. He is a member of the Tau Sigma Delta Architecture Honor Society. Outside of architecture, Michael is a musician and performs with community orchestras across Los Angeles.

Juhee Park is a Creative Project Manager. She leads design management and team coordination for several key projects. Juhee ensures the integrity of the studio’s core design values from conception to realization. Born in Mokpo, South Korea Juhee was raised in Los Angeles and earned her Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona and received her Master of Architecture II from Harvard University Graduate School of Design, where she was a Dean's Merit Scholar. Prior to joining the studio, Juhee worked in Boston and Los Angeles spearheading award-winning, high-end residential projects in complex and unique sites. Juhee lives in the Neutra VDL House, a National Historic Landmark, and the former home and studio of acclaimed architect Richard Neutra. She is a member of the Director’s Council of the Neutra VDL House and sits on the Advisory Board of FORT LA.

John Michael Patangan is an Associate. He is responsible for design visualization and implementation and construction administration support. Originally from Cagayan de Oro in the Philippines, John received his BA from Voiland College of Engineering and Architecture at Washington State University and his MA from Sam Fox School of Design and Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis. While John now lives Los Angeles, as a child, he spent his summers on an island that had more volcanoes than towns.

Sean Perri is an Associate. He produces 3D CAD models and renderings and assists in conceptual and schematic design decisions as part of the firm’s visualization team. Sean is from Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. He earned his BS in Architecture from the University of Pittsburgh partnered with Carnegie Mellon University's School of Architecture. In addition to architecture, Sean composes and produces music.

Tanja Reiners, AIA is a Senior Associate, experienced in management, documentation and contract administration of various building types. Known for her clear communication and stakeholder engagement, she guides internal and external project teams through the construction documentation processes and mobilizes collaborative team efforts to ensure successful coordination of the complexities within projects. From Waxhaw, North Carolina via Mönchengladbach, Germany, Tanja received her BA in Architecture and her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of North Carolina at Charlotte. She has raced outrigger canoes between the Hawaiian islands of Maui and Molokai.

Alan Russo is a Senior Associate. He is a problem solver who leads creative and technical teams to produce exceptional environments. Alan brings many years of experience to Scott Mitchell Studio, most recently managing highly detailed specialty retail projects for global brands, and has worked on a wide range of mixed-use, commercial, residential, and ecclesiastical projects. Originally from Bellingham, WA, he received a Bachelor of Architecture from Washington State University. While in college, Alan was in an electronic band that recorded just one song.

Anton Sagun is an Associate, who tackles problems and searches for innovative, design and architecture solutions. Anton’s previous experience of helping first-generation, immigrant entrepreneurs fulfill their aspirations has taught him to dream big and strive for perfection. Anton is from Kirovograd, Ukraine. He holds a BA from the University of Washington. Anton was a child model in his hometown in Ukraine.

Emma Lindsey Turbiarz is an Associate who works across a number of projects from the conceptual design phase through to construction documents. Prior to joining Scott Mitchell Studio, Emma was focused on commercial projects and is now diversifying her portfolio to include residential. Originally from Sydney, Australia, Emma achieved both her BA in Architecture and MA in Architecture from the University of Technology Sydney. Emma left Australia to build her career in the United States, where she won her green card in the lottery.

Pooja Vaidya, AIBC is an Associate, who collaborates with colleagues and consultants to produce design development and construction document packages. In pursuit of creating refined buildings, Pooja values the small details as much as the big picture. Pooja’s experience includes mixed-use buildings, schools, offices, and warehouses. However, single family residential and hospitality are her passion. Pooja is from Kathmandu, Nepal. She earned both her BA in Environmental Design and Master of Architecture from North Dakota State University. She was the favorite doggy-sitter at her previous firm and strives to continue that tradition.

Denise Wickwire is the Office Manager of the Seattle studio, where she ensures the firm’s smooth operations and collaborates with the internal team to ensure it has what it requires to produce great work. Denise also schedules continuing education classes for staff, assists with the fulfillment of open staff positions, and participates in marketing activities. Denise earned her BA from the University of Washington. She has a love of foreign languages and enjoys practicing French, Spanish and German during her travels abroad.

Lyn Winter is the firm’s Communications Advisor overseeing its communications and media relations and digital and social media channels. She is the Founder and President of Lyn Winter, Inc., a strategic communications and advisory agency specializing in contemporary art and visual culture, which has represented Scott Mitchell Studio since 2013. Lyn is the editor and project director of Scott Mitchell’s first monograph Scott Mitchell Houses (Rizzoli). Born in Manchester, UK, Lyn graduated with a first class MA in Modern Languages from Cambridge University. Lyn is passionate about architecture and design and is the owner of a historic residence in Palm Springs designed by modernist architect William F. Cody.