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MELINA ALUWI, AIA, LEEDAPBD+C, NCARB
Associate Principal | Sector Leader
HED
Melina Aluwi is Associate Principal of HED's San Diego office, leading Higher Education projects. As a recognized architectural leader and mentor, Aluwi combines design passion, technical expertise, and effective management. Supported by HED's talented team, she plays a pivotal role in delivering creative solutions that positively impact clients, the community, and the world. Aluwi is a lifelong mentor who actively shares knowledge and provides thought leadership to the community. She has served as a presenter for the Association for Learning Environments and as a panelist for the Coalition of Adequate School Housing. She has been involved with the San Diego Architectural Foundation, the Orchids & Onion fundraising event, and serves as a founding board member of the San Diego chapter of the National Organization for Minority Architects. She can be reached at [email protected].
BENJAMIN ARCIA
Senior Associate, MUD, ASLA
McCullough Landscape Architecture
Benjamin Arcia is a Senior Associate at McCullough Landscape Architecture in San Diego, California. He joined McCullough in 2013 and has spent the past decade consulting on the planning, design, and construction of numerous mixed-use infill, affordable housing, commercial repositioning, and transit-oriented development projects. His work on La Semilla ('The Seed1), a Climate Resiliency Park in San Ysidro, California, for Casa Familiar was highlighted among the firm's top 2022 projects. Arcia also spearheaded high-level strategy of the renewal efforts behind International Friendship Park, a public space that straddles the U.S./Mexico border. Working with U.S. Customs and Border Protection and Friends of Friendship Park, he participated in a summit to open a dialogue with federal officials and create conceptual design studies for a re-envisioned park. He can be reached at [email protected] or 646-496-8101.
DOUG AUSTIN
CEO and Founder
AVRP Studios
Douglas Austin is Founder and CEO of AVRP Studios. He has designed innovative housing for the region and western Canada and has been recognized with over 150 awards for design excellence. Austin has played an important role in downtown San Diego's success. He chaired the Design and Construction Task Force for Petco Park and serves as Chair of the Advisory Board for Yes in God's Backyard, an organization committed to housing solutions for the homeless. He recently designed and is currently designing multiple...