Architecture
AO, a leading full-service architecture firm with expertise across the multifamily and commercial real estate spectrum, proudly announces the promotion of six key team members to Senior Associate. The firm’s significant growth over the past year is a testament to the invaluable contributions of these individuals, who cultivate strong relationships and consistently ensure AO delivers exceptional results for its clients.
The following AO team members were promoted:
- Rio Garcia, a multifamily and mixed-use specialist at AO with over 20 years of experience, has successfully managed the construction of 10,000+ luxury apartments, leveraging his expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, and construction administration to deliver high-quality results and seamless project execution.
- Veronica Kim, NCARB, has a decade of experience specializing in the technical development of project drawings and documents for industrial and retail developments, combining meticulous attention to detail with collaborative coordination to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions that meet complex design needs and project objectives.
- Francis Kwek, brings over 25 years of expertise in retail design and development, specializing in grocery stores, big-box retail, and shopping centers, with comprehensive skills in project management, site planning, tenant coordination, and seamless execution from planning to permitting.
- Kai Lau, LEED AP, brings over 30 years of diverse experience, specializing in the design of multifamily and mixed-use communities that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetic appeal to create thoughtful spaces that fulfill each client’s unique vision, enrich communities, and enhance the way people live, work, and play.
- Linda Laurenzi began her career with AO in 2001 and has since become renowned for expertly managing complex retail and outlet center projects, earning recognition for her exceptional project management, communication, leadership, creative design, and technical problem-solving skills across all phases of design and construction.
- Fred Tomas, a valued AO team member since 2010, brings over 25 years of commercial architectural experience, excelling as a project manager in executing design visions and delivering projects from inception to construction administration.
AO continues to expand its diverse portfolio across multiple studios, including multifamily, mixed-use, modular, hospitality, industrial, commercial, healthcare, interior design, and more. Recognized as the #1 architectural firm by the O.C. Business Journal in 2024, AO is positioned to lead with major projects on the horizon. These promotions reflect AO’s enduring commitment to recognizing and elevating its employees, fostering a culture that has retained the industry’s best and brightest for over 50 years. The new Senior Associates exemplify the firm’s dedication to nurturing talent and advancing leadership firmwide.