Architecture
Leading architecture, planning, and design firm AO is proud to announce the promotions of Rene Boggio, Michael (Mike) Connell, and Edward (Ed) Wu to the firm’s leadership role of Partner. These promotions mark an important milestone in AO’s continued growth and evolution, recognizing three individuals who have consistently demonstrated exceptional expertise, leadership, and dedication to the firm’s clients, projects, and people.
As AO continues to expand its capabilities and adapt to an increasingly complex and dynamic marketplace, Rene, Mike, and Ed will take on elevated leadership responsibilities, helping guide the firm’s strategic direction while strengthening AO’s commitment to design excellence, technical rigor, and successful project delivery across all studios.
With nearly 30 years of architectural and design experience, Rene Boggio brings a rare blend of design sensibility, project management, and construction expertise. His background in construction management allows him to lead multidisciplinary teams with clarity, efficiency, and a strong understanding of how projects are built. Rene is highly regarded by clients for his collaborative communication style and ability to maintain schedule and budget while supporting teams through every phase of construction. His leadership on highly complex mixed-use, retail and commercial projects, including 2nd & PCH in Long Beach and The Coliseum in Los Angeles, California, underscores his value as a problem solver and team builder.
A cornerstone of AO’s Multifamily Studio, Mike Connell, Architect, possesses over 30 years of architectural experience and 15 years of leadership at AO. Mike is widely respected for his technical rigor, deep command of building codes, and ability to resolve complex entitlement and design challenges. Developers and clients rely on his precision, consistency, and cost-conscious mindset to deliver projects that meet schedules and exceed expectations. His portfolio spans the full spectrum of commercial real estate, with a specific focus on multifamily and mixed-use developments, including key projects such as The Terraces at Murrieta in Murrieta, Monarch Hillside in San Diego, Luminary, and Enclave Town Center at Otay Ranch in Chula Vista, California.
Ed Wu, Architect, brings more than 30 years of architectural experience, specializing in multifamily development, including market-rate and affordable housing, as well as modular design and construction. During his eight years at AO, Ed has earned a reputation for thoughtful problem-solving and for guiding projects seamlessly from concept through construction. His work is grounded in a holistic understanding of users, systems, and long-term performance as exemplified by projects such as The Orion in Orange, Revel Palm Desert, Osgood Apartments in Fremont, and Mainline North in Santa Clara, California. Ed’s calm, methodical approach and ability to see challenges from multiple perspectives make him a trusted leader for both clients and internal studio teams.
AO’s partner promotions reflect the firm’s ongoing investment in leadership and its commitment to building a strong future across an expanding range of practice areas. As AO continues to grow its multidisciplinary platform, supporting developers, organizations, and communities across the built environment, the firm remains focused on helping clients realize their visions and create lasting value.
