Matthew is a talented Architect, licensed in the state of California. He exhibits a strong understanding of both technical and artistic design disciplines with experience in a vast number of project typologies. These include community centers, retail, schools, restaurants, theme parks, destination entertainment, hotels and Libraries.
As Matthew progressed through his architectural career, he has given back to his community through his involvement in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He participated in the planning and execution of the SoCal NOMA Summer Camp for seven years and served on the Executive Board from 2017 to 2021. During his four-year tenure, he founded the Developing Professional Group, which is dedicated to empowering minority design professionals in reaching licensure through mentoring, educational seminars, study materials, and financial aid for exam costs. When Matthew stepped down from the director position in 2021, the program had produced seven new SoCal NOMA Architects. The Developing Professional Group is still engaging and supporting aspiring architects in 2023 and beyond. In June 2023, Matthew became the First Vice President and President Elect of SoCal NOMA.
Matthew’s passion for uplifting communities and culture through thoughtful design has earned him respect and admiration in his firm and in the architecture community. As a leader in his firm, Matthew channels his passion for people and design in a way that makes space for honest, meaningful dialog and outcomes.
Matthew Trotter, NOMA, AIA, NCARB
Matthew is a talented Architect, licensed in the state of California. He exhibits a strong understanding of both technical and artistic design disciplines with experience in a vast number of project typologies. These include community centers, retail, schools, restaurants, theme parks, destination entertainment, hotels and Libraries.
As Matthew progressed through his architectural career, he has given back to his community through his involvement in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). He participated in the planning and execution of the SoCal NOMA Summer Camp for seven years and served on the Executive Board from 2017 to 2021. During his four-year tenure, he founded the Developing Professional Group, which is dedicated to empowering minority design professionals in reaching licensure through mentoring, educational seminars, study materials, and financial aid for exam costs. When Matthew stepped down from the director position in 2021, the program had produced seven new SoCal NOMA Architects. The Developing Professional Group is still engaging and supporting aspiring architects in 2023 and beyond. In June 2023, Matthew became the First Vice President and President Elect of SoCal NOMA.
Matthew’s passion for uplifting communities and culture through thoughtful design has earned him respect and admiration in his firm and in the architecture community. As a leader in his firm, Matthew channels his passion for people and design in a way that makes space for honest, meaningful dialog and outcomes.
Winston Thorne is the President, of Winston Thorne Architect, an architecture and planning firm based in Los Angeles, serving the growing California and Arizona markets.
Let us make history by creating beautiful places and spaces.
“We are about designing and building responsibly for a better tomorrow.”
Winston Thorne AIA
Winston Thorne
Winston Thorne is the President, of Winston Thorne Architect, an architecture and planning firm based in Los Angeles, serving the growing California and Arizona markets.
Let us make history by creating beautiful places and spaces.
“We are about designing and building responsibly for a better tomorrow.”
Winston Thorne AIA
Eric Yu is a designer and emerging professional currently working at CannonDesign after completing his Master of Architecture at the University of Southern California, with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. His work bridges design, computation, and cultural storytelling, informed by experiences ranging from leading USC’s NOMAS chapter and national competition team to contributing to research-driven archival work at the ONE Archives. Eric brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by prior leadership in education, data analytics, and design and digital fabrication. A recipient of multiple honors including the USC Order of Arete and SoCalNOMA Student Member of the Year, he is committed to advancing equity, mentorship, and representation within the design profession.
Eric Yu
Eric Yu is a designer and emerging professional currently working at CannonDesign after completing his Master of Architecture at the University of Southern California, with a strong foundation in mathematics and statistics from the University of California, Berkeley. His work bridges design, computation, and cultural storytelling, informed by experiences ranging from leading USC’s NOMAS chapter and national competition team to contributing to research-driven archival work at the ONE Archives. Eric brings a multidisciplinary perspective shaped by prior leadership in education, data analytics, and design and digital fabrication. A recipient of multiple honors including the USC Order of Arete and SoCalNOMA Student Member of the Year, he is committed to advancing equity, mentorship, and representation within the design profession.
Nicole Buhles is an Associate Principal Practice Technology Leader at HED, where she advances the use of technology in architecture and engineering practice. With 15 years of experience—including a past role as an Imagineer—she coaches teams in using innovative tools to design meaningful spaces for higher education, K–12 schools, and housing. She is an active member of SoCal NOMA, AIA LA and holds a master’s degree in architecture from Hampton University.
Nicole Buhles
Nicole Buhles is an Associate Principal Practice Technology Leader at HED, where she advances the use of technology in architecture and engineering practice. With 15 years of experience—including a past role as an Imagineer—she coaches teams in using innovative tools to design meaningful spaces for higher education, K–12 schools, and housing. She is an active member of SoCal NOMA, AIA LA and holds a master’s degree in architecture from Hampton University.
Shota Ban is an experienced design manager with experiences working on a broad range of projects in different locations and on all aspects of a project starting from the initial meetings, concept formation, workshops, all the way to handoff. His interest lies in the power of design to solve problems and its ability to improving people’s lives. He enjoys the challenge of architecture as a product of synthesizing relationships, ideas, material, space, light, air, and other tangible and intangible qualities, similar to how chefs prepare a meal or how conductors conduct an orchestra.
Shota Ban
Shota Ban is an experienced design manager with experiences working on a broad range of projects in different locations and on all aspects of a project starting from the initial meetings, concept formation, workshops, all the way to handoff. His interest lies in the power of design to solve problems and its ability to improving people’s lives. He enjoys the challenge of architecture as a product of synthesizing relationships, ideas, material, space, light, air, and other tangible and intangible qualities, similar to how chefs prepare a meal or how conductors conduct an orchestra.
Elisabeth Soto D’Angelo is the founder and visionary behind ZeRae Design Inc., an interior designer known for its refined, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent approach to design. With a strong foundation in both traditional and modern design principles, Elisabeth brings over 20 years of experience in transforming spaces across the U.S. and internationally-including projects in Los Angeles, Orange County, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Guadalajara, Mexico and Shanghai, China.
Her work is defined by a deep attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to creating spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them. Elisabeth is actively involved in community resilience and giving back, her firm ZeRae Design Inc. has been supporting the Eaton and LA Wildfires disaster, she believes design can be a force for good. She has served on the Board of Directors to President Elect for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and as an Ambassador for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce, fostering strong professional and community relationships. She has provided pro bono architectural design work services for the City of Lake Forest, contributing her expertise to enhance a dog shelter for the City of Lake Forest.
As a Latina business owner and creative leader, Elisabeth leads with empathy, integrity, and a sharp design eye-making ZeRae Design Inc. a trusted name in residential and commercial interior architecture community.
Raised in Mid-City Downtown, LA, has received BFA Interior Architecture, BA Fine Arts. She is a leader, public speaker, award winning designer and published in major design outlets including Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors, California Homes, LUXE Magazine, Orange Coast Register and others.
Elisabeth Soto D’Angelo
Elisabeth Soto D’Angelo is the founder and visionary behind ZeRae Design Inc., an interior designer known for its refined, thoughtful, and emotionally intelligent approach to design. With a strong foundation in both traditional and modern design principles, Elisabeth brings over 20 years of experience in transforming spaces across the U.S. and internationally-including projects in Los Angeles, Orange County, New York, Seattle, San Francisco, Guadalajara, Mexico and Shanghai, China.
Her work is defined by a deep attention to detail, cultural sensitivity, and a commitment to creating spaces that reflect the people who inhabit them. Elisabeth is actively involved in community resilience and giving back, her firm ZeRae Design Inc. has been supporting the Eaton and LA Wildfires disaster, she believes design can be a force for good. She has served on the Board of Directors to President Elect for the American Society of Interior Designers (ASID) and as an Ambassador for the City of Rancho Santa Margarita Chamber of Commerce, fostering strong professional and community relationships. She has provided pro bono architectural design work services for the City of Lake Forest, contributing her expertise to enhance a dog shelter for the City of Lake Forest.
As a Latina business owner and creative leader, Elisabeth leads with empathy, integrity, and a sharp design eye-making ZeRae Design Inc. a trusted name in residential and commercial interior architecture community.
Raised in Mid-City Downtown, LA, has received BFA Interior Architecture, BA Fine Arts. She is a leader, public speaker, award winning designer and published in major design outlets including Architectural Digest, Interior Design Magazine, Modern Luxury Interiors, California Homes, LUXE Magazine, Orange Coast Register and others.
Wei-Tse Yuan is a Project Architect in Los Angeles with a strong focus on crafting unique architectural experiences. He holds a M.Arch II degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University, equipping him with both creative and technical expertise.
Wei’s projects span residential, commercial, and urban design, each reflecting a narrative-driven approach that blends aesthetics with functionality. His portfolio includes a 30-story Hyatt Hotel façade and a 150-unit mixed-use master plan with historic preservation elements. Proficient in tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhinoceros 3D, Wei is passionate about designs that evoke emotion and create memorable experiences for users.
Wei-Tse Yuan
Wei-Tse Yuan is a Project Architect in Los Angeles with a strong focus on crafting unique architectural experiences. He holds a M.Arch II degree from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and a B.S. in Civil Engineering from National Taiwan University, equipping him with both creative and technical expertise.
Wei’s projects span residential, commercial, and urban design, each reflecting a narrative-driven approach that blends aesthetics with functionality. His portfolio includes a 30-story Hyatt Hotel façade and a 150-unit mixed-use master plan with historic preservation elements. Proficient in tools such as Revit, AutoCAD, and Rhinoceros 3D, Wei is passionate about designs that evoke emotion and create memorable experiences for users.
Elise McCurley, AIA, is a registered architect and Senior Associate at NAC Architecture in Los Angeles. Elise currently works predominantly as a Project Architect on K-12 and Higher Education projects in the greater LA area. She combines technical expertise with a profound commitment to social impact. A dedicated advocate for equity in the built environment, her leadership focuses on fostering inclusive professional cultures and creating pathways for underrepresented voices within the A/E/C industry. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Elise McCurley
Elise McCurley, AIA, is a registered architect and Senior Associate at NAC Architecture in Los Angeles. Elise currently works predominantly as a Project Architect on K-12 and Higher Education projects in the greater LA area. She combines technical expertise with a profound commitment to social impact. A dedicated advocate for equity in the built environment, her leadership focuses on fostering inclusive professional cultures and creating pathways for underrepresented voices within the A/E/C industry. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.
Aida Shirazi is an architectural and landscape designer based in Los Angeles, with an academic foundation spanning both Iran and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Shahid Beheshti University, and is completing her Master of Architecture (M.Arch ’25) at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Her work explores the intersection of architecture and landscape, focusing on reconnecting design to cultural and historical narratives. She brings experience from professional practice at RA-DA Architects as well as design competitions, contributing to collaborative and concept-driven projects.
Aida has been actively involved with NOMAS at UCLA, evolving from competition coordinator to chapter president, and currently serving as a Southern California student representative.
Diego Herrera is an aspiring architect currently attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In his fourth year of architecture, entering into his fifth in the fall of 2026, he has worked internships for HMC Architects, Front Row Group, and ZGF, all of which involved with dissolving the complexities of various architectural projects. With this, he participates in SoCal NOMA’s Project Pipeline as a mentor and teacher. Most recently he has become the one of the new Student Representatives for SoCal NOMA, where he will work for the betterment of the architectural student community as he enables opportunity amongst his peers. At Cal Poly Pomona, he is a Kellogg Honors College Student scheduled to graduate with honors recognition, a member of Tau Sigma Delta, and past CPP NOMAS co-president.
His love for the architecture community continues to grow as he teaches, participates in events, and learns from his professors and peers. Approaching graduation soon, he is excited to see what awaits him in the future.
Aida Shirazi & Diego Herrera
Aida Shirazi is an architectural and landscape designer based in Los Angeles, with an academic foundation spanning both Iran and the United States. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Landscape Architecture from Shahid Beheshti University, and is completing her Master of Architecture (M.Arch ’25) at the University of California, Los Angeles.
Her work explores the intersection of architecture and landscape, focusing on reconnecting design to cultural and historical narratives. She brings experience from professional practice at RA-DA Architects as well as design competitions, contributing to collaborative and concept-driven projects.
Aida has been actively involved with NOMAS at UCLA, evolving from competition coordinator to chapter president, and currently serving as a Southern California student representative.
Diego Herrera is an aspiring architect currently attending California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. In his fourth year of architecture, entering into his fifth in the fall of 2026, he has worked internships for HMC Architects, Front Row Group, and ZGF, all of which involved with dissolving the complexities of various architectural projects. With this, he participates in SoCal NOMA’s Project Pipeline as a mentor and teacher. Most recently he has become the one of the new Student Representatives for SoCal NOMA, where he will work for the betterment of the architectural student community as he enables opportunity amongst his peers. At Cal Poly Pomona, he is a Kellogg Honors College Student scheduled to graduate with honors recognition, a member of Tau Sigma Delta, and past CPP NOMAS co-president.
His love for the architecture community continues to grow as he teaches, participates in events, and learns from his professors and peers. Approaching graduation soon, he is excited to see what awaits him in the future.
Craig is the current president of the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. In addition, he is starting a role as a member of the Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region DEI Committee. He has more than 3 decades of experience in the design and construction of public projects. For the last 5 years he was the California Public Practice lead for IBI Group (now Arcadis) in charge of the public practice work with offices in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, San Jose, and San Luis Obispo. In addition he was the executive sponsor of the firm’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Task Force employee resource group force that is developed recommendations to improve the culture of the firm in these areas and to make sure IBI follows through with the statements made in our response to the tragic and unjustifiable killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Regis Korchinski-Paquet, “Working Together to Respond to Systemic and Institutional Anti-Black Racism”. Craig has recently left Arcadis to take on a new challenge at Carrier Johnson + Culture and is looking forward to working with the leadership to grow the practice in Higher Education and Civic work.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During his time at Cal Poly, he studied architecture for a full year in Copenhagen Denmark. He became a California Registered Architect in 1994. His career started with BFGC Architects in 1990 where he became a firm Principal. In 2009 BFGC was acquired by IBI Group and in 2013 Craig accepted an opportunity to be part of the leadership in the Los Angeles Office. He has been involved with all aspects of complex public project business development, project management, planning, design, quality control and project delivery for public clients throughout California. He is most proud of his ability to build project consensus and become part of the fabric of a client’s organization. His resume includes educational and civic sector projects ranging from programing to new construction to tenant improvements for K-12 schools, Community Colleges, University, and Civic Sector Projects including Libraries, Transit and Public Safety Projects.
Craig Atkinson
Craig is the current president of the Southern California Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects. In addition, he is starting a role as a member of the Design-Build Institute of America Western Pacific Region DEI Committee. He has more than 3 decades of experience in the design and construction of public projects. For the last 5 years he was the California Public Practice lead for IBI Group (now Arcadis) in charge of the public practice work with offices in Los Angeles, Irvine, San Diego, San Jose, and San Luis Obispo. In addition he was the executive sponsor of the firm’s JEDI (Justice, Equity, Diversity and Inclusion) Task Force employee resource group force that is developed recommendations to improve the culture of the firm in these areas and to make sure IBI follows through with the statements made in our response to the tragic and unjustifiable killing of George Floyd, Ahmaud Arbery and Regis Korchinski-Paquet, “Working Together to Respond to Systemic and Institutional Anti-Black Racism”. Craig has recently left Arcadis to take on a new challenge at Carrier Johnson + Culture and is looking forward to working with the leadership to grow the practice in Higher Education and Civic work.
He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo. During his time at Cal Poly, he studied architecture for a full year in Copenhagen Denmark. He became a California Registered Architect in 1994. His career started with BFGC Architects in 1990 where he became a firm Principal. In 2009 BFGC was acquired by IBI Group and in 2013 Craig accepted an opportunity to be part of the leadership in the Los Angeles Office. He has been involved with all aspects of complex public project business development, project management, planning, design, quality control and project delivery for public clients throughout California. He is most proud of his ability to build project consensus and become part of the fabric of a client’s organization. His resume includes educational and civic sector projects ranging from programing to new construction to tenant improvements for K-12 schools, Community Colleges, University, and Civic Sector Projects including Libraries, Transit and Public Safety Projects.
SoCalNOMA seeks to advance and support the education and careers of those who have been historically under represented in the field of architecture and various allied design/build professions.
