Carlos Hernandez, AIA – Immediate Past President

Carlos Hernandez, AIA
Carlos Hernandez, AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, CDT, ICC Member

In Carlos’s close to 25 years’ experience in the architecture field, he has worked on several award winning projects, in a variety of scales and typologies, including Commercial Adaptive Reuse, Historic Preservation, Public Institutional, and Academic Housing, Libraries, & Performing Arts projects. Carlos has always been interested in the social connections architecture strengthens within communities, and how architecture may reinforce those community values and ideas, whilst elevating everyday user experiences in the context of a larger design framework down to the details level.  Carlos has worked in architecture firms that practice both locally and nationally and has enjoyed the breadth of experience that range offers professionally. Carlos has developed a strength in elevating architectural outcomes through the role technical discipline plays in the design process both to support and execute a design vision and to explore development opportunities at the details scale. With half his career spent in Construction Administration he has fostered a spirit of collaboration, and promotes leadership skills as essential to preserve design integrity during the key phase of construction.   He is currently RDC’s Director of Technical Management where he oversees firm-wide technical initiatives and Quality Management, and enjoys opportunities to mentor staff. As a member of the AIA LBSB Chapter he is excited to work on pathways and advocacy for the profession and to aid in development/engagement opportunities with the next generation of architects. In the evolution of his architectural career Carlos has additionally developed professional skill sets in the craft of Architectural Photography/Cinematography.

Bryan Winters, AIA – Immediate Past President

Bryan Winters AIA
Bryan Winters AIA

Mr. Winters has been in and around architecture his whole life, from Lincoln Logs, to the present. He received his undergraduate degree in architecture from the University of Arizona, while being a member of both division 1 NCAA track, + cross country teams. He then went on to the prestigious Los Angeles founded school of architecture SCI_Arc, (Southern California Institute of Architecture) where he studied under the likes of Michael Rotondi, Eric Owen Moss, Coy Howard, and Ray Kappe, and recieved his dual masters degree, in history and philosophy, with distinction.

While attending SCI_Arc, Mr. Winters had the invaluable opportunity to intern then become employed with Thom Mayne of morphosis architects, the 2005 Pritsker Prize Award winning architect. While at morphosis, Mr. Winters soon became a key team member of the San Francisco Federal Building, which has won numerous local and national awards for both its aesthetic design, as well as it cutting edge modern technology under the genre of sustainability.

In 2005, Mr. Winters started hu mn+ under the impression that evoking the human spirit through architecture awakens the child in all of us. His current work has been both acclaimed and published, both nationally and internationally, for its use of sustainable design, as well as his use of the the five principles of architecture, his practice performs. Having more than a decade of design + build experience, provides Mr. Winters with the depth and knowledge needed to be a well rounded professional.

Mr. Winters, is a frequent juror at SCI_Arc, USC, and Otis College of Art & Design. He is NCARB (National Council of Architectural Registration Boards), certified, as well as a registered architect, and a member of the American Institute of ArchitectsAIA, #30409672. He currently holds the position on the Board of Advisors for El Camino College, and concurrently is on the Board of Directors for the American Institute of ArchitectsAIA.

George Jang, Assoc. AIA – Assoc. Director

GEORGE JANG, ASSOC. AIA - ASSOC DIRECTOR
George Jang, Assoc. AIA

George Jang is an individual with a deep-rooted connection to Los Angeles County and a passion for Architecture. Born and raised in Los Angeles, George spent his formative years in Downey before moving to Fullerton for High School, where his parents continue to reside. Throughout his adolescence, George actively contributed to his father’s small business in the city of Paramount on the weekends.

Education has been the cornerstone of George’s journey, and he proudly holds a professional bachelor’s degree in Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona, having graduated in 2022. During his time at Cal Poly, he was interested in sustainable architecture and green building methods. He explored the integration of organic shapes and parametric design techniques seeking innovative ways to intertwine architecture with social justice and inclusion. Driven by his senior classmates, George participated in SoCal NOMAS (National Organization of Minority Architects), a student organization that champions diversity, equity, and inclusion within the architectural realm.

George began his career in the AEC field in Long Beach, working at Apex As-Builts for five years. This hands-on experience not only honed his skills as a designer but also deeply connected him to the vibrant Long Beach community, leaving a lasting impression on his architectural perspective.

Currently, George is proud to serve as an associate designer at Jeannette Architects, a small residential firm that has been an integral part of the Long Beach community for over 25 years. He is thrilled to work at a design firm that interacts closely with his neighbors and finds great joy in seeing projects he has contributed to take shape within the community. Through these connections, George hopes to raise awareness about reducing carbon footprints and inspire homeowners to build and live with a greener mindset.

George is actively involved with NOMA and the AAa/e Foundation, demonstrating his commitment to fostering a diverse and inclusive architectural community. His passion for both his work and his community shines through in every endeavor he undertakes.

Residing in District 1 of Long Beach, George appreciates the city’s bike lanes and the promotion of alternative commuting options. He hopes to see these initiatives expanded and improved upon as part of a broader vision for the city. George continues to cherish his roots in Southern California, drawing inspiration for his creative pursuits from the region’s vibrant culture. With a vision for a more sustainable and interconnected architectural landscape, George Jang remains a passionate advocate for positive change.

Casey Chapin, AIA – President

Casey Chapin, AIA
Casey Chapin, AIA

Vice-President/President-Elect Casey Chapin, AIA, LEED AP BD+C has been a member of the Board of Directors since 2021. He is co-chair of the Advocacy Committee, past chair of the EDI Committee, and past Secretary. Casey grew up in Costa Mesa, California, where an early interest in art and skateboarding ultimately grew into a love of architecture. After graduating from the U.C. Berkeley College of Environmental Design and working on small-scale design projects with friends, he began a career at LPA Design Studios that has continued since 2007. He currently works out of their Irvine Studio as a Project Designer, with a focus on Civic and Cultural projects. Casey is passionate about design and believes in the power of architecture to uplift communities and create meaningful social change. He lives in Long Beach with his wife, Sara and their two small dogs, Tuey and Ruth.