Ricardo Zurita, A.I.A., LEED AP

Principal

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Founder of the firm, Ricardo Zurita's body of work has focused on projects that require a multidisciplinary approach where planning, landscape and architectural design issues intersect. He has been widely recognized for his ability to blend regional materials and technologies to conceive innovative designs with contextual sensitivity; and to utilize the unique limitations of each project to create a concept-driven design. He is well regarded for his success in navigating projects through the process of public review; with extensive experience with municipal agencies, planning & design review boards, and advocacy & community groups.

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
College of Architecture, Art and Planning
CORNELL UNIVERSITY, Ithaca, NY, 1984

Registration:
New York, 1989
New Jersey, 1998

Ana Pereira

Senior Designer

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Having worked in Europe and Asia, Ana brings a global interest in design to RZAPS. Her experience includes projects in hospitality and office interiors; rehabilitation of historic buildings and the design of public use and civic buildings. While in Spain, she was a designer for the Euskalduna Palace in Bilbao. In China she was a designer for the Hyatt Honquiao. Ana's keen interest in design trends and her design abilities make her a valuable asset for RZAPS.

Education:
Master of Architecture
FACOLTA DI ARCHITETTURA ROMA TRE, ITALY, 2007

Bachelor of Architecture
FAUP-FACULDADE ARQUITECTURA UNIVERSIDADE PORTO, PORTUGAL, 2006

Denise Galon

Chief Administrator

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Ms. Galon has been the Chief Administrator of RZAPS since 2004. She has also worked in a similar capacity with special event design and planning company, McNabb Roick Events; Lawfirm, Tonachel & Lewis, P.C.; Non-Profit school, Singers Forum Foundation; Banking Business Specialist, Citibank; and creatively in theatrical costume & clothing design with the Fabric Alternative.

Education:
B.A., De Sales University, Center Valley, PA, 1976

PhD, Metaphysical ULC, Modesto, CA, 2002

Enrico Tognoni

Associate

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Since the beginning of his career Mr. Tognoni has developed a design approach that combines a dual architectural and engineering education and experience. The dual course of studies underpin an understanding of the importance of a multidisciplinary approach to building design and provide Mr. Tognoni with solid knowledge of architecture and civil engineering. His design background plays a strong role in keeping the firm on the cutting edge of architecture and engineering technology.
Through a systemic methodology, Mr. Tognoni is committed to the development of generative geometries and new design technologies with a design process largely engaged in conceptual modeling techniques.

Education:
Master's degree, LM-4, Architecture and Architectural Engineering
UNIVERSITY OF PISA, 2010

Eugene O'Callaghan

Senior Designer

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After spending 6 years in Christchurch, New Zealand, where he worked on various projects as the city was being rebuilt after a devastating earthquake, Eugene joined RZAPS to contribute his experience and interests in construction, materials and resilient design.

His process involves using physical models, research and writing, and cutting edge digital tools to visualize buildings for clients to project their value and impact. This continues through documentation and delivery by employing robust BIM technologies to increase coordination and efficiency.

Eugene's aim is to ultimately help create high performing, long-lasting and meaningful buildings that make the most of their resources.

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
UNIVERSITY OF LIMERICK, IRELAND, 2011

Jacob Garcia

Junior Designer

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With a background in building and construction work, Jacob is interested in hands-on design representation and fabrication that goes beyond the two dimensional. Studying for his B.Arch. at Syracuse University, Jacob works in the woodshop throughout the year allowing him to explore design possibilities through practical woodworking. Drawn to RZAPS' focus on public spaces, Jacob wishes to minimize the gap between architectural discourse and the public understanding of architecture through representational methods catered to a broad audience.

Education:
Bachelor of Architecture
SYRACUSE UNIVERSITY, 2020

Olivia Cheung

Designer

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With a background in social science and community work, Olivia approaches architecture from an interdisciplinary and humanistic perspective. She brings her experience in civic projects to RZAPS, as well as her interest in exploring the role of public participation in design processes. Olivia also writes for architectural publications and contributes to RZAPS' digital and print media which actively engages with the city's urban issues.

Education:
Master of Architecture
UNIVERSITY OF TORONTO, 2012

Honors Bachelor of Arts
YORK UNIVERSITY, 2005

Rafael Montes

Sr. Associate

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After ten years of experience in Spain, Mr. Montes joined RZAPS in 2012 to continue developing his passion for architecture in a new and enriching professional context.
An important part of his work has been devoted to social and institutional projects, which are especially appealing to Mr. Montes for the opportunity they offer to resolve community needs through architectural design.
His interest in design encompasses very different scales, which provides him with the flexibility to work on a wide range of projects, from master planning to building details.
Mr. Montes is involved in the entire design process of the office's projects, taking part in the initial concept, further development and completion.

Education:
Master of Architecture
ETSA OF SEVILLE, SPAIN, 2002

Registration:
Spain, 2003

Zhuo Guo

Designer

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Zhuo examines architecture as art by and for quotidian human needs. It is about presenting questions daily by challenging existing perceptions and elaborate boundaries. Before joining RZAPS, he has worked as a research assistant for Columbia GSAPP Death Lab and as an intern architect for LMA Design, Kengo Kuma and Associates, and Junya Ishigami and Associates.

Education:
Master of Architecture
COLUMBIA UNIVERSITY, 2018

Bachelor of Engineering in digital media technology
ZHEJIANG UNIVERSITY, CHINA, 2014