SDA Orange County Chapter 2008 Officers

President—Natalie Newman, SDA

Natalie Newman has worked in the architectural field since 2000 and has been employed as an Accounting & Executive Assistant at RNM Design, Inc. since October 2005.

Natalie has been an SDA member since October 2002. She has written ‘Member Profiles’ and other articles for the chapter newsletter and volunteers for different SDA and AIA/OC events. Natalie has attended four National Conventions, three Western States Regional Conferences and two Leadership Conferences.
In 2004, she presided as Corresponding Secretary for our Orange County Chapter.
In 2006, Natalie presided as Co-Vice President and assisted in planning a memorable Host Chapter Party for the SDA National Convention in Los Angeles at the Hollywood Entertainment Museum.
In 2007 she chaired the Western States Regional Conference.
In 2008, she co-chaired the 1st Annual Canstruction Design/Build Competion in Orange County.

Natalie will be serving her third term as Chapter President in 2009 and will work towards her certification, providing first rate educational programs, and increasing the chapter membership.

The best part of SDA for Natalie is “the education I have received. What I’ve learned from being a member of the SDA has enriched my career remarkably.”

Natalie hobbies include playing in Texas Hold'em tournaments, cooking, reading, and drawing. She has been married to Jason Newman for 8 years, and they love to do weekend get-away’s. Her two favorite people in the world are her son Drew, 24, and her daughter Brittney, 23.

Co Vice-President—Karen Henderson, SDA

Karen Henderson is the Marketing Manager for Snyder Langston, a general contractor. Except for a two-year hiatus in the mid-1990s, she has been a SDA/OC member since 1988 and has served as Secretary, Vice President and a three-term President. Her career in the AEC industry began 19 years ago, at the well-remembered firm of Anthony & Langford Architects, after leaving the advertising agency arena.
“To me the Society for Design Administration is a valuable organization, both professionally and personally.”

Co Vice-President—Betsy Nickless, SDA/C

Betsy was the 2008 recipient of SDA's National Lifetime Achievement Award, the highest honor bestowed by the Society for Design Administration.

She has held positions on committees for the National SDA, as well as served as an officer of the Orange County Chapter continuously since the Chapter was founded. Currently, she serves as the National Bylaws / Governance chair and on the National Publications Committee. She also proof-reads all SDA/OC Chapter publications and announcements for correct grammar and punctuation, attends all Board Meetings and SDA Conventions, and provides all of us with the background and historical information that only a founding member of our Chapter would know.

Betsy has been in the Design Profession for more than 25 years, and her current position with Steven Langford Architects has spanned the last 19 years.

Betsy enjoys Five Crowns, Bistango, and A Restaurant for dining, and her favorite music is Contemporary Christian. She met her husband, Steve, of 26 years at the car races where she was in charge of timing and scoring and he was doing PR work for one of the teams. They have two grown children.

Recording Secretary—Cheryl Mathes, SDA

Cheryl Mathes has worked in the A&E industry for 21 years. Currently she is the Branch Controller for HRP Studio, a landscape architecture and planning firm located in Santa Ana, CA. HRP Studio is a branch under ValleyCrest Design Group which performs standalone landscape architecture services, and integrated design-build services. The landscape architects, installation crews, and maintenance professionals at ValleyCrest collaborate on all aspects of a project, from inception all the way through the installation and maintenance.

Over the years the SDA has been an integral part in her professional career. The programs offered by the SDA give her the opportunity to meet other administrative design professionals and glean vital information. She has attended National and Regional conventions, as well as participated on the local Board, monthly seminars, and committees.

Cheryl enjoys being active whether it’s kayaking, wine tasting, dancing, or just spending time her amazing parrots.

Cheryl is a proud supporter of the SDA and enjoys participating in all that the SDA has to offer.

Corresponding Secretary—Tammy Bennar, SDA

Tammy Bennar works for CDPC.

Treasurer—Gina Lesley, SDA

Gina has been a member of SDA for eight years. For 6 years she was the office manager at DHP Architects. With the help of the SDA, she found her present job over three years ago as Office Manager at Jeffrey Berkus Architects. When the chapter president found out she was looking for a job, she took the time to call the owners of JBA and tell them that she had the right person for the job, and the rest is history.

Gina feels that the membership in SDA is a necessity for anyone in the design field. Aside from the valuable information presented during the monthly meetings and support from her local chapter members, you have access to a discussion forum which allows you to post quesions adn get answers from people all across the nation.

Gina met her husband George on an airplane 39 years ago. They have one daughter and a son-in-law who blessed them with a two grandsons. After babysitting the grandkids, Gina's favorite thing to do is travel to beach destinations, collect seashells, and do great snorkeling.

Director—Ginger Castillo, SDA/C

This busy lady keeps her plate full with kids, school, SDA and work. As the Executive Administrator for DeRevere & Associates since 1996, Ginger's responsibility is for all things non-design from reception to human resources to financials; her to-do list is never short! Ask Ginger how she does it all and she’ll tell you that without SDA she would be at a loss. She credits this organization for her knowledge and expertise in all areas of administration that keep her efficient and informed.

Giving back to SDA, Ginger has served and chaired National’s On-Line Resource Committee and worked as the List Serv Manager for 5 years. She has also served the Orange County chapter in a variety of positions from committees, to chapter officers and on up to the Presidency and in 2005 she was proud to receive her SDA Certification under the much stricter guidelines.

Currently, she is now taking a little time for herself to complete her Accounting degree and raise two kids and a husband. Four-year-old Eric is playing his first year of tee-ball with Ginger as the team mom which keep them both busy throughout the week. But her Saturday mornings are reserved for her daughter Vanessa, age two, and their Mommy-n-Me gymnastics class which they both love doing together.

Director—Cindy Loomer, SDA

With 18 years of secretarial experience in the electronic field, Cindy Loomer joined Irwin Architectural Partnership in 1988 as Office Manager. During the recession, she was asked to take over all the bookkeeping and payroll, along with her other office duties. She has the pleasure of working with her daughter Amy, who joined Irwin.Pancake Architects in January 1997.

Cindy joined the SDA group in 1992 and has served 2 years as President, 4 years as Corresponding Secretary, has served on a National Committee and is now a Director. Carl Irwin has supported Cindy’s involvement in SDA and has even been elected as an Honorary Member for SDA/OC. Everyday you could call someone in the SDA and get useful information on day-to-day activities.

On a personal note, this year Cindy went to the Senior Olympics for the second time in Hampton Roads, VA to play slo-pitch softball. She has played recreational softball in Huntington Beach for over 26 years and has joined the Senior California Spirits Tournament Team. She married high school sweetheart Dan 37 years ago and they reside in Huntington Beach. Their favorite past time, when Dan is not golfing and Cindy is not playing softball, is playing with their five grandchildren.

Director—Connie McKenna-McCulloch, SDA/C

To read Connie’s resume is to stand in awe at the amazing contribution this one woman has made to the A/E/C Industry. After several years acquainting herself in the industry, Connie helped her then husband start his own architectural firm. In 1977 she became involved in the Women’s Architectural League and served as the President, Chair and committee member on the annual High School Design Awards, committee member for the annual Home Tour, and committee member for the newly Licensed Architect’s Reception.

In 1980 Connie was hired on at the AIAOC office and within 6 months was asked to become Component Executive representing the OC Chapter on the State and National levels. Soon, she became the first Executive Director for the chapter. Her accolades at the Orange County Chapter include the first Energy Fair, the 100th Anniversary celebration of the AIA jointly organized with the Los Angeles Cabrillo and Orange County Chapter. Connie resigned her position in 1983 due to family commitments but continued her voluntary work in the architectural profession as a certified member of the Society for Design Administration. In SDA she served as Chapter President, National Academic Curriculum Program Committee, National Education Committee and Coloring Book Committee.

Her voluntary contributions to the architectural industry continued as she served as the Secretary of The Architecture Foundation and Committee member of the second edition of The Orange County Coloring Book. In 1995 Connie was bestowed the title Hon-AIAOCC. Currently Connie is enjoying her role as Principal of Danielian Associates and as the wife of William McCulloch, FAIA.

Director—Judy Merrill, SDA/C

Judy attributes much of her professional success to her involvement with SDA, where she has had the opportunity to learn all aspects of operating an architectural firm. She held the office of Chapter President for four terms. At the 2002 National Convention, Judy’s hard work and continuing education paid off as she was honored with the prestigious title of SDA Certified. Judy says the best part of membership is working with, learning from, and socializing with all the wonderful people.

Judy retired in 2007 as an Associate at Nadel Architects, Inc. It took about eight months to get used to being retired, but now wonders how she managed to work nine hours a day and do everything she does now during the day.Judy is happy to continue her role as Director of the chapter and help out wherever needed.

Judy has been married to her husband Dale for 28 years and has one daughter and three grandchildren.

Director—Wendy Woolsey, SDA/C

Working for architects since 1976, Wendy first discovered the SDA in December 1986. She feels this is an extremely valuable group, an important career tool that has assisted her in her job, as well as the basis for several friendships. Having served as President, Recording Secretary, and Corresponding Secretary, she currently serves as a Director. The SDA/OC Chapter honored Wendy as the first “Member of the Year” in 1994, which thrilled her. A career goal was realized in 2003 when she became SDA Certified. She has spearheaded the SDA/OC volunteers for HomeAid’s fund-raiser, Project Playhouse, since 1992.

Wendy has been with Bassenian/Lagoni Architects as Administrative Manager since 1989 and in 2002 she became an Associate. The company, which supports her in SDA activities, specializes in the architectural design and land planning of residential communities in the U.S. and internationally. Wendy is passionate about her husband Cal, a Civil Engineer, whom she credits with directing her into the design field.

Honorary Member—Carl Irwin, SDA

In 1966, Carl Irwin founded his firm with a focus on architecture exclusive to the aging and senior housing. On January 1, 2000, Irwin Architectural Group has changed the firm’s name to IRWIN.PANCAKE Architects due to the recent promotions of Douglas Pancake and Greg Irwin to full partners. Today, IRWIN.PANCAKE Architects continues to play an instrumental role in the evolution of design of communities and care centers for the aging. As Carl prepares for retirement, Doug and Greg have taken over the management duties of the office.

Carl is a graduate from USC, enjoys golfing and travel. Carl has been an AIA member for over 30 years and also holds memberships with California Association of Homes & Services for the Aging, California Assisted Living Association, American Association of Homes and Services for the Aging, American Society on Aging and SDA. Carl was voted Honorary Member several years ago and fully supporting the group with office support, postage, convention donations and even spoke at the SDA Western Regional Conference.