LPA Announces Eight New Associates Shaping the Future of Integrated Design

New members of the firm’s leadership group will help evolve design across disciplines and shape the firm’s strategic goals.

LPA Design Studios has announced the promotion of eight designers to Associate, reflecting the firm’s commitment to fostering leadership growth from within practice teams.

The new Associates showcase the depth and range of talent driving the firm’s growth. Representing the full breadth of the integrated practice, they offer unique expertise in architecture, engineering and landscape design, exemplifying the creative thinking, technical proficiency and collaborative spirit that drive LPA’s work. Each brings a distinct perspective to the team, from reshaping outdoor spaces to leading transformative workplace designs, while collectively pushing the boundaries of sustainable, human-centered design.

“These promotions highlight the strength of our team and the diversity of talent that propels us forward,” said LPA CEO Wendy Rogers. “They not only advance their craft but also shape the future of LPA, embodying the values and vision that define our firm.”

Associates play a vital role in guiding LPA’s evolving practice, mentoring colleagues, supporting education and outreach, and contributing to the firm’s ongoing efforts to integrate sustainability into every project. Their expertise and dedication ensure that LPA continues to design spaces that change lives by design.

Aldo Bacuzzi

Aldo Bacuzzi
Director of Electrical Engineering
Associate
Irvine

Aldo Bacuzzi brings a “mission critical” mindset to electrical engineering, drawing on nearly two decades of experience in high-performance building systems. As Director of Electrical Engineering, he leads a team of professional engineers delivering integrated, client-focused designs across a range of sectors. His field experience overseeing construction of top-tier data centers shaped his approach to continuity, constructability, and long-term resilience in electrical systems.

Natalie Zweig

Natalie Zweig
Senior Project Manager
Associate
Irvine

Natalie Zweig is a standout in workplace design, known for her ability to lead integrated teams through technically complex, high-profile projects. As LPA’s main point of contact with the client, she manages every phase from programming and initial concepts to final construction, ensuring projects align with client goals, timelines and budgets while enhancing productivity, collaboration and employee well-being.

Lance Hunter

Lancelot Hunter
Project Landscape Architect
Associate
Irvine

Lancelot Hunter is a landscape architect dedicated to designing outdoor spaces that inspire meaningful connections and experiences. His work blurs the boundaries of where learning and recreation take place, creating environments that enrich communities and harmonize with the natural environment. Since joining LPA in 2008, he has become a trusted creative partner on the integrated team, focused on the big idea and finding design excellence on every project.

Michelyn Smith

Michelyn Smith
Project Designer
Associate
San Antonio

Michelyn Smith is a project designer focused on a collaborative, community-driven process that emphasizes listening, learning, and co-authorship with clients. Her versatility spans a range of project types — from schools and athletic facilities to residential and healthcare developments — allowing her to cross-pollinate ideas and deliver creative, context-sensitive designs.

Miles Kushin

Miles Kushin
Project Architect
Associate
Irvine

Miles Kushin thrives at the intersection of technical expertise and big-picture vision. As a project architect, he brings two decades of experience managing complex, high-tech commercial projects that demand precision and innovation. Known for his ability to build trust with clients, contractors, and teammates, Miles excels at balancing wide-ranging and often competing technical priorities with the client’s functional and human-experience goals.

Rodrigo Gorgazzi

Rodrigo Gorgazzi
Project Manager
Associate
San Jose

Rodrigo Gorgazzi is a seasoned project manager with extensive experience in educational and public/institutional design, recognized for his ability to connect a project’s vision with the day-to-day process. He strives to facilitate clear and valuable conversations during design meetings, asking the big questions to help find ways to improve how people work, learn, and collaborate.

Maria Madrigal

Maria Madrigal
Project Manager
Associate
San Jose

As a project manager and architect, Maria Madrigal has dedicated her career to transformative education projects. She is often the main point of contact for clients from master planning through construction, a role that requires empathy and calm leadership. A Bay Area native, Maria has worked across the full spectrum of education building types, from academic spaces to specialty facilities and multi-campus projects.

Rob Richardson

Rob Richardson
Senior Project Manager
Associate
Irvine

Rob Richardson is a civil engineering project manager who combines deep technical expertise with a collaborative, solutions-driven approach. A leader in water quality management and sustainable site design, he is known for navigating complex challenges while aligning civil engineering strategies with broader project goals, ensuring every phase, from initial concepts to final construction, is executed with precision and care.