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As Partner of the firm, Duan’s vision and leadership extend to both management and design.  His focus on firm wide initiatives related to its organizational growth, business development, and long term strategic planning, guide the firm’s ability to leverage its over 36 year history in retaining a leading position along the frontlines of an exclusive niche design industry.

Duan also maintains a leading presence on all aspects of design for many of the firm’s most notable projects and discerning clients. With an artistic sensibility rooted in modern composition and form, he enjoys exploring the intersections of his ideals in collaboration with an engaged and passionate clientele through the process of designing their home.  Many of his homes have been recognized by the AIA, as well as having been featured in several regional, national, and international publications including Architectural Digest, Interiors, Luxe, and the Robb Report.

A native Ohioan, Duan received his undergraduate degree from Miami University (OH), and graduate degrees in both Architecture as well as Historic Preservation from the University of Southern California.  Prior to joining KAA Design, Duan’s professional career included several distinguished residential and hospitality firms in both Ohio and Washington DC.

Duan is a licensed Architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), as well as an Executive Cabinet member of the prestigious Leaders of Design.  He has also served as an Executive Member within the Board of Directors for the Architecture and Design (A+D) Museum in Los Angeles, as well as the Advisory Board for Miami (OH)’s College of Creative Arts.  Beyond his Board involvement, Duan enjoys the opportunity to serve on academic and design juries alike, as well as being a panelist for both design and related industry media events.

Outside of the office, Duan and his wife enjoy finding time to travel, all awhile keeping up with their three active daughters in Culver City.

Erik Evens is a lifelong resident of California, born and raised in Los Angeles, and educated at the California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, where he earned his degree in architecture. His profound appreciation of traditional architecture was nurtured during extensive travels throughout the United States and Europe. In the early years of his career, he worked for several design firms with varying specialties, but it was his tenure in the Los Angeles office of Marc Appleton that sealed his passion for historical styles attuned to the classical principles of harmony, proportion, order, and, above all, beauty.

Evens joined KAA Design in 1998 and became a partner in the firm in 2005, overseeing a broad range of custom residential, commercial and institutional projects. In 2013, he established Evens Architects, an independent design studio operating under the aegis of KAA and focused exclusively on traditional residential design. His work has been published in a wide array of publications, including Architectural Digest, House Beautiful and Western Interiors.

A teacher and mentor, Evens lectures widely on a variety of design-related topics. He is a Fellow of the Institute of Classical Architecture & Art (ICAA), and sits on its national curriculum committee.  He is a founding member and former president of the Southern California Chapter of the ICAA. He is also an avid sailor, drawing inspiration from the lines, craftsmanship and romantic allure of classic sailboats.

Please visit the Evens Architects Website by clicking HERE.

CONTRIBUTING ARTICLES
ICAA Courses and Lectures by Erik Evens
View some of the favorite ICAA lectures and courses lead by Erik Evens.

An Interview With Million Dollar Decorating
Erik Evens was recently interviewed by James Swan on his popular podcast Million Dollar Decorating. Listen to or download the interview transcript here.

The Mediterranean in Southern California
Architecture inspired by great traditions of the Mediterranean region has a long, rich history in California. The fruits of this long lineage flavor the character of our cities and dot the surrounding hillsides. At KAA Design, we have often found the Mediterranean architectures to be a perfect fit for our clients wishing to build here.

The Linguistic Metaphor
The only way we can experience the reality of meaning in our built environment is through the structure of style.  Choose your languages with care, and use them thoughtfully.

Since relocating to Southern California and joining the firm in 2001, Todd has served as Project Architect on various KAA projects. Originally from Connecticut, Todd has enjoyed the unique design opportunities offered by Southern California living, and has collaborated on numerous noteworthy beachfront homes and estate properties.

Though certain of a life-long career in architecture, Todd has pursued a diverse design education earning a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Fine Arts at the Rhode Island School of Design.  Before graduating in 1999, Todd further expanded his studies as a member of RISD’s year-long European Honors Program based in Rome. Todd also worked in Boston on a range of historic and traditional residences further enhancing KAA’s cross-disciplinary approach to design.

Michael was educated at Salisbury State University in Salisbury, Maryland, where he received his Bachelor’s Degree in Geography and Regional Planning. His enthusiasm for landscape architecture was cultivated while serving as curator of plants records for the universities campus arboretum. This burgeoning interest in landscape design led him to seek a Masters’ Degree in Landscape Architecture, which he received from California State Polytechnic University in Pomona. As a professor at the University of Southern California, Michael’s passion for Southern California landscapes and blurring the boundary between architecture and landscape was galvanized.

McGowan joined KAA in 2011, overseeing the design and implementation of a broad range of custom residential, commercial and institutional landscapes. In addition to his design work on numerous estate residential landscapes, some of Michael’s notable projects include: The Eastern Columbia Building, TreePeople Center for Community Forestry, Santa Monica Village, One Santa Fe and Hollywood Park.

Michael maintains a strong and meaningful connection with the USC School of Architecture, where he actively contributes to the academic and professional growth of its students. Through his mentorship efforts, he offers valuable guidance to aspiring architects and landscape architects, sharing insights from his extensive professional experience and helping them navigate the complexities of architectural design and the industry. He frequently participates in jury panels, providing constructive feedback and fostering a critical dialogue about students’ design work. Beyond these formal engagements, Michael often shares real-world examples and lessons learned from his career, bridging the gap between academic concepts and practical applications. His dedication to mentorship not only supports the next generation of designers but also strengthens the broader design community by inspiring innovation and professional excellence.

He is inspired by the practical beauty, precision, and meticulous attention to detail characteristic of Japanese woodblock printing, drawing from its harmonious balance between form and function. He is equally captivated by the dynamic energy and experimental nature of contemporary street art, which embraces bold colors and unconventional techniques. Michael is an avid artist who expresses his creativity through various mediums, often involving the transformation of used or found materials into innovative and meaningful new forms. In addition to his hands-on work, he has embraced digital sketching as a versatile and powerful tool for exploring ideas, refining concepts, and integrating traditional artistic influences with leading-edge design possibilities. His artistic endeavors reflect a unique blend of tradition and modernity, underscoring his commitment to pushing creative boundaries while honoring timeless craftsmanship.

Michael is a highly dedicated lacrosse player who regularly demonstrates his passion for the sport both on and off the field. He frequently participates in prestigious national tournaments, where he competes against some of the top talent in the country, showcasing his athleticism, strategic thinking, and teamwork. In addition to these high-profile events, Michael remains deeply rooted in the lacrosse community of Southern California. He plays in several local leagues, using these opportunities to refine his skill, mentor younger players and strengthen the sport’s presence in the region.

Lisa Copeland was made in Korea, imported to the United States and raised as a Nebraskan.  She received her Bachelor’s degree from Northwestern University and a Master’s in Business Administration from Kellogg School of Management.

Meghan grew up in Chapel Hill, North Carolina, surrounded and inspired by vernacular, modernist, and historic university architecture all set within beautiful scenery. Constantly seeking to observe and create, she’s pursued a number of interests across the design spectrum – art, product design, furniture, woodworking, ui/web and graphic design, architecture – as well as archaeology and science.

She received Bachelor degrees in both Industrial Design and Art & Design from the NCSU College of Design in 2002. Finally embracing that her childhood tendencies to sketch, build balsa models, and draw floor plans were signs of a unifying passion across design disciplines, she returned to NCSU and received a Master of Architecture in 2007. She is a licensed Architect in the State of North Carolina, a member of the AIA, and certified by NCARB.

Meghan moved to California and joined KAA Design in 2011, where she has contributed to the design and construction of a number of custom residential projects. In addition to her role on projects, she oversees the BIM and design workflow initiatives within the firm and promotes mentorship and collaboration. She was a Speaker at the 2016 AIA National Convention in Philadelphia, with a presentation on integrating BIM into the design process. Meghan brings a big picture perspective as well as attention to detail to every project, and constantly strives for design excellence.

Sara spent most of her childhood growing up in the Chicagoland area.  She completed her Bachelors of Science in Architectural Studies at the University of Illinois in Urbana-Champaign, in 2005.  While attending U of I, Sara had the opportunity to spend an academic year in Versailles, France, where she was able to study and experience European architecture, lifestyle, and travel.  Sara Pijuan ventured to the West Coast to complete her Master of Architecture at University of Southern California in 2007.  She was drawn to the indoor-outdoor lifestyle that affords a wide range of architectural styles and opportunities.

Sara Pijuan joined KAA Design in 2007.  She is a licensed architect in the state of California and certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), practicing as a Project Architect at KAA.  While she has designed and managed a variety of projects, from modern to traditional, Sara Pijuan has expanded her knowledge in classical architecture during her contributions on projects at Evens Architects.  In 2017, Sara broadened her understanding of Classical architecture by completing the ICAA’s Regional Intensive at Greystone Mansion, Beverly Hills.

Being USC Alumni has enabled Sara to mentor future architects, from events with the USC Architectural Guild, USC Firm Fairs, and being involved in intern programs here at KAA with USC students.

Sara is the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Co-Chair for the Women in Architecture in Los Angeles, helping to promote awareness and positive change for women in the profession.

Esther is a Southern California native who hasn’t strayed far from home. Born and raised in the Culver City area, she knew she wanted to be an architect by the time she was six, when her parents built the family home.  Esther has always believed in Architecture’s profound effect on the human experience through the sense of space, and designing a family home is the most intimate practice of design.  Living in Southern California and raised by a general contractor also gave her exposure to a variety of architectural typologies as well as hands on experience with the pragmatic challenges of the build.

Esther is a licensed architect in California and a member of the AIA, having received a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Woodbury University with a minor in Psychology. Interests outside of Architecture include singing, woodworking, hiking, camping and exploring the National Parks. She is currently on a mission to explore all 63 of the National Parks with her husband. She also is a proud mother and lover of animals.

David Vazquez is a native Angeleno born and raised in Rosemead, California. Since grade school in 1992, Dave has had a longstanding interest in architecture. While on a family trip to Mexico City visiting relatives, he learned about his uncle’s thriving architecture practice. This inspiring experience motivated him to pursue a career in architecture.

Attending the undergraduate architecture program at the University of Southern California, Dave received his Bachelor of Architecture degree in 2003. During his final year at USC, Dave served as a summer intern with the KAA Design Group galvanizing his passion for architecture. Since then Dave has been a full-time part of the KAA team for over 22 years.

Although USC’s architecture program is typically geared more towards Modernist design principles, Dave has had a fascination with classical and traditional architectural precedents. For him, the integration of proportion and ornamentation brings a stronger sense of unity to the final design absent in most contemporary projects today. Over the last five years as a senior project manager, Dave has managed numerous traditionally inspired projects in the Evens Architects portfolio.

Through ongoing extracurricular educational courses, Dave is also pursuing his ICAA Certificate, and recently completed the ICAA Southern California Regional Intensive at the Greystone Mansion.

Please visit the Evens Architects Website by clicking HERE.

A proud South Bay native, Kyle Wheeler was raised in Manhattan Beach where he found a passion for coastal lifestyle and architecture. The beauty and range of Southern California design provided an inspiring backdrop of incredible architecture and art.

Kyle joined KAA Design in 2005 as an intern, gaining invaluable experience while pursuing his education. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Southern California in 2011, where he honed his technical skills and creative vision.

After completing his degree, Kyle returned to KAA Design in 2013. Over the years, he has contributed to a variety of projects, from luxurious oceanfront homes to hillside estates, always with meticulous attention to detail and a commitment to enhancing both the natural and built environment.

Kyle’s design philosophy centers on creating spaces that inspire and improve lives, balancing cutting-edge innovation with timeless principles. He collaborates with a talented team to deliver projects that reflect his clients’ visions.

A Southern California native, Joyce Lopez discovered her passion for art and design at an early age, drawing inspiration from her seamstress grandmother. She learned to bring her creative ideas to life through sketching and sewing, a skillset that continues to influence her work today.

Joyce earned her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Animation from Woodbury University in 2007, mastering both traditional hand-drawn and digital animation techniques. During her studies, she participated in a summer architecture program in Rome, Italy, where the city’s iconic use of concrete, arches, and domes deepened her appreciation for design and storytelling through structure.

Her professional journey began with an internship at Cartoon Network, where she gained hands-on experience in the animation production process, from storyboarding to visual effects. In 2008, Joyce joined KAA Design, where her diverse background and passion for creativity have fueled a 16-year career. Currently, she serves as Executive Assistant to the Partners and Marketing Coordinator, managing studio publications, coordinating marketing efforts, and supporting the firm’s dynamic team.

Outside of work, Joyce is an avid trail runner who enjoys exploring scenic trails across the country. She also dedicates time to sewing, crocheting intricate amigurumi dolls, and pursuing other creative arts and crafts projects.