Culture

About The Firm

AVRP Studios originated in 1976, when Doug Austin began a small design firm out of his home. Almost 50 years later, the firm has designed billions of dollars’ worth of iconic projects that brings together design, nature, and community, both domestically and internationally. AVRP Studios is known across the region for its decades of Innovative Design Solutions, Creativity and Planning some of the most prominent, visionary and vibrant projects in California.

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Decades of Design Excellence

Celebrating almost 50 years, the firm and its principals have earned over 150 design awards. Project types include mixed use, multifamily, workplace, education, healthcare and other community-focused design. The firm is lead by three principals, Douglas Austin, FAIA, LEED AP,MAIBC, Christopher Veum, AAIA, IIDIA and Randy Robbins, AIA.

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Design Approach

At AVRP Studios, our design approach is shaped by a team of creativeindividuals working in close collaboration with visionary clients. We believethe design process starts with asking the right questions, ensuring that everyproject is thoughtfully informed by its context and surroundings. Whether inan open landscape or a dense urban core, we focus on creatingcommunities, buildings, and spaces that not only enrich the lives of theirusers but also respond to the unique needs of each client.

Design Values

01

Ask the Right Questions

By rigorously questioning context, vision, and client needs along side codes and constraints, we craft people-centered designs that truly respond to each site.

02

Design and Sustainability Are Intertwined

Sustainability is woven into every stage of our process, delivering maximum value with minimal resources for lasting environmental, economic, and social benefit.

03

Design Tells a Story

Through close collaboration we choreograph spaces that narrate a site’s history and purpose, creating memorable environments that resonate with users and place.

04

Constant Innovation

Committed to continual innovation, we embrace emerging technologies and partnerships to push boundaries and solve complex challenges for our clients.

Meet The Team

Douglas H. Austin

Founder | Chairman | CEO

Douglas H. Austin

Founder | Chairman | CEO

dhaustin@avrpstudios.com

Chris Veum

President

Chris Veum

President

cveum@avrpstudios.com

Randy Robbins

Principal

Randy Robbins

Principal

rrobbins@avrpstudios.com

Tomasz Anielski

Principal

Tomasz Anielski

Principal

a.tanielski@avrp.ca

Pablo Collin

Director of Urban Buildings | Architect

Pablo Collin

Director of Urban Buildings | Architect

pcollin@avrpstudios.com

Anna Dalton

Controller

Anna Dalton

Controller

adalton@avrpstudios.com

Catherine Hughes

Director of Interior Design

Catherine Hughes

Director of Interior Design

chughes@avrpstudios.com

Zane Ely

Senior Associate | Architect

Zane Ely

Senior Associate | Architect

zely@avrpstudios.com

Awards

OVER 45 YEARS OF DESIGN RECOGNITION

2025

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Student or Faculty Housing - Topaz Student Housing Topaz Student Housing

2024

Southern California Association of Non-Profit Housing (SCANPH) – Homes Within Reach Awards, Beyond LA Housing Development Award Winner: Portola Senior Apartments, Community Housing Works

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Affordable 55+ Housing Community - Portola Senior Apartments

2023

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Grand Award: Best Rehabilitation Project - Red Door Interactive

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Grand Award: Best On-the-Boards Custom/Spec Home - The Wilson Residence

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Rehabilitation Project - Red Door Interactive

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Educational Project - Point Loma High School – New Campus Library and Classroom Complex

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best On-the-Boards Custom/Spec Home - The Wilson Residence

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best On-the Boards Mixed Use Project - 802 S Pacific

2022

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Rehabilitation Project - Aura Biomed

2021

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Educational Project - Hoover High School Theater, Classroom and Administrative Complex

2020

ENR Regional Best Project Winner: Healthcare Award of Merit – Sharp Chula Vista Medical Center Ocean View Tower

Western Walls and Ceilings Contractors Association Awards: Project of the Year: Hoover High School New Theatre & Classroom Building

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Grand Award Winner:  Best On the Boards Multifamily Community - The Wedge

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best On the Boards Multifamily Community - The Wedge

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards:  Kindred

2019

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best On The Boards Custom Home - Crowell Polvera Residence San Diego, CA | Developer: Owner - Jason and Cindy Crowell, Architect/Designer: AVRP Skyport - Chris Veum, Interior Designer: AVRP Skyport - Chris Veum

Design-Build Project/Team Award: National Award — Merit: Healthcare Facilities - Sharp Chula Vista Ocean View Tower, Chula Vista, CA

2018

My Face My Body Awards: Best New Practice of The Year & Practice Design of the Year – Restore Plastic Surgery

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Multi-Family Housing Community 100 du/acre or more - Eighteen Ten State St.

2017

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best Educational Project - Urban Discovery Academy

PCBC Gold Nugget Awards: Award of Merit Honors: Best On-the-Boards Mixed-Use Project - Seaport San Diego