San Diego, CA — AVRPStudios has elevated four of its most respected Senior Associates — Zane Ely, Pablo Collin, Catharine Hughes and Paul Davis — to the role of Associate Principal. The promotions took effect at the beginning of September.
“We are delighted to recognize their contributions and their leadership at the firm,” said Doug Austin, FAIA, founder and CEO of AVRP Studios.
Zane Ely AIA, DBIA has been with the firm for more than 28 years, contributing to landmark projects such as Park Laurel at Balboa Park, Allegro Tower, Sharp Rees-Stealy Downtown, Sharp Chula Vista Ocean View Tower, and Torreyana BioMed. As a seasoned project manager and mentor, Zane is known as “the guy we turn to manage the project managers,” Austin said. “He’s an excellent leader and well-rounded architect.”
Pablo Collin AIA, LEED AP, a 25-year veteran of AVRP Studios, has played a key role in projects that help to shape San Diego’s skyline with projects like the Pinnacle Museum Tower, Ariel Luxury Suites and Smart Corner. Currently, he is working on Amara Bay in Chula Vista — a 1,500-unit community on San Diego Bay. Originally from Zimbabwe, Pablo also ran his own practice in Africa prior to joining AVRP. “Pablo is extremely bright and acts as a great mentor to our younger architects,” Austin said.
Catharine Hughes NCIDQ, CID leads AVRP Studios’ interior design program and brings more than four decades of experience to the role. Known as an inspiring mentor and natural leader, she recently facilitated a firmwide mind-mapping session to guide the team’s vision and goals. Her client work includes the new Conrad Prebys Foundation headquarters and Hologic’s San Diego facility. “Catharine is just a great people person and an excellent leader, one of the firm’s best leaders. She’s really helping the next generation of architects reach their potential,” Austin said.
Paul Davis AIA, LEED AP is currently leading the firm’s largest project, the new San Diego Unified School District headquarters in Kearny Mesa. His technical expertise and steady leadership have made him a trusted voice within the firm. “Paul is a tremendous asset, and a very bright and likeable architect. We look to him for inspired leadership,” Austin said.
Reflecting on the milestone, Austin added: “You’re only as good as your people. Even though there can be egos in architecture, it’s always a team sport. Always. And right now, our team is about as cohesive as I’ve seen it — and that’s a blessing.”
AVRP’s President Christopher T. Veum, AAIA, IIDA said: “We are proud to recognize the leadership and dedication of Catharine, Zane, Paul and Pablo. They have been dedicated to advancing our culture and will continue to inspire and mentor our staff as the next generation of leaders in our firm.”
“These promotions reflect the strength and continuity of AVRP Studios. Catharine, Zane, Paul, and Pablo have each helped shape our practice in meaningful ways — from mentoring our staff to delivering outstanding work for our clients,” said AVRP’s Randy Robbins, AIA. “Their leadership ensures that as we approach our 50th anniversary, we’re not only honoring our past but also building a strong foundation for the next fifty years.”
Next year marks AVRP Studios’ 50th anniversary. Founded by Austin in 1976 out of his condo in Solana Beach, the firm has since grown into one of San Diego’s most award-winning design practices, with more than 135 design awards and a portfolio that spans housing, education, healthcare, corporate offices, and large-scale mixed-use projects both domestically and abroad.
Media Contact: Tony Manolatos, tony@manolatospa.com
About AVRP Studios
Celebrating nearly 50 years of creativity and achievement, AVRP Studios has designed billions of dollars’ worth of projects throughout the U.S. and internationally. The firm’s principals have earned more than 135 design awards for work in urban infill, housing, education, corporate, multigenerational, and healthcare spaces. AVRP is led by Douglas H. Austin, FAIA, LEED AP, MAIBC; Christopher T. Veum, AAIA, IIDA; and Randy Robbins, AIA. Learn more at www.avrpstudios.com