Brian Starr
The son of an architect, Brian has always noticed and appreciated how architects get to engage their creative, artistic, aesthetic sides as well as their number crunching, scientific sides. The balance suits Brian well.
One of two founding partners of Studio Design Group, Brian brings decades of design experience and knowledge about a diverse range of building types to his leadership position. His team counts on his innate ability to foster collaboration and guide idea generation. Brian has been working on OSHPD-1 projects since the 1990s, and is currently focusing on healthcare design services that improve health delivery processes. Away from the studio, Brian enjoys racquetball, sailing, and “off the beaten track” traveling. Brian received a Bachelors of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University. He is a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) and the Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design Accredited Professional (LEED AP). He has served on the San Luis Obispo Architectural Review Commission and the Cuesta College Architectural Advisory Board.
Tim Ronda
Tim’s interest in architecture began deep in the evergreen cathedrals of the Santa Cruz mountains. Salvaged rough sawn siding, a rope ladder, fishing net hammocks and the breath of wet redwoods provided the raw materials for elaborate trees houses and led to a passion for well-crafted structures.
Since co-founding Studio Design Group with Brian, Tim has collaborated on the design of a wide range of projects, including innovative health care facilities, fine hotels, landmark commercial buildings and authentic residential neighborhoods. Tim’s technical knowledge and ability to see critical details assure that the final building design is true to the design intent and a long-lasting asset for the firm’s clients. Tim’s ability to understand and navigate the regulatory processes and integrate new building technologies are crucial for successful projects. Tim enjoys coordinating with project team members and revels in resolving design and construction challenges. Tim obtained a Bachelor of Architecture and Minor in Philosophy from Cal Poly in 1983 and is a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP). Off-line Tim likes to hang out with his wife Sandra and two teenagers, polish his finger-picking guitar licks, run the family Border Collie around the block, and finish his latest building project: Sandra’s contemporary art studio. Tim serves on the SLO Classical Academy School Board and in various capacities at Grace Church SLO.
Ariana Melendez
Joining Studio Design Group brought Ariana back to San Luis Obispo after ten years spent gaining experience throughout California. Her project management position puts her problem solving skills, analytical nature and collaborative communication style to good use. Seeing a full range of interesting projects through to completion keeps Ariana interested, learning, and feeling accomplished. Weekends find her enjoying family and the outdoors, and improving things indoors through home renovations. She also pitches in as a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity ReStore and participates in local coastal cleanups. Ariana earned her BA in physics at Cal Poly and her MBA at CSU Channel Islands. She is also a LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP).
Ellen Adamson Goodwin
Bringing a broad background to the firm, Ellen has design experience ranging from custom residences and high-end athletic clubhouses to mixed-use and commercial projects. After 15 years in the field, she still finds intrigue in each step of the design process and loves that there is always something new to learn in every project. She is passionate about residential design, mixed-use redevelopments, and affordable housing. Away from the drafting table, Ellen enjoys camping and hiking in Big Sur as well as volunteering for non-profits such as Habitat for Humanity and Brighten a Corner. Ellen earned her Bachelors of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University and is a California licensed architect as well as a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design + Construction. Ellen is also a member of Leadership SLO Class XX.
Aron Kahn
Since joining Studio Design Group in 2000, Aron has worked on public and private medical, educational, hospitality, residential and commercial projects. A native of France, Aron acknowledges a European influence to his design. His earliest pursuit of detail and precision came via his interest in model railroading and mechanical drafting, but carried through to his career in architecture. Away from the studio, Aron continues to play with trains, participates in triathlons, and collects classic cars, scooters and other things with wheels. Aron also lends his expertise to the San Luis Obispo Railroad Museum, where he serves on the board of directors.
Gabrielle Signorella
Gabrielle’s background in architecture helps her understand and streamline project processes as they move forward. A California Polytechnic State University graduate, she returned to San Luis Obispo after starting her career in the Bay Area. She was happy to find someplace where she can use her passion for problem solving across a variety of project types. When not at work, Gabrielle spends time traveling and embracing the offerings of the Central Coast with friends and family. In addition to her Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University, Gabrielle is also a LEED Accredited Professional with a specialty in Building Design + Construction.
Corey Templeton
Corey came to San Luis Obispo to attend college. He has been in the design and building field since 2008. Corey works with consultants, contractors and owners as he coordinates the movement of architectural plans through the design and permitting process. With a career that requires excellent communication and attention to detail, Corey’s Bachelor degree in Business Administration with a concentration in Management of Information Systems from California Polytechnic State University is the perfect complement to his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Oregon. Away from the office, Corey can be found enjoying time with his family, playing guitar, and hiking.
Megan Skilling
Megan’s adept understanding of architectural details and enthusiasm for how psychology impacts design makes her a valuable addition to Studio Design Group Architects. While earning her Bachelors of Architecture from Cal Poly, Megan was selected to participate in the San Francisco Urban Design Program where she experienced integrating master planning and architecture while sharpening professional practice skills. Today Megan is expanding her portfolio in sustainable building design. As a volunteer with Habitat for Humanity, Megan also helps with excavation, framing, and electrical work across California construction sites.
Macy Mockford
Originally an Oakland native, Macy brings a fresh perspective, curiosity, and years of experience in adaptive problem solving to our team. Macy thrives on creative collaboration, and her fascination for the human factor in architecture makes her a key resource when it comes to meeting the needs of the end user. Macy’s career began at Cal Poly where she received her degree in architecture, and she is taking her first step into the field with us here at Studio Design Group.
Cathy Marez Silva
Cathy’s helpful, organized ways are appreciated by staff and clients alike. She enjoys Studio Design Group’s family friendly atmosphere as she contributes her well-honed talents in office management and bookkeeping. Cathy spends her time away from work walking the beach, swimming, and enjoying her many grandchildren and family members. Cathy studied Business Management and Accounting at College of the Sequoias in Visalia prior to beginning a career in which she has helped a variety of businesses do business even better.
David Brannon
An ability to think like both a designer and a builder made David a valuable asset to our team for 28 years. Licensed in 1980 after earning his Bachelor Architecture degree from Cal Poly, he’s been able to experience his favorite part of being an architect countless times—the moment when he first views a finished building. While David is now retired, his indelible influence on our team continues to impact our vision today. Our family at Studio Design Group Architects is so grateful for the years of talent and friendship David shared with us.