People

As a boutique architectural design firm, the credibility of our work depends on the performance of our collective team. We are an ideal blend of managers, technical experts, designers, and problem-solvers –an essential combination for architectural success. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences we offer provides unique perspectives to every project and is a great source of pride for our firm. 

Principal

Dave is the founding principal of DB+A and oversees an expanding portfolio of work that is rooted in architectural knowledge and innovation. During his 30+ years of design and construction experience, he has built an architecture firm that provides land planning, site planning, landscape design, building design, and interior space planning services. Dave primarily focuses his efforts on fostering positive client experiences, and ensuring the work meets clients’ needs with quality and timely delivery. In his extensive career, he has overseen a range of projects including industrial development and construction, mixed-use, urban planning, office campuses, and other commercial sectors. Dave’s active involvement in large-scale development projects puts him at the forefront of California’s growing industrial market.
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Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona and is a Registered Architect and Landscape Architect in California. He is a lover of the outdoors – skiing, camping, and grizzlies – but more than anything his greatest passion is family, especially his four amazing grandkids.

Senior Project Manager

Jeff is the lead project manager and multi-disciplinary expert at DB+A. During his 11 years with the firm, Jeff has shown mastery in developing architectural planning and design guidelines, overseeing landscape concepts for streetscape projects, parks, and wetland restorations, managing retail and industrial site plans, consulting on office conceptual plans, and leading entitlement projects. Not only does Jeff manage the staff and consultant teams on complex projects, but he also specializes in integrating community involvement and excels and facilitating stakeholder buy-in.
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Jeff graduated from Cal Poly, where he received a degree in Urban Planning and Design. When he isn’t in the office leading conference calls, putting out fires, and reviewing site plans, you can find Jeff outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping.

Landscape Architect

Paul has over thirty years of landscape architecture planning and design experience. Working at multi-discipline design firms and as a sole-proprietor, Paul has been involved in regional projects, urban design, plazas, parks, streetscapes, commercial, and industrial design throughout his impressive career. Paul’s experience includes preliminary design, construction plans and specifications, project management, and construction administration of public and private projects.
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Paul’s direct collaboration with DB+A began in 2002, where he has been able to leverage his extensive knowledge of urban design and civic engagement. He primarily focuses his consulting efforts for DB+A on integration of landscaping into overall site design concepts, ensuring projects are meeting quality standards, and advising on construction management solutions.

Paul has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington and is a registered Landscape Architect in the state of California. A man of many talents, Paul utilizes his free time to support a range of interests - from oil painting to fly-fishing to drumming!

Project Manager

A pivotal member of the firm since 2019, Gerardo focuses his efforts on projects that require special attention and intricate due diligence. He is responsible for single-handedly managing exterior remodel design challenges and unique structural enhancements, in addition to the broad range of architectural functions he oversees daily. During his 16+ years of professional experience, Gerardo has managed all phases of the development process, from schematic design concepts through contract administration for commercial office, retail, and restaurant tenant improvements. His extensive knowledge and understanding of building codes, ADA, County Health, and Government agency requirements makes him incredibly effective at large-scale projects with a complex ecosystem of regulations and approval demands.
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He holds a BA from Cal Polytechnic State, Pomona, and a Master of Urban Planning from San Jose State University. Gerardo also maintains a professional certification from both the California and National Council for Interior Design, distinctions that are both celebrated and broadly utilized at DB+A. A family man at his core, he spends any free time available with his wonderful family.

CAD Manager / Job Captain

Sean has decades of experience as a CAD master and technical design guru. He approaches projects from a unique perspective – merging technical needs with individual project mechanics. His depth of knowledge is being leveraged for current projects at DB+A that are sizable and complex in nature – including International Park of Commerce, Costco, and Central Green.

Prior to joining DB+A, Sean owned his own CAD Design firm for 26 years. During his tenure as owner, he worked on high-profile projects like the Apple campus, Google campus, and the Asian Art Museum, to name a few. He has a reputation in the industry for providing meticulously prepared documents and technically advanced design solutions. Sean’s ability to foster strong client relationships and deliver innovative solutions for their project needs, makes him an incredible asset to the team.
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Sean has an Associate of Science degree in General Drafting from Napa Valley College and has accumulated multiple AEC Autodesk certifications over the course of his extensive career. He enjoys mountain adventures in Tahoe, hiking, and watching Formula 1 racing for fun.

Job Captain

Zabeen has been a key contributor and digital design expert for the growing needs of clients at DB+A since 2018. A problem-solver at her core, Zabeen offers well-calculated design solutions that allow the firm to move from concept to design to implementation efficiently. Her AutoCAD and Illustrator talents have expanded in just a few short years, working on projects that need planning and entitlements, intricate landscaping plans, and overall management. A skilled drafter by trade, Zabeen’s highly valued combination of technical design chops and project management experience makes her capable of taking on complex plans with focus and ingenuity.
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She graduated from Sir. J.J. College of Architecture at Mumbai University and is currently seeking her professional license with NCARB. An avid outdoor enthusiast, Zabeen spends her free time hiking and camping with her family.

Job Captain

Claire’s relentless passion for design excellence and innovative thinking offers a fresh perspective on all aspects of the design process. In her current role as Job Captain, Claire is responsible for managing stringent timelines, delivering on client expectations, and fostering creativity from project inception to realization. Her personal efforts focus primarily on the integration of natural landscaping elements into large-scale industrial projects, multi-use parks, and wetland areas – further supporting DB+A’s growing landscape design practice. Not only is Claire the point person on many of these landscaping projects, but she is also expanding her skillset to include new modeling techniques using Sketchup software.
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Claire graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, Davis with a BA in Landscape Architecture. As an Aggie, the Landscape Architecture department awarded her an Outstanding Performance Award for her commitment to architectural exploration, and the UC Davis Sustainability Award for analyzing and incorporating climate-friendly practices into every project.