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Janice Norris

Associate

My story is a bit different from most. I am not an architect or engineer– I am in a department of 2 people – MIS (Management Information Systems). I help support, customize and upgrade our Vision system.

1. How did you get started at CRTKL?

My first job was working for a computer service bureau (Quality Data Processing), and RTKL was one of their clients. We processed their payroll and project data to create a Project Progress Report. I used to talk to [former employee] Don McConnel all the time and, when I decided to leave QDP, Don called me to come work at RTKL. RTKL had just purchased in an in-house accounting package called CFMS – which grew into our current Vision system and needed me to help with enhancing it.

2. What has been your favorite project to work on over your time here?

There have been many projects over the years, but I guess the upgrade to Vision was one of my favorite and longest projects– with the merger of Callison and RTKL being a strong second. I have always helped to enhance the software to provide for the growing needs of our company.

3. What about the future of our field excites you the most?

I love all the great work that CRTKL does and love pointing out all the various projects we have done to family and friends. I am glad that CRTKL has continued to grow and produce great projects.

As for my job, I’m looking forward to our next version of software that is coming called VantagePoint – the next evolution of Vision.

 

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Ildefonso (JoJo) Fantone

Associate Principal

1. How did you get started at CRTKL?

Before graduating from CalPoly’s School of Architecture in San Luis Obispo CA, I signed-up for a last-minute interview with RTKL during a job fair. They already had a full list of applicants, but they were generous enough to squeeze me in.

Since the job fair venue closed during my time slot, I invited them to my design studio for the interview. I was preoccupied with my senior thesis that I did not have a polished portfolio to show– all I had were loose trace paper sketches pinned-up on the wall and strewn around my drafting table with my study models. Our conversation was so informal that I did not think I had a chance of being even considered. But lo and behold, I was invited for a second interview at the Los Angeles office, and they essentially offered me a position– that was 1990.

The office was at the peak of a very strong economy, so we had staff squeezed in every nook and cranny of the office to accommodate everyone. The only space that was available for me when I started was in a hallway, next to a copier and a drawing hanger rack. Needless to say, it was a horrible space, but it did give me an opportunity to meet everyone in the office. When the economy collapsed shortly after, the entire office shrunk from 200+ employees down to 35. I miraculously survived and I got to choose a more desirable studio space next to a window. More market ups and downs came through and, astonishingly enough, I am still here!

2. What has been your favorite project to work on over your time here?

Throughout my time at CRTKL, I participated in several retail-driven mixed-use projects. I was also fortunate to be involved with different disciplines working with other colleagues on multiple project types such as urban planning, residential, office and hospitality. The diversity of projects and individuals truly helped in continually triggering the old synapses!

I am always delighted to work on every project that comes my way. It is exciting how every project starts with a big idea whether it is conceived in either a philosophical or programmatical manner. But, the other stimulating aspect it brings, is that every idea has its challenges. I get paid to resolve these challenges, design them, and eventually see these projects realized.

3. What about the future of our field excites you the most?

Even though my drafting table is now occupied by my laptop, monitor, and a drawing tablet, I am still very much old school when it comes to my design work.

Technology is the frontrunner of everything we do nowadays. However, what I have found to maintain the excitement and joy of our profession is to continue what I feel are some important principles:

• Passion: Continue to remind myself why I am in this profession– because I enjoy architecture.

• Creativity: indulge and be surrounded by creative minds and experiences– it is enlightening and refreshing as it removes us from the “usual stuff”.

• Problem-Solving: if it does not work, there is a solution somewhere, we can somehow make it work– I truly enjoy that aspect of our profession.

• Adaptability: different ways of thinking are not always easy to acknowledge at times—there are opportunities abound when we consider taking “the road less traveled.”

• Relaxed / Easy-going: No need to rush and overwhelm ourselves. We just need to think and work smarter while being even-tempered.

With that said, I have essentially realized that there is truly more to life than architecture. Everything and anything we do works itself out if we do not forget to have fun and enjoy the experience and the moment!

 

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Gina Goodin

Associate Principal

1. How did you get started at CRTKL?

I was working with Howard Snoweiss Design Group when RTKL acquired them in October 2000 and had been with them since Oct. 1983. So, even though my official RTKL anniversary date is Oct. 1990, it’s really 7 years longer than that (the senior employees from HSDG were given 10 years seniority when we joined in order to maximize PTO and other benefits.)

2. What has been your favorite project to work on over your time here?

That’s a little like asking who your favorite child is! I’m always excited about the work that is on the boards at any given moment, since the act of creating something new is the most fun– and we have some really nice projects in design right now. But, a couple of projects do stand out over the years. One is Canyon Ranch, when we worked on their branding materials and brand standards as well as the expansion of their Las Vegas spa. The branding exercise was a great example of cross-disciplinary work for our firm and the relationship with the client was one of mutual respect and creativity. Very rewarding to work on. The other is Eau Spa, a multi-award-winning project at the Eau Palm Beach Resort in Manalapan, FL. We delivered both interior design and architecture from the Miami and Dallas offices and the client was really willing to push the boundaries on design.

3. What about the future of our field excites you the most?

I’m really happy to see women in leadership roles for our firm as well as coming up through the ranks within the firm. And after so many years in design, I’m still excited by the new materials, technology and creative opportunities for design. It’s never boring!

 

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Armando Lopez-Carlos

Senior Associate

1. How did you get started at CRTKL?

I was working in 1994 on the Centro Magno project in an architectural firm in Guadalajara, Mexico that partnered with RTKL Dallas to help develop all drawings all the way to construction documents. In 1995, I had the possibility to join RTKL and decided to move to the Los Angeles office. I worked there for 2 years as an architect when I was then was given the opportunity to join the IT department and work directly with Ardie Aliandust.

2. What has been your favorite project to work on over your time here?

As for my favorite architectural projects, I’d have to say TNB Headquarters, The Hacienda at the River, and Oceanwide Plaza. In terms of my favorite IT projects, one of the most rewarding is when I helped setup the connection infrastructure for the new Madrid and Miami offices.

3. What about the future of our field excites you the most?

I am currently working with the IT and Design Technology Group, and what excites me the most is that I will be able to continue contributing all of my architectural and information technology knowledge to all the newer generations.

 

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Xavier Garaud

Senior Associate

1. How did you get started at CRTKL?

As I was working in Paris for a local design firm, I started to look into new opportunities abroad and was given the chance to spend 6 months as a trainee for the graphic team of the RTKL Los Angeles office under Katie Sprague’s supervision. Because there was a great connection with the team and the office in general, I decided to stay in LA for 7 brilliant and inspiring years.

2. What has been your favorite project to work on over your time here?

To pick a single favorite project is difficult if not an impossible task as there isn’t 1 that stands but many. I would start with Chadstone in Melbourne maybe, as I was involved on different phases and extensions of this incredible shopping center and was able to appreciate its transformations throughout the years.

Downtown Brea was another very enjoyable project with a very different kind of scope, mostly related to urban and environmental design. Super enjoyable experience and a great design at the end.

China Square in Singapore, Al Khiran in Kuwait, Avenue Mall in Greece, Aquis Plaza in Germany, Food Loft in Budapest….and so many more.

3. What about the future of our field excites you the most?

I am excited at the constant necessity for us to adapt to new social, environmental and technological requirements. We are on a constant move and in a need for changes which makes our job super exciting! Also having the ability to create, generate ideas which could help shape our world — hopefully in a better way — is something very special, I have to say.