ORANGE, Calif. – January 21, 2025 – AO, a leading full-service architecture firm with design expertise spanning the full spectrum of multifamily and commercial real estate, today announced the first of several company promotions with the appointment of a new partner Scott Jones and a new principal Nakisa Heshmati, as well as six senior associates. These promotions leverage AO’s industry leadership as the firm expands into new markets and grows its capabilities in residential, retail, mixed-use, modular, hospitality, data centers and more.
Scott Jones has been named Partner, joining AO’s leadership team, and marking a significant milestone in his career with the firm since 2006. With over 20 years of architectural experience spanning commercial, retail, and mixed-use projects, Scott brings a wealth of expertise and a steadfast work ethic that consistently drives the success of projects and exceeds client and team expectations. His exceptional ability to understand and translate clients’ visions, coupled with his skill in managing creative teams, results in consistently outstanding outcomes.
Nakisa Heshmati, Architect, LEED AP BD+C has been named principal. She has dedicated 17 of her 20-year career to AO, responsible for the programming and planning of many of the firm’s most acclaimed and award-winning high-density multifamily and mixed-use projects. Nakisa employs a highly technical and methodical approach to planning, ensuring the highest and best use of valuable land for each client. Known for her professionalism, dedication, and attention to detail, Nakisa is highly regarded by colleagues, clients, and consultants alike.
“Scott and Nakisa are invaluable assets to AO, bringing fresh energy, perspectives, and extensive experience to our leadership team,” remarked RC Alley, Managing Partner. “Both have been driving forces behind AO’s success over the years, and we are excited to see them continue shaping the firm’s growth and future trajectory.”
Additionally, six Senior Associates have been promoted:
- Rio Garcia, a multifamily and mixed-use specialist at AO with over 20 years of experience, has successfully managed the construction of 10,000+ luxury apartments, leveraging his expertise in project management, regulatory compliance, and construction administration to deliver high-quality results and seamless project execution.
- Veronica Kim, NCARB, has a decade of experience specializing in the technical development of project drawings and documents for industrial and retail developments, combining meticulous attention to detail with collaborative coordination to deliver innovative, client-focused solutions that meet complex design needs and project objectives.
- Francis Kwek, brings over 25 years of expertise in retail design and development, specializing in grocery stores, big-box retail, and shopping centers, with comprehensive skills in project management, site planning, tenant coordination, and seamless execution from planning to permitting.
- Kai Lau, LEED AP, brings over 30 years of diverse experience, specializing in the design of multifamily and mixed-use communities that seamlessly blend functionality and aesthetic appeal to create thoughtful spaces that fulfill each client’s unique vision, enrich communities, and enhance the way people live, work, and play.
- Linda Laurenzi began her career with AO in 2001 and has since become renowned for expertly managing complex retail and outlet center projects, earning recognition for her exceptional project management, communication, leadership, creative design, and technical problem-solving skills across all phases of design and construction.
- Fred Tomas, a valued AO team member since 2010, brings over 25 years of commercial architectural experience, excelling as a project manager in executing design visions and delivering projects from inception to construction administration.
“We are incredibly proud to promote Scott, Nakisa, and these six senior associates. Their contributions have significantly advanced both our clients’ success and the growth of our firm,” said Rob Budetti, AO managing partner. “A strong team provides the foundation for our work every day, and we look forward to the next 50 years with the best in the business on our side.”
AO continues to grow its diverse portfolio across multiple studios, including multifamily, mixed-use, modular, hospitality, industrial, commercial, healthcare, interior design, and more. Recognized as the #1 architectural firm by the O.C. Business Journal in 2024, AO is poised to lead the way with major projects in the years ahead.
About AO
AO is a relationship-focused, design-driven architectural, landscape, interior, and planning services firm helping clients create places where people and businesses flourish. In its 51st year, the firm boasts wide-ranging expertise across multifamily, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, science and technology, data centers, restaurant, healthcare, office, industrial, parking, landscape, interiors, and global design, modular, commercial, and public utilities. AO is known for its ardent collaboration with developers and owners and deep expertise across various building types. AO operates from studios in Orange, San Diego, Oakland, and Sunnyvale, CA, New York, NY, Atlanta, GA, and Orlando, FL, where it serves clients across the Americas, Asia, and beyond. Visit aoarchitects.com to learn more.