Mark Walter
Technical Manager

I am a Professor in the Department of Mechanical and Aerospace Engineering at UC Irvine. After the birth of our first child in 2003, I felt more urgency about the need for our society to live more sustainably. I developed a personal and professional passion for energy efficiency in our built environment. I went on to help lead two solar decathlon teams at the Ohio State University. Among other topics, I teach the engineering design process and I help lead multiple student project teams. Through smart design, technology, and convincing others to reduce and stop wasteful behaviors, we can and will make a difference.

Jennifer Wilkens
Project Manager

I am the Director of Special Projects at the UCI Samueli School of Engineering and Executive Assistant to Dean Magnus Egerstedt. The teamMADE project beautifully combines my passion for art, architecture, design, and social justice issues with my expertise and skill set in project management, communications, marketing, website development, wood working, creating things, and simply bringing people together for a good cause. I am especially excited to find a way to get our students inspired to work on a real life project with the real purpose of lifting people out of homelessness.

Rose Anne Kings
Professor/Architect at Orange Coast College

I am a creator, maker, and professor of architecture and design. I believe in good design, meaningful places, and living light on the planet. I strive to help young professionals find purpose, passion, and joy through the discipline of architecture. I seek to find my own balance of purpose, passion, and joy through my family, my profession, and my personal creativity and industry.

Joseph Sarafian, AIA
CEO, Co-founder, Form Found Design
Professor, Orange Coast College (Architectural Technology)

Joseph Sarafian, AIA is co-founder and CEO of Form Found Design, a Los Angeles-based architecture and design studio that operates at the intersection of technology and nature. His work explores advancements in robotics, material science, and form-finding. Along with his partner, Ron Culver, he launched Form Found Design to employ innovative technology to create new opportunities for design to impact society. Joseph is a licensed architect in California and Professor of Architectural Technology at Orange Coast College.

Victor M. Alvarez-Duran, Assoc. AIA
Associate, Designer, Information Systems & Virtual Reality

Victor Alvarez-Duran’s extensive experience encompasses a wide range of commercial, retail, infill communities, and residential product types at varying densities.  He leverages this expertise as he works with clients and project teams to solve challenges and provide innovative design solutions throughout schematic and design development phases. Victor is an expert at transforming project ideas and concepts into reality, as such, he facilitates and leads the virtual reality and augmented reality technology studio.  He also plays an integral part in the Danielian Team’s R&D design efforts. Victor holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University and at California State University, Los Angeles in Industrial Technology focused on Manufacturing Design and Computer Programming. In addition, Victor received a scholarship where he studied commercial art at Otis Parson’s school of Art, Los Angeles.

Mark Noble, AIA, LEED AP
Associate & Senior Project Manager

Mark Noble is an Associate and Senior Project Manager at Danielian Associates and brings extensive architectural experience across different product types, ranging from residential custom homes and historical restorations to large multifamily projects. His strong architectural background, project management knowledge, and clear and concise communication style benefits both our clients and public agencies alike – as he works collaboratively to keep projects on track while fulfilling the client’s goals and design vision. As a licensed architect for over 25 years, he is involved with all aspects of the architectural process from design development and selecting materials through construction drawings and final walk throughs. His knowledge of building codes, construction methods and detailing help keep projects on track even when potential challenges arise. Mark is a graduate from Cal Poly Pomona School of Architecture and studied at Cal Poly San Luis Obispo.

Joelene D. Velasco
Student
Material Science and Engineering
UCI Samueli School of Engineering

I am Joelene Velasco, a Materials Science and Engineering Major at UCI. Growing up in Santa Maria, I’ve seen how those of lower income, especially field workers, struggle to find housing and multiple families are often packed into small apartments. I’m excited to see how our ADU can help alleviate the housing crisis while using sustainable practices and technology.

Bryan Aratea
Student
Civil Engineering
UCI Samueli School of Engineering

I am Bryan Aratea, a second-year undergraduate student majoring in Civil Engineering at UCI. This project is important to me because it helps develop the acceptance and proliferation of ADU housing, especially in areas of dense population seen in my hometown of San Diego. I am eager to help design sustainable living spaces that and contribute to community well-being.

Darien West
Student
Business Administration
Paul Merage School of Business
UC Irvine

I am a Business Administration major at the University of California Irvine. This project is important to me because ADU housing can be a powerful solution to the homelessness crisis in my community, the San Francisco Bay Area. This project also intersects with my sustainability, design, and community impact interests. 

Mina Kim
Graduate Student
Urban and Regional Planning
UC Irvine

My name is Mina and I am a second-year graduate student at UC Irvine majoring in Urban and Regional Planning. I am excited to be a part of the team and contribute to the project.

Elias Herrera
Student
Urban Studies, School of Social Ecology
UC Irvine

My name is Elias Herrera, I’m a third year Urban Studies student in the UCI School of Social Ecology. I also have a minor in Digital Art. I am excited to put my design skills to the test when focusing on the aesthetics and feel of the project ADU. I also look forward to considering how the ADU project can contribute to housing equity and more sustainable lifestyles. 

Matthew Ramon
Student
Civil Engineering
UCI Samueli School of Engineering

I am Matthew Ramon, a fourth-year Civil Engineering major at UC Irvine. I’ve seen how the housing crisis negatively impacts all Californians and the environment. This project’s focus on sustainability and attractive design at an affordable level is what excites me the most about its potential to tackle these issues and is why I’m eager to be part of the team.

Angelo Esposito
Department Chair for Physics, Astronomy, Geology, and Engineering, Orange Coast College
Director, Title V STEM Grant

Chemical Engineering (B.S. and M.S. from University of Naples “Federico II”) and Mechanical Engineering (Ph.D. from The Ohio State University and University of Salerno).
Specialized in electrochemical power generation systems (e.g. fuel cells, batteries, etc.) for transportation as well as stationary applications. Particular emphasis on the diagnostics, prognostics, and control of clean-energy pre-commercial and commercial units.
International Project Management experience along with consulting and teaching.
Authored over 20 peer-reviewed scientific publications and a patent.