Pica + Sullivan Architects
Pica + Sullivan Architects
At Pica + Sullivan Architects, we design to activate all facets of the campus to enhance and extend the learning environment. We’re a responsive and flexible team of seasoned professionals led by hands-on principals. Our award-winning value-engineered and context-based approach to design has earned us the trust of clients for over 1000 projects.
Founders and Principals
Founders and Principals
V. Joseph Pica
V. Joseph Pica
PRINCIPAL
V. Joseph Pica is a founding principal of the Pica + Sullivan firm. With over 45 years of experience in design, construction and project management; Joe has designed everything from education facilities and medical buildings, to commercial offices and luxury hotels, to entertainment centers and historic restorations. As a result, he has an extensive expertise in projects of large scale and complexity, with a particular passion for schools. Joe has written extensively on the subject of K-12 master planning and design, and his articles have been published in several national education journals.
As lead designer in the office, Joe heads all of Pica + Sullivan’s projects – overseeing the master plans and setting the architectural direction. He has led the team through over 900 projects, including Westridge School, Windward School, Le Lycee Francais de Los Angeles, St. Monica Parish Community, St. John’s Seminary, St. Bede’s Parish Community, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, Curtis School and many more.
Before establishing the Pica + Sullivan firm, Joe was Director of Design for Lee, Burkhart, Liu, Inc. and Project Architect for renowned Canadian Architect Arthur Erickson as well as other high profile offices. Joe is a licensed architect in the State of California, and a graduate of the USC School of Architecture.
Maureen Sullivan
Maureen Sullivan
PRINCIPAL
Maureen is the other founding partner and the face of Pica + Sullivan Architects; the educator and communicator who brings our work to the world at large. She has an expertise and interest in the master plan process, entitlement, client relations, and sustainability. As a principal, Maureen is involved in all phases of office projects with a special focus on establishing the color palette, materials, lighting and interior design direction. When she’s not leading the way for P + S, Maureen teaches design in the prestigious BFA Interior Design Program at California State University
Long Beach.
Maureen has taken the lead on several key projects over the years including Westridge School for Girls, Windward School, and Chandler School. In addition, she has also led historic restoration and renovation projects such as the Downtown Women’s Center, Allen House for First AME Church in the West Adams District, and the Phillips Mansion for the City of Pomona.
Prior to starting Pica + Sullivan, Maureen was the Senior Associate for Levin Associates, where she gained extensive experience in renovation, restoration and adaptive re-use of historic buildings. She is also a licensed architect in the state of California and a graduate of the USC School of Architecture.
Senior Team
Senior Team
Anne Wong
Director of Architecture
As the Director of Architecture, Anne is the engine that makes Pica + Sullivan go. She’s responsible for the work and staffing, providing calm and experienced leadership in the studio. Anne is also directly involved in all project phases and client relations, and has expertise in permitting and the construction administration process. She ensures that there’s a smooth transition from design through the permitting and construction phases.
Anne joined Pica + Sullivan Architects in 1998 and has completed many projects since, including Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy and Robinson Family Aquatic Center.
Anne is a graduate of University of Southern California, having earned her Bachelor of Architecture in 1998.
Scot Oehlbert
Architect
When it comes to breathing life into the building at hand, Scot is the expert. As the Senior Architect, Scot leads the design team through most of the projects at Pica + Sullivan Architects – fleshing out the initial direction into fully realized buildings and spaces. His talent and leadership were critical to the success of Le Lycée Français de Los Angeles, Westridge School Sustainable Science Building, St. Monica Community Center and Robinson Family Aquatic Center.
Scot is a graduate of SUNY @ Buffalo, having earned a Masters of Architecture in 1995. He is licensed in the State of California, and has been enjoying the perfect weather ever since. Prior to joining Pica + Sullivan Architects in 2003, Scot worked with The Albert Group in Culver City and H2L2 Architects in Philadelphia.
Mimi Pon
Senior Project Manager
If there’s anyone who can bridge the gap between the creative team and the technical department, that person is Mimi. An accomplished designer in her own right with extensive experience in project management, Mimi makes sure that the building comes together exactly the way the client wants it.
She was instrumental to the recently completed $27 million St. Monica Community Center, and has worked on multiple projects for the Los Angeles Lakers. She also played a key role in the award-winning Downtown Women’s Center.
Mimi is a graduate of University of California, San Diego (UCSD), having earned a B.A. in Urban Studies and Planning in 1998. She joined Pica + Sullivan in 2005.
Project Team
Project Team
Angela Mitchell
Business Manager
As our office manager, Angela utilizes her talents to make sure that all financial and administrative records are accurate and well organized. Adept at accounting software and new technologies, she excels at finding proactive and creative ways to assist our team with integrity and accuracy, while her extensive experience makes her skilled at finding innovatively elegant solutions to whatever may come up, expected or unexpected.
Angela’s sense of humor and interests in writing, art and astrophysics, contribute a unique, diverse, and broadly inclusive perspective that she dedicates to keeping Pica + Sullivan Architects running smoothly and efficiently on a daily basis.
Sandy Ruddan
Architect
Sandy does it all. After joining Pica + Sullivan Architects in 2010, she became an integral team member and an asset in marketing and business development. In addition, she has a special expertise in master plan development and client relations, and has worked on a variety of projects including the Holy Family of Glendale, Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy, St. Bedes the Venerable and the American Martyrs Catholic Church.
Sandy is a graduate of University of Southern California earning a B.A. Architecture in 2006 and is a licensed architect in the State of California.
Natalie Levins
Designer
An accomplished designer and the resident expert in lighting design, finish selections, color palettes and graphics, Natalie refines the design and mood of the many office projects, ensuring that we are creating the most conducive environment possible. She is also an accomplished lead designer and has completed a variety of projects, including the Curtis School Ahmanson Building Renovation/Addition, and Flintridge Sacred Heart Academy Arts remodel.
Natalie graduated from the University of Southern California, and joined Pica + Sullivan in 2010.
Maria Gil
Designer
A consummate architectural designer and graphic artist, Maria brings her special vision to all the projects that she is involved in. After joining Pica + Sullivan Architects in 2006, Maria has participated in a wide variety of design activities, including traditional architectural and interior design as well as lighting, graphics, web design, social media presence and marketing materials. She was a crucial member of the team on the Sustainable Science building at Westridge School and St. Monica Community Center project.
Prior to joining Pica + Sullivan Architects Maria worked with Pich-Aguilera Architects in Barcelona Spain. Maria is a graduate of University of Santo Tomás, having earned a B.A. Architecture in 2001.
Di Song
Designer
Di Song joined Pica + Sullivan Architects January of 2019 as a junior level designer. Di works on all aspects of the project specializing in needs assessments, material research and presentations.
Di graduated from University of California, Los Angeles with a Master degree of Architecture in 2016, and is currently working towards her CA architecture licensure.
Prior to joining Pica + Sullivan Architects, Di worked in various residential and interior design firms in Southern California.
Xena Pica
Submittal Reviewer
As the resident carpet sample submittal reviewer and interior flooring expert, Xena coined the maxim “if you can’t sleep on it, don’t use it.”
In addition to her sampling duties, Xena has also been responsible for tracking and screening all office traffic. She specializes in eccentric behavior and has an ill disposition to those making deliveries. However, once they get to know Xena, many find that she is friendly at heart and means well. Always aware of her figure, she is rarely swayed by treats.
Prior to joining Pica + Sullivan Architects, Xena worked at a small firm in the Inland Empire. After a sterling interview, she began work on August 1, 2013.
In Memoriam
Project Team
Anthony Zubick
Architect
Anthony Zubick, our dear friend and beloved colleague, has passed away. Anthony was the consummate Architect. His imagination and artistic creativity were boundless. He loved building. He loved buildings.
Tony was a teacher, a mentor and a friend. In our office he was the bridge between paper and concrete. He knew how to make three-dimensional dreams into reality. His expertise ranged from urban planning to master planning to architecture to interiors. Always one to roll up his sleeves Tony handled construction administration for such projects as Chandler Middle School and St. Monica Community Center. His role was critical in helping to realize each of those visions.
We miss Tony dearly. He was kind. He was generous. He enthusiastically shared his knowledge and wisdom. He was always happy. He was always joyful. Rest in Peace friend.
Awards
Awards
2015
Sustainability Quality Award
Santa Monica COC
St. Monica Pastoral Center
2014
Preservation Design Award
CA Preservation Foundation
Downtown Women’s Center
2011
Sustainable INNOV Award
Los Angeles Chapter
Sustainable Science Building
2011
AIA Design Award
Pasadena & Foothill Chapter
Sustainable Science Building
2011
Preservation Award
Los Angeles Conservancy
Downtown Women’s Center
2011
Best Design Quality Award
CORP for Supportive Housing
Downtown Women’s Center
2011
National Preservation Award
NATL Trust for HIST PRESERVE
Downtown Women’s Center
1998
Pasadena Beautiful Award
Marjorie May Braun ’36 Science Building
LEED Certification
LEED Certification
2014
LEED GOLD
US Green Building Council
St. Monica Pastoral Center
2012
LEED SILVER
US Green Building Council
St. Monica Pastoral Center
2011
LEED SILVER
US Green Building Council
Downtown Women’s Center
2011
LEED PLATINUM
US Green Building Council
Sustainable Science Building
Expertise
Expertise
ARCHITECTURE
At Pica + Sullivan Architects, the team that starts the conceptual design is the team that sees the project through construction – ensuring that all of the agreed upon aspirations are included. You’re going to live, learn, and work in that space for years to come; so we’re there to make sure it’s a success.
MASTER PLANNING
At Pica + Sullivan Architects, the team that starts the conceptual design is the team that sees the project through construction – ensuring that all of the agreed upon aspirations are included. You’re going to live, learn, and work in that space for years to come; so we’re there to make sure it’s a success.
PROJECT MANAGEMENT
We don’t just design, we execute. We offer project management services for all of our projects to ensure that your vision comes to life. If you already have a plan, we also offer owner-represented project management services, as we have for clients like the Los Angeles Lakers and JC Decaux North America.
INTERIORS
To us, a great interior transforms a beautiful building into a destination. Your most successful living, learning, and working environment starts here; so we provide all interior design services in house – including materials, finishes, lighting, furniture selection, and graphics.
HISTORIC PRESERVATION
To us, a great interior transforms a beautiful building into a destination. Your most successful living, learning, and working environment starts here; so we provide all interior design services in house – including materials, finishes, lighting, furniture selection, and graphics.
SUSTAINABILITY
To us, a great interior transforms a beautiful building into a destination. Your most successful living, learning, and working environment starts here; so we provide all interior design services in house – including materials, finishes, lighting, furniture selection, and graphics.