Geddes Ulinskas
Principal
Geddes Ulinskas brings over 20 years of architectural experience in residential and commercial design to his role as principal. Originally drawn to a career as a commercial artist or illustrator he switched to architecture when Pratt Institute awarded him a full merit-based scholarship to their Architecture Program. Today he combines both the discipline of art and architecture in the exquisite watercolor renderings he creates for his projects.
Before establishing Geddes Ulinskas Architects in 2005, Geddes worked for several distinguished architects including Ricardo Legorreta and Fumihiko Maki. In his versatile role as founder, he oversees his multicultural team in the design and execution of a wide variety of projects. With attention to detail and focus on materials, the firm strives for excellence. The company grew with a succession of commissions demonstrating Geddes Ulinskas Architects' unique design abilities. Their design and construction projects can be found throughout the Bay Area as well as in Los Angeles, New York City and Hawaii. Geddes holds architectural licenses in both California and Hawaii.
Alla Agafonov
Project ARCHITECT
With an architecture career spanning more than 15 years, Alla Agafonov's diverse background includes commercial projects, designing retail and restaurant spaces, as well as residential developments. Obsessed with the tactile perception of space, she focuses on the smallest detail and how that permeates to the bigger picture, making sure that the imaginary space becomes reality in as much accuracy as possible. She is not averse to getting her hands dirty and making physical models, bringing out the oculus to walk around the rendered model, or hand sketch ideas on the fly. Alla is licensed in California, and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.
Julia gallagher
design director
Julia Gallagher is a NorCal native. She ventured off to Barnard College 20 years ago where she studied Architecture, World Arts, and Culture in New York City, Italy, and Ghana. Later, she attended Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture Preservation and Planning where she received a Masters of Architecture and graduated with Honors for Excellence in Design. Prior to joining GUA as the Director of Design, she held various leadership roles guiding interdisciplinary design teams to produce world class projects. Her project experience includes Guggenheim Abu Dhabi, New United States Embassy Compound in Mexico City, and the Herb Albert Foundation at the Harlem School of the Arts, among others. Returning to California, and based in Los Angeles, Gallagher leads the Los Angeles office specializing in residential and commercial design. Gallagher is LEED AP and a Registered Architect in the State of New York.
Roma Olisauskaite
Project Designer
Roma Olisauskaite is passionate about the continued preservation and rehabilitation of historic buildings. She believes in sustainable urban development with an appreciation for craftsmanship. Roma draws inspiration from art, color, travel and early 20th-century architecture. Well-versed in the relationship between historical and contemporary architecture, she incorporates her knowledge into the modern spaces she designs. Originally from Lithuania, she did a study exchange in Finland and worked with Barbas Lopes Arquitectos in Lisbon, Portugal before joining the National Institute of Architectural Monuments in Vilnius, Lithuania. She earned her Masters in Architecture and Urban Design from Vilnius Gediminas Technical University.
Clara Bulfoni
Project Designer
Clara Bulfoni brings several years of experience as an architect to her role as a project designer for Geddes Ulinskas Architects. Before joining the team in 2016, she worked for a dynamic boutique firm in her hometown of Udine, Italy. There she learned to appreciate the visual poetry of architecture through both residential and commercial projects, interior design, and landscape design. During college in Italy and Portugal, she developed an interest in urban and landscape architecture, fascinated by the relationship between man and nature, the transition from public to private spaces, and the contrast of the built with the unbuilt. Clara received her Masters in Architecture from the University of Ferrara and her professional license in Florence. She is trilingual having lived and worked in the United States, Italy and Portugal.
meredith brown
project Designer
Meredith Brown is fascinated by the story that each space has to tell. She brings curiosity and pragmatism to her focus on interior architecture, developing sophisticated solutions to the spatial and functional challenges of each project, all while maintaining respect for the existing context. She hopes to minimize the ecological impacts of her work by creating durable and timeless designs that can adapt to ever-changing lifestyles and trends. Meredith appreciates all architectural styles, and takes great satisfaction in working closely with clients to synthesize their ideas and desires. With a background in business management, Meredith takes pride in close coordination with consultants, vendors, and builders to ensure her projects run smoothly.
issam eljamal
project DesignER
Issam Eljamal developed an early interest in hand drawing, planning and historical buildings for he grew up in an old city in Lebanon and then pursued his Masters degree in Architecture and Urban Design at Politecnico di Milano. Having a background in the cultures and history of both countries, he developed a curious mind with an appreciation for detail, diversity and flexibility in design. During college in Milan, he developed an interest in the project management industry as well as a fascination with how cities are built and developed over time. He also worked for a few local architects in Italy where he developed a more sensitive side to architecture.
rajeev atha
project Designer
Rajeev is a recent graduate from the University of Minnesota. It has been his inspiration to change and enhance society through architecture by bridging the contemporary and traditional aspects of design. He brings a diverse perspective to GUA with his educational and professional backgrounds from India. As a designer, he strives for the sensitivity required to work in the social and cultural aspects of architecture as a driving factor to create resilient societies by blending sustainable design practices with socially driven designs.
Ernani baréa
project Designer
Ernani Baréa is a recent graduate from Newschool of Architecture and Design with emphasis on healthy urbanism. With the experience of growing up in a small town in Brazil, living in three different continents and completing his bachelor’s in architecture and planning in England, he understands the principles of a city and how to create a design which will enhance the qualities of its place. After working on a yearlong project about redesign a street for the pandemic event, he now focuses on designs that not only are stunning but also evoke emotions to its users.