Architecture for Humanity
Shurid Rahman
Shurid has been involved with AfH-DC since the summer of 2007, and has also worked on projects in Umueze, Nigeria and Andra Pradesh, India. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelors of Architecture, and has worked for various firms in the Washington DC area. Since the summer of 2008, Shurid has served as a Project Coordinator for AfH-DC’s Akilah Institute team, and was one of the four to visit and survey the land in the fall of 2008. His love for the Akilah Institute stems from its inspiring purpose of providing education for Rwandan women, and the extraordinary chance it gives AfH-DC to use their skills as designers to help bring about positive and sustainable progress in the budding nation of Rwanda. Read more about Shurid and his involvement with Akilah and AfH.
Vrunda Vaghela
Vrunda serves as project organizer for the Akilah Institute team. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Mississippi State University, and has worked with other community based organizations such as Architecture in the Schools and the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio. While at MSU, she was president of the National Organization of Minority Architecture Students. Vrunda is now a LEED Accredited professional and currently works with Zimmer Gunsul Frasca Architects LLP (ZGF) in Washington, DC. ZGF is a multidisciplinary firm that focuses on sustainability and offers services in academic, commercial, healthcare, and public/civic projects. Read more about Vrunda and her involvement with AfH and Akilah.
Josef Fuentes
Josef helped found the DC Chapter of AfH in 2005. Josef balances his involvement in AfH with full-time architectural work at RTKL Associates in their Healthcare Studio. RTKL is a full-service global design firm involved in a variety of disciplines. Recognized for his leadership and dedication within AfH and the profession, Josef was selected as the American Institute of Architects “Emerging Architect of the Year” in 2009 and the DC Council of Engineering and Architectural Society’s “Young Architect of the Year” in 2010. Josef is also a LEED accredited design professional. His vision, professionalism and collaborative spirit have helped AfHdc become one of the DC area’s emerging leaders in design advocacy for humanitarian causes. Josef A. Fuentes was born and raised in New York City, and graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. Read more about Joe and his involvement with AfH and Akilah.
Michelle Bove
Michelle serves as a Chapter Coordinator for the DC Chapter. She has worked on local projects in the DC area as well as projects internationally. Michelle earned her Master of Architecture degree from The Catholic University of America (CUA). While at CUA, Michelle participated in study programs in Mexico, Ireland, Spain, Italy, France, Finland and Denmark. She received the Alpha Rho Chi metal in 2004 from CUA; “awarded to the graduating senior who has shown an affinity for leadership, performed willing service for the school or department, and gives promise of real professional merit through his or her attitude and personality”. Michelle is a LEED Accredited professional, working at GrizForm Design Architects in Washington, DC, a hospitality design firm..Read more about Michelle and her involvement with AfH and Akilah.
Jacob Esocoff
Jacob works for Esocoff & Associates Architects. He is a native Washingtonian, and graduated from Sarah Lawrence College with a degree in philosophy and literature.
Sean King
Sean works in a small architecture office in Washington DC. He graduated from Virginia Tech with a B.A. in Architecture. Read more about Sean and his involvement with AfH and Akilah.
Sean Quinn
Sean has assisted and led the design of numerous academic, athletic, corporate, commercial, cultural, medical, and residential projects. Sean received his Masters of Science in Sustainable Design through the Catholic University of America and Oxford University. While at Catholic University, Sean has focused on renewable energy integration, energy efficiency, and sustainable building practices. His time at Oxford allowed him to explore the history of climate change and its impact on the developing world and global economies. While in England, he interviewed architects, engineers, and other industry leaders to develop his thesis “The Scales of Sustainable Design in Developing Nations.” Sean has been studying and developing designs for Akilah Institute as his model case study, for its embodiment of best practices in sustainable design, development, and community empowerment. Sean received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame.
Katrina Trozado
Katrina began working with Architecture for Humanity’s DC Chapter in March of 2009. Katrina is an Associate AIA member, working at Wisnewski Blair and Associates, LTD in Alexandria, VA. She is an active member of the Green Committee at her firm, and works to uphold the Green mission through her work in large-scale, secure government facilities and commercial design. Katrina earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture at the University of Virginia. Read more about Katrina and her involvement with Akilah and AfH.
Saba Tekeste
Saba works at AECOM International Development where she focuses on environmental design and master planning. During university, she completed an independent study abroad program at the Ecoversidade Ecovillage in Brazil. The objective of the program was to utilize applied design at a grassroots level for the creation of sustainable and ecological human habitat. She received her Bachelors Degree in Architecture from Catholic University. Read more about Saba and her involvement with Akilah and AfH.