Armando Gonzalez, FAIA
Founding Principal

Mr. Gonzalez established the firm in 1980 to provide quality architectural and design services for projects of public benefit. Through his positive and charismatic leadership, GGA has built a reputation as one of the premier architectural studios in the San Gabriel Valley active in the wider Southern California region. Armando was an early adopter of collaborative design and project delivery processes. He championed implementation of one of the first IPD projects in Southern California in partnership with Caltech. Always forward thinking, Armando has been instrumental in securing continued firm success with a smooth transition to a new generation of strong firm leaders.

Armando no longer maintains an active role in the studio, but continues to contribute to the professional community at large and serves as an advisor to the firm. He is recognized by public entities and by clients as a successful and objective facilitator. Armando continues to bring his leadership to the San Gabriel Valley community and local development organizations. He is revered as a trusted advisor to civic governance, non-profit groups, and higher educational institutions. Amongst his many board commitments, Armando serves as a lifetime Trustee of the Huntington Hospital of Pasadena.

Ali Barar, AIA
Managing Principal

Ali is responsible for the firm’s strategic growth, corporate management, and developing client relationships. Ali also leads the firm’s housing practice and is a recognized leader in the industry for affordable, supportive, and urban mixed-use projects.

Serving on several non-profit housing boards and commissions throughout the region, including City of Pasadena Design and Planning Commissions, and the SCANPH Policy Advisory group, Ali is an active and visible member of the communities that the firm serves.

Ali has led a number of pivotal commercial revitilization developments that have sensitively reshaped the economic landscape and shared cultural experience within urban settings of Los Angeles. These include the historic civic center plan of Old Pasadena, the rapidly changing communities of East Los Angeles, and the infilling of neighborhoods in unincorporated East Los Angeles County.

Ali holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from UNC and a Master’s of Architecture degree from UCLA.

Dennis Smith, AIA
Associate Principal

As Director of Project Management, Dennis ensures successful implementation of the firm’s project delivery processes. With over 15 years at GGA, Dennis’s dedication and skill at bringing a project from design through construction is evidenced by his highly successful management of the Westside YMCA and the Pasadena Water and Power Offices, earning both AIA Honor Awards and USGBC Sustainability Awards for progressive design and execution.

Dennis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Pratt Institute.

Greg Kochanowski, , AIA, ASLA
Principal

As Design Principal, Greg is responsible for shaping the design culture of the firm. By harnessing its diversity and creating an environment of empowerment, agency, growth, and collaboration, he seeks to reinforce the firm’s mission of doing good with great design.

With over 25 years of experience as an award-winning architect, landscape architect, educator, and author, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and a holistic design philosophy to the practice. He currently serves as the Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design, and is an active researcher focusing on resilient environments that create synergies between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development. His unique perspective at the intersection of urban design, landscape, and infrastructure has been instrumental in a variety of projects reshaping the cultural and environmental fabric of Los Angeles.

Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Temple University, and Master’s of Architecture degree from UCLA.

Hannah Trimbath
Associate Principal

As Director of Finance and Operations, Hannah directs the firm’s accounting, human resources, and administrative operations. An integral member of the firm’s management team, Hannah leads the monitoring and reporting of key financial metrics in support of firmwide financial goals. Her organizational and analytical skills are instrumental to the continual development and improvement of financial and operational processes and tools. Hannah exemplifies the firm’s commitment to a culture of quality and collaboration.

Hannah holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Behavioral Science from the University of La Verne and Certificate in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from UCLA.

Dennis Smith, AIA
Associate Principal

As Director of Project Management, Dennis ensures successful implementation of the firm’s project delivery processes. With over 15 years at GGA, Dennis’s dedication and skill at bringing a project from design through construction is evidenced by his highly successful management of the Westside YMCA and the Pasadena Water and Power Offices, earning both AIA Honor Awards and USGBC Sustainability Awards for progressive design and execution.

Dennis holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the Pratt Institute.

Greg Kochanowski, AIA, ASLA
Principal

As Design Principal, Greg is responsible for shaping the design culture of the firm. By harnessing its diversity and creating an environment of empowerment, agency, growth, and collaboration, he seeks to reinforce the firm’s mission of doing good with great design.

With over 25 years of experience as an award-winning architect, landscape architect, educator, and author, Greg brings a wealth of knowledge and a holistic design philosophy to the practice. He currently serves as the Co-President of the Los Angeles Forum for Architecture and Urban Design, and is an active researcher focusing on resilient environments that create synergies between natural systems, culture, infrastructure, and development. His unique perspective at the intersection of urban design, landscape, and infrastructure has been instrumental in a variety of projects reshaping the cultural and environmental fabric of Los Angeles.

Greg holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Structural Engineering from Wentworth Institute of Technology, a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from Temple University, and Master’s of Architecture degree from UCLA.

Hannah Trimbath
Associate Principal

As Director of Finance and Operations, Hannah directs the firm’s accounting, human resources, and administrative operations. An integral member of the firm’s management team, Hannah leads the monitoring and reporting of key financial metrics in support of firmwide financial goals. Her organizational and analytical skills are instrumental to the continual development and improvement of financial and operational processes and tools. Hannah exemplifies the firm’s commitment to a culture of quality and collaboration.

Hannah holds a Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Behavioral Science from the University of La Verne and Certificate in Business Administration with a focus on Finance from UCLA

Harry Drake, AIA, CASp
Principal

Mr. Drake is the firm’s Education market sector leader. A strong and effective manager, Harry shepherded the $380 million LAUSD Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools project from the beginning EIR through construction completion, garnering many awards in the process.

Harry has a wide range of experience in building types and delivery methods, including design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD). His client-centered approach has earned our firm many commendations and significant repeat commissions.

Harry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.

Harry Drake, AIA, CASp
Principal

Mr. Drake is the firm’s Education market sector leader. A strong and effective manager, Harry shepherded the $380 million LAUSD Robert F. Kennedy Community Schools project from the beginning EIR through construction completion, garnering many awards in the process.

Harry has a wide range of experience in building types and delivery methods, including design-build and integrated project delivery (IPD). His client-centered approach has earned our firm many commendations and significant repeat commissions.

Harry holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo.

Jin Kim
Associate Principal

A veteran designer with GGA for 14 years, Jin brings an exemplary work ethic and an exceptional commitment to quality, setting a high standard for the studio. His precision and honed detailing skills contribute significantly to the firm’s overall design excellence.

Leading our multi-family studio, he has extensive knowledge of materials, building technologies and construction processes, as well as a deep understanding of affordable housing funding design requirements.

Jin holds a Master of Architecture Degree from SCI-Arc.