COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Jose Leo Arango

José Leo Arango is an architectural designer at EYP Inc. in Washington, DC since July 2013. He received his Bachelor of Architecture, cum laude from Syracuse University. Presently, he is an associate member of the AIA and has established his NCARB record pursuing his professional license. Originally from Colombia, he moved to Miami in 2001, where he attended Design & Architecture Senior High. Leo is an alumnus of the Smithsonian Latino Center Young Ambassadors Program, and remains engaged, working with the new cohorts. He is a Co-Founder of LA.IDEA|DC committee since 2013 and currently serves as Past-Chair.

Juliane Trindade

Juliane is an architectural designer at Page Southerland Page, Inc. Presently, she is an associate member of the AIA and is pursuing her architecture license. She has been an active member of LA.IDEA for the past years, and was the director of Education prior to becoming Co-Chair. In this capacity, she has organized numerous events that brought relevant topics such as sustainable design, urban resilience, and global thinking to the design community of the DC metro region. Growing up in Curitiba, Brazil, which has been recognized numerous times as one of the most sustainable cities in the world, made Juliane aware of the positive effect architecture and urban design can have on people’s lives.

Zaira Suarez

Ms. Suarez has a strong background in architecture, having worked in a variety of projects ranging from residential to commercial and institutional work. Her interest in interior design led her to participate in the design of project interiors including hotels, schools, and homes. In 2012, Ms. Suarez earned a Master of Urban Design from the University of Colorado at Denver, adding insight into design nuances and broader community needs. Ms. Suarez brings her experience in problem solving and her belief in collaborative work to the LA.IDEA|DC team.

Victoria Delgado

Victoria Delgado, a Cuban American architect, grew up in Peru, Venezuela, Ecuador and Costa Rica. She returned to the United States to attend the University of Miami, where she received her BArch (cum laude) degree. She obtained her architecture license in the state of New York, where she worked at Robert A.M. Stern Architects, and later at boutique firms specializing in high-end residential design. Victoria moved to the DC metro area in 2007 and took a break from the profession to focus on her family. In 2013, a desire to re-establish her connection with the architectural community led her to join the newly established LA.IDEA DC committee. During her tenure at LA.IDEA DC, she has served in different capacities, most recently as Director of Communications. In the past 3 years, Victoria has been responsible for organizing the Maestros de Arquitectura Lecture series, as well as all other lectures, tertulias and documentary screenings.

Leslie G. Alarcon

Leslie G. Alarcon was born in Guerrero, Mexico. After graduating as an Architect and Urban planner in her native country, she moved to border cities where she worked for an architecture firm specializing in commercial and hospitality projects located in different states throughout Mexico. Leslie holds a second degree in Architecture, Engineering & Technology. In her career in Washington DC, she has worked as a project consultant with a civil engineering firm that incorporates sustainability into projects located both in Washington DC and in Central America, as well as in project management.

Javier Maymi

Javier Maymi was born and raised in San Juan, Puerto Rico. He completed his academic career at the University of Miami, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture while participating in summer internships at Robert A.M. Stern Architects. Upon graduation he was determined to begin the practice of architecture in New York City and worked for Cooper Robertson and Partners. After six years of being exposed to a wide range of projects from high-end residential and resort development to museum collection master planning, he moved to Washington, DC. Javier is currently focused on large scale mixed-use developments at Shalom Baranes Associates.

Laura Ydrobo

Laura is an Architectural Designer from San Cristobal, Venezuela. She obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from the National Experimental University of Táchira (UNET). Laura has worked on multifamily residential, mixed-use, architectural lighting, and design-build projects. She enjoys planning and coordinating projects to achieve a healthier and functional environment. She is currently pursuing her architecture license.