LEADERSHIP
In addition to each client’s project, WWCOT’s Partners and Principals invest in each employee, our profession, and the community at large.
With a high Partner/Principal-to-staff ratio, WWCOT’s leaders are committed to service excellence and client care, with hands-on project involvement.
They are also committed to staff development and growth with individual teaching and mentoring.
In addition to serving as Presidents of national and local AIA components, our Partners and Principals have led a variety of philanthropic organizations, which have significantly benefited our communities and society.
Chester (Chet) A. Widom, FAIA
Partner
As the founding partner of WWCOT, Chet has provided guidance and mentorship for more than 40 years. He is a leader in both the architectural profession and the community.
The firm’s reputation for quality design and service is exemplified by his election as the 1995 National President of the American Institute of Architects. Currently, Chet serves on the Executive Committee of the AIA College of Fellows.
His leadership in the community is evident in his service on the City of Los Angeles Planning and Building and Safety Commissions, and the State of California Hospital Building and Safety Board.
Adrian O. Cohen, FAIA, LEED®AP
Partner
With over 33 years of broad-based project experience and leadership, Adrian is the Managing Partner of WWCOT.
His focus on exceeding our clients’ expectations is solidified by his pragmatic approach to problem solving.
Adrian’s leadership within the community has included his service as President of the Guardians for the Jewish Home for the Aging and various positions he has held with the AIA California Council and AIA Los Angeles Chapter.
Andrea Cohen Gehring, FAIA, LEED®AP
Partner
As the Design Partner for the firm, Andrea sets the tone and direction for our work. The resulting environments incite passion and excitement, yet are balanced by functional clarity and financial discipline.
In addition to serving as a Regent of the California Architectural Foundation, Andrea recently chaired the AIA National Practice Management Knowledge Community. She continues to share her design expertise with colleagues across the United States.
Pam Touschner, FAIA
Partner
Pam is the Partner in charge of WWCOT’s Palm Springs office. Building consensus among large and divergent constituencies and collaborating with contractors are just a few of the reasons why our clients benefit from her attention to detail.
Currently serving on the National AIA Board as a Regional Director, Pam has gained respect from her peers as the 2007 President of the AIA California Council. Her dedication to her community is exemplified by her service as 2007-09 Chair of the Riverside County Regional Medical Center Foundation.
Ben Levin, AIA, LEED®AP
Partner
As the Partner in charge of Interior Design, Ben directs the design of interior environments that reflect each client’s unique vision.
His creative edge, sustainable design skills, and in-depth knowledge of building infrastructure enable him to effectively direct the execution of superb interior environments.
Ben shares his interior design expertise with his colleagues as an active member of the IIDA.
Dean J. Vlahos, AIA, CCCA, LEED®AP
Partner
Dean is the Partner in charge of WWCOT’s Architectural Forensics Division. He identifies and mitigates construction defects in new and existing buildings, and has worked extensively on issues relating to building envelope design & failure analysis.
Dean’s expertise is in huge demand as both an expert witness and as a nationally-recognized speaker on matters of construction defect.
He currently serves as Vice President-Elect on the Forensic Expert Witness Association Board of Directors, and is active with the Building Enclosure Technology and Environmental Council and the National Institute of Building Sciences.
Tom Cestarte, AIA
Partner
Tom is a Partner with a strong focus on senior and multi-family housing. He has planned, managed, and directed the design of these facilities for more than 34 years.
The results are nurturing environments for seniors that meet all of the challenges associated with multi-family residential projects.
As an active member of the American Association of Housing and Services for the Aging, California Assisted Living Association, and Porter Ranch Design Review Board, Tom shares his talent for providing both highly marketable and highly livable design solutions.
Jeff Grodsky, CID
Partner
Jeff is the Partner in charge of WWCOT’s Tenant Improvements Division. His more than 20 years of dedicated service to his clients has resulted in enduring relationships with both landlords and tenants alike.
Jeff’s ability to quickly understand his clients’ needs and transform their spaces on a fast-track basis, within budget, has earned him a solid reputation in the real estate community.
Jeff is a member of the Building Owners Management Association (BOMA).
Dennis Tanida, AIA, LEED®AP
Partner
Dennis is the Partner in charge of WWCOT’s Riverside office and leads the firm’s Sustainable Design efforts. Over the years he has developed a loyal following of repeat clients who rely on his professionalism, design integrity, collaborative spirit, and focused understanding of their needs.
Dennis is leading his colleagues as the 2008 President of the AIA Inland California Chapter. He also serves on the USGBC Inland Empire Chapter Board of Directors and the Urban Land Institute’s Entertainment Development Council.
Christopher S. Mills, AIA
Partner
As a Partner of WWCOT who has designed a wide variety of projects in the California Desert over the past 35 years, Chris is known for his sensitivity to climatic and community needs and his ability to work closely with owners and contractors alike.
With a long time commitment to the community, Chris currently serves as a Councilman for the City of Palm Springs, and has served on the Planning Commission, Architectural Advisory Committee, and Energy Commission.
Kaveh Amirdelfan, AIA
Partner
As a Partner leading the firm’s higher education projects and with more than 25 years of experience, Kaveh provides WWCOT’s clients with the highest level of project direction, leading team resolution for both design and technical issues.
Kaveh has a thorough understanding of DSA and other agency requirements, and is successful in directing large multi-disciplinary teams with his leadership and organization skills.
Kaveh is an active member of the AIA Los Angeles Chapter’s International Committee.
Gary J. Gery, AIA
Partner
Gary is the Partner in charge of WWCOT’s Modesto office. His creative problem-solving talent, institutional design expertise, exceptional ability to obtain agency approvals, and effective communication and organizational skills bring success to each project he directs.
As a recipient of numerous design awards, Gary has received wide recognition from the AIA for his innovative approach to planning and designing facilities throughout the Central California region.
Gary is a Certified Instructor of Architecture at Modesto Junior College, a member of the AIA Sierra Valley Chapter, and serves on the Boy Scouts of America Yosemite Council Board of Directors.
Rudolph (Rudy) V. De Chellis, FAIA
Principal
Rudy is one of the foremost authorities in both the application of building and safety code requirements and in the planning and design of religious facilities.
His 50 years of professional experience includes 30 years on the Los Angeles Department of Building and Safety’s Building Code and Review Committee, and he currently serves on the Roman Catholic Archdiocese of Los Angeles Liturgical Design Committee.
Rudy is also the Chair of the AIA Los Angeles Chapter Building Performance and Regulations Committee.
Takashi (Tak) Shida, FAIA
Principal
Tak is known throughout the community for his extensive knowledge of highly complex architectural projects, including renovation and historic preservation. He has applied his technical expertise to the firm’s projects and mentoring of staff.
Over his 45 year career, he has served in a variety of community leadership positions including six years as a Commissioner for the City of Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission.
Bill Judge, AIA, LEED®AP
Principal
Trained as both an architect and contractor, Bill is recognized as a leader in the provision of construction support services. He fosters cooperative relationships among contractors, sub-contractors, construction workers and public agency representatives.
Active in both the community and the arts, Bill currently serves as Chair of the Riverside Arts Council and is on the Board of the AIA Inland California Chapter.
Onofrio Vincent (Vince) Bertolini, FARA, AIA
Principal
Vince’s more than 50 years of experience includes a variety of housing, commercial, and specialty retail projects. He is an expert on the design of multi-family and affordable housing, student housing, and senior housing.
Vince is a Fellow of the Society of American Registered Architects and Past National President. He serves on the Westchester YMCA Board of Managers and is a Board member of the Council District 11 Senior Empowerment and Affordable Housing Committees.
Miguel Maio, AIA
Partner
Leading the firm’s healthcare projects, Miguel brings a collaborative approach to problem solving. His 21 years of experience encompasses a wide range of projects, as well as sophisticated new technology installations.
Miguel’s ability to personally connect with WWCOT’s clients and his knowledge of OSHPD and other public agency requirements consistently result in project success.
Miguel is active in the American Institute of Architects Los Angeles Chapter.
Chengzhi (Harry) Lu
Principal
Harry is the Managing Principal of WWCOT’s Shanghai office. With 23 years of professional experience in both China and the United States, Harry balances his keen understanding of Chinese culture and traditions with solid business management skills.
Since 2002, Harry has helped WWCOT build an excellent reputation as one of the major U.S. design firms in China. Under his leadership, the firm has won prestigious international design and planning competitions in major Chinese cities.
David Sakaguchi, AIA, LEED®AP
Principal
As a leader in forensic architecture and project management, David has built a reputation for excellence in both disciplines. His expertise constantly raises the quality of the firm’s large and complex projects.
His ability to focus on issues and communicate clearly with clients and public agencies allows him to resolve a myriad of design and technical issues.
David regularly conducts the Supplemental Oral Exam for the California Architects Board and teaches courses for Construction Specifications Institute certification.
John Booker, AIA
Principal
John is the Principal who leads WWCOT’s stringent Quality Assurance/Quality Control process. He scrutinizes our documentation to ensure thoroughly executed construction drawings and details.
John’s 34 years of experience includes a wide range of educational, governmental and private sector work throughout Central California.
John serves on the California Architectural Foundation Board of Regents. He was President of the AIASV Chapter and served as the AIASV Director to the AIA California Council.
Sam Hanna
Principal
As WWCOT’s Director of Information Technology, Sam has advanced the firm’s CAD and IT capabilities with state-of-the-art systems, innovative programs, hands-on training, and dedicated technical support.
Structuring the firm’s transition to Building Information Modeling (BIM) software, Sam has enhanced our collaborative project delivery with owners and contractors.
His exceptional technical solutions, architectural background and project management experience continue to advance the efficiency and value of our services to our clients and the success of their projects.