ABOUT US

Rafael Santa Ana Architecture Workshop practices with building technologies that adapt to the specific requirements of each program, while fabricating expressive contemporary interventions that contribute to the wider community in a thoughtful and meaningful manner.

The workshop believes that all good design is inherently sustainable and aims to guide the client towards incorporating environmental and social stewardship elements into the project. Our core value centres on the goal of anticipating the evolution of need and use of each intervention, thus future-proofing and ensuring maximum sustainability through adaptation.

Our design approach is participatory and collaborative, with full and meaningful dialogue between consultants and colleagues in all required disciplines throughout the design process. Innovation is key and we incorporate new systems and technologies into our design while remaining sensitive to opportunities to re-use and reflect the history of place and people.

PEOPLE

Mirela Alika BFin MAS

Operations and Services Manager

Mirela holds a bachelor’s degree in accounting, and master’s degrees in banking and finance and HR management. Originally from Albania, Mirela brings over 25 years of accounting, operations, and HR experience to her role. Mirela’s ability to analyze data strategically and produce fact-based decisions result from her exceptional planning skills and attention to detail. Her experience in financial modeling and reporting, policy development and implementation, and resource deployment ensure that the processes are in place to ensure RSAAW meets its financial goals.
malika@rsaaw.com

Monserrat Bizama BArch

Designer

Monserrat brings eight years of architectural design experience post graduation at the Universidad del Bio Bio in Chile. Her experience consists of designing urban parks, single-family homes, academic institutions, and commercial projects. To expand her design experience, she recently moved to Canada to immerse herself in the architectural practices of the Northwest.
mbizama@rsaaw.com

Lewis Canning MArch BEDS

Intern Architect AIBC

After growing up in East Vancouver, Lewis completed both his undergraduate and Master's degrees in Architecture at Dalhousie University in Halifax, Nova Scotia. Exposed to ideas about local and vernacular architecture, he subsequently worked for firms in Vancouver, Halifax, Seattle, Amsterdam, and New Zealand. Having contributed to and learned from a variety of project types around the world, he is particularly interested in how architecture and design can enhance a sense of place and cultural identity.

lcanning@rsaaw.com

Ondřej Čáp MArch

Project Lead

Ondřej graduated from the Faculty of Architecture at the Czech Technical University in Prague with a master's of architecture. He has adapted well to vastly different environments, having spent time studying in Taiwan and as an intern at Ren Ito architecture studio in Portugal. Ondřej moved to Vancouver in the summer of 2018 with a keen interest in experiencing building design of the West Coast.
ocap@rsaaw.com

Diego Chouza BArch Sci

Associate

Diego brings a background in architectural science with a degree from the British Columbia Institute of Technology, where he had the opportunity to participate in studies at the University of Ferrara in Italy. During his studies, he developed a keen interest in sustainable design practices, and aims to deliver projects with a holistic approach to integrated design. As an Associate at RSAAW, Diego has participated in various phases of project delivery for residential and commercial projects. He has a particular interest in institutional architecture, and the positive impact quality design can have on a building’s occupants.
dchouza@rsaaw.com

Antonio Colin BArch

Workshop Manager

Antonio brings over 25 years of experience in the architectural and design field to his work with RSAAW, including vast experience in the exercise of rezoning and planning within the GVRD where he has played an influential role in residential developments, hospitality, educational, and recreational projects. Antonio offers an unswerving eye for detail, excellent organizational skills, and a deep commitment to client relations.
acolin@rsaaw.com

Alan Davies Architect AIBC MRAIC

Practice Advisor

Alan brings a housing design background with 35 years of experience in mixed-use residential and adaptive re-use projects in London and Vancouver. He has served on advisory committees at the City of Vancouver, the AIBC, the Sustainable Design Program in Seattle, and the Vancouver Urban Design Panel in 2021. Since 2000 he has mentored at the UBC School of Architecture and AIBC Intern programs.
adavies@rsaaw.com

Daniela Gutiérrez BArch

Project Lead

With a bachelor's degree in architecture from the National Autonomous University of Mexico, Daniela has filled the role of designer and project lead on an extensive range of projects. Her pursuit to understand holistic wellness has driven her to explore and model spaces that fulfill the human balance between physical, emotional, cognitive and spiritual wellbeing. This commitment inspires Daniela's designs, which aim to harmonize human beings with their environment.
dgutierrez@rsaaw.com

Jessica Hernández BArch

Designer

Jessica Hernández graduated as an architect from Universidad Iberoamericana. She is currently completing her master's degree, focusing on architecture, development, and sustainability.

Her practice focuses on design strategies, construction management, and research across various scales, with a passion for graphic expression and detail. Jessica has collaborated with prominent architectural firms in Mexico City, and beyond enhancing her understanding of contemporary challenges. Committed to innovation, she emphasizes sustainability with a social approach in her work. Additionally, she is a tattoo artist and set designer, enriching her architectural development.

jhernandez@rsaaw.com

Dimitri Koubatis  Architect AIBC MArch BArch

Senior Architect

Dimitri is a registered Architect with the Architectural Institute of British Columbia (AIBC) and a LEED Accredited Professional. He holds a Master of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from McGill University. With over 20 years of experience domestically and abroad, Dimitri comes with a robust background in architectural design and extensive experience managing complex projects in academic and cultural settings. He has worked on numerous award-winning projects, notably recipients of Governor General's Medals in Architecture.

As a Senior Architect and Project Lead, Dimitri excels in project management, strategic planning, stakeholder collaboration, and navigating regulatory environments, consistently delivering projects that meet both functional and aesthetic goals on time and within budget.

dkoubatis@rsaaw.com

Socorro Leyva BArch

Project Lead

Socorro, a graduate of Tecnológico de Monterrey in Estado de México with a bachelor's degree in architecture, continued her professional growth by pursuing a postgraduate diploma in project management and BIM Modeling. Her completion of LEED Green Associate Training demonstrates her understanding of the intrinsic relationship between architecture, the environment, cultural context, and technology, facilitating a dynamic and cooperative approach. With a wealth of experience acquired from her tenure at various Mexican firms, Socorro specializes in residential projects, interior design, and hospitality. At RSAAW, she brings fresh insights and innovative solutions to similar undertakings, enriching the team's capabilities.
sleyva@rsaaw.com

Seli Lici BArch

Office Admin

Seli holds a bachelor's degree in information technology. After moving here from Albania, he has called Vancouver his home for the last seven years. In his professional endeavours, Seli combines strong organizational skills with a keen eye for detail. Outside of work, he is passionate about football and basketball, enjoying both playing and watching his favourite teams.

slici@rsaaw.com

Fernando Méndez BArch MArch

Designer

Fernando holds a Bachelor's and Master's degree in Architecture from the National University of San Juan, Argentina. He brings 16 years of extensive experience in designing residential and commercial projects, with a strong emphasis on functionality, energy efficiency, and aesthetics. In Canada, he has contributed to projects for Indigenous communities, as well as residential, commercial, and retail developments.

Over the past 15 years, he has specialized in designing custom homes, high-rise mixed-use buildings, commercial spaces, and more. His expertise extends to project management, site coordination, and supervision, allowing him to oversee projects from concept to completion.

fmendez@rssaw.com

Paola Méndez BArch

Operations and Services Manager

Paola graduated from the Universidad del Valle de México with a bachelor's in architecture. With more than 15 years of experience in conceptualization, planning, administration, coordination and project execution, Paola specializes in commercial interior design.
pmendez@rsaaw.com

Diego Muñoz BArch

Project Lead

Diego graduated from Instituto Politécnico Nacional in Mexico City where he developed a passion for architecture competitions. Having worked in local Mexican studios he adapted landscape into architectural solutions. Diego’s multicultural development thinking brings an internationally innovative perspective to urban and rural architecture. This experience has fine tuned his methodology to proactively organize conceptual material details from the onset of a project to lower risk and secure global standards of design functionality during construction.
dmunoz@rsaaw.com

Aoife Ní Cheallaigh Bairr MSc

Marketing Coordinator

As the Marketing Coordinator at RSAAW, Aoife brings a passion for storytelling and a keen eye for design. Coming from Ireland, Aoife holds a Bachelor's degree in Communications, Management, and Public Relations, as well as a Master's degree in Digital Marketing Communication and Leadership. She is passionate about digital and print marketing and has an appreciation for the architecture industry. Her goal is to enhance brand awareness and foster meaningful relationships through strategic communication and dynamic marketing initiatives.

abarr@rsaaw.com

Isla Pedrana MDes

Proposal Writer

Isla is a designer and writer with a bachelor’s in arts, an honours degree in visual communications, and a master’s in interdisciplinary design. Coming from a construction and engineering family, she has focused her career on business development and marketing communications. Isla excels in proposal management and has experience in writing and editing diverse materials, alongside a design practice that explores image making and typography. Previously considering a career in architecture, she is eager to engage with the Canadian architectural community and its conventions.

ipedrana@rsaaw.com

Rafael Santa Ana Architect AIBC AAA OAA MAA MRAIC

Principal

As founder and principal of RSAAW, Rafael brings to his practice over 25 years of experience in the industry. His enthusiasm and commitment to excellence in the field are evidenced throughout his work in the private and public realm. His work for leading firms in both Manitoba and British Columbia has given Rafael a thorough understanding of the Canadian construction industry, forming a solid foundation on which to build his forward-looking practice. Rafael founded RSAAW on the principles of inherent sustainability, technological innovation, forward-looking outlook, and respect for place and people, and is involved in all aspects of projects at RSAAW. Rafael is an active volunteer for the Architectural Institute of BC Internship Program as well as for various academic and cultural programs in Vancouver.

Anna Ubach de Ignacio Simó MArch

Designer

Anna received her Master of Architecture from La Salle, part of the Faculty of Architecture at the Barcelona Technical University in Spain. With a passion for crafting innovative and functional designs, she focuses on sustainable practices, renewable energy, and minimizing ecological footprints. Anna aims to deliver projects with a comprehensive and inclusive approach to integrated design. As an architectural designer, she has been involved in a wide range of projects, spanning from retail to residential. Anna deeply believes in the transformative potential of architecture.
aubach@rsaaw.com

Jorge Urbina BArch

Designer

Jorge studied architecture at Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México (UNAM) with an exchange at the Universitat Politécnica de Catalunya (UPC) in Barcelona. After his studies, he worked for three years in architectural firms, contributing to all phases of the project, through conceptualization, architectural design, executive design, 3D modeling and visualization.
jurbina@rsaaw.com

David Vaca BArch

Designer

David studied architecture at Tecnológico de Monterrey in Querétaro, Mexico. During his studies he participated in the 2015 Latin America and Caribbean Solar Decathlon, where he discovered a lasting passion for sustainability and energy efficiency. Before joining RSAAW, David worked in Mexico and Ecuador on residential and mixed-used buildings.
dvaca@rsaaw.com

Anna Wex MArch MRAIC

Associate

Prior to pursuing a master's of architecture degree at the University of Calgary, she completed degrees in anthropology, urban geography, and community economic development. This led to creating her foundation for architectural practice. Skilled at project management and facilitation, Anna understands that the success of all projects relies on meticulous coordination, clear communication and teamwork, and is committed to ensuring that every project, regardless of complexity, benefits from an integrative approach that considers attention to detail as important as maintaining awareness of the big picture.
awex@rsaaw.com

Luis Zamora BArch

Designer

Luis graduated from the Universidad Nacional Autónoma de México. With seven years of experience working in residential projects and interior design, Luis lends his talents to schematic design, visualization and enjoys working on all the phases of the projects he works on at our architectural workshop. His background and experience in architectural design, photography, and art allow him to manage several projects from all points of view.
lzamora@rsaaw.com

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