OUR TEAM |
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WE ARE A COMMUNITY OF MAKERS, FRIENDS, AND PEERS THAT SHARE A PASSION FOR DESIGN AND THE ADVANCEMENT OF OUR SOCIAL AND ENVIRONMENTAL WELL-BEING.
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WILLIAM C. HELM II, AIA, CNU-A
Principal Architect Bill Helm has called El Paso home for over half his life - first arrifing in 1997. His professional architectural practice spans twenty-one (21) years and has practiced professionally in El Paso since 2007. Bill was the leading University of Buffalo Master of Architecture candidate in 2007. Bill specializes in historic preservation / adaptive reuse, office and multi-family projects. William holds a current NCARB Certificate allowing him to reciprocate his license to any state and is an accredited member of the Congress for New Urbanism. After several years of practice with his former firm in El Paso, Bill launched In*Situ Architecture in 2011 to with a new vision of contemporary design for the Chihuahuan Desert region. Bill has led the design of a diverse portfolio of projects during his career and specializes in historic and existing building renovations and rehabilitations. Bill is the Principal in Charge and prime point of contact for all projects. He coordinates multiple professionals and sub-consultants to create cohesive, successful projects delivered on time and budget. He brings calm leadership qualities, an eye for detail and construction experience to all projects. Bill oversees all design, facilitates coordination, budget, and schedule for the design team. Bill currently serves as a board member for the El Paso Architecture Foundation and the Texas Architecture Foundation. Additionally, he is involved in various committees within the Texas Society of Architects, including the Conference Futures Committee. William served on the board of the AIA El Paso Chapter for several years culminating with his service as Chapter President in 2023. In 2008, he founded PechaKucha Night in El Paso and has since continued as the City Organizer for PechaKucha El Paso. Furthermore, William has been an Adjunct Professor, teaching architectural design studio and seminar classes at Texas Tech University, Huckabee College of Architecture in El Paso, for over five years. Previously, William served two consecutive terms on and Chaired the City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission. |
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EDGAR LOPEZ, AIA, CNU-A
Principal Architect Edgar Lopez has an impressive portfolio spanning over thirty (30) years of practice and has practiced architecture in El Paso since 1995. Before joining In*Situ as a Principal Project Architect in 2012, Edgar practiced at some of Mexico’s and the USA’s leading architectural firms. He holds a Master of Architecture from the National Autonomous University of Mexico (UNAM). His experience includes feasibility studies, project programming, master planning, new construction, renovations, and additions. Edgar has been recognized in the El Paso community for the commitment and understanding that he applies to each project and his sensitivity to the built environment. Edgar approaches people, architecture, and the environment as interlinking identities underpinned by the assumption that if a building logically belongs in its environment and society, then the people that use that Architecture will feel they belong there. He is committed to providing outstanding service and producing quality, efficient architecture. His communication skills and client/contractor interactions are essential, and he has proven to succeed in the projects he manages. Edgar leads design from schematic to completion, including programming, design, and construction administration. Edgar is currently serving as the TxA Director for the AIA El Paso Chapter. He is also currently serving on the boards of the Downtown Management District and the City of El Paso Public Art Committee. He is an accredited member of the Congress for New Urbanism. In addition, Edgar has served as an Adjunct Professor teaching architectural design studios multiple years at Texas Tech University, Huckabee College of Architecture in El Paso. In the past, Edgar has served on and Chaired the City of El Paso Historic Landmark Commission. |
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MARIO SILVA, AAIA
Project Manager Mario Silva joined In*Situ Architecture in 2012 following his Master’s degree and has worked on several of the firms award-winning projects. Besides long walks on the beach at sun set, Mario likes Architecture and Construction as much as his mom’s empanadas. Construction has been an interesting topic for Mario, because it is the act where Architecture gets its physical body. He believes that Architecture can be many things and be represented in many forms like art, poem, philosophy, and affect different cultures, but without construction, Architecture would not be able to reach its maximum potential and expression. That is the reason he enjoys working alongside with contractors and being involved in the construction administration of In*Situ’s projects to start connecting the gaps of construction documents in paper and the physical realm of the design. Mario received his Master of Architecture degree from Texas Tech University in 2011 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture also from Texas Tech University in 2009. An advanced Building Information Modeling (BIM) operator, he specializes in educational, civic, tenant improvements, and historic preservation projects. |
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CESAR GONZALEZ, AAIA
Project Manager Cesar Gonzalez first joined In*Situ in 2012. He has stated that his first exposure to design was at the age of 9 years old, when his family constructed a new porch addition to their home in Cd. Juarez, Chihuahua. Captivated on the new addition by the interaction of form, light and space, Cesar knew he wanted to pursue a career in architecture. During high school, Cesar continued his studies in Architecture attending Center for Career & Technology Education during Junior and Senior year. During these years, he acknowledged hand drafting and AutoCAD training. As a graduate of Texas Tech University, Cesar holds a Master of Architecture (2010) and a 3D Visualization Certificate. Since joining In*situ Architecture in 2012, Cesar has contributed to the design and handling of construction documents on multiple private development, commercial and City projects. As a Project Manager and construction administrator, Cesar is responsible for pre-construction meetings, design and construction phases along with progress meetings, and field observation, communication with the contractor, application for payment review and approval, punch lists and project close out. Cesar reveals a true obligation to high-quality architectural design with each project he touches at In*situ. Highly insightful, quick-thinking, and organized, Cesar has an extraordinary talent for understanding possibilities and applying strategic moves relative to the clients’ priorities. He is currently working on his architectural licensure in the state of Texas, and his NCARB certification. |
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FERNANDO TREJO, AAIA
Project Manager Fernando Trejo joined In*Situ in February 2016 and is now a project manager and the Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager for the firm. Fernando has experience in rehabilitation projects, multifamily housing, office tenant improvements, and mixed-use projects. Fernando received his Master of Architecture degree from the Rhode Island School of Design in 2014 and his Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington in 2009. He is passionate about empowering people and their quality of living through the use of sustainable design strategies in the built environment. As an advanced operator of Building Information Modeling (BIM), he combines his understanding of building materials and architectural design concepts to produce efficient, well-designed spaces. His design background and communication skills are essential when providing clients with conceptual designs and programming needs. As a bilingual designer, he is proficient in providing clear, professional communication to all team members here in the borderplex. He is currently working on his architectural licensure in the state of Texas. |
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JEFFREY HILLMEYER, RA, NCARB
Project Architect - Construction Phase, Lead Specifier Jeff Hillmeyer joined In*Situ in 2016. He has said that he was born to be an architect, having a natural desire to draw and build things from the age of 6. Since 1980 he has worked in architecture firms in San Antonio, Austin, San Diego, Sacramento, Albuquerque, and El Paso. He became licensed in California in 1992, then subsequently in Texas and New Mexico. He has always taken an interest in working on projects to challenge himself, atypical projects such as a Nuclear Enrichment Facility in southern NM, a wastewater treatment facility in Sacramento, CA and a historic detention facility in Anthony, NM. He first came to El Paso for family in 2004, stayed through 2007, and returned in 2016 after living and working in Albuquerque, NM. His focus has turned to quality control, specification writing, and construction administration. A love for the collaboration of building with contractors, he strives to perfect the process, to empower and enable everyone on the team. Jeff received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Texas at Austin in 1986 and his Associate of Arts & Architecture degree from San Antonio College in San Antonio, TX in 1982. He is a registered Architect in the state of New Mexico and a member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards. He has mentored many young architects and his peers over the years. He is an active member in his Catholic church community, member of the Knights of Columbus, loves to play tennis, and a classic motorcycle enthusiast. He has two sons, one soon to join the Navy and the other in his third year of college. |
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RAMINA DEROEE, AAIA
Director of Marketing and Project Manager Ramina Deroee joined In*Situ as Director of Marketing in July 2021. Ramina is an architectural designer with extensive facilities design and project management experience in residential, educational, and industrial contexts. She received her professional Master of Architecture degree from the University of Virginia in 2014 with a focus on implementing environmental analysis in architectural design. She also holds an Integrated Undergraduate-Graduate degree in Architecture from Azad University of Tehran (2008), where she gained a background in modern practice and contextualization in architectural design. Before joining In*Situ, Ramina practiced as a project manager at VLK Architects in El Paso, where she managed the design and construction of projects for the Ysleta Independent School District. At Penn State University, she pursued a career as a facilities designer with the Office of the Physical Plant, planning, designing, and re-developing spaces and buildings across the university’s flagship campus. Ramina is the recipient of numerous academic scholarships, fellowships, and awards, including the nationwide Autodesk Excellence in Analysis Award in 2013. She is not only a dedicated professional but also a visionary leader who brings a unique blend of design, project management, and marketing skills to every role she undertakes. |
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PETER MARTINEZ, AAIA
Project Manager Peter Martinez joined In*Situ as a Project Manager in May 2023. He holds a Master of Architecture degree with a certification in Urban and Community Design from Texas Tech University, earned in 2020. Throughout his career, he has worked on a wide range of projects, including residential, commercial, medical, and industrial developments. His expertise primarily focuses on managing projects from conception to completion, with a specialization in industrial construction, particularly tilt-up projects. Peter is known for his dedication to fostering teamwork and improving communication within project teams. He strongly values face-to-face interactions with all project stakeholders, considering it essential for effective project management. |
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ELENA RONQUILLO
Executive Assistant / Office Manager Elena Ronquillo joined the In*Situ team in June 2023. She is the welcoming face that greets you upon entering In*Situ Architecture. With a degree in Small Business Management, Elena provides the highest level of support to maintain In*Situ in excellent condition. Beyond her day-to-day office management responsibilities, she is also in charge of the accounting department. |
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MABEL WELSH
Mabel Welsh, the ArchiCorgi - is the fluffy coworker of the In*Situ Architecture team, joining in October 2023. Her namesake is El Paso’s first woman architect, Mabel Welch - the notoriously talented design-builder of many of our fair city’s most beautiful Historic Homes and Neighborhoods. Similar to the Prairie Style, our beloved ArchiCorgi Mabel is built with long horizontal lines, close to the ground and wide overhanging eaves (ears). Like any good postmodern pup Mabel Welsh also wields a fair amount of fluff factor. Her tongue is constantly cantilevered from her copious smile. Mabel’s attention span is as short as her stature, but that’s part of her charm. When taking breaks from her design duties, Mabel loves to display her zoomies by running the length of In*Situ’s open studio. 🐾 |