Ekaterina Kohlwes
AIA Associate
LEED Accredited Professional
I am Ukrainian but I was born in Asia. When I was young my family was always on the move because of my father’s job. And because of this I think the poetry of Asian and Islamic architecture influenced my creativity in so many ways. Throughout my life I was lucky enough to take design classes in Paris, France and Florence, Italy, the largest design centers of the world! Eventually I received my MA Degree in Architecture from The New School of Architecture and Design in San Diego, California, USA.
I had an incredible opportunity to work as a designer for several high profile architecture firms in San Francisco and San Diego: FPBA, BPA, Tucker Sadler Architects, Powell & Partners Architects and Hendler Design. I also had the great pleasure to work for Alison Whitelaw at Platt / Whitelaw Architects – a San Diego firm specializing in sustainable / green architecture.
My two greatest passions in life: design and travel. This is why I enjoy working with international clients. I love learning new cultures. Traveling also helps me to collect fresh new ideas and to implement them designing for my clients. I get tremendous inspiration from seeing different architecture and styles around the world.
I have been participating in several design competitions, including C2C – Green House Design. My rammed earth self-sustaining house design was selected by a Roanoke, VA contractor for construction. My work has been published in several trade journals and magazines, including ‘Architecture’ magazine.
Work Experience
The following are a few notable projects where I was involved in different stages of the design process.
• Trans America Pyramid office interior remodel (Hendler Designs) – San francisco, CA
• BioMed Realty Trust cold shell Illumina lab / offices building (FPBA) – San Diego, CA
• Zoo Merchandise & Food Services Building for San Diego Zoo (FPBA) – San Diego, CA
• Fire Station #31 and remodel of the Cal Western Law School in San Diego, YMSA of City of Santee, California (Platt / Whitelaw Architects)
Food Services Building – San Diego Zoo.
Food Services Building Interior – San Diego Zoo.
Food Services Building Detail- San Diego Zoo.
BioMed Realty Trust – Illumina building entrance.
BioMed Realty Trust – Illumina building entrance.
BioMed Realty Trust bridge connecting the existing Illumina building to the new addition.
BioMed Realty Trust building lobby.
BioMed Realty Trust building staircase.
Sunroad Centrum Building – freeway view.
Sunroad Centrum Building.
Sunroad Centrum Building interior.
