Ekaterina Kohlwes
AIA Associate
LEED Accredited Professional

Mindful Design Consulting founder

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: FPBABPATucker 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)

San Diego Zoo Food Services Building

Food Services Building – San Diego Zoo.

San Diego Zoo Food Services Interior

Food Services Building Interior – San Diego Zoo.

San Diego Soo Sabertooth Grill Setail

Food Services Building Detail- San Diego Zoo.

BMR building

BioMed Realty Trust – Illumina building entrance.

BMR building canopy

BioMed Realty Trust – Illumina building entrance.

BMR bridge

BioMed Realty Trust bridge connecting the existing Illumina building to the new addition.

BMR Lobby

BioMed Realty Trust building lobby.

BMR stair

BioMed Realty Trust building staircase.

Sunroad Centrum Building

Sunroad Centrum Building – freeway view.

Sunroad Centrum Building exterior

Sunroad Centrum Building.

Sunroad Centrum Building interior

Sunroad Centrum Building interior.