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Tom Awbrey, Architect
Principal Architect
A graduate of Texas Tech University’s College of Architecture, Tom moved from West Texas, via New Mexico, to San Diego in 1981. After serving as design principal for a previous firm, Tom founded ACRM Architects and became its President and CEO in 2002. With over three decades of architectural experience, Tom is known for his design of three of the largest outlet centers on the west coast and has won multiple local and national design awards. While away from the office, Tom tends to renovations and gardening at his “ranchero” in Pauma Valley and enjoys hiking, skiing and travel.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Visiting the Pyramids, Parthenon, and a return to the Pantheon to figure out how they keep the oculus from leaking.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Superman’s time reversal superpower, which includes the added bonus of flight.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Lowes, but my card is already maxed out on my money pit.
Scot McGill, Architect
President / Chief Executive Officer
As one of our founding Principals, Scot started his career in Minneapolis with a degree in architecture from the University of Minnesota in Minneapolis under the auspices of Dean Ralph Rapson. With over three decades specializing in hospitality design, he draws much of his inspiration from his world travels, initially sparked by his college studies throughout Europe including Luxembourg, Belgium, France, Spain, Italy, Greece and Switzerland.
Being an avid outdoor lover, Scot considers the Hawaiian Islands his home away from home and tries to visit there as often as possible to snorkel, kayak or just explore the islands. When on the road, Scot enjoys exploring the back roads and alleys of cities and villages, visiting with the locals to get the true pulse of a community or simply soaking up the sun in the beer gardens of the Munich Englischer Garten, watching the world go by. When at home, Scot spends most of his free-time gardening, restoring his historic 1924 home, or just relaxing with friends in his pool or around the BBQ.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
- Visit Stockholm and Copenhagen.
- Finally get to stay in an over-the-water bungalow over the Bora-Bora lagoon.
- Get to design an exotic fun-filled exclusive resort in some far-away tropical retreat with a lot of site visits.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
The ability to fly – much cheaper than airfare.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
That’s just not a good idea!
Clifford Cook, Architect
NCARB, Vice President / Chief Operating Officer
Cliff is one of the original founders of the firm and is a Principal and Vice-President. A graduate of Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, Cliff is a truly-rare San Diego native. Cliff leads the firm in technical design and QC/QA. His 25-years’ experience with multiple project types brings a unique understanding of design excellence that includes the complexity of building codes and design, and drives his passion for Architecture. His focus on retail and mixed-use projects has garnered the firm such large-scale projects as Carlsbad Company Stores, The Shops at Las Americas, the Landing at Liberty Station, and Citadel Outlets. His personality and talent is as vibrant and exciting as the Hawaiian shirts he chooses to wear. When away from the office, Cliff’s hidden talents include a green thumb and being light on his feet on the ballroom dance floor.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
- Write a bucket list.
- Kind of dependent on #1.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Flying. It would save so much time on the commute and avoiding traffic.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Home Depot. So many projects to finish at home.
Dennis Rogers, Architect
Vice President / Design Principal
Dennis joined the firm in 2003 and was named the firm’s Design Principal in 2005. During his tenure, he has led the design department as Design Principal on several major retail and hospitality projects. Dennis brought an impressive resume to ACRM from such firms as Graham Downes, Callison, and Innis-Tennebaum, to whom he has always been grateful for giving him his first architecture job. Dennis has an extensive background in the design of retail, hospitality and living spaces, including Flat Iron Crossing in Colorado, Tower 23 Hotel in Pacific Beach and Neuhaus Atelier apartments in San Diego. Born in St. Louis, Missouri, his family moved to San Francisco, and at 9 he was inspired to become an architect. Outside of the office Dennis is passionate about sailing, as he has been since the age of 12. His favorite color is black and favorite movie is Blade Runner.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Visit Punta Arena, Fiji and New Zealand.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Flying.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Baby Gap for Remi my granddaughter.
Tim Fleming, Architect
LEED AP, Associate Principal
Project Manager / Designer
Tim Fleming has been a project manager and designer for ACRM since 2002 and has worked on several large projects from schematic design to completion. With an emphasis on creating meaningful and durable people-places, Tim has developed a comprehensive architectural vocabulary integrating diverse material assemblies and green-building concepts. Tim has worked closely with clients to responsibly meet challenging schedules, with consultants to coordinate multi-disciplinary solutions, and has prepared presentation materials to communicate schematic concepts and gain agency approvals. Tim is a graduate of Carnegie Mellon University, and resides in Point Loma with his wife Sarah and two daughters.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Scuba dive with a family of whales; see the night sky from Machu Picchu; enjoy on a long sailboat trip with family.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Grace-under-pressure.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life?
Not sure, but “Flight of the Bumblebee” is often the soundtrack.
Kevin Terra, Architect
Associate Principal
Project Manager
Kevin hails from the great Commonwealth of Massachusetts and lived in south Florida for 8 years before making San Diego his home. Kevin has over 17 years of architectural experience; his resume stretches across the nation with projects in Florida, Connecticut, Massachusetts, California, Colorado, and Rhode Island with an emphasis on hospitality, education and large residential projects. He loves cars and boats and could spend an entire day sitting by the shore.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
I don’t believe in bucket lists. Just live life and you’ll do everything you are meant to do.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Already have it…I’m super funny.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life?
You Are About to Have a Kevinly Night.
Maria Ruiz-Ostmeyer, Architect
Associate Principal
Project Manager
Maria was born in Peru and is a naturalized American citizen. She is a graduate of Universidad Femenina del Sagrado Corazaon and is a registered California Architect. With 19 years of experience under her belt, her resume includes a wide variety of commercial, residential, hospitality and institutional projects. When she is not busy in the office she loves to spend time with her 3 girls, practice yoga or hiking.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
I want to get my pilot license.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
I would never do this.
French Fries or Salad?
Ceviche.
David Semon, Architect
NCARB, Associate Principal
Project Manager
Promoted to Associate Principal in 2018, David’s years of experience in the design industry is exemplified by his passion for sustainability and leaving a light footprint. He rides his bike to work daily, only using his car when the waves call him. Though originally from the east coast, and after a brief stay in Hawaii, he calls San Diego his home. David is a member of the second graduating class of Woodbury University/San Diego. His hobbies include traveling and surfing and a combination of the two when possible.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
Trips to Egypt, Figi, and the Maldives.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Amazon.com.
Ketchup or Mustard?
Sriracha.
Dean Gayon, Architect
Associate Principal
LEED AP BD+C, Project Manager
Dean joined ACRMA in 2014. He has a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan, is a Registered Architect in California and LEED AP certified. After growing up in Michigan, Dean and his bride (whom he met while on a bicycle tour in the Colorado Rockies) left the snow and slush for sunny San Diego in 1991. Dean and his wife have two children, and he enjoys woodworking, home remodeling / repair, and generally building things – anything! Dean is also an automotive enthusiast with a passion for older cars, especially SAAB’s.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
- Travel to Italy, Greece, Spain, Portugal and…Sweden.
- Complete a Triathlon.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Time Travel.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Ballast Point Brewery.
Ricardo Garcia Ramirez
Associate Principal
Project Manager
Ricardo joined the firm in 2002 as one of its original founders and was promoted to an Associate position in 2013. Ricardo is a lead designer of the firm, drawing inspiration for his work from his worldwide travels, including visiting the Pyramids of Cheops. He has worked on a variety of commercial, residential and government projects in the U.S. and Mexico. Outside of work, he enjoys sketching and photography as hobbies. Ricardo is a Naturalized U.S. Citizen, and attributes his natural talent for Salsa dancing to his home country of Mexico. He also has an identical twin brother.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
- Design my own home
- Paint a masterpiece
- Visit Rio de Janeiro
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Super speed.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life?
A Walk in the Clouds (not to confuse with Up In Smoke).
Luis Arellano, Architect
Associate
Project Manager
Luis is a graduate of SDSU and a California licensed architect. His passion for sustainable design and the re-usage of resources, such as energy and water, influences the firm’s design and development projects. Luis has a deep appreciation for many design influences, and leans toward the Tiki period from the post-war period and the current artisan movement. Before embarking on a path to architecture, Luis considered becoming a comic book artist. He enjoys experiencing outdoor activities common to the Southern California lifestyle, as well as individual sports like boxing and muay-thai. Experiencing new locales, cultures and sites is a personal goal, plus working on a television show like This Old House.
What are three things still left on your bucket list? World peace.
Flying to the moon on a jet-pack. Finishing the list.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Already have one; working as an architect is my public persona.
Ketchup or Mustard?
What’s it going on?
Troy Schalge, Architect
Associate
LEED AP, Project Manager
Troy D. Schalge is a native San Diegan with over 20 years’ experience in the field of architecture. After receiving his Bachelor of Architecture degree from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, Troy applied his skills to a variety of markets, pursuing his goal to develop his knowledge and understanding of various building forms and construction types. His extensive experience with residential, school, commercial and industrial projects for private, public, government and developer clients augment’s the firm’s broad project base. Many projects incorporated sustainability features, and attained LEED Gold Certification. When not focusing on architecture, Troy can be found spending time with his family, home projects, scouting, and church.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
- Finish all home projects, including patching the hole in this bucket list.
- Hike the ENTIRE Pacific Crest Trail with my family.
- Build a teardrop trailer and travel the country.
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
Not too sure, Blazing Saddles might be the closest (funny with no ill will, but not always politically correct, and the good guys ride off into the sunset).
French fries or salad?
Why choose? They both compliment a delicious cheeseburger!
Rey Zumarraga, Associate
Associate
Project Director
Rey has over 23 years of professional experience in the industry since graduating college in Manila, Philippines. His diverse background working in countries such as the Philippines, Singapore and the US With various roles & responsibilities allows him to bring unique and creative solutions to client’s needs.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
When I have enough money to retire and my kids have their own family, I would love to travel around the world with my wife.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
If I could have a superpower, I would prefer to be Magneto (X-men).
French Fries or Salad?
I would prefer vegetable salad over fries.
Gustavo Zuniga Ramos
Project Director
Gustavo joined the firm in 2004 as its Senior Drafter and has worked in the A/E/C field for more than 20 years. He is married with two children and four dogs, with plans for one more dog. He enjoys spending quality time with his family having shrimp, clams and lobster grilled at the beach or simple carne asada at home. His hobbies include soccer and horse racing.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
To see the future, that way I can pick the winners on every horse race (aha!!).
Choose a movie title for the story of your life.
“Gladiator.”
Ketchup or Mustard?
I only use mustard when someone accidentally burns themselves, I put it on the burn area…so definitely ketchup.
James Darby
Project Coordinator
Stephen Awbrey
Project Assistant
Jerry Pugh
Chief Financial Officer
Joining the firm in 2013 as CFO, Jerry brought with him 16 years of A/E financial management, having worked with two highly-accredited design and architecture firms in San Diego. Previous operations and financial management positions in publishing (Boston/New York) and hospitality/ healthcare compelled him to pursue his accounting interests over more creative pursuits. Oddly, his first college scholarship was in voice and piano, though he says those talents have long been replaced by less creative, but more lucrative skills. Outside the office, Jerry’s interests return to the creative arts, such as live theatre and opera. Vacations are spent on the beaches of Mexico or Cape Cod, or working on his home. He prefers a well-chilled martini (top-shelf only) to wine or beer; and small, intimate parties with close friends and colleagues.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
I haven’t a bucket list, because I try to be spontaneous; but I would like the opportunity to return to Rio one day for New Year’s … the first time was awesome!
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
I already have super-powers.
Ketchup or Mustard?
I’d take salsa over ketchup or mustard.
Pamela Cabaniss
CDT, Technical Services
HR Manager
Pamela joined the firm in 2005 as the Human Resources Manager and brings 30 years of AEC industry experience. She attributes her interest in facilitating human resources as an extension of her experience growing up in a military family, in which she was exposed to multiple cultures and peoples due to frequent relocations. Outside of work Pam is a talented pool player with the San Diego Chapter of the American Poolplayers Association. Her team made it to Nationals in 2013 and placed 5th out of 62 teams from all over the US.
What are three things still left on your bucket list?
1) I would like to visit all 50 states 2) Travel to Europe 3) Learn to ice-skate.
If you could have any one superpower, which would you choose?
Time travel.
At which store would you like to max-out your credit card?
Any store at Disneyland.
