FIRM PROFILE

WEFAS Architecture is an innovative design firm which focuses on technology and environmental studies. WEFAS is an acronym for Water, Earth, Fire, Air and Space, which are the embodiments of Architecture and Engineering (AE). Water stands for plumbing, Earth for structure, Fire for safety, Air for mechanical engineering and Space for the essence of architecture itself. This classification of basic elements has been widely embraced by various civilizations from pre-historic time to the present, and it is understood as the basis for people’s perception of the environment.

Our objective is to promote sustainability through high performance design and to analyze its environmental impact, not only on a local scale, but globally. To achieve this, we employ widely accepted metrics such as Architecture 2030, USGBC LEED and IWBI WELL as well as our own set of principles promoting WELLNESS.

Our preferred style is Parametrism since its aesthetic qualities may rise from optimizing various programmatic requirements including high performance design. This methodology allows for implementing project parameters in the early stage of the design process, instead of demonstrating compliance at a later date. Our main software platform in the design and delivery process is Building Information Modeling (BIM), which we further explore by utilizing tools such as Dinamo, Grasshopper, 3D printing, robotic fabrications, and other means of DIGITAL DESIGN.

FIRM LEADERSHIP

Julia Contaldo founded WEFAS Architecture in 2019.  She has been a professional architect for over 20 years and has had a license to practice in the state of California since 2008. Her design and production experiences are in the market sectors of aviation, transportation, government, education, health, hospitality and residential, not only in California, but in countries around the world.

Julia was a successful team leader on projects with a Design-Bid-Build as well as Private Public Partnership (P3) Construction Project Delivery Methods. With this diverse background, her hands-on experience with BIM management, Architecture 2030 reporting and LEED certifications guarantees discerning judgment and unique practical skills in executing all aspects of the services of WEFAS Architecture. Her firm is committed to applying cutting edge technologies to design and deliver high performance sustainable projects in both the private and public sectors.

While at SOM and HOK, Julia focused on the aviation and transportation market sector including a few Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) projects, such as the lobby renovation at Terminal 2, concept design of a pedestrian connector bridge at Terminal 3 and the complete retrofit of all elevators and escalators. Currently, WEFAS Architecture is involved with historical preservation projects, ADA compliance evaluations and renovations located in California.

Julia, as a designated project leader of WEFAS Architecture, brings cultural diversity to her assignments as an experienced world traveler. She has visited over 30 countries including a 5 month work assignment at the HOK Singapore and Hong Kong offices in 2011, and an extensive stay in an ashram in India in 2012. In addition, Julia is an active member of Toastmasters International and serves as the Vice President of Public Relations in her local club. 

“REMEMBRANCE OF THINGS PAST” M. Proust

Prior to starting WEFAS Architecture, Julia Contaldo was employed by Stanley Saitowitz/Natoma Architects, and Sander Architects, HOK and Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Julia was an integral part of the design and production teams from an Intern on a Bridge House at Stanley Saitowitz/Natoma Architects in 2002 to Project Architect and a Team Leader on a Long Beach Civic Center at SOM in 2018. As a BIM manager she was personally responsible for initial REVIT Models for Los Angeles Federal Courthouse (LAFC) and Long Beach Civic Center (LBCC). As a Project Architect on LAFC, she was also responsible for the consultant’s coordination, LEED Certification, plan check approvals with the City of Long Beach and Construction Contract Administration. This diverse experience within the industry sparked Julia’s interest in other aspects of operating an architectural firm and gave her the courage to start her own practice.

FIRM CERTIFICATIONS

US GENERAL SERVICES ADMINISTRATION (GSA)

WEFAS Architecture is certified as a Small Business (SB) and as a Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB) with the US Small Business Administration (SBA) and registered in a System of Award Management (SAM) database.

STATE OF CALIFORNIA:

WEFAS Architecture is certified as Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) by California Unified Certification Program (CUCP). This DBE Certification is honored by all the US Department of Transportation (DOT) recipients in California.

CITY OF LOS ANGELES:

WEFAS Architecture is certified with the City of Los Angeles as a Small Local Business (SLB), Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE) and Local Business Enterprise (LBE) and is listed in the Los Angeles Business Assistance Virtual Network (LA BAVN ID# 106699) database as DBE, SBE (Proprietary), WBE, EBE, SBE, SLB, LBE, VSBE (Harbor)

LOS ANGELES METRO:

WEFAS Architecture is certified as a Small Business Enterprise (SBE) with the Los Angeles County Metropolitan Transportation Authority (METRO) and registered as a vendor in METRO online portal.

NAICS CODDES (FIRM SPECIALIZATION CODES):

541310 – Architectural services (Primary Firm Specialization)

541340 – Drafting services

541410 – Interior Designs Services

541430 – Commercial Art Service

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