SAN LUIS OBISPO, CA – PMSM/19six Architects, one of the oldest architectural firms in California, is proud to announce that Amanda Donecho and Federico Cortez have been promoted to Associate Market Sector Leaders.
Amanda Donecho, Architect
Promotion to Healthcare Associate Market Sector Leader
Amanda Donecho is a talented and detail-oriented Architect who joined PMSM/19six Architects in July of 2015. Upon joining, Amanda quickly became a vital member of the Healthcare Studio.
“Amanda has a passion for healthcare architecture that models itself in every aspect of her projects. She engages with stakeholders to balance design, budget and schedule, resulting in winning solutions. Amanda will not only share these talents with PMSM/19six in her new position, but will also be a mentor to staff, inspiring them with her enthusiasm as they grow and develop their skills”
– Deborah J. Woodle, PMSM/19six’s Healthcare Director
Amanda was first introduced to architecture when her parents were exploring the opportunity of building their own home. Captivated by house plan magazines, Amanda spent hours piecing together elements of plans in the pursuit of helping her parents build their dream house. This sparked Amanda’s fascination with design and would later lead her to pursue her degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Upon graduating she accepted an internship where she would develop her passion for healthcare design. What intrigues Amanda the most about healthcare design are the unique challenges. Amanda thrives on the task of providing design solutions grounded in the clients’ needs within the space constraints. She does so while ensuring all regulation standards are met to ultimately create a specialized and safe environment that exceeds the expectations of the users they serve.
Here at PMSM/19six, Amanda has led healthcare projects from design to completion on a wealth of project types. Most notable projects include St. Mary Medical Center’s MRI Building Addition and Emergency Department Cosmetic Upgrades, Children’s Hospital Los Angeles’s Pulmonology Remodel, First California Physician Partners (FCPP) Family Health Facilities (locations include: San Luis Obispo, Atascadero, and Paso Robles), and St. Joseph Hospital’s Emergency Department Expansion and Remodel. Amanda is consistently praised for her dedication to projects and attention to detail and is the clients’ biggest advocate, ensuring the successful delivery of each and every project.
Federico Cortez, Architect
Promotion to K-12 Associate Market Sector Leader
Federico joined PMSM/19six Architects in June of 2005 after graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Since joining, Federico has flourished to become an integral part of the K-12 design team.
“It been great to see Fede’s professional growth over the years. He has an unassuming confidence and can-do attitude. He’s always willing to take on new challenges and I look forward to his expanded contributions focused on client service.”
– Alan Kroeker, Principal Architect and K-12 Director
Federico first found his passion for design in 7th grade metal shop class. After finishing a mechanical drawing assignment early his teacher allowed him to use a computer where he was introduced to a design program that allowed him to architecturally modify building elevations. From that moment Federico found himself captivated with architecture. As an architectural student, the idea of solving problems through drawing and design increased his drive to develop his passion into a professional career.
Throughout the last fourteen years Federico has gone from mentee to mentor and has led numerous projects, most notably Santa Maria-Bonita School District’s Aquistapace Elementary School (now Jimémez), Lucia Mar Unified School District’s Arroyo Grande High School Ag Science Buildings, Gilroy Unified School District’s Rucker Elementary Reconstruction and Gilroy High School Renovation. Some of his current projects include Santa Maria High School District’s new CTE Center & Ag Farm and Guadalupe Union School District’s new Junior High School and Gymnasium. Federico’s favorite part of the design process is when the drawings and 3D models come to life as the main structural framing goes up. All the spaces that were carefully thought out during the design process are now tangible in the real world.
For more information about the promotion of Amanda Donecho and Federico Cortez to Associate Market Sector Leaders of 19six Architects, please contact Tasha Barnett, Marketing Coordinator at (805) 476.0399 or [email protected].