19six enthusiastically shares Federico Cortez’s promotion to Associate Principal, Ewa Pocwiardowska’s promotion to Associate Market Sector Leader of Community College, and Stephen Ullman’s promotion to Associate Market Sector Leader of Housing. We are excited to watch these leaders flourish in their new positions.
Federico Cortez
Promoted to Associate Principal
Federico joined 19six Architects in June 2005, after graduating from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo, and has since become a key figure in the firm’s K-12 market sector. Over his nearly two decades with the company, Federico has demonstrated exemplary leadership, commitment to quality design, and dedication to client relationships. His passion for K-12 educational architecture has been a driving force in his career, helping shape schools that balance design, function, and budget while continuing to guide and mentor staff.
Alan Kroeker, Senior Principal Architect and K-12 Director at 19six Architects, remarks: “Fede’s passion, unassuming confidence, and relentless pursuit of design excellence have made him an invaluable asset to our firm. His work continues to inspire our clients and the next generation of architects within 19six.”
Federico’s journey from promising young architect to seasoned leader reflects his deepening expertise in design and client engagement. His leadership in project development standards and commitment to mentoring future architects, including his role as an NCARB AXP supervisor, are just a few examples of his positive impact on his colleagues and the architectural community.
As Associate Principal, Federico will continue to drive 19six Architects’ mission to enrich communities through innovative and thoughtful design. His promotion marks another step forward in his career, which includes leading high-profile projects for districts such as Guadalupe Union, Orcutt Union, and Santa Maria-Bonita School Districts. Federico remains committed to shaping the future of educational environments while fostering solid relationships within the industry.
Ewa Pocwiardowska
Promoted to Associate Market Sector Leader Community College
Ewa Pocwiardowska, a LEED-Accredited Professional, has been integral to 19six Architects for the past 12 years. With more than 15 years of experience managing and designing educational facilities and public buildings, Ewa is a recognized leader in community college design. Her deep expertise in sustainable new construction and renovation projects, criteria documentation, code research, and accessibility studies enables her to deliver innovative and practical solutions for complex projects — while maintaining allows her to deliver innovative and practical solutions for complex projects—all while ensuring strict adherence to budgetary constraints.
“Ewa has consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a deep understanding of the unique needs of community college facilities,” said Alan Kroeker, Senior Principal Architect at 19six Architects. “Her talent for blending creative design with practical functionality has set her apart in our industry. We are confident that in her new role as Associate Market Sector Leader, she will continue to elevate our Community College Market Sector to new heights.”
Throughout her career, Ewa has successfully led multiple high-profile projects, including the 35 million-dollar development of the Cuesta College SLO Campus Center, the renowned 60 million-dollar renovation of a 5-story office building into the Mt. San Jacinto College Temecula Valley Campus, and numerous planning and renovation efforts across southern California. Her work is characterized by a meticulous approach to understanding existing conditions and a strong commitment to creating educational spaces that are inspiring, accessible, and sustainably designed.
As Associate Market Sector Leader, Ewa is committed to further expanding 19six Architects’ portfolio of community college projects and strengthening collaborative relationships with educational institutions statewide. Her promotion is a testament to her unwavering dedication to innovative design and project management excellence.
Stephen Ullman
Promoted to Associate Market Sector Leader Housing
Stephen joined 19six Architects in 2021, bringing with him a decade of experience from New York and California. His passion and focus is on creative solutions to our housing needs. He has led the firm’s efforts to collaborate with industry partners and government agencies to create new pathways to dense, high-quality housing that is affordable. This approach to creating thoughtful, innovative housing solutions has established him as a key player in the firm’s growth and success in the housing market.
“Stephen has an extraordinary ability to turn challenges into opportunities,” said Terry Green, Housing Market Sector Leader and Principal Architect at 19six Architects. “His commitment to sustainable urban development and his strategic approach to project execution have been invaluable to our housing team. I am excited to see him step into this leadership role where I know he will continue to push the boundaries of what’s possible in housing design.”
Since joining the firm, Stephen has been involved in numerous high-profile housing and mixed-use projects, including Studio 30, The Grace, Esparanza, and The DIGGS in Sacramento. His work emphasizes innovation and sustainability and reflects his deep commitment to creating spaces that foster community and inclusivity.
As Associate Market Sector Leader, Stephen continues to focus on advancing 19six’s mission to deliver forward-thinking housing solutions that address the growing needs of urban communities across California. His promotion signifies a strategic step in the firm’s continued expansion within the housing market.
For more information about these promotions, please contact Jon Jaeger, Marketing & Business Development Director, at (805) 476-0399 or [email protected].