domus team
jon dominy
Principal | AIA
Jon joined the studio in 2000. He graduated from Sci-Arc (Southern California Institute of Architecture) in 1998 and worked on his own for several years in development and in steel fabrication before joining the studio. He has a major role in the site and building design process within the studio, working collaboratively with other studio members, casting the architectural vision. Jon is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
wayne holtan
Principal | AIA
Wayne joined the Studio in 1993 and was named a Principal in 2001. While attending the University of Minnesota School of Architecture, he participated in their Europe travel program. After returning, along with his fellow students, presented an exhibit of their work and published a book, Townscapes, documenting their design journey. He graduated with degrees in both Architecture and Environmental Design. With a broad range of architectural experience over his career, he enjoys integrating his management skills as they apply to the firm’s multi-discipline project teams; to facilitating the design process and engage client interaction at all phases. He has served as a Master Commissioner with the California Architect’s Board, active in the development of the Supplemental Exam and was recently named to the Public Arts Committee of San Diego’s Commission for Arts and Culture. Wayne is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
david keitel
Principal | AIA
David joined the studio in 1993 and is a Principal of domusstudio architecture. David was born and raised in Sheboygan, Wisconsin and in 1988 earned a B.S. in Architecture at the University of Wisconsin | Milwaukee and then moved west on a scholarship to Arizona State University and earned a Master of Architecture in 1991. Through his journey from the mid-west to the desert to the pacific coast he was surrounded by great mentors and peers who helped instill in him the ability to think objectively and solve problems manifested through award winning design, focusing on function, climate, materials and light. He plays a collaborative role in the overall studio design process and management.
David is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) serving on the San Diego Chapter’s Board of Directors as the 2022 President and 2023 Immediate Past President, former Committee Chair of the San Diego AIA’s Regional Design Advisory Council (RDAC) in which he helped create the Council and former Chair and committee member of the AIA San Diego Design Awards. David also served on AIA California’s Board of Directors 2021-2022.
david pfeifer
Principal | AIA | LEED AP
David began his career with the studio in 1987. While enrolled at the New School of Architecture, where he earned his degree, he won a scholarship for having a “Distinguished Thesis Design” and was chosen as one of nine notable students to be published in a book titled Nine San Diego Architects. David later returned to his alma mater as a Professor where he was honored as both “Teacher of the Year” and “Alumni of the Year”. He was a member of the Kensington-Talmadge Planning Association. He enjoys collaboratively working on challenging projects where he can use the skills and creativity of the studio to problem solve and create designs that not only are appropriate and sound, but touch the spirit of our Clients. David is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
john pyjar
Principal | AIA | LEED AP
John joined the studio in 1989. Originally from Michigan, John attended the University of Texas at Austin on a full scholarship. He completed his Bachelor of Architecture degree with honors. In 2001, John won the Young Architect of the Year award by the San Diego Chapter of the American Institute of Architects along with Oliver Macmillan. John works collaboratively with the studio on senior housing and child development centers. John is a member of the American Institute of Architects.
lisa d’ambrosia
Associate | AIA
Lisa D’Ambrosia joined the studio in 2004. She is a California registered architect with experience in educational, hospitality and residential projects. She attended California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo where she received her Bachelor of Architecture. She then went on to complete her Master of Architecture through Syracuse University’s study abroad program in Florence, Italy. She is the Project Architect on various larger projects in the studio.
michael meizen
Associate | AIA
Michael grew up in Wisconsin and Maryland, attended Cal Poly, SLO and studied a year abroad in Copenhagen. His experience includes sacred, educational, affordable housing, custom residential, corporate architecture, and commercial development. Michael is a California registered architect, member of the American Institute of Architects, chair of the AIA San Diego Committee on the Environment (COTE), and serves as an SME for the CAB supplemental exam. He is passionate about the architectural process and creating purposeful, contextual, and holistic design. [email protected]
tommy ross
Associate | AIA
Tommy graduated from the University of California-San Diego in 2009 with a Bachelor of Arts/History and a minor in Photography. Upon completion of his undergraduate work, he attended the Newschool of Architecture in San Diego and received his Master of Architecture degree in 2012. Tommy worked for several architecture firms along with the Unified Port of San Diego before joining the studio in 2014. Tommy collaborates within the studio on a broad range of projects with a specialty in Revit and other design related computer software.
yohannes abebe
Yohannes has over ten years of comprehensive design experience, spanning from concept development to construction documents and project closeout. His expertise encompasses the design of large, ground-up speculative lab and office buildings, tenant improvements, and renovations in sectors such as Science and Technology, Government/Military. He also has extensive experience in design-build projects, including custom single-family homes, speculative homes, multifamily, and mixed-use developments. Yohannes holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado, Boulder. He is actively involved in leadership and networking groups in San Diego. He is regarded as a highly adaptable professional, an effective communicator, and a skilled collaborator.
rachel barnhart
Project Manager
Rachel grew up in Michigan and graduated from Lawrence Technological University in 2008, moving to San Diego shortly after. She has worked on a variety of project typologies across the U.S. including affordable housing, mixed-use, multi-family, and commercial interiors. Rachel is passionate about incorporating sustainable design solutions into every project. When not in the studio, she finds her inspiration through traveling and experiencing other cultures around the world.
kayleigh cornejo
AIA Associate Member
Kayleigh graduated with honors from Woodbury University San Diego with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2021 and worked with a local architect on residential remodel projects throughout San Diego before joining the studio. She is currently pursuing her licensure and is passionate about sustainable design practices and creating dynamic spaces that have the ability to adapt over time for differing needs.
chris doidge
Chris earned his Master’s Degree from the University of Arizona, building upon a Bachelor’s degree in Construction Management from Northern Arizona University. Working for a general contractor previously for a number of years, Chris brings this field knowledge into architecture to inform efficient design. Chris has an immense interest in how architecture interfaces with its environment and the related opportunities for passive design. Always looking for thrills on the trails or on the water, Chris enjoys mountain biking, snowboarding, and kayaking amongst other endeavors. He has traveled extensively throughout the world pursuing his interest in new cultures and geographies.
joseph fleener
Joe graduated from the Newschool of Architecture and Design with his Bachelor of Architecture degree, with a minor in Construction Management. He is currently working towards becoming a licensed architect. Originally from the east coast, he moved to San Diego to pursue architecture. Joe believes the most important part of any project is the process.
uros milikic
AIA Associate Member
Uros earned his Master’s Degree from the NewSchool of Architecture and Design, building upon his foundation in Architecture and Interior Architecture from the University of Belgrade. Hailing from Serbia, his background enriches his creative approach with a wide-ranging perspective. Motivated by the diverse architectural styles influenced by surroundings and culture, Uros embarked on a journey to the United States. His passion lies in organic design, biophilia, and the harmonious blend of nature with human environments.
toni pyjar
Architect
Toni Pyjar received her Bachelor’s degree in Architecture at the University of Texas at Austin. She has worked at firms in Austin and San Diego, specializing in commercial and institutional buildings.
Toni has been a registered California architect since 1990. Returning to architecture after raising a family, she joined the studio in 2018.
luis ramirez
Architect
Luis earned his Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Southern California in 2014. Since then he has grown an extensive experience in hospitality, residential, and educational architecture, and has achieved his dream of becoming a California-registered architect. Luis is committed to ongoing learning and finds joy in seeking creative and cost-effective solutions to design challenges. Outside of his professional life, Luis enjoys exploring the outdoors through hiking and golf, and is passionate about traveling to new destinations.
kellie terrell
Architect | Project Manager | LEED AP
Kellie graduated from Ball State University in 2003 w/ dual degrees in both Architecture and Environmental Design along with a minor in Historic Preservation. After college Kellie lived in London, UK before making her way to San Diego. She is a California registered architect and is LEED AP certified with experience in hospitality, government, sacred, commercial & educational architecture. Kellie joined domusstudio in 2019 and is passionate about the creative and collaborative process – working with a team to turn vision into reality. When she’s not in the office, you’ll find Kellie outside – hiking, exploring and enjoying time with her family.
john topete
Business Manager
John graduated from University of Nevada, Reno with a Bachelors in Business Administration Management and Accounting Certificate from UCSD Extension. John’s work experience includes working for an IPO start-up to large corporations. Prior to arriving at the studio, John worked for an accounting firm managing multiple clients. In the studio, as the Business Manager, John oversees accounting and finance, human resource, contracts, insurance and risk management.
bezaye tefera
Accounting Assistant
Bezaye achieved her Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting and Finance from St. Mary’s University in Ethiopia and also holds a Bachelor of Arts in Folklore from Addis Ababa University. She began her career as an Auditor in Ethiopia and advanced to the role of Audit Manager. Six years ago, she relocated to San Diego with her family. With extensive expertise in finance and accounting, she has also studied US tax law and is a registered CTEC tax advisor. She provides valuable accounting support to the studio’s financial operations.
beginnings
lew dominy
Founder
domusstudio architecture was established by Lew Dominy in 1986, and began as Dominy + Associates Architects. In 2001, domusstudio architecture was created with a partnership to continue the studio beyond the Dominy name and acknowledged the collaboration that others contributed. Today, Principals Jon Dominy, Wayne Holtan, David Keitel, David Pfeifer and John Pyjar lead a creative, cohesive and collaborative group of architects and designers, which together have and continue to garner design awards, winning competitions, and winning repeat clients.