Studio E Architects – known for innovative and awardwinning designs, including San Diego County’s first affordable housing tax credit project – is bringing Maxine Ward, AIA, and Mathilda Bialk, AIA, on as Partners and Principals. The two will join founding Principals Eric Naslund, FAIA, and John Sheehan, AIA, in the creative direction and ownership of the firm.

“Maxine and Mathilda started here early in their careers and earned great respect from the staff over a decade of strong creative work,” said Naslund. “I’m excited about where we are heading with their unique perspective and what it means for our work.”

”As a Principal, I want to build on the legacy that John and Eric have nurtured over 30 years in San Diego and continue to break new ground,” said Bialk. “By doubling the size of the leadership team, and recognizing two women, we’ve laid the groundwork for further change in this industry and for producing authentic and innovative projects.”

Like Studio E Architects’ founders, both Ward and Bialk are talented, multi-faceted architects who combine creativity with leadership, clear-headed organization skills and a desire to embrace challenges.

“This decision was really a natural progression of the skills that they both have demonstrated over time, said Sheehan. “Studio E Architects has always been a meritocracy where individuals are promoted based on their abilities.”

The two new Principals have produced many meaningful projects in San Diego and beyond. Bialk was instrumental in the design of UC Davis’s West Village Square, the country’s largest net-zero energy development and a ULI Global Award for Excellence winner. Ward’s work includes landmark affordable housing communities such as downtown San Diego’s Celadon at 9th and Broadway – also a ULI Global Award for Excellence winner – and Talmadge Gateway, San Diego County’s first supportive housing community designed for formerly homeless seniors with chronic health needs.

“When I was first starting out, I kept hearing about Studio E Architects, these San Diego innovators who were getting national attention for their incredible projects. That’s what drew me to work here,” said Ward. “All these years later, I am excited to have a hand in shaping the future direction of the firm and building on that body of work.”

For 30 years, the team at Studio E Architects has been making places that matter. Winners of three prestigious AIA National Awards, the firm’s architects create homes, schools and recreation spaces that seamlessly fit the ways that people live, learn and play. The team produces meaningful projects for missiondriven clients, building better communities – including charter schools for students who will become tomorrow’s technology innovators and affordable housing communities where working families can succeed.