Our Team

Our Story

Dorman Associates Inc., established in 2001, is an Architectural firm that specializes in both Residential and Commercial design, with a focus on Children’s Centers. The founding concept of the firm is to create economical, functional and innovative projects based on the Client’s needs. As a full service design firm we produce solutions that integrate inventive design ideas with cost effective options.

Our unique approach to the design of Children’s Centers combines our expertise in best practices in early childhood with our client’s specific needs and preferences.  We work together with our client to create innovative, flexible and practical schools that are designed for teaching and learning. We are committed to designing schools that enhance and promote a sense of community within the school, and connecting the school to its larger surrounding context.

Using three-dimensional computer simulations with Archicad CAD software, we provide imagery as early as Schematic Design. By integrating construction experience and structural knowledge, the designs are tailored to meet construction industry standards in order to maintain budget conscious projects.

Our firm prides itself on working with the Client and Contractor as a team to avoid intractable issues. To date, Dorman Associates Inc. has never been involved in litigation or claims of any kind.

Meet the team

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  • Chris began his career in 1996 after receiving a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a Masters in Architecture from the University of Oregon. He gained his architecture license from the state of California in 2000 and opened his first firm shortly thereafter. Throughout his career, Chris has focused on creating meaningful spaces that help people experience their environment optimally. His work centers around child development centers, multi-family dwellings, mixed used hospitality ventures as well as multi-million-dollar custom homes and remodels.

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  • After receiving a BS in Interior Architecture & Design, Mary relocated from Philadelphia to the Bay Area to expand her knowledge of commercial design and venture into the retail design space. Since joining Dorman Associates in 2007, Mary has honed her creative approach and ability to respond to every client’s unique needs. Mary’s passion for high quality design and attention to detail has enabled her to lead projects of varying size across many sectors including childcare, hospitality, and residential design.

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  • A licensed Architect, Andrea joined the firm in 2022 as a Senior Project Manager focused on cultivating the residential design practice. Her work centers around residential design in all aspects including multi-million-dollar custom homes, extensive remodels, mixed-used dwellings, and affordable housing. Andrea strives to create balance between the natural and built environments and loves designing spaces that push boundaries and inspire thought.

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  • Ava received a BS of Architecture from IKIU University in Iran and then went on to pursue a Masters in Architecture at the University of Michigan where she collaborated with computer science teams to create interactive and touch-sensitive spatial installations to benefit children with learning differences and autism. Ava’s passion for design is fueled by her desire to create spaces that are beautiful, functional, and socially responsible. At the firm, she focuses on childcare architecture where she leads projects of all sizes for clients in the private, public, and non-profit spaces.

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  • Decker gained his architecture license in 2003 and since then has successfully coordinated projects of all sizes including airports, university student housing, conference centers and corporate childcare centers. His area of expertise lies in the design and implementation of specialized spaces that suit the unique needs of individual clients. At Dorman Associates, Decker provides vital oversight throughout the construction process where his attention to detail and ability to conceptualize are most beneficial.

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  • Melanie joined the firm in 2022 as Studio Manager. She plays a vital role in coordinating all aspects of the business including new client relations, contract management, and operations. Melanie brings a breadth of experience in diverse positions while consistently striving to create small, entrepreneurial work environments that cultivate meaning and purpose. Melanie’s strength lies in her ability to problem solve creatively while keeping a pulse on short-term and long-term goals.

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  • Aki graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Architecture and went on to pursue his passions in 2D animation and graphic design. Aki is adept at taking complex problems and deducing them into solvable situations, without sacrificing integrity or creativity. Aki takes a technical approach to architecture while considering purposeful, responsible, and innovative design.

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  • Olumide joined the firm in 2019 after relocating from Sparks, Nevada where he worked as an Architectural Designer at Tesla Motors, Inc.. He holds a BS in Architecture from Anglia Ruskin University in Chelmsford, UK and a Masters in Architecture from the School of Art Institute of Chicago. Olumide is inspired by designs that blend practicality, affordability, and beauty. He leads the firm on various residential, multi-family and commercial architecture projects.

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  • Irikaa possesses a well-cultivated view of design having received a Bachelor’s in Architecture from Sushant University in India and a Master’s in Interior Architecture from the University of Oregon. Irikaa promotes an integrated design process that involves understanding and implementing the client’s perspective throughout every phase of a project. Irikaa’s willingness to tackle challenges has allowed her to take on many types or projects including childcare, residential and hospitality.

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  • Nathan graduated from the University of San Francisco with a BS in Architecture and joined the firm shortly after. Nathan’s interest in creating designs that blend indoor and outdoor environments compelled him to complete an Honors Thesis on the importance of walkable cities. Nathan has a comprehensive understanding of 3D modelling across various architectural software which he uses to solve complex architectural scenarios.

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  • Einar joined the firm in 2021 after graduating from UC Berkeley with a BA in Architecture where he was awarded a fellowship and subsequent internship through the College of Environmental Design. Einar provides project teams with ongoing support through his ability to translate ideas into tangible concepts through 3D modelling. He is passionate about creating built environments that serve the needs of immediate users while also satisfying future goals.

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  • After graduating with a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley, Jenny began her career designing retail spaces and high-end custom homes. Jenny draws inspiration from her experiences living throughout the US where she was exposed to different climates, cultures, and design challenges. At Dorman Associates, Jenny partners with clients to understand their design aspirations and functional requirements which she carefully implements to ensure project success.

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  • A recent graduate, Sage comes to Dorman Associates with a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley and a fresh eye for people-centered architecture. While in school, Sage interned with LIIF where he worked in support of individuals and communities of color throughout the Bay Area. He feels passionate about the transformative impact spaces have on the lives they touch

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  • Harper graduated with a degree in advertising from the school of journalism and communications at University of Oregon. He joined the Dorman Associates team in 2021 as the firm's brand manager. Harper assists the studio manager with business operations along with creating marketing strategies to reach our client bases.