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As Founding Principal of TOPA Architecture, Ramiro’s belief in human centered designs and placemaking with a high social impact are guiding philosophies for the firm. Living and working in the San Jose Bay Area for twenty years he is passionate about integrating practical design solutions and community-first architecture in all his firm’s work.

A licensed architect and a graduate from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo with a Bachelor of Architecture, Ramiro values industry equity and inclusion. He has been the Chair of the Historic Landmarks Commission of San Jose. He is currently: a board member of the Diocesan Building Committee, a Rotarian of the San Jose Rotary Club, a member of the San Jose Downtown Association’s Downtown Design Committee, a member of the Villa Montalvo Latinx board, and on the board of Local Color, a woman-powered nonprofit public art organization.

“I decided to train as an architect because I saw the influence design had on tying local communities together. I love living and working in San Jose, it is such a multi-culturally rich city, and I’m proud to be part of the efforts to design a future that strengthens and shows the spirit of San Jose.”

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As a Vice President at TOPA Architecture, Jorge focuses on building solid and lasting relationships with clients and ensuring their project needs are met and their expectations exceeded. A people person at heart, Jorge is always there to take care of the client. He also oversees firm operations, including tight quality control standards and keeping the firm’s culture focused on work/life balance. 

Jorge is deeply committed to the future of San Jose. He is active in the San Jose Downtown Association’s Downtown Design Committee, which advocates for design excellence in the high-profile projects that are redefining San Jose, and he was a mentor for the mentorship program of CREW Silicon Valley.   

Jorge graduated from the University of Nevada at Las Vegas with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

“I joined TOPA Architecture because of their commitment to projects with high social impact. One of our clients, which is close to my heart, is the School of Arts & Culture at the Mexican Heritage Plaza. We are helping them create a place that is open to and enhances not only our Mexican American culture but also all other cultures in East San Jose. I love attending events there, knowing I am helping to build and promote my community.”

Jared approaches every project with the buildability and end product of the design in mind. As production manager, he takes the architect’s vision from the conceptual design and makes it constructable. Jared manages quality control and coordination with the design team, consultants, and the owner, and he is constantly looking for how to meet the client’s goals better. The most rewarding aspect of a project for Jared is working hands-on with the design team, and the contractors as the design comes to life.

Jared graduated from the University of Idaho with an Accredited Master of Architecture.

“I love being an advocate for the client’s vision. Having that opportunity to grow and expand their vision and to provide a unique “a ha” moment within a space where their design vision is realized.”

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As job captain and designer, Geno takes your project idea from the concept design stage through finish selection and city permitting. He prides himself on his iterative planning and efficient drawings with just the right amount of detail to keep the project momentum going. He is a brand advocate and passionate about sustainable design practices.

Geno’s process-oriented approach comes from his corporate retail background, where he helped design Sketchers U.S.A. Inc’s prototype concept store. He has a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Kent State University in Ohio.

“I love having a positive impact on communities. One of my favorite projects is the SoFA Pocket Park. It took a disused parking lot and made it beautiful. We partnered with the San Jose Downtown Association and designed a space that included a dog park and a demonstration garden for Veggielution Community Farm. Then, we coordinated with Local Color and the San Jose Quilts Museum on mural designs for the surrounding walls. The park became a real asset for the city.”

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As TOPA’s Director of Finance and Administration, Cinthya supports the firm with her experience and knowledge in accounting and is responsible for the company’s long-term financial health and growth. Her experience in business finance has allowed her to succeed at TOPA by implementing the skills and expertise acquired through the years.

“I moved from Mexico to California when I was twelve years old and I was always trying to find a place that fit. TOPA’s commitment to community has always resonated with me. We create and design spaces where people can see themselves, spaces that fit them, instead of spaces where they adapt to fit in. It’s very much like our office culture. We are a diverse group of professionals from different nationalities, and TOPA is this inclusive and welcoming place where we all fit together.”

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As an Architectural Designer and a LEED Green Associate, Parisa is keenly aware of the effect of design on the environment and the impact of sustainable design on communities and workplaces. She is also passionate about making communities more accessible. Parisa listens to the client’s ideas and needs, then designs projects that bring the client’s vision to life. Her work connects and engages communities while keeping sustainability and accessibility in mind.

Parisa has a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California at Berkeley.

“Whenever I travel internationally, I see the restrictions on accessibility in design; even using a bathroom can be a challenge. So when I design a project—a school, classroom, or workplace— I focus on making them accessible to everyone so the whole community can engage in the opportunities the space provides.”