Crafting Modernism, Together
At Modern Architecture, our team is the foundation of our practice. We are a diverse group of architects, designers, and thinkers united by a shared commitment to modernist principles, environmental responsibility, and design excellence. Each team member brings a unique perspective and deep expertise to every project, shaping spaces that are both innovative and enduring. Our collaborative culture fosters creativity, precision, and a deep respect for the people and communities we serve.
Bill has worked on projects of various types and sizes throughout the western United States. A Licensed Architect in California since 1980, he was awarded an NCARB Certificate (1980), and has been a CSI Certified Construction Specifier since 1978. Before establishing WFA, Fisher worked with several top design firms, including William Pereira and A.C. Martin where he served as a Director of Architectural Production. Work for these firms included a broad range of commercial and institutional projects such as high-rise office buildings and many public and government buildings. Bill worked with the Local Government Commission on statewide conservation issues has taught architecture classes at community colleges for 35 years, and counts many architects, engineers, and Planning and Building Department officials among his past students. He’s been active in various professional societies including the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Construction Specifications Institute, the Urban Land Institute, the International Conference of Building Officials, and the American Planning Association.
Bill Fisher
Architect + Principal
After obtaining a Master's degree in architecture, in 2012, Courtney began a career at WFA, Inc. Working her way up to our Project Architect and Chief of Operations. Courtney is interested in helping shape the local community she grew up in and seeing the positive impact she has made throughout the Bay Area.
Courtney Hughes
Chief of Operations + Project Architect
Originally from the Santa Cruz Mountains, Amber graduated from the University of Texas at Austin with a master’s degree in architecture following her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The University of Texas at San Antonio. After traveling overseas and starting a family, Amber moved back to the Santa Cruz Mountains where she established her architectural career. Amber has a strong and thorough education in Architecture which gives her the ability to perform an array of architectural tasks and participate in a broad range of projects as she pursues licensure.
Amber Kinslow
Project Design + Project Manager
Originally from Livermore, CA, Ian began his career in drafting after completing a 4-year AutoCAD program in high school. Starting in electrical design and project management, Ian continued his career designing in several different disciplines including: low-voltage controls, distributed antenna systems, fire alarm systems, clock/PA systems, semiconductor, mechanical and plumbing systems, eventually transitioning into his original interest, architecture.
Ian Patience
Project Manager
Lydia has been developing in the field of architecture since her graduation in 2012 with a Masters in Architecture from Judson University in Elgin, IL outside of Chicago. Lydia enjoys problem solving, helping bring ideas to life, and developing a project through each phase into the exciting stage of construction and beyond. When not working on drawing sets she can be found sketching, spending time with friends and family, or spending time at the ocean.
Lydia Peros
Project Architect
Spirit is an accomplished designer with a diverse background spanning residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Her unique foundation in Interior Architecture allows her to design from the "inside out," ensuring that the flow and aesthetic of your interior spaces are as carefully considered as the structural addition itself.
Spirit Diener
Project Design + Project Manager
Originally from Baltimore, Maryland, Savanna moved to Santa Cruz in 2015 in the pursuit of passion: a creative career in the studio, and climbing adventures in the mountains. specialize in working within constraints—whether it’s optimizing small spaces, designing for challenging lots, or integrating complex client needs into a cohesive vision.
Savanna Leigh, CDT, LEED AP
Project Designer + Project Manager
Denice brings a Bachelor’s degree and nearly four decades of dedicated accounting experience to the team, including four years with WFA. She handles all of our core bookkeeping operations, overseeing accounts payable, billing, and payroll with precision.This allows our design team to focus entirely on creating exceptional architectural projects. When she is not in the office, Denice enjoys traveling, quilting, camping, and spending quality time with her family and her dog.
Denice Pearson
Bookkeeper
As the BIM technician at William Fisher Architecture, Sandra supports the team in the development of architectural documentation where she implements redlines, maintains organized project models, and develops design options throughout the design process. She is a UCSC alumna, has completed coursework in Engineering Technology and Architecture, and brings a strong background in project support.
Sandra Pineda
BIM Technician
After earning his degree in Architecture, Aries built a career spanning decades across commercial and residential projects, developing deep expertise in Revit and BIM modeling, construction documentation, and structural coordination. He enjoys the technical work of translating design intent into buildable, well-coordinated models. Outside the studio, his hobby is photography, with a particular eye for landmarks and historic architecture.
Aries Silva Alvarez
BIM Technician
Beasley
Head of Security
After earning her Communication Degree from UCLA, Emily moved back home to Santa Cruz. With over 6 years of management experience and a background spanning marketing, interior design, administration, human resources, and operations, Emily now works as a BIM Technician, bringing that same organizational strength and attention to detail to her technical work. She holds a Computer Aided Drafting and Design certification from Cabrillo College and is currently pursuing an Interior Design Professional Certificate at West Valley Mission College, blending her design sensibility with technical precision. In her free time, Emily enjoys rock climbing, yoga, and any and all arts and crafts.
Emily Elizer
BIM Technician
With a background in customer service, Kennedy brings over 10 years of management experience focused on leadership, organization, and creating positive client and team experiences. As the Office Manager at WFA, Kennedy oversees day-to-day operations and helps keep the business running smoothly. Outside of work, Kennedy is a student at Cabrillo and West Valley College and enjoys shopping for all things vintage.
Kennedy Bell
Office Manager
