Attachment A - Architectural Review Board Applications Redacted

Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 9 March 2024, 6:14pm
Receipt number 64
Related form version 13
Name Ajay Kumar Mishra
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural Review Board?
Palo Alto Weekly
Personal Information
1 of 4

Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I request that the City of Palo Alto redact my home address, phone numbers, and email address from the attached Board and Commission Application prior to posting to the City’s website.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Startup Founder
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Education:

B.Tech, Electrical Engineering, IIT Kanpur
Ph.D., 3D Computer Vision/Robotics, University of Maryland/NUS Experience:

Research Scientist, Amazon: Advanced computer vision techniques.

Lead Software Engineer, Magic Leap: Led augmented reality projects.

Director of AI, Hover3D: Pioneered 3D modeling for home exteriors.

Current Role:

CEO, Trisetra: We make 3D visualization easy for homeowners.

Trisetra's app enables homeowners and professionals to collaborate effectively by navigating and annotating 3D models of homes under construction. This facilitates superior spatial understanding, aiding in the optimization of architectural designs and enhancing stakeholder communication.

My background marries technical innovation in 3D visualization and AI with practical applications in construction and design. I'm committed to leveraging this expertise to contribute to the Architectural Review Board's mission of promoting sustainable and thoughtful urban development in Palo Alto.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Though I haven't directly engaged in volunteer or civic organizations due to intensive professional endeavors, my work, notably with Trisetra, aligns with societal betterment through technology. We enhance home construction and design communication via 3D visualization, underscoring a commitment to community improvement.

I'm now eager to translate this commitment into direct community service, particularly in technology's role in sustainable urban development. My candidacy for the Architectural Review Board is a step toward this goal, aiming to contribute my expertise to Palo Alto’s inclusive and sustainable planning efforts.

I look forward to expanding my involvement in civic and volunteer initiatives, leveraging my background to enrich our community’s quality of life.

Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
My interest in the Architectural Review Board is driven by a passion for integrating technology with design to enhance living spaces. My background in 3D visualization and computer vision, developed through roles from Research Scientist to CEO of Trisetra, equips me with unique insights into the transformative potential of architectural planning.

At Trisetra, I've pioneered tools that enable stakeholders to visualize construction projects in 3D, enhancing design clarity and communication. This experience has refined my ability to bridge technical innovation with practical design applications, ensuring projects are both Application Questions
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aesthetically pleasing and functionally superior.

I aim to contribute this blend of technological expertise and visionary thinking to the Board, promoting sustainable, efficient, and user-centric urban development. My commitment is to leverage my skills to help Palo Alto achieve architectural excellence that mirrors its community's values and forward-thinking spirit.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.

The recent Palo Alto revisions to SB9, streamlining design rules from 64 to 19, caught my interest. The initial response to SB9 highlighted the challenge of balancing community integrity with housing needs. My passion lies in utilizing technology to bridge such gaps. I see the confusion around SB9 applications as an opportunity to leverage advanced visualization technologies. By presenting design rules through clear animations instead of traditional sketches and 2D drawings, we can demystify regulations for homeowners and architects alike. This approach not only enhances transparency but also streamlines the planning process, making it more accessible and engaging. My experience in 3D visualization at Trisetra underpins my belief that such technological solutions can significantly improve communication and understanding in urban planning and development.

3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
If appointed, I’d focus on sustainable development, community engagement, and leveraging technology. I’d advocate for integrating sustainable design principles, ensuring projects align with environmental goals. To enhance public involvement, I propose digital platforms for transparent communication and feedback on projects. Additionally, I’d champion the use of 3D visualization tools to streamline the review process, providing clearer project insights and facilitating more informed decisions. My expertise in technology and commitment to sustainability will help make the architectural review process more efficient, inclusive, and aligned with Palo Alto’s growth objectives.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

The Magical Bridge playground in Mitchell Park is a great example of good architecture that combines utility and beauty.

5. Architectural Review Board Members work with the
documents listed below. If you have experience with any of these documents, please describe that experience. Experience with these documents is not required for selection, but will help you better understand the work of the board.

I am learning about zoning codes and design guidelines but I am not professionally familiar with the codes and guideline list If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
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Signature Name of signatory: Ajay K Mishra
Link to signature
Date Completed 03/09/2024
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Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 7 November 2023, 5:29pm
Receipt number 56
Related form version 6
Name Geddes Ulinskas
Address
City
Postal Code
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural Review Board?
Community Group
Personal Information
1 of 4

Read the code, and check only ONE option below: I give permission for the City of Palo Alto to post to the City’s website the attached Board and Commission Application intact. I have read and understand my rights under Government Code Section 6254.21. I may revoke this permission at any time by providing written notice to the Palo Alto City Clerk.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

GRADUATE OF LA JOLLA HIGH SCHOOL IN LA JOLLA CA.

BACHELOR OF ARCHITECTURE DEGREE FROM PRATT INSTITUTE
IN NEW YORK CITY. LICENSED ARCHITECT IN NEW YORK,
CALIFORNIA AND HAWAII. MEMBER OF THE AMERICAN INSTITUTE OF ARCHITECTS. WORKED AS AN ARCHITECT DESIGNING
RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS IN NEW YORK CITY FROM 1990 TO 1998.

WORKED AS AN ARCHITECT IN SAN FRANCISCO DESIGNING
RESIDENTIAL ARCHITECTURE FROM 1998 TO THE PRESENT.

ESTABLISHED GEDDES ULINSKAS ARCHITECTS IN 2005. LEED
CERTIFIED IN 2012.

Employment Information

GEDDES ULINSKAS ARCHITECTS
Occupation ARCHITECT
Is your Company/Employer your current one or last? Current Employer Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

BESIDES DESIGNING RESIDENTIAL BUILDINGS, I HAVE

DEVELOPED EDUCATION FACILITIES, DAY CARES AND PLACES
OF WORSHIP SUCH AS SYNAGOGUES. MY CLIENTS INCLUDE THE

RUSSIAN SPEAKING JEWISH COMMUNITY IN THE RICHMOND AND
CONGREGATION CHEVRA THIMIL IN SAN FRANCISCO. I HAVE

VOLUNTEERED FOR THE SAN FRANCISCO FOOD BANK AND THE
SIERRA CLUB. I HAVE ALSO PARTICIPATED IN CHARITABLE

DESIGN FOCUSED EVENTS SUCH AS BREAK THE CYCLE - TO

BENEFIT AT RISK CHILDREN, AND THE SAN FRANCISCO
DESIGNER’S SHOWCASE TO RAISE MONEY FOR UNIVERSITY
HIGH SCHOOL.

Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?

I HAVE A DEEP KNOWLEDGE OF HISTORICAL DESIGN AND
HISTORIC HOMES. MY STUDY OF ARCHITECTURE IN NEW YORK

AND PRACTICE OF ARCHITECTURE AND PRESERVATION IN NEW

YORK ALLOWED ME TO WORK ON MANY CLASSICAL REVIVAL
AND EARLY MODERN HOMES ON THE EAST COAST. I AM

PASSIONATE ABOUT MANY OF THE NEIGHBORHOODS IN PALO

ALTO SUCH AS PROFESSORVILLE AND BARON PARK AND WOULD

LIKE TO USE MY EXPERIENCE TO ENCOURAGE PRESERVATION

OF HISTORIC NEIGHBORHOODS AS WELL AS THE DEVELOPMENT
OF QUALITY STRUCTURES IN WHAT IS ADDED TO PALO ALTO.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.

I WAS INTERESTED IN THE BOARDS GUIDANCE OF THE
REPLACEMENT FIRE STATION AT 3600 MIDDLEFIELD ROAD. FIRE

STATIONS ARE ESSENTIAL SERVICES STRUCTURES AND HAVE A

CLEAR UTILITY TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD, BUT THEY ARE ALSO A

BENCHMARK FOR THE QUALITY THAT THE CITY IS WILLING TO
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INVEST IN ITS OWN BUILDING PROJECTS. THE BOARD

CAREFULLY CONSIDERED EVERYTHING FROM EXTERIOR

MATERIALS AND MASSING, TO THE OPEN SPACE AROUND THE

FIRE STATION AND HOW IT RESPONDED TO THE NEIGHBORHOOD
AND SURROUNDING SITE. I WAS IMPRESSED BY THE

THOUGHTFUL NATURE OF THE COMMENTS BY THE BOARD

MEMBERS TOWARD THE APPLICANT AND THE SUGGESTIONS

FOR THE APPLICANT TO CONSIDER ALTERNATE MATERIAL
CHOICES AND CONTRAST BETWEEN BUILDING SURFACES.

3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?

IF APPOINTED, I WOULD LIKE TO SEE THE ARCHITECTURAL

REVIEW BOARD CONTINUE ITS LEADERSHIP IN ENCOURAGING
SUSTAINABLE SOLUTIONS TO DESIGN. WITH MY EXPERIENCE IN

THE ARCHITECTURAL DESIGN FIELD AND RELATIONSHIP WITH

MANY GREEN BUILDING CONSULTANTS, I WOULD BE A

RESOURCE TO THE BOARD TO IDENTIFY PRACTICAL, EFFECTIVE
GREEN BUILDING PRACTICES. I AM ALSO AN AVID CYCLIST,

COMMUTING BY BICYCLE TO CAL TRAIN ON DAYS I TRAVEL TO
SAN FRANCISCO. I WOULD CONSTANTLY BE LOOKING FOR WAYS

TO MAKE THE PEDESTRIAN AND CYCLING EXPERIENCE OF PALO
ALTO THE BEST IT CAN BE.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

THE NEW POWER FACILITY AT STANFORD IS A BEAUTIFUL
EXAMPLE OF THOUGHTFUL, ELEGANT DESIGN. EVEN THOUGH

THERE ARE MANY INDUSTRIAL ELEMENTS TO THIS

DEVELOPMENT, THE RIGHT AMOUNT OF ARCHITECTURE IS

WOVEN AROUND THE PHYSICAL PLANT TO CREATE SOMETHING
THAT LOOKS LIKE IT IS A BEAUTIFUL ADDITION TO THE CAMPUS.

ALTHOUGH EICHLER HOMES HAVE BEEN AROUND FOR A LONG
TIME, I AM A FAN OF THEIR SIMPLICITY AND ELEGANCE. I HAVE

ENJOYED SEEING HOW MANY ORIGINAL EICHLER HOMES THERE

ARE IN PALO ALTO AND HOW WELL THEY ARE PRESERVED, OR

HAVE BEEN UPDATED IN A WAY THAT RESPECTS THE INTEGRITY
OF THE DESGIN.

AS AN ARCHITECT, I HAVE DESIGNED PROJECTS AT 3132 SOUTH COURT, 440 MELVILLE AND AT 1201 BRYANT STREET. FOR THESE

PROJECTS I HAVE HAD TO HAVE THROUGH KNOWLEDGE OF THE

PALO ALTO PLAN AND ZONING CODE, CEQA AND THE
SECRETARY OF THE INTERIOR’S STANDARDS. I HAVE ALSO HAD

TO UNDERSTAND THE DESIGN HISTORIC GUIDE LINES FOR
PROFESSORVILLE BECAUSE MY PROJECTS AT 1201 BRYANT AND
440 MELVILLE STREET FELL WITHIN THE HISTORIC
PROFESSORVILLE DISTRICT.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: GEDDES ULINSKAS
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Link to signature
Date Completed 11/07/2023
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Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 23 January 2024, 10:25pm
Receipt number 58
Related form version 13
Name Kendra Rosenberg
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? Yes
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural Review Board?
Other: Current sitting Vice Chair - reapplying for position Personal Information
1 of 3

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Principal Designer
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Kendra Rosenberg is the principal designer of KNR Design Studio. She has over 18 years of design experience spanning luxury hotels, high-end residences, and modern and traditional houses. She holds a Masters in Architecture and a Certificate in Building Science from the University of Southern California, where she won multiple awards for her architectural designs. Kendra is a U.S. Green Building Council LEED® Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C) and an associate member of American Institute of Architects (AIA). Currently serving as Vice Chair of the Palo Alto ARB.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Kendra currently serves as Vice Chair of the Palo Alto Architectural Review Board (ARB). She was a founding board member of The Magical Bridge Playground in Palo Alto, providing her expertise to develop a playground site for children of all abilities. She has also repeatedly designed for the Dreams Happen playhouse fundraising event, supporting Rebuilding Together Peninsula.

Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
I have served for 2 years on the ARB and have thoroughly enjoyed the experience thus far. As a residential designer, I regularly sit on the "other side of the table" when presenting my projects, and have learned a lot from the experience on this side of the decision making process.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.

We have covered a plethora of issues that I have found to be interesting.

Having been born and raised in Palo Alto, I have a somewhat unique perspective of having watching the city grow and change over the past 4 decades. Larger urban planning and setting standards for types of proposed housing (townhouses, condos, etc.) are of significant interest to me.

3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I would like to see the ARB review larger urban planning for specific areas to allow for unified, thoughtful, and comprehensive growth of the city. With many SB-330 projects on the horizon, getting low income housing is of critical importance, and making sure we meet our housing growth in a considerate way will be vital.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

I found the new proposed building at 3300 El Camino (in front of the existing Rivian building) to be a very interesting project that crossed ARB's table. The methods of large timber construction, lots of glass, and living roofs were elegant and thoughtful. Also, the proposed "Cenote" Senior Citizen living facility at 824 San Antonio. We have a growing elderly population and will need more of these types of buildings in the near future.

Application Questions
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I have reviewed all of these documents during my time on ARB.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Kendra Rosenberg
Link to signature
Date Completed 01/23/2024
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Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 3 February 2024, 4:23pm
Receipt number 59
Related form version 13
Name Mousam Adcock
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? No
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural Review Board?
Other: I am a current board member.

Personal Information
1 of 3

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Architect
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.

Licensed Architect in the State of California
LEED Accredited Professional
Education:

M. Architecture – The Ohio State University – 2004
B.S. Civil Engineering – Lafayette College – 2001
B.A. Art – Lafayette College – 2001
Employment History:

Principal at CAW Architects – with the firm since 2011
Architect at Acock Associates Architects 2007-2011
Designer at WSA Studio – 2004-2007
Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

Currently a board member on the Palo Alto Architecture Review Board (since October 2023).

AIA Columbus Board of Directors - 2008-2010
Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
I am interested in making a positive impact in my community. I have been working in Palo Alto for over a decade and have seen the impact the ARB can make in shaping the built environment around us. Though my work in designing various projects at Stanford University, UC Santa Cruz, UC Berkeley, various K-12 schools and several community facing public and private projects in the bay area, I have learned to work within the context of my projects, design impactful projects and be an engaged listener for all the constituents.

I am currently a board member on the Palo Alto Architecture Review board and I believe my experience has served me well in the ARB.

Although I have been on the board for only a few months since I was appointed to finish a previous board member’s term, I believe I have an effective board member providing thoughtful comments to improve the designs that the board has reviewed in these months. I look forward to the opportunity to continue to serve the city.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.
70 Encina was presented to the board for preliminary review on December 7, 2023. This project is trying to develop an existing parking lot for much needed housing in Palo Alto. However, its site (a privately owned parcel) directly adjacent to Town and Country posed significant challenges to all parties – developer, architect, neighbors and the city.

This is one of those instances where a master plan for the entire street for densifying and proving housing ahead of projects like this would be extremely beneficial. We, the ARB, provided preliminary feedback reviewing the project at hand, addressing the design as presented and with attention to the unusual constraints of this project. I found it particularly interesting because it highlighted the need for more global planning (knowing it is difficult with limited resources).

Application Questions
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3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
I am passionate about the environment. The design community must make impactful improvements in the way we design and build that responds to global warming. The ARB is a catalyst that can help reduce the built environment's greenhouse gas emissions. Though my experience in working on LEED projects and other sustainability measures, I plan to bring my knowledge and experience to inform the ARB's review of projects and future developments.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

My own firm, CAW Architects' project, the Palo Alto Junior Museum and Zoo is a complex project that is located next to Walter Hays Elementary School, Rinconada Park and single family residences across the street.

The design responds to the scale of the neighborhood while creating a large interior museum space that engages babies to teenagers and adults. The choice of exterior and interior materials, scale of spaces (both interior and exterior), spaces designed to house wildlife as close to their natural habitat as possible are all pieces of the puzzle that comes together in a way that looks effortless. The project was a very close collaboration between the design team, the Friends of the P.A. Junior Museum and Zoo and the City of Palo Alto. The project is not only an example of good architecture but also of the city and the community's commitment to provide and maintain a valuable resource.

Several of the projects I have worked on have been renovations or additions to historically significant buildings, either listed or eligible properties. For instance, in 2023, we won the California Preservation Foundation award for the project we designed on the U.C. Berkeley Greek Theatre site. That was an award for Contextual Infill. Our project was an addition to the theatre site with clarity of existing vs. new construction – compatible with the existing context. Our projects in historical context pay close attention to the Secretary of Interiors Standards for treatment of Historic properties.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

MKA - CAW resume 2024.pdf
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Mousam K. Adcock
Link to signature
Date Completed 02/03/2024
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Mousam Adcock has over nineteen years of experience in the practice of architecture. Mousam has a diverse experience in higher education work for private and public entities and commercial design. She brings a wealth of experience from programming to design and construction administration.

In her 11 years with CAW Architects, Mousam has completed the design and construction of a new 56,000 square feet conference center and office building for the Hoover Institution at Stanford University, renovation of Hohbach Hall at the Green LIbrary, Stanford University, a new science building for Monterey High School, the renovation and new construction project for Merrill College, UCSC, among others. She is currently leading the construction administration effort for another new building for the Hoover Institution and recently completed the design documents for a new building and a renovation for the Graduate School of Education at Stanford University. She is also designing a new YMCA building in Redwood City that will be a mass timber construction.

Mousam was an adjunct faculty at The Ohio State University, School of Architecture for five years and a board member for the American Institute of Architects, Columbus Chapter for two years during her residency in Columbus, Ohio.

SELECTED PROJECTS
Graduate School of Education, Stanford University
Green Library, Stanford University
Schultz Building, Stanford University
Hoover Institution Traitel Building, Stanford University Stanford Crown Hall Library Renovation, Stanford University Wallenberg First and Fourth Floor Renovations, Stanford University Programming and Expansion Studies, The Hoover Institution, Stanford University Mirada House, Stanford University
Encina Commons Study, Stanford University
Merrill College Renovations & Plaza Building, U.C. Santa Cruz Merrill Cultural Center Renovations, U.C. Santa Cruz
Monterey High School Biotechnology Wing, Monterey Peninsula Unified SD Silver Creek High School Building K, East Side Union HSD Greek Theater Restrooms, Concessions Building & Plaza, U.C. Berkeley

AWARDS AND COMPETITIONS
Hoover Institution Traitel Building, Stanford University - AIA Silicon Valley Merit Award 2018 Greek Theater Restrooms, Concessions Building & Plaza, U.C. Berkeley - California Preservation Foundation Design Award for Contextual Infill 2023 Her Place Design Challenge - Design Competition organized by Building Trust International for a Women’s Empowerment Center for Devchuli, Nepal - Honorable Mention 2021

EDUCATION
The Ohio State University, Master of
Architecture, 2004
Lafayette College, Bachelor of Science in Civil
and Environmental Engineering, 2001
Lafayette College, Bachelor of Arts in Art,
2001

AFFILIATIONS

LICENSED ARCHITECT IN
CALIFORNIA (C33958)
Registered Architect in Ohio - No. 0814638
USGBC LEED Accredited Professional
NCARB Certified
American Institute of Architects, member
AIA Columbus Board of Directors - Director
(2009/2010)

MOUSAM ADCOCK AIA, LEED AP

PRINCIPAL

Architectural Review Board Application
Submitted on 17 March 2024, 3:29pm
Receipt number 67
Related form version 13
Name Valerie Driscoll
Cell Phone Number
Home Phone Number
Email Address
Are you a Palo Alto resident? No
Address
City
Postal Code
Do you have any relatives or members of your household who are employed by the City of Palo Alto, who are currently serving on the City Council, or who are Commissioners or Board Members?
No
Are you available and committed to complete the term applied for?
Yes
Fair Political Practices
No
Excluding your principal residence, do you or your spouse own real property in Palo Alto?
No
How did you learn about the vacancy on the Architectural Review Board?
Other: Palo Alto City Employee
Personal Information
1 of 3

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Occupation Retired
Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

If describing work experience, please include
company/employer name and occupation.
15 plus years work experience in the fields of Accounting, Bookkeeping, Service to the Court, field of Defense, Architecture with regards to blue prints review analysis and assistance with. Attending of County/City Meetings, and that of the Democratic Party, and the Board of Supervisors, present in meetings with the City of Palo Alto with regard to transportation, permits, traffic concerns/issues, some investigation experience, general, College Degree and Education in Business, Psychology, Sociology, Law, and public meetings lobbying for the needs/rights of the people of Palo Alto, San Jose, Santa Clara County, work experience in industry including Oil Transport, a deep knowledge and respect for business, government, social service and I have studied Safety and Emergency Preparedness.

Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I have attended meetings in Santa Clara County, San Jose, Palo Alto, with a strong interest to help improve the City and to preserve specifically in Palo Alto the practices, traditions that support the preservation of resources and its cultural diversity as well as its History, Architecture, voting with the building and management decisions of the City, the time I lived in Palo Alto and the time I have been living in San Jose, and Santa Clara County, attended the Democratic Party meetings and public gatherings, to some extent, making recommendations for city and county improvement. I have worked in voter registration twice for a former city with care and concern for the city and vote regularly.

Personal and Job Experience

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
I bring 15 plus years of experience in numerous applicable disciplines- resume.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.

There is no issue that came before, but many I did hear during the meetings while living in Palo Alto, from transportation to governmental concerns, safety, to public issues, to cultural concerns and Hi-Tech, transportation and Traffic concerns, safety and elderly concerns, management of lands, resources and water that all concern me.

3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
To preserve the Historical traditional beauty of this fine city, and maintain its lasting legacy to the residents and generations to come, help with all aspects of city maintenance and needs, special concerns for all citizens in Palo Alto, for peace and prosperity for posterity.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

There was a parks center project I recall and Golf Course, as well as the museum and a number of historical buildings, the J Paul project I witnessed and other building projects, Police and Fire Department which are all important as well as numerous old buildings with the old historic beauty of its unique architecture which needs to me maintained, we have Application Questions
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more modern structures and we cannot lose the Historic beauty and charm of the city.

Downtown Urban Design Guidelines I have viewed in detail and many city council meetings when I lived in Palo Alto. Currently I have nothing to go into specifically, but recall the progress if mentioned. I have moved to a lovely address in San Jose,
If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

HRB - Driscoll Valerie - Latest CV.docx
Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Valerie Driscoll
Link to signature
Date Completed 3/17/2024
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Valerie Driscoll

Career Objective: To Volunteer as Historic Review Board Rep volunteer.

San Jose City Democratic Party meetings until March 2020.

City of Palo Alto; City Hall of San Jose and Santa Clara County Meetings involvement: Revenues; Transportation; Traffic; City/County Social Development; Housing; Zoning; City/County Planning and Development; Budget. Palo Alto City Hall: Being considered for position with City Hall: Their Historic Resources Board position with City Council, which has been left open for me to interview for.

Internship: Investigations- Atlas Investigations, San Jose, CA: Administrative Assistant to Owner, and database, computer input Skip Traces and Background Checks; Filing misc. duties 12/2010-1/2011. I am a graduate of the Global School of Investigations of Massachusetts and California.

Offered Investigations position paid or volunteer by well-known Civil, Criminal/ Bankruptcy attorney with fine reputation, well known by the Sheriff’s Dept. San Jose CA: Thomas Salcicia. Two weeks later he died. It was a shock to the legal community and to the Sheriff’s Dept. June 2016.

Healthcare- Breathe California, e.g. (American Lung Association) 501 C3: Teaching, database management, article writing, general office and internet, some marketing consulting regarding advertising, phones and accounts updating, processing:
12/2010-01/2011.

Sociology- Counseling Internship Trained by Licensed Social Worker to Counsel Mentally Ill clients: Agency: ACT, San Jose: 2009-2010.

Political Campaign Support to David Cortese, Santa Clara Supervisor: 2010-2011.

Asked to run for office while volunteering with Alza Corporation/ 2 terms: Voter Registration, Sunnyvale and San Jose.

Santa Clara County Recreation/Transportation: Dept. Land and Water Preservation; Public Meetings: Transportation; Traffic Meetings; League of Women Voters.

Author of Economics Book Guide, regarding City/ County Governance and the Economy of Silicon Valley and the United States.

Safety and Emergency Preparedness Representative with the City of Palo Alto Home Owner’s Community.

Work Experience:

Oil Transport Company, San Jose, CA: 08/1993- 09/1993: Accountant Mgr.

Auditor: A/P, A/R database files, with auditing, checking year -to-date totals; Bookkeeping office administration: Job -Costing; W -2’s, Payroll assistant Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Quick Books, Peach Tree. Education was sought full -time in Business; Psych ology: Liberal studies, as well as greater opportunity work experiences, the goal: To find a company with a more defined

succession plan, studied Psychology/Business. Started Paralegal studies.

Cisco/Lucent: 04/1993-08/1993: Cupertino, CA: AP/AR Assistant to Management Accounts/administration: Saved the company 1 million dollars before they became Cisco, negotiated contracts with Working with Account vendors; Tracking; Correspondence; Team environment; multi-tasking; bookkeeping, databases and hard copy, files, full service. Seeking permanent position with succession plan because company position was transitional.

Goodman Ball Defense (Missiles), Mountain View, CA: 04/1992-04/1993 Jr.

Accountant: Duties included: Assistance with payroll related functions; Use of Peach Tree software; AP/AR in purchasing and records; Job-costing; Organization of Logs; Fixed Asset Accounting, database files; Year-to-date files; W-2s; Double Entry bookkeeping Data base files and hard copy; Journals, ledger input (On Financial forms). H.R. duties were carried out. There were cutbacks in Defense during that time/better offer toward a hope for a company with a better succession plan.

Paid Internship and Job: Law Offices, Palo Alto, CA 12/1991-04/1992: Intern Law Administration: Civil, Criminal and Probate: Agency type of practice on Park Blvd. behind Superior Court. Court documents and prep for court, many.

San Mateo Apartment Complex Management: San Mateo, CA 09/1991-12/1991:

Administrative Assistant to Management, some bookkeeping; Correspondence;Team; assisting with tenant types of issues, maintenance.

Continued education, relocated, higher education was available and opportunities to train. Career sought, better succession plan. Transitioning during this time to Silicon Valley training, schools, relocation to Silicon Valley.

Education: Associates Degree: West Valley College, Saratoga, CA 9/2000-6/2006 Liberal Studies/Paralegal:2000-2003; Audited: Fort Hays State University/Global School of Investigations, MA/CA, graduate: 2009-2010; Quick Learning School:

San Jose, CA: A. Pre-licensing: Insurance: Health and B. Code and Ethics Certificate: 4/24/2010-5/15/2010- 52 hours total, completed.

Palo Alto, San Jose City Government meetings: 2010-2015 also: Formerly San Mateo College, San Mateo County 1980-1990.

Tech with Comp USA until Accounting position available in addition to work at College of San Mateo: drafting, and work later in Silicon Valley with an Architect on Blueprints and plans for building: 1982-1983 (nothing permanent available).

Healthcare, Oil industry, Bio Tech, and Non-profit 501 C3, as well, Apartment Complex Admin. Property Manager Assistant: Strong literacy in Microsoft Word/Windows: Excel Spreadsheets, some charts; Power Point, Outlook, Quick Books, Peach Tree software. Was a p/t tech. with Computer USA, built computer systems hardware computers with Stanford University Engineers: Worked with Hardware/software- 1986; Windows XP; Windows7; Windows 10; Explorer 9, 10; Programming and Networks skills, and html, Java; QC in computers manufacturing; Accounts management of database; DOS; Perl, C++; People Soft. San Mateo: College of San Mateo 80-89.

Consent to Publish Personal Information on the City of Palo Alto Website Please list your relevant education, training, experience, certificates of training, licenses, and professional registration.

Experience
Director of Architecture, Senior Campus Planner
Stanford University: University Architect / Campus Planning and Design [March 2012 - Present]
Senior Project Manager,Design Manager, Entitlements Manager Stanford University Medical Center: Planning Design & Construction [February 2006 - February 2012]
Senior Designer, Project Architect
SmithGroupJJR
[May 2002 - February 2006]
Designer
KMD Architects
[June 1999 - January 2002]
Designer
Bohlin Cywinski Jackson
[February 1999 - June 1999]
Designer
Desmone & Associates Architects
[August 1997 - December 1998]
Education
Carnegie Mellon University
Bachelor of Architecture (BArch)
Minor in English Studies
1994 - 1999
Cornell University
Architecture Study Abroad (Rome, Italy)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1998 - 1998
Kunming University of Science and Technology
Architecture Study Abroad (Kunming, China)
Architecture, Art & Planning
1997 - 1997
Licensure
Registered Architect, New York State
License #36269
Employment Information
Stanford University: University Architect, Campus Planning & Design Occupation Director of Architecture
Personal and Job Experience
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Is your Company/Employer your current one or last? Current Employer Please describe your involvement in community activities, volunteer and civic organizations, including dates and any offices held.

I I lived in San Francisco from 1999 - 2023, but never held any official public office or had ample time to volunteer to help my local community.

After 20 years commuting to Stanford every day, I finally moved to Palo Alto in the summer of 2023. I have spent the majority of my career helping to guide the planning and design of the Stanford's Land, Buildings and Real Estate, including:

Stanford University
Stanford Redwood City
Stanford Belmont
Stanford Research Park
Stanford Linear Accelerator Center
Stanford Shopping Center
Activities & Volunteering:

Series Director
Stanford University Spring Lecture Series in Architecture + Landscape + Urban Design
June 2012 – Present
Studio Critic & Lecturer
Stanford University - Architectural Design Program
Jan 2016 - Present
Studio Critic
Academy of Art University - School of Architecture
Jan 2018 - Present

1. Why are you interested in serving on the Architectural Review Board and what experience would you bring to the position?
During my 20 years working at Stanford Hospital and Stanford University, I have performed many different roles in the public process on behalf of those institutions, including:

Entitlements Manager
Project Manager
Campus Planner
Director of Architecture
I have collaborated with CoPA Planning, Public Works, Transportation, Fire & Police Departments. I have presented at ARB, Planning Commission, and City Council meetings. in my capacity as landlord, I have successfully guided dozens of Research Park and Shopping Center tenants through the ARB process. I believe I have a strong understanding of the values of the Palo Alto Community and the ARB, and the public process of planning and design review.

I realize that I would need to recuse myself from Stanford projects, but I still feel that I could make a positive impact on the ARB.

I am overjoyed to finally be living in Palo Alto, and would love the opportunity to help the guide the future of the Palo Alto built environment.

2. Please describe an issue that recently came before the Board that is of particular interest to you and describe why you are interested in it.

We currently have a housing crisis in the State of California, and are woefully behind in supplying sufficient affordable workforce housing for the Palo Alto Community. I believe that the next few years will bring many new multi-family residential projects, and there will be a lot of pressure on the ARB to ensure that the density and quality of these projects meet the high standards of the Palo Alto Community. Many existing residents love the historically low-density character of this area, and do not want to see it change. But we must all adjust to an increased population density, and I believe the design community is creative and collaborative enough to solve this critical social problem.

Application Questions
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3. If you are appointed, what specific goals would you like to see the Architectural Review Board achieve, and how would you help in the process?
One of the primary roles in my current position is to critique planning and design within a specific context. This requires the ability to zoom in & out of a project: focusing on the detail of how the proposed project itself is designed, while also considering how it meshes with the broader neighborhood. This ability to focus on different scales is critical to guiding design professionals who do not spend as much time in our community as we do.

I also take pride in my ability to remove my own ego from the design process. My goal is not to make my personal imprint on a project.

Rather, it is to assist the consultant teams to reach the optimal version of their concept & design. This often involves a skill for asking the right questions of the designer, rather than proposing specific solutions. I think I could help project applicants to clarify their own objectives in order to validate (or modify) their proposed solutions.

4. Please identify a project (or projects) that you find to be examples of good architecture, and explain why. You may include samples, identify project addresses, or provide links.

One of the projects that I am proudest of is the Center for Academic Medicine: 453 Quarry Rd, Palo Alto, CA 94304
https://www.hok.com/projects/view/stanford-university-school-of- medicine%E2%80%AFcenter-for-academic-medicine/
The site is at the threshold between the bustling Stanford Medical Center and the sprawling open space of Stanford's Arboretum. This unique dichotomy of active and passive, suburban and rural, became a key diver for the massing of the complex. We chose to spend a premium to construct all of the required parking below grade, and preserve a generous portion of the ground plane for a communal plaza and courtyard. The primary façade along Quarry Road is lifted 2 stories off the ground in order toe welcome the community into the project realm, and enjoy view to the Arboretum beyond. We further activated the ground plane by locating the most communal program elements at grade, including: restaurant (public), fitness center, genius bar, and conference center.

I have reviewed all of these documents in the past as part of my job as a project applicant on behalf of Stanford.

If you'd like to provide any additional documents, please upload below.

Please confirm that you have read the Boards and
Commissions Handbook.

Yes
Signature Name of signatory: Zachary Pozner
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Link to signature
Date Completed 01/18/2024
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Palo Alto City CouncilApril 1, 2024

Palo Alto City Council
April 1, 2024