Our Team
Fred Wilson Jr.
Partner
Fred’s leadership has created a company culture with respect at its core, one that sparks collaboration and encourages individual potential. Through his commitment to quality, he develops close client relationships and helps continue W Partnership’s reputation for excellence. The firm has evolved during Fred’s tenure, his guidance and vision advancing innovative and intelligent design. He began working with Jim Wallace in 1993, became a partner in 2006 and an executive of the firm in 2012. He has held his Texas Architect’s license since 1999 and has since gained licensure in thirteen additional states. Fred is a LEED Accredited Professional, holding membership in AIA and NCARB. He enjoys spending time golfing and traveling with his family. In partnership with Agape Development, Fred has helped in their mission to revitalize a local neighborhood by designing affordable housing for an inclusive community.
Michael Gonos
Partner | Director of Design
Coming from a family background in building, Michael has a natural interest in structure and design. He graduated from the University of Missouri with a Bachelor of Environmental Design and from the University of Kansas with a Master of Architecture. Michael joined W Partnership in 2011, became a licensed architect in 2014, and is a member of NCARB and a LEED accredited professional. As Director of Design, Michael guides the conceptual and schematic design for new projects. He works closely with clients to develop their ideas, crafting an architectural program that suits both practical and contextual needs. He also plays a key role in the leadership team to help manage the firm’s current endeavors and its future development.
Carl Hay
Principal | Director of Quality Control
As Director of Quality Control, Carl works jointly with WPI’s project managers to ensure that design and construction documents meet expected standards before construction begins. Previously working as a Design Manager with The Hanover Company, Carl joined W Partnership in 2010 and has maintained our firm’s long-established collaboration with the company, specializing in complex high-density projects. He is also an active member of WPI’s leadership team, assisting with firm management and planning. Carl attended the University of Texas at Austin, where he earned his Bachelor of Architecture. He has over 30 years of experience in the profession, is a member of AIA and NCARB, and is a registered architect in Texas, Colorado, North Carolina, Georgia, and Virginia. He pursued this career path thanks in part to his father, who was also an architect.
Candice Tape
Principal | Dir. of Prof. Development
Candice joined W Partnership in 2007 while studying at the University of Houston’s College of Architecture and Design and has been with the firm full-time since 2010. A licensed architect, Candice leads feasibility studies, site planning, and concept and schematic design across a range of project types. She also plays an integral role in guiding firm operations, helping to refine processes and elevate the consistency and quality of project delivery. As Director of Professional Development, Candice oversees training, mentorship, and leadership development initiatives, with a focus on building strong teams and supporting long-term growth across the firm. She also serves on the firm’s E:DI Action Committee, advancing efforts to foster a more inclusive workplace and community.
Lauren Christian
Associate Principal
Lauren joined W Partnership in 2014 and earned her Architect and Interior Design Licenses in 2017. In addition to her role as an Associate Principal and Project Manager, Lauren serves as the firm’s coordinator for the Revit Resource Group facilitating WPI’s use of the program to maximize project efficiencies. Lauren attended The Catholic University of America, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Planning, and Texas A&M University for her Masters of Architecture.
Joel Njenga
Senior Project Manager
Joel always knew that he wanted to have a career that utilized his creative skills. When he discovered that he could pursue Architecture as a profession, he developed his artistic and technical skills and attended SCAD & Kennesaw State University for his Bachelor of Architecture. Joel joined W Partnership in 2011 and currently serves as a Senior Project Manager. In this role, Joel is in constant communication with clients, consultants, and colleagues. He is responsible for organizing the project schedule, reviewing drawings, monitoring project scope and budget, and, most importantly, leading and mentoring his team to ensure their success.
Irini Kotelou
Senior Project Manager
Irini has always had an aesthetic appreciation for space and design. Her interest in the impact that architecture has on our visual environment, on society, and on the individual experience guided her decision to enter the profession. Irini studied Architecture at the National Technical University of Athens and moved to the United States for post-graduate studies at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. In 2013, she joined W Partnership and is now one of the firm’s Senior Project Managers, specializing in high-density projects. She works with the design team as they collaborate with clients on schematic design and develops the drawings with her team, coordinating with consultants and clients through the completion of the project.
Kurt Reyna
Construction Phase Architect
Kurt joined W Partnership in 2012 and earned his Texas Architect License in 2015. He is in AIA, NCARB, and is a LEED BD & C Accredited Professional, currently serving as Construction Phase Architect, managing WPI's Construction Phase team. In this role, Kurt leads the construction administration team and supports our projects through construction observation and responding to submittals and RFIs. He collaborates with clients and consultants, performs preliminary research, leads site visits, and finds solutions to any challenges during the construction phase. Kurt first became interested in architecture and construction as a kid while exploring new housing developments near his childhood home. As a young adult, he was inspired by the 80’s international style seen on Miami Vice reruns, and he graduated from Texas Tech with his degree in architecture. Kurt enjoys cinema of all kinds, finding construction and cooking videos online, and spending time with his family.
Charlie Dickson
Project Manager
Charlie Dickson joined the team in January 2025, bringing a strong background in architecture and design. A registered architect, he earned his undergraduate degree from The University of Texas at San Antonio before completing his graduate studies at The University of Houston. Architecture has always been a part of Charlie’s life—his father, also an architect, served as his inspiration. Though he initially pursued engineering, he decided to follow his true passion of Architecture and hasn't looked back. Outside of architecture, Charlie enjoys home improvement projects, golf, and motorsports. Most importantly, he loves spending time with his family and embracing the joys of fatherhood.
Monica Ma
Project Manager
Monica’s path into architecture began with a studio visit that inspired her to enroll at the University of Houston’s College of Architecture and Design. She earned both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Design before moving to Hong Kong, where she spent more than a decade working on commercial and industrial projects. In 2020, Monica returned to Houston and joined W Partnership, contributing to a range of higher-density multifamily developments. Now based in Seattle, she leads projects with a focus on design development and documentation, bringing a global perspective and technical rigor to her work.
Francia Velez
Project Manager
Francia joined W Partnership in 2015, and now serves as a Project Manager. She leads her team to coordinate drawings for multiple projects in the Construction Documentation and Administration phases, collaborates with clients and consultants, and studies code in various states and municipalities to ensure compliance. She also researches appropriate materials, products, and systems; reviews shop drawings and project submittals; and uses creative thinking to refine designs. Francia has always had an interest in drafting by hand, and her aptitude for technical thinking meant that architecture was a natural fit for her talents. She attained her degree at Universidad de Caldas in Manizales, Colombia and moved to the U.S. in 1993.
Tim Everett
Construction Phase Manager
After growing up in Haymarket, Virginia, Tim attended the Catholic University of America in Washington D.C. where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture. He joined W Partnership in autumn of 2010 and has been an integral part of the production team for many years. In 2025, Tim transitioned to become a Construction Phase Manager. In this role, Tim works within the construction administration team to support projects as they move towards completion.
Mark Causey
Senior Project Coordinator
After Mark graduated from Texas A&M with a degree in Environmental Design, he moved to Houston and got a job building townhouses. Finding the work unsustainable due to the Gulf Coast’s weather, he decided to join a structural engineering company as a draftsman, and in 1987 Mark was hired by Jim Wallace for a new business venture. Mark has stayed with W Partnership through name changes, office moves, and major shifts in the industry and holds the longest tenure at the firm. His focus is on quality assurance and quality control, where he uses his many years of experience to ensure each of our sets continue to strive for clarity and quality. Mark’s hobbies include playing with his two dogs and enjoying the countryside at his weekend place in New Baden, Texas.
Richard Fernandez
Senior Project Coordinator
Richard holds fond memories of seeing architectural drawings at a young age, which inspired him to join the profession. After gaining his education in architectural drafting, Richard initially worked for an engineering company. However, when the opportunity arose for him to pursue his true passion, he jumped at the chance, moving to a new city to join an architectural firm. Richard has over 30 years of experience in the industry and has been with W Partnership since 2010. Our resident detailing expert, he creates drawings for construction to accurately convey the designs to contractors.
Maria Evans-Martinez
Project Designer
Born in Guadalajara, Mexico, and raised in Houston, Texas, Maria brings a unique perspective to multifamily architecture. Her path to the profession was paved by her parents, who inspired her through their work in residential cleaning and drywall. These early experiences sparked a lifelong fascination with housing and the diverse ways design shapes how people live. A graduate of the University of Houston with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Maria joined W Partnership in 2019. Since then, she has grown from an architectural intern to a Project Designer. Her expertise spans the full life cycle of multifamily projects, including garden-style communities, urban high-density builds, and affordable housing. Today, she leads project coordination during the conceptual and schematic design phases, specializing in site feasibility, programming, and building aesthetics to ensure every project begins with a strong, client-focused foundation. Beyond her project work, Maria is a dedicated advocate for industry diversity, participating in Houston NOMA and diverse AIA Houston subcommittees. Internally, she works on W Partnership's EDI committee and assists coordination of the firm’s professional and philanthropic engagements.
Mayrem Hernandez
Assistant Project Manager
Originally from Venezuela, Mayrem earned her degree in Architecture in Maracaibo before moving to the United States, where she has built a career spanning more than 25 years in the field, including 22 years of U.S.-based experience. Throughout her career, she has been recognized for fostering collaboration, supporting her teams, and working closely with clients to ensure project goals and expectations are not only met but exceeded. Mayrem recently joined WPI as an Assistant Project Manager, bringing with her over 15 years of multifamily expertise. Her depth of knowledge and hands-on approach contribute to successful project completion, strong teamwork, and lasting client satisfaction. Outside of work, Mayrem enjoys spending time with her family and dancing.
Jose Juarez
Assistant Project Manager
Jose has had a fascination with architectural drawings since childhood. With his family’s encouragement he has over 20 years of experience in the industry. He joined W Partnership in 2018, currently serving as an assistant project manager. He helps to lead the project teams by coordinating with designers, communicating with clients, and distributing architectural background drawings to the consultants. Jose also assists with construction administration once the project has reached the construction phase.
Silvana Batllori
Assistant Project Manager
Originally from Merida, Mexico, Silvana is an avid traveler. She attended the Universidad Autónoma de Yucatán in Mexico, and the École Nationale Supérieure d’Architecture de Saint-Etienne in France, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture. Silvana then got her master’s degree at Escola Tècnica Superior d’Arquitectura de Barcelona in Spain, specializing in Restoration and Rehabilitation of existing buildings. In her role as Assistant Project Manager, Silvana enjoys collaborating creatively to develop design solutions. Silvana is a member of NCARB, a LEED Green Associate, and she earned her Texas Architect’s License shortly after joining W Partnership in 2020.
Sonia Olivares
Assistant Project Manager
Sonia began her tenure at W Partnership in the spring of 2021 and advanced to Assistant Project Manager in the spring of 2023. She earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Houston in 2012. Sonia possesses considerable experience across a diverse array of projects including single-family residences, townhomes, rental apartment complexes, multifamily mid-rise structures, and condominiums. In her current role, she plays a pivotal part in managing projects from the Schematic Design phase through to the Issued for Construction phase. Her expertise in Revit renders her an essential asset to the team, as she significantly enhances the modeling process and facilitates a smooth transition from schematic design to the construction phase. Sonia values the time she spends with her two daughters, engaging in global travel, and enjoys reading and exercise. These activities not only strengthen family connections but also express her commitment to a healthy lifestyle.
Edgar Saucedo
Assistant Project Manager
Edgar attended the University of Houston’s College of Architecture and Design, where he majored in Architecture and Environmental Design. In 2013, Edgar joined the team at W Partnership, where he now serves as an Assistant Project Manager. In this role, Edgar develops Revit models and drawings from Schematic Design through the Construction Development phase, specializing in podium and mid-rise project types.
Michael Agurcia
Project Coordinator
When beginning his studies at the University of Houston, Michael chose to pursue a career in architecture out of an appreciation of art and a fascination with technical composition. He achieved a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Construction Management and then joined W Partnership in the spring of 2021. A member of the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB), Michael is currently studying to attain his Texas licensure.
Gustavo Assing
Construction Phase Coordinator
Gustavo is a graduate of the University of Houston’s Hines College of Architecture, where he studied in the Bachelor’s of Architecture program alongside earning a Minor in Construction Management. Additionally, Gustavo is certified with the USGBC as a LEED Green Associate, having displayed both keen interest and understanding in practical, sustainable architecture concepts. Outside of school and work, Gustavo acts as both Founder and ‘Lead Storyteller’ for the Collaborative Storytelling Project, a growing extracurricular community of students and young professionals who come together to tell collaborative, imaginative, and immersive fictional stories.
Erick Bretana
Project Coordinator
Phillip Bridges
Project Coordinator
Phillip Bridges, born and raised in Houston, TX, is a seasoned architectural designer with over ten years of experience in the industry. He holds a Master's degree in Architecture and has built a strong foundation in both traditional design and cutting-edge technology. His expertise spans several architectural software programs, reflecting his passion for continuously learning new tools to enhance his work. A technologist and maker at heart, Phillip has a deep background in digital fabrication, blending his creative vision with practical solutions. He enjoys problem-solving and thrives on finding innovative ways to bring designs to life. Throughout his career, he has remained dedicated to evolving with the ever-changing landscape of architecture, making him a versatile and forward-thinking professional.
Lulieth Cardona-Mejia
Project Coordinator
Multi-talented Designer/Researcher/Reviewer with a wide array experience in different Industries, and more than 25 years working in Architectural projects. Lulieth attained her Bachelor of Science, Industrial Design in Colombia and moved to U.S in 1999. She joined WPI family as a Project Coordinator in 2022.
Simon Cruz
Project Coordinator
Originally from Caracas, Venezuela, Simon’s true home is Calgary, Canada. He moved to Houston after getting married in 2014, and he joined W Partnership as a project coordinator in 2021. After playing with Legos throughout his childhood, Simon followed his passion to study architecture at the Universidad Central de Venezuela, where he earned his degree in Architecture and Urban Studies. He then went on to achieve a master’s degree in History of Architecture.
Mallory Perez
Project Coordinator
Mallory joined W Partnership in the fall 2025, concurrent to finishing her Master of Architecture at the University of Houston, with a concentration in Sustainable Design. She earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design and minors in Art and Architecture History, and Sustainable Architecture and Planning, from Texas A&M University, and is a very proud Aggie. Mallory brings with her extensive experience in both residential and commercial architecture. She has been using 3D modeling software to design homes since the age of ten, when her dad gave her a Home Design software disk that she dove into like a video game. It was at that age that she decided she wanted to become an architect, and she has been committed to that path ever since. Mallory enjoys using her strong creativity to solve the puzzles of the built environment and enhance the experience of people within a space. Her position on the schematic design team allows her to make a significant impact with that passion.
Priscilla Siswanto
Project Coordinator
Priscilla is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin, where she studied in the Architecture/Architectural Engineering Dual degree program. During her time at school, Priscilla was involved in extracurricular activities such as the UT Undergraduate Architecture Student Council and was a Coordinator for the UT Material Exchange.
Kyle Swisher
Project Coordinator
Kyle joined W Partnership as a Project Coordinator in 2025 as a proud University of Houston alumni and licensed Architect. Kyle graduated with a Bachelor's Degree in Architecture, a minor in Energy and Sustainability, and brings 4 years of experience in Commercial practice to the firm. As a Project Coordinator, Kyle assists projects teams in developing Schematic Designs, Construction Documents, and upholding quality standards. In his free time Kyle enjoys coaching the collegiate Ballroom Dance teams at both the University of Houston and Rice University, along with running an occasional game of Dungeons and Dragons.
Sara White
Project Coordinator
Sara is inspired by the effects the built environment has on human emotions and psyche. She moved to Texas from lil’ ol’ Iowa to attend the University of Houston, where she graduated in 2021. She promptly joined W Partnership and has become a valuable asset to her team.
Melody Wright
Office Manager
As Office Manager, Melody wears many hats at W Partnership. She joined the firm in 2015 and was promoted to her current role in 2018. Her leadership responsibilities include preparing client proposals, project contracts, processes and balances both AP & AR, ensuring both architect and firm licensing is in compliance in seventeen different states, maintains business insurance coverage, manages payroll system, coordinating benefits, and providing guidance on human resources for the office. Melody also manages staff records and onboarding, and she works closely with principals and partners to help direct the firm. She is a notary of the public and has had years of experience through her administrative work at other architectural firms. She serves on the Events and EDI Action Committees in order to build a warm and inclusive office environment.
Jim Wallace
Founder (Emeritus)
For over 40 years, Jim has specialized in the design and planning of multi-family housing developments. He has won multiple design awards, has been a frequent speaker for the Urban Land Institute and the Multi-Family Housing World Conference, and has held membership in numerous industry organizations — serving as an appointed member on the American Institute of Architect’s National Housing Committee. Jim graduated from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 1971. In 1975, he received his Architecture License in the State of Texas, and in 1987 Jim founded Wallace + Associates, renamed W Partnership, Inc. in 2018. With hundreds of thousands of multi-family units spanning across the U.S., he is a leader in the profession and remains an integral part of the history of our firm.