About

Julia Contaldo, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, is the founder and principal of WEFAS Architecture, established in 2019. A licensed architect in California since 2008, Julia brings over two decades of experience in architecture, design management, and project delivery across a wide range of sectors—including aviation, transportation, government, education, and residential—both domestically and internationally.

Julia’s career has been defined by her ability to lead large, interdisciplinary teams through complex design challenges, always with a deep commitment to design excellence, technical precision, and public-serving outcomes. Prior to launching WEFAS, she worked with internationally renowned firms SOM and HOK, where she played key roles in high-profile aviation and civic projects. Her contributions include the Terminal 2 lobby renovation at LAX, the design of a pedestrian connector bridge at Terminal 3, and the extensive retrofit of elevators and escalators across the airport. She was also a core team leader for the award-winning Long Beach Civic Center, delivered through a Public-Private Partnership (P3) model.

At WEFAS Architecture, Julia continues to lead projects that span both public and private sectors. Drawing on her background in Building Information Modeling (BIM), sustainability (LEED), and health-based design (WELL AP), she ensures that each project integrates environmental responsibility with user-centered solutions. Julia’s architectural practice is grounded in thoughtful design, technical rigor, and a collaborative spirit. She is passionate about empowering communities through architecture and is deeply committed to making design accessible, equitable, and enduring.

Dan’s expertise lies in Computational Design, BIM and VDC integration, and Environmental Analysis. He is particularly skilled in leveraging emerging technologies—including artificial intelligence and machine learning—to improve design workflows, enhance interdisciplinary coordination, and streamline construction documentation. His software fluency includes expert-level proficiency in Revit, Dynamo, Rhino Inside Revit, and Autodesk Construction Cloud, as well as advanced programming capabilities in Python and the Revit API.

Prior to joining WEFAS Architecture, Dan was focusing on developing custom tools and plug-ins, and training AEC professionals from entry-level staff to C-Suite executives. His notable past work includes BIM coordination for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art and design integration for transportation hubs across California. He has also contributed to post-disaster housing reconstruction through precision as-built modeling and collaborated on numerous adaptive reuse and renovation projects.

David Dorier-Sammut is a licensed Structural and Civil Engineer with more than a decade of experience delivering innovative and cost-effective solutions across education, cultural, civic, and private sector projects. His work spans comprehensive school modernizations for LAUSD, higher education facilities, seismic retrofits, healthcare campuses, and cultural landmarks such as the Queen Mary. David is known for his ability to bridge architectural vision with structural practicality, ensuring projects meet performance, budget, and schedule goals.

David has managed and designed projects ranging from large-scale design-build campuses and healthcare facilities to art installations and museum renovations, applying his expertise in structural analysis, seismic systems, and interdisciplinary coordination. His extensive knowledge of DSA and LAUSD requirements has positioned him as a trusted partner in advancing complex educational projects.

David holds dual master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) in Paris and in Structural Earthquake Engineering from UCLA. He is an active member of the Structural Engineers Association of Southern California and the ACE Mentor Program, reflecting his commitment to both professional excellence and mentoring the next generation of engineers.