Helena Cardona

Helena finds architecture deeply rewarding because it shapes our environment, influences daily life, and reflects our cultural values. She enjoys how the work blends creativity with problem solving.⁠ 

Helena earned her master’s degree in architecture from California College of the Arts and completed her undergraduate studies at the University of New Mexico. 

Helena grew up on the Texas/Chihuahua border and is bilingual. Outside of work, she volunteers with Galería de la Raza and the ACE Mentorship Program. She was awarded the Leadership in Arts and Social Impact Award in recognition of her leadership in promoting the arts and making a meaningful social impact through architectural and community initiatives at Galería de la Raza.

Dana Manea

As a passionate architect, Dana is committed to sustainable design principles, leveraging advanced building systems and technologies. Growing up in Europe profoundly shaped her perspective on architecture and urbanism, which continues to influence her vision and passion for creating a beautiful and sustainable built environment. 

Dana has extensive experience working on various project typologies ranging from multi-family housing, restaurants and educational spaces to office tenant improvements. She earned her Professional Bachelor of Architecture Degree from California Polytechnic State University at San Luis Obispo, with a Summa cum laude distinction and attended École Nationale d’Architecture Paris Val de Seine, furthering her studies in urbanism and history. Recently, she also got certified as a Passive House Designer.  

Marco Aiello

Marco is a passionate architect who truly believes in the role of design to improve the world. He is particularly drawn to how architecture shapes daily life, transforms cities, and enhances environments—creating beauty and bringing joy to communities.

Before moving to California, Marco lived in Italy and Germany, gaining experience in office buildings, low-energy homes, and prefabricated platform frame technology. He earned his master’s in architecture from the University of Florence and studied abroad at Vilnius Gediminas Technical University in Lithuania. Known for his positivity and problem-solving skills, Marco approaches each project with enthusiasm and a keen sense of curiosity.  

Yung Chang

With 28+ years of experience in architecture, Yung is deeply passionate about creating environments which enhance and nurture the quality of life. He is a seasoned Senior Project Manager who excels at breaking down complex problems into simpler tasks and finding sensible solutions. For him, it’s about creating extraordinary design through ordinary means. 

Yung holds a Master’s degree from UC Berkeley and a Bachelor’s degree from Georgia Tech. His diverse educational background also includes studying at Ecole D’Architecture UPA-17 in Paris. One of Yung’s success stories is designing and building a ground-up home for his family, which he describes the house matriarch as his “toughest client ever.”  

Ephraim Mayrena

Ephraim is highly skilled at producing renderings and graphics and possesses a keen eye for photography. He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo. Before entering the field of architecture, Ephraim spent three years as a barista in Sacramento’s vibrant coffee scene, where he discovered a passion for photography alongside his coworkers and friends. Photography has influenced Ephraim’s architectural work, providing him with a deep understanding of light and composition. These skills have enhanced his renderings and deepened his comprehension of spatial experience.  

Rioka Anne Kanazawa

Anne joins us as a recent graduate from Cal Poly SLO where she participated in both the LA METRO and Rome Study Abroad Program.  She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture and a Minor in Sustainable Environments.  Her passion for designing a space that impacts the user physically and mentally, aligns with Studio VARA’s design approach of human-centric experiences. Anne hopes to inspire people with her creativity.

Gail Avila

Gail joins our Interiors team as an industry change from her years in retail e-commerce and home furnishings. Gail is a problem-solver with a growth mindset, and is excited to have the opportunity to learn from, and be around, the creative people of VARA.  

Andrea Mein

Andrea joins us as Studio VARA’s Operations Manager. She brings 12 years of experience in residential construction projects, with strong skills in project management and creating productive, positive teams. Andrea’s favorite parts of a project are figuring out how to execute unique design elements and seeing the owner’s happy faces when they walk into their finished home.

Blair Stingley

As Studio VARA’s resident sketch artist and office deejay, Blair brings her positivity, enthusiasm, and playfulness to the team. She enjoys the design phase of a project and thrives on collaboration and continuous learning from her colleagues. Blair’s motivation lies in turning clients’ visions into reality by exploring and presenting creative solutions.

Blair graduated from the University of Texas at Austin, earning her Bachelor of Architecture degree. She is highly skilled in hand drawing and watercolor and has been able to translate her talents into freelancing as a graphic designer and artist as well.

When Blair is not working, she can be found running about San Francisco’s Mission District, painting at home, or doting on her precious pet cat.

Vera Tong

Vera has a BSc. in Environmental Geography from the University of Toronto and a M.Arch from Syracuse University. What she enjoys most about being an architect is the endless problem solving, the opportunity to collaborate with and learn from her creative colleagues, and seeing a beautiful drawing set come to life. Having moved here from New York and Colorado with experience in affordable housing, multi-family and TI projects, she is excited to now explore the world of high-end single-family design.