ARCHITECTURE • CONSTRUCTION • MANAGEMENT
The Akeena Group is a collaborative design-build company dedicated to delivering holistic and sustainable building solutions. Based in beautiful Downtown Ventura, we are a woman owned, EDWOSB and 8(a) certified company, licensed as both an Architect and General Contractor in the State of California. Our company was created as a unique model in the design and construction field offering a full-service approach & simplifying the process of design and development for a harmonious manifestation of your project. We provide services that range from consultation & initial project design through completion of construction for governmental, commercial, and residential clients.
OUR WORK






























Every project has its
And we are here for all of it.
TAG TEAM

Laura Kay Dunbar
Principal and Owner
Laura Dunbar | Founder & Principal
With decades of experience spanning residential design, construction, rehabilitation and commercial tenant improvement projects, Laura brings a rare fluency across both design and building. She is especially inspired by clients who arrive with a need, a constraint, or a problem to solve—and believes the most rewarding projects emerge when listening leads the way. By weaving together site conditions, code requirements, and most importantly, the client needs and desires, Laura and her team create solutions that feel smart, intentional, and just a little bit magical.
When she’s not working, Laura’s usually playing with friends, hiking the Sierras, discovering the beauty of a stateside city or adventuring in some far-off country. Never still for very long!

Niyati Jani
Architectural Designer
Niyati Jani | Design Project Manager
Niyati Jani is a Design Project Manager who leads with purpose, precision, and—always—a cup of tea. Her work is guided by the ABCDEs: Analysis, Balance, Collaboration, Design Detail, and Execution with intent. A licensed architect in India with over 8 years of experience, she brings visions to life by transforming site-specific constraints into creative opportunities, and early sketches into spaces that stand. Niyati thrives on creative challenges and the journey from concept to completion. She is especially inspired by the moment when ideas take form through thoughtful design. Outside of work she finds joy and balance in painting, cooking, and dancing. Her focus and positivity are rooted in the regular practice of yoga and meditation. She also holds a deep belief in the healing power and wisdom of Mother Nature.

Lesly Calderon
Design Coordinator
Lesly Calderon | Design Coordinator
Lesly Calderon is a Design Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she helps guide projects from concept to completion by organizing the design process, coordinating between clients and internal teams, and supporting plan development. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly Pomona and brings a thoughtful, art- and nature-inspired perspective to her work. Lesly is drawn to the creative process and enjoys how design can evoke emotion and meaning. Her favorite spot in Ventura is the harbor, where she finds inspiration in the balance of natural beauty and human-made environments.

Chloe Fox
Project Coordinator
Chloe Fox | Construction Coordinator
Chloe Fox is the Construction Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she oversees project logistics, client communication, and coordination with subcontractors. She also manages the company’s social media and supports the team in staying organized and on track across multiple job sites. Chloe brings a mix of creativity and structure to everything she does. On her lunch breaks, you can often find her thrifting around Ventura — and outside of work, she loves spending quality time with her friends and family.

Allison Mason
Administrative Coordinator
Allison Mason | Administrative Coordinator
Allison Mason is the Administrative Coordinator at The Akeena Group, where she oversees the President’s calendar, supports business development efforts, tracks project progress, and manages both internal and external communications. She holds a bachelor’s degree in communications from California State University Channel Islands. Inspired by the great outdoors, Allison enjoys dancing, hiking, camping, painting, and exploring new adventures with friends in her free time.

Alondra Valladolid
Office Manager
Alondra Valladolid | Office Manager
Alondra Valladolid is the Office Manager at The Akeena Group, where she leads day-to-day office operations, manages company finances, and supports both clients and project teams. From handling invoicing to coordinating HR and managing licensing, insurance, and compliance documents, she keeps the business running smoothly behind the scenes. Alondra earned her bachelor’s degree in education from Cal Poly Pomona in 2022. While she has a passion for working with children, she is equally driven by the opportunity to learn new skills and continue growing in her professional journey. Her favorite spot in downtown Ventura is Caje and she’ll be the first to admit she goes way too often. Outside of work, you can find her with her dog Taki, taking a workout class, or discovering new hobbies.

Aimee Ramos
Assistant Office Manager
Aimee Ramos | Office Assistant
Aimee Ramos- is the Office Assistant at The Akeena Group. Her day consists of lots of scanning and filing documents, editing spreadsheets, updating forms and helping the Office Manager. She also contributes to TAG's social media usually by editing videos and posts. Her favorite place in Ventura is the beach! She loves sitting in the sand, smelling the ocean with a good book in hand. She is often inspired by the arts, but specifically literature.

Faith Smith
Intern
Faith Smith
Faith Smith is a 2nd-year architecture student at California Baptist University and has been interning with The Akeena Group for three years. She is an inspiring student whose dedication, curiosity, and eagerness to learn have made her a valued part of the team. Through her internship, she is gaining hands-on experience in architectural design, further fueling her passion for the field.

Shanti
in loving memory
♡

Riley
(playmate)

The Akeena Group is a company that embraces diversity in race, age, gender and thought. We strongly encourage community involvement and personal growth. By embracing innovation, systems, and professional development in design and construction, we all benefit as a team, as a company and as a community.

