Laura is a California-licensed architect and contractor who loves turning complex challenges into thoughtful, buildable solutions. As the founder of a women-owned firm, she has cultivated a collaborative, creative, and supportive studio culture.

With decades of experience spanning residential design, construction, rehabilitation, and commercial tenant improvements, Laura brings a rare understanding of both design and building. She believes the best projects begin by listening—carefully balancing site conditions, code requirements, and each client’s vision to create solutions that are smart, intentional, and just a little bit magical.

Outside of work, you’ll find Laura hiking the Sierras, exploring cities, or traveling somewhere new. She’s rarely still for long.

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 is the Construction Project Manager 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.

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.

Clyde Lee is the site superintendent for The Akeena Group. Manages projects at the Ventura County Naval Bases. He is also the Site, Safety and Health Officer. Manages subcontractors, and coordinate schedules for unique projects on the base. He has 40 years of construction history, including 20 years of being a general contractor working out of the city of Ventura. Outside of working, he enjoys ocean fishing, hiking, and riding his E-bike to the beach and other places.

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.

Kenneth Nelson is the Site Supervisor at The Akeena Group, where he manages all on-site activities to keep projects on schedule, within scope, and operating safely. He is on-site each day coordinating subcontractors, answering field questions, and overseeing quality throughout construction. Drawing on his hands-on construction background, Kenneth ensures the work is completed correctly while helping the design-build process run smoothly from groundbreaking through project completion.  

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 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.

Alondra Valladolid is the Director of Operations at The Akeena Group, where she oversees the firm’s business operations, administration, and organizational strategy to keep the company running efficiently and support its continued growth. She is passionate about developing effective systems, fostering collaboration, and driving continuous improvement across the organization.

Alondra earned her bachelor’s degree in Education from Cal Poly Pomona in 2022. She enjoys embracing new challenges and continually expanding her professional knowledge. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time with her dog, Taki, staying active, discovering new hobbies, and grabbing a matcha at her favorite downtown Ventura spot, Caje.