Johannes Van Tilburg, FAIA, Principal

A founding principal of the firm, Mr. Van Tilburg has led the organization into the forefront of planning and design, building on the solid reputation of his previous firm, Johannes Van Tilburg & Partners, established in 1971. His work as a designer is widely recognized throughout the state and indeed the entire country. In 1992 he was honored by his peers and elevated to Fellowship in the American Institute of Architects.

Mr. Van Tilburg is deeply committed to education in Los Angeles and continues to work as a ‘Visiting Lecturer’ in the architectural departments of USC, UCLA, Harvard University Graduate School of Design and the Southern California Institute of Architecture.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Architecture
College of Arts and Architecture
The Hague, The Netherlands

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California
Licensed Architect – State of Arizona

Memberships
Invested Fellow in the American Institute of Architects
Professor at USC School of Urban and Regional Planning
Member of Dean’s Council at UCLA
Board Member of the Urban Design Advisory Coalition
Member of the Urban Land Institute
Member of the National Association of Home Builders
Board Member of Move LA, advocating Light Rail Transportation
Board Chair of Downtown Santa Monica, Inc., managing The Third Street Promenade

Appointments
Mr. Van Tilburg was appointed Honorary Consul for Southern California on behalf of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, serving from 2010-2014.

Navy F. Banvard, FAIA, Principal

Mr. Banvard is a founding principal of the firm and manages the daily activities of the firm. He is a recognized expert in the areas of landplanning, housing design and the creation of liveable communities. His work includes the design and management of over two hundred completed residential projects that have provided over sixty thousand homes for all segments of the market, including senior and affordable communities. To date, his projects have garnered over thirty design awards. In addition, Mr. Banvard has presented educational seminars to the building and design professions, and has served as an expert witness.

With 30 years of professional experience, Mr. Banvard brings an extensive background and insight into all phases of project design and delivery. He has worked directly with many agencies over the years. This familiarity with such a wide range of codes, interpretations, and procedures, ensures that each project he oversees encounters minimal difficulties and surprises.

He was awarded a Distinguished Alumnus Award from his alma mater in 2008.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, Ohio State University
Columbus, Ohio

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California
Licensed Architect – State of Colorado
Registered Architect – State of Texas

Professional Affiliations
American Institute of Architects
International Code Council
American Planning Association
Congress for the New Urbanism
Building Industry Association
Pacific Coast Builders Conference
Urban Land Institute
Santa Monica Chamber of Commerce
Hollywood Chamber of Commerce

L. Gustaf Soderbergh, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

In Memoriam

April 7, 1952 – November 1, 2023

Lars Gustaf Soderbergh, 71, a long-time resident of Pacific Palisades and a renowned, award-winning architect, passed away surrounded by his loving family and friends on November 1 after a courageous, two-year battle with cancer.

A kind and gentle man. That’s how people who knew Gustaf Soderbergh describe him.

Born in Sweden in 1952 and the son of Karin and Lars Soderbergh, Gustaf spent his formative years growing up in Sweden, Italy, Japan and England, and before coming to the U.S.  he received an Associate of Arts Degree from the United States International University in Sussex, England.  Subsequently, Gustaf earned a Bachelor’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.

Eclectic talents

A LEED-certified architect, Gustaf was a founding principal of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh (VTBS), a prominent Santa Monica-based architecture, planning and urban design firm, where he worked for more than 40 years.  His innovative designs are apparent in many of the residential and commercial buildings and the mixed-used developments he managed for VTBS’ clients.  These include award-winning Talaria and Venice Renaissance, mixed use developments in Burbank and Venice, respectively, and the San Diego Design Center.

His design concepts and efficient land use insights will live on in his beloved Palisades community.  As a member of the Palisades Park Advisory Board, Gustaf’s design plan for the Palisades Recreation Center’s parking area was the key catalyst for securing approval from the Coastal Commission for the development of the George Wolfberg Park at Potrero which opened In December 2022.

In addition to his many professional accomplishments, Gustaf’s legacy lives on through his family and many friends.  An excellent cook and foodie, Gustaf was known for his open dinner table where he prepared elaborate meals and engaged in conversation that left a lasting impression on guests long after the night was over.  He was an avid reader, loved to explore the Santa Monica mountains on foot; say a friendly hello to people he met on his daily walks; and travel with family and friends.  His international upbringing was also apparent in his love of music, especially rock and roll artists from the late 1960s and 1970s rock scene in London. (His iPod playlists were always a staple at events in his home.)

He is survived by his “darling bride” Melinda, his wife of 22 years, his children Erik, Karl, Marie, and Evan, and brothers Bo and Carl.

A memorial reception celebrating Gustaf’s life was held on December 4 from 2pm – 5pm at the William Turner Art Gallery located at 2525 Michigan Ave. E-1, Santa Monica.

Mr. Soderbergh was a founding Principal of VTBS.

He brought to the team extensive experience in residential, mixed-use and commercial building types, as well as a vast background in design and management of Interior Design Projects.  Mr. Soderbergh demonstrated leadership, and resourcefulness in the efficient and cost effective development and delivery of projects.  He was highly involved in the planning, design, and entitlement on numerous mixed-use projects across many Southern California communities.

Mr. Soderbergh worked with the White House Office of Science and Technology and the Department of Energy in launching PATH (the Partnership for Advanced Technology in Housing).  Its goals are to promote sustainable design by reducing energy usage while being environmentally responsible in the development of energy efficient and affordable housing through advanced and alternate technologies.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

Associate of Arts, United States International University
Sussex, England

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California

Memberships
American Institute of Architects
Urban Land Institute
Inland Valley Planners Association – Speaker
University of Southern California Architectural Guild
University of Southern California Design Critic
Southern California Associations of Governors – Speaker
U.S. Green Building Council

Lucia H. Chang, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

In Memoriam

August 1963 – December  2023

Lucia Hsin-Ju Chang, a Principal of the firm of Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh, AIA (VTBS Architects), passed away on December 26, 2023 after a 20-month-long battle with cancer.  She was surrounded by loving family and she will always be remembered for her legendary work ethic, dignity, wisdom, grace and love of life and family.  Lucia faced this last grueling battle with her usual aplomb.  Her courage and optimism were a wonder to those who bore witness including family, friends, medical professionals and work colleagues with whom she continued to engage on projects up until the last week of her life.  Ms. Chang joined the firm in 1988 and was promoted to Partner in 1996 and Principal in 2005.  Her responsibility as Principal and Senior Designer in the firm included the development of creative solutions to planning programs and design concepts, interfacing with governmental agencies to procure project entitlement and approvals; and the further development and execution of project design through all phases of each project.  Her professional experience ranged from planned residential communities to commercial, institutional and major urban infill mixed-use developments.  She was the Design Principal on numerous projects that included the award-winning Granite Park Place Condominiums in Pasadena, the Huntington Beach Lofts and The Crescent, the first approved mixed-use development in the City of Beverly Hills in 25 years, just to name a very few.

The founding Principals of the firm relied heavily upon her extraordinary ‘design’ wisdom, advice and talent.

Lucia was born in Taiwan, The Republic of China.  The Chang Family are first generation immigrants to California, where they joined an extended family in the San Francisco Bay Area.  Lucia graduated from Homestead High School in Cupertino and began her architecture journey at the University of Southern California.  Following her Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1986, Lucia attended graduate school at Columbia University in New York and graduated with her Master of Architecture II in 1988.   Lucia began her life-long career with Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh, AIA after a ‘hire-on-the-spot’ interview while she was still a student at USC.  Her design work was exceptional and laid the ground-work for all who came after her and thrived under her tutelage.  She was known to be a big sister, a mentor, a confidante, a role model and a consummate professional.

On a personal level, Lucia is survived by her loving husband of 28 years, her father in San Jose, CA and five siblings, all who knew her affectionately as ‘Lulu’.  Lucia was ‘Tia Lulu’ to her much-adored three nieces and eight nephews.

She was not only loved by her family, she was loved and respected by pretty much anyone who had the pleasure of meeting and working with her.  She possessed one of those personalities that can light up a room.  She had a sixth sense about her and was always the first to deduce a problem before it happened.

Lucia is missed dearly.

Education
Master of Architecture, Columbia University
New York, New York

Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California

Memberships
American Institute of Architects
University of Southern California Architectural Guild
U.S. Green Building Council

William A. Nishita, AIA, Principal

Mr. Nishita joined the firm in 1988, is a licensed architect in the State of California and brings to our team thirty-three years of professional architectural experience. As the most senior Project Manager, he directs all architectural aspects of the project from the conceptual planning stage through Construction Management. With special emphasis on building code implementation, quality control, and strategic construction process management, he has consistently demonstrated leadership in all aspects of project delivery.

Mr. Nishita skillfully brings together the need for excellent documents and meeting our clients’ budget and schedule.

Education
Bachelor of Science, Architecture, California State University
San Luis Obispo, California

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California

Memberships
American Institute of Architects
International Code Council

Dennis T. DiBiase, AIA, LEED AP, Principal

Mr. DiBiase joined the firm in 1997 and is a licensed architect in the State of California. He is a LEED Accredited Professional, bringing to our team more than 30 years of experience in the planning and management of projects.

As Partner and Senior Project Manager, Mr. DiBiase has taken the lead in the firm’s ability to stay in the forefront of planning and design of senior housing and continuing care retirement communities. Although Mr. DiBiase has a particular concentration in Retirement Communities and a background in Acute Care Hospitals, his experience is broad and covers many building types. He practices a “hands-on” approach in the programming, planning, documentation, and management of projects.

Staying active in community affairs and plan review boards affords Mr. DiBiase an ongoing working knowledge of community concerns and planning issues.

Education
Master of Architecture, State University of New York
Buffalo, New York

Bachelor of Science in Architecture, State University of New York
Buffalo, New York

Registration
Licensed Architect, State of California, 1985
LEED Accredited Professional, 2009

Memberships
American Institute of Architects, LA Chapter Member
Commissioner- State of California Supplementary Architectural Exams
Plan Review Board- Ventura-Cahuenga Boulevard Corridor Specific Plan – Third Council District Appointee
Citizens Advisory Commission- Warner Center Specific Plan
Woodland Hills Warner Center Neighborhood Council, Resident Representative Area 1
Co-Chairperson- WHWCNC Planning, Land Use and Mobility Committee
Director-at-Large- Woodland Hills Home Owners Organization
U.S. Green Building Council

Peter J. Petraglia, Principal

Mr. Petraglia joined the firm in 1990 and brings to our team twenty-two years of professional architectural experience. As a Senior Designer and Senior Project Manager, Mr. Petraglia develops all architectural aspects of his projects from conceptual design to the completion of construction. He also leads the design efforts within the firms’ Interior Design Division maintaining continuity between Architectural and Interior Design.

Mr. Petraglia is an expert in the restoration, renovation, adaptive re-use and tenant improvement of existing properties. His extensive design skills and emphasis on details are an asset to our firm’s design efforts.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Arizona
Tucson, Arizona

Ecole Des Beaux-Arts, Art and Architecture
Fontainbleau, France

Edward “Ted” Youngs, AIA, NCARB, Partner

Mr. Youngs joined the firm in 1990. As a Senior Project Manager, Mr. Youngs brings to the team extensive experience in the planning and design of residential, mixed-use and commercial building types. Mr. Youngs has demonstrated leadership and resourcefulness in the efficient and cost effective development and delivery of projects, from entitlements through project completion.

Mr. Youngs has effectively demonstrated his ability to provide satisfaction to his clients, thereby building a relationship for repeat customers as evidenced by his experience in overseeing the development of multiple projects in the Dublin Ranch Villages in the Northern California community of Dublin as well as his local Southern California region.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture, Tulane University
New Orleans, 1988

Masters Degree in Architecture, Tulane University
New Orleans, 2004

Registration
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards
Licensed Architect – State of California
Licensed Architect – State of Florida

Memberships
American Institute of Architects
National Council of Architectural Registration Boards

Trent R. Niemand, AIA, Partner

Mr. Niemand joined Van Tilburg, Banvard & Soderbergh, AIA in 1998 and brings to our team more than 20 years of professional architectural experience.

Mr. Niemand has successfully completed a wide range of projects ranging from single family production homes and small lot developments to high density mixed-use urban infill projects and senior housing. He directs all aspects of project design, from planning and entitlements to design development, consultant coordination, agency approval, and general quality control for construction documents and construction administration. He prides himself on his collaborative nature with clients, consultants and colleagues for the benefit of each project.

Education
Bachelor of Architecture, University of Southern California
Los Angeles, California

Registration
Licensed Architect – State of California

Membership
American Institute of Architects