Profiles
Travis Tarr graduated from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2005, focusing on urban development and mixed-use environments. He has been a practicing designer for the past 13 years and has a wealth of knowledge from his experience working with large institutional clients such as the Los Angeles Unified School District, complex multifamily residential projects in Los Angeles and the Bay Area, and close interaction with City and State agencies. Before starting at Baran Studio Architecture, Travis worked at Meyer and Allen Associates, Quatro Design Group, and XTEN Architecture in Los Angeles.
Cassidy Cheang graduated from the Academy Of Art University in 2008 with a degree in Interior Architecture and Design and received his Master Degree in Architecture in 2012. His academic work focus was on the analysis of urban and suburban morphology and spontaneous city programming extended to architectural form. His work included the research and development of parametric digital software. Cassidy has been practicing both interior and architectural design within the Bay Area for over ten years. He is a LEED Green Associate and is a Certified Green Point Rater. His experience ranges from mixed-use developments to single and multi-family housing. He has done extensive research in urban theory and urban development including analysis of real estate and property trends. His prior experience includes working alongside Gensler and the Rebuilding Together Foundation on multiple urban improvement projects throughout San Francisco.
Leonardo Escaroz completed his Bachelor of Architecture at ITESM Monterrey in Mexico with additional credits in BIM Modeling, Parametric design, and Landscape design. He believes that architecture is political, and its design must highlight both the art and the social responsibility behind it. He’s collaborated with numerous engineers and designers in the Bay Area in landscape projects and senior multi-family housing. He is influenced by living abroad in Japan and being raised in Mexico.
Vicky Griffin studied Building Design at Anglia Ruskin University, in Cambridge, England. She has worked in the design field as an Interior Designer, Space Planner, and Project Manager. She now helps to keep Baran Studio running smoothly while keeping our projects publicized in local news outlets, industry journals, and award submittals.
Ryan Heath has two degrees from the Academy of Art University, his first a Bachelor in Interior Design, and the second a Master of Architecture. Before studying architecture, Ryan was a product designer, focusing on functionality to construct effective, aesthetically intriguing pieces. Ryan’s design is inspired by his admiration for nature and active outdoor ventures. He has been working at Baran Studio for over four years and has multiple experiences in multi-family, single-family residential and commercial projects.
Bahar Jalili started her architectural career right after her first year in college by working in her parents-owned studio in Tehran, Iran. She had the opportunity to work on various projects on different scales and types, from residential, cultural, and commercial buildings to urban design. But it didn’t stop her from exploring more, that’s why she moved to Kuala Lumpur to continue her study in landscape architecture. After finishing her master Bahar went back to Tehran and worked on construction sites to have on-field experience too.
Currently, Bahar works in Baran Studio as a project manager and designs mostly on single families and ADUs (accessory dwelling units) to involve with the smallest scale too.
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Andrew Kim graduated from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in 2017 with a Bachelor of Architecture. He has worked in Seattle for 2 years, primarily working on multifamily and mixed-use projects. He has also worked as a freelance designer producing conceptual renderings and branding graphics for restaurants in the Seattle area. He has a personal interest in architectural visualization and enjoys exploring the different methods and techniques involved in creating concise and compelling graphics. In addition to 2D graphics, 3D printing has been another avenue of visualization that he is currently interested in. Andrew made his way to the Bay Area a few years ago to further pursue his interest in single family housing
Claire Yu graduated from UC Berkeley with a BA in Architecture in 2018. She has been practicing architecture and interior design in the Bay Area and Hong Kong for the past three years. Claire has experience in different residential projects, including single family, multifamily and ADUs. She believes design is a strategy to create harmonious environments utilizing the existing site and built condition.
Raymond Tay is currently working towards a Master Degree in architecture at the Academy of Art University. Before that, he graduated from San Jose State University with a BS in Industrial Engineering. He has worked in architecture, interior design, and office/lab conversions in the East Bay for the past two years.
Nick Price (Baran Studio LA Office) is a California registered architect of over 15 years, Nick brings over a decade of experience working for some of the top Architecture and Real Estate firms in the nation. Early years included work with HKS and LRG architects and half a decade with New York base Related Companies. Specializing in luxury, high density, multifamily high -rise residential, Nick is well versed in hospitality, retail, museum, corporate and commercial development. With a diverse background on both the Architect's and Owner's teams, he brings unique expertise from all stages of the process, from conception to final completion, and beyond.
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Matt Baran is the founder of Baran Studio Architecture. He has 25 years of experience as a licensed architect, developer, and builder. His work spans across design disciplines and building typologies. he has experience in all project phases, including conceptualization, programming, design, project management, and construction in residential, commercial, community and theoretical projects of various scales. In addition to his background in architecture, his real estate development experience includes property evaluation and acquisition, financing, construction, lease up, and sale. His construction experience includes general contracting and construction management for site built and modular projects.
Matt has lectured and taught studios at UC Berkeley, USC, and The Academy of Art in Architecture and Real Estate programs. His work has been published by The New York Times, Wall Street Journal, San Francisco Magazine and various other outlets. His has also recieved awards from the AIA, PCBC, and Architizer. He has been a speaker at events for the AIA, ULI, and SPUR.