IRVINE, California (October 22, 2024) — DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors has bolstered its fast-growing Education sector with the recent appointment of Senior Director - Education Karla Alonzo De Leon to its Irvine, Calif. office. De Leon comes to DAHLIN with over two decades of experience as a leader, facilitator, and synthesizer of new construction and modernization, working with clients, school districts, and agencies to approve and deliver projects throughout Southern California and beyond. As Senior Director - Education, her passion for connection, mentorship, and advocacy will drive her work at DAHLIN, which consists of client interaction, design and document preparation support, construction administration, and consultant coordination.
De Leon's extensive experience will be instrumental in helping DAHLIN expand its reach in the Education sector and meet its clients' unique needs. She has worked directly with many school districts and county and city agencies, including the Division of State Architects (DSA) for education projects requiring state agency approvals. De Leon also serves as a mentor for those receiving technical training at California's Coalition for Adequate School Housing (C.A.S.H.) School Facilities Leadership Academy.
"I am delighted to welcome Karla, a colleague and good friend with 20-plus years of experience in the Education sector," said Elizabeth Sabol, Principal / Senior Architect - Education at DAHLIN. "Her extensive experience in education design, from master planning to comprehensive high schools, enables us to meet the needs of school districts across California. Karla is passionate about connecting with communities, educators, and students. Paired with her unwavering work ethic and accountability, this combination perfectly reflects DAHLIN's core values. I look forward to collaborating with Karla as we continue to deliver impactful, student-focused projects."
At DAHLIN's Irvine office, De Leon will collaborate with Sabol to design and deliver modern educational projects for clients throughout Southern California. The firm's Irvine office opened in 2004 and has since grown into a diverse team of architects, designers, and planners with a portfolio of work spanning multifamily, residential, and planning sectors.
DAHLIN's Education team specializes in K-12 educational projects where the built and learning environments function together. The team has a well-established, professional relationship with districts throughout San Diego, Orange County, and the Inland Empire.
"I couldn't be more excited to join my long-time friend Elizabeth and the fantastic Education team at DAHLIN, which will allow me to apply my experience to meet the urgent facility needs of school districts across California," said De Leon. "Being a part of DAHLIN's Irvine office opens a world of opportunity for me to make a real difference for students by helping to modernize their built environment in a meaningful way. I look forward to collaborating with this professional team to think outside the box and deliver amazing projects that truly benefit the students."
De Leon currently sits on the Board of Directors for the Inland Empire chapter of the Architecture Construction Engineering (ACE) Mentor Program, serving students interested in careers in the architecture, construction, and engineering industries.
De Leon holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly Pomona and a certification from the C.A.S.H. School Facilities Leadership Academy.
About DAHLIN
DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors is a diverse architecture, planning, and interiors practice of 190+ multicultural professionals who share a Passion for Place™. The firm works with developers, municipalities, and private clients, focusing on numerous sectors including homebuilding, multifamily and mixed-use, affordable housing, senior living, commercial, civic, education, healthcare, and interiors. Since 1976, DAHLIN has been committed to excellence in design – best demonstrated through long-term client relationships and award-winning, financially successful, and sustainable design solutions. The firm was included in the 2024 Inc. Regionals list ranking the fastest-growing U.S. companies and maintains locations in Irvine, Pleasanton, and San Diego, California; Bellevue, Washington; Salt Lake City; Utah; Austin, Texas and Beijing and Shanghai, China. Visit: www.dahlingroup.com.
