Rick Castillo Joins CJ+C as Director of Architecture, Los Angeles

Veteran Architect Rick Castillo, AIA, NCARB, has joined the firm in the role of Director of Architecture, Los Angeles. Known for his leadership and design skills as well as for his extensive technical acumen, Castillo is expected to make major contributions to planning, client management and business development for the firm.

“Rick is a respected member of the architecture community whose 30-plus years in this industry have given him a unique understanding of business-driven design concepts,” says Vincent Mudd, Managing Partner at Carrier Johnson + CULTURE. “He is the right choice to lead architecture in our L.A. studio as we strive firm-wide to achieve excellence in design and technical delivery, and as we continue to reinforce our reputation as leaders in the Los Angeles market.” Adds Mudd, “Also, Rick is a natural leader, who is looking forward to making mentorship and guidance of our younger team members a priority.”

Most recently Castillo served as Vice President of MVE + Partners. In his two decades with that company, he focused primarily on project delivery strategy and scheduling, project management for design, and management of senior technical staff. He also developed a deep understanding of the Downtown Los Angeles commercial construction and real estate markets.

“Competing in the Southern California markets requires quite a bit of experience and knowledge,” says Castillo. “I’m proud that Carrier Johnson + CULTURE has placed their trust in me as a leader within the firm. And I’m very pleased to be in a role that will afford me the opportunity to spend more time directly contributing architecture and design output.”

Castillo is already leading on a number of projects, including proposals for mixed-use high-rise developments, and contributing to projects already under construction, including Westminster Civic Center, a high-rise, and several low- and mid-rise buildings. “The staff here is really talented, and I’m learning a lot already about what makes Carrier Johnson + CULTURE the design powerhouse it has become,” says Castillo. “The enormously diverse portfolio of current and past projects is one of the many reasons I’m so excited to be getting started with a new firm at this point in my career. It’s really great to contribute daily to the actual work of architecture after all this time.” Castillo adds, “And closer to the work means closer to the staff, which means more opportunities to give back, mentoring this firm’s promising young designers.”