Platt/Whitelaw Architects Promotes Yolanda Velazco to Associate: A New Chapter in Leadership and Design Excellence

What does it take to become an associate at Platt/Whitelaw Architects? We know someone who can tell you.

We’re proud to announce that longtime Platt/Whitelaw team member Yolanda Velazco is moving up to a leadership position! With her new role as an associate, she joins Senior Principal Naveen Waney, AIA, Principal Peter Soutowood, Principal Thomas Brothers and Associate Dave Madigan in mapping out the future of our firm.

We sat down with Yolanda to learn a little more about what this promotion means to her, about her work on the award-winning Botanical Building restoration, about her role teaching at Southwestern College and more.

We hope you enjoy getting to know Yolanda a bit better, because we certainly have!

Q: What new duties and opportunities are you afforded as an associate at Platt/Whitelaw?

A: I’ve been tasked with selecting a topic and developing it. I haven’t decided on that topic for sure, but AI may be my focus. I teach an introduction to architecture class at Southwestern College, and I asked my students to put together a presentation board at the end. Wondering how they got the board to look so good compared to what I had seen from students in past years, I found out that they had made strategic use of AI. I know it’s already and will continue to be an important tool in our industry.

Q: Why do you think you were elevated to an associate position?

A: I’ve been with the firm for almost 10 years. Moving into leadership here isn’t easy because they want someone who’s going to stay. It’s more than just a leadership position – it’s a level of long-term trust, and I’m honored that I’ve earned that trust.

I think it also helps that I’ve worked on several projects that have been recognized for good design. I enjoy our work on crisis centers, especially, and we’ve been given subsequent centers to design because the client felt like we did a great job. Design for mental health feels extra important to me because it can have a huge impact on the how the occupant feels. Design can change a person’s attitude and help with promoting and restoring health.

In my career, I always try to say yes and never shy away from challenging work. I was incredibly fortunate to work on the Botanical Building restoration in Balboa Park, but I was also very nervous because I knew it would be challenging in many ways. I feel like the experience made me a better project manager…and that’s an example of why I try to say yes.

Q: Is there an aspect of the Botanical Building work that stood out to you the most?

A: Architecturally it’s beautiful, but the level of public attention was daunting. We knew it was a project that everyone was watching. I’m proud of our coordination as a multi-discipline team – everyone had to learn how to navigate different personalities to find the best solutions for a building that means so much to so many people.

It’s also worth noting that this building was a surprise – you never knew what tomorrow would bring. We had to find ways to be efficient with our time and to honor the historical significance while also matching modern construction strategies and efficient timelines.

It was hard to enjoy and appreciate the project while it was underway, but when I visited the site on a day where the redwood siding was getting installed, it was so exciting. I also got to speak to the craftspeople on site, and they were so proud to be working on the building.

Q: Historically, the profession of architecture has been dominated by white men. With your promotion to associate, you continue a long legacy of female leadership at PWA, but you’re the firm’s first Mexican American leader. What does this mean to you?

A: I wasn’t very familiar with Platt/Whitelaw Architects when I applied. I came from eight years of working in the construction industry, so in a sense I was starting over. I interviewed with many firms, and their leadership teams all looked very similar. Alison Whitelaw (our previous owner) was different. When she walked in to interview me, I thought, “she’s the owner!?” Then, Principal Sandra Gramley came into the room, and I thought, “two women!?” When Principal Naveen Waney, who is Indian American, joined us too, I knew without a doubt I wanted to be here.

Now, becoming an Associate feels like a significant milestone, not just for me, but for my family. My parents have been my biggest supporters, and this moment is as much a reflection of their sacrifices and encouragement as it is of my own hard work. I also hope that, in some small way, this can serve as a reminder or inspiration to other Mexican American women who are working toward leadership roles in this field. Architecture can be a challenging industry to navigate, but there is space for all of us at the table.

Q: Why have you stayed with Platt/Whitelaw for so long?

I’ve stayed because of the leadership and values. I could be a number at a huge firm, but what I saw here from day one was that the firm’s stated ethics and values aren’t just marketing tools. Everyone lives them. I’ve never felt nervous to go to work, and I know my team has my back. Everyone values continuous learning and sharing, working to elevate our entire team and clients, having a positive impact on our community, and contributing to a more resilient world. It really does feel like a work family, and our team members tend to stay here for a long time.

A: What projects are you working on now?

I’m managing our work on the East Regional Crisis Stabilization Unit, which is currently in construction administration. I’m also on our team for the Mira Mesa Community Park. It’s a fun, complex project, so it was a treat to make a site visit recently with our whole Platt/Whitelaw team. Next up for me is the Doheny Desalinization Plant, which we’re designing along with Filanc as the contractor (the “build” side of the design/build team) and Hazen and Sawyer as the engineer.

Q: Teaching at Southwestern College must take a lot of extra time. Why do you do it?

A: I love it. It’s been a full-circle experience for me. I completed my associate’s degree at Southwestern College as an ESL student before transferring to California State Polytechnic Pomona to earn my architecture degree. When a former classmate from Southwestern, who is now their architecture department chair, recruited me to teach, I agreed but worried that I might find it repetitive.

Obviously, I was wrong. Teaching at Southwestern College has been one of the most rewarding experiences for me. It’s a way to give back and pay the knowledge I gained forward – not just in design but in navigating the profession. When a student thanked me for sharing my experience by providing honest career feedback and the range of career options they have, it reassured me that we are all capable of having a positive impact on someone else’s path and that this is something I want to continue doing. Teaching also keeps me learning, too, because I have new students each semester. I enjoy that they’re still dreaming and coming up with extremely creative ideas and questions.

Q: Is there anything you’d like to add?

A: It’s rewarding that going with my gut about what firm would be the right fit for me has worked out so well. The journey was a little scary, but I took it one step at a time. Now, I look forward to more challenges and gaining new skills. As part of the Platt/Whitelaw leadership team, I’m excited to learn more about how our 70-year-old firm operates and how we continue to plan for the future.