TOPA Architecture

Volunteering can be time consuming but fulfilling when things come full circle. 10 years ago while I was the chair of the Historic Landmarks Commission a controversial project came to us, The Winchester Domes, a 1960s space era movie theater that was slated for demolition. Preservation Action Council nominated The Domes for a landmark status our commission unanimously approved it and is now a registered landmark. Our decision didn’t come without political backlash, our city council liaison tried to decommission me, and I had to fight for my position by pleating my case to the rules committee. 10 years later I took my children to see a restored Winchester Dome and to show them an invaluable piece of San Jose architecture that could have been lost to the wrecking ball if it wasn’t for passionate San Jose residents. History was saved and now future generations, including my children, can enjoy the unique architecture and cultural significance of this era.

I love it when my hand sketches like this become real buildings in the future. Mixed used development coming to Milpitas in 2025. TOPA Architecture.

I am really proud of my team, all the wonderful work we do could not be possible without every single one of you. Parisa Aoladi, Cinthya Flores Rodriguez, Jorge Alberto Romero, Geno Catalano and Jared Casto. We not only get stuff done for our clients but we have fun working together. Go team TOPA Architecture!

At TOPA Architecture, we continue working on projects with high social impact that benefit our community. Today was the groundbreaking ceremony of Pathway House, a substance treatment facility in downtown San Jose.?Special thanks to our industry partners Iron Construction, Inc. and all the elected officials that made the time to be part of this very special event. Sylvia Arenas, Cindy Chavez, Bien Doan, Susan Ellenberg and to my friend Frank Carbajal for all his support. ?

The Design Council, is a group of courageous business owners of architectural firms. We get together a few times a year and discuss best practice strategies to improve client satisfaction and profitability but we also discuss work life balance. To be successful in business you need to connect in a deep level with your spouse, children, God and live a healthy lifestyle. All areas of life are equally important, Business, Body, Being and Balance. I am the only Latino in the group but hopefully this will change soon.

I recently went to the Amazon River to a retreat and decided to disconnect for a week, no devices no internet connection. It was one of the most profound experiences of my life to be in the middle of the jungle appreciating all the plant and animal life. As an architect I realized how much natural resources we use to build and that one of the most important things we can do is to live in harmony with nature, we need to coexist otherwise we will all go extinct. Sustainability is the right thing to do and a good business practice. ????

TOPA Architecture's very own Cinthya Flores is a recipient of the Latinos 40 under 40.

We recently completed the interior remodel to Our Lady of Guadalupe in East San Jose. It was a very exciting process, we got to work with Rolando Santorini a Catholic priest who is trained as an Architect. Santorini did all the schematic design and TOPA Architecture was the architect of record. Construction was executed seamlessly by Toeniskoetter Construction, Inc. Great work Team! Geno Catalano, Parisa Aoladi, Gwen Alldredge, Megan Toeniskoetter, Taylor Nordberg.