MORE THAN ARCHITECTS

Focused on Education

In 2022, Rachlin joined the Huckabee family; Huckabee is a nationally-recognized educational design firm. The quality and integrity that is a hallmark of Rachlin Partners is complemented by the exceptional reputation, expertise and education-focused service offerings that Huckabee provides. Together, we are MORE!

A Full-Service Firm

Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company is a full-service A/E, Program Management and Construction Management firm that focuses on learning environments. We have earned a reputation for quality documents, imaginative design and exceptional levels of client service through our more than 40 years of experience working with public and private clients in California. 

An important factor in the success of our firm has been our ability to provide consistent, hands-on and collaborative project leadership. This commitment to personal service is enhanced by the adoption of a culture of “More Than Architects.” MORE reflects the breadth of services, expertise, technology and research that Huckabee brings to our clients, plus a deep commitment to education and advocacy that is unmatched. Our MORE is what makes each unique project and partnership a success for all students.

Our Services

Facility Assessments
Long-Range + Master Planning
Branding + Communications
Architecture
Structural Engineering
Program Management
Interior Design
Furniture Coordination

Environmental Graphics
Signage + Wayfinding

Visualization
LEx Labs + Research
Cost Estimating
Jurisdictional Review + Permitting
Construction Administration
Construction Management
Close-out + Warranty

OUR TEAM

Firm Leadership + Architectural Services Team

Richard Ingrassia

Office Director

Richard Ingrassia serves as Office Director of Los Angeles and has served the firm’s clients for more than 30 years. He helped set the standard of “white glove” service that characterizes the firm’s approach to personalized project delivery. In all aspects, Richard is an expert at guiding complex developments through the intricacies of planning, design and construction. He has been recognized by clients for his ability to understand their needs and engender the confidence among all stakeholders in addressing their concerns.

As a designer, Richard possesses a commitment to sustainability. He believes in practical sustainable solutions that offer clients long-term operational savings with a low initial capital investment. With the philosophy that good sustainable design does not need to cost more, Richard encourages the sustainable principles in all practical applications within the firm’s practice.

Andrew Ulmen

Office Director

Since joining the firm in 2003, Andrew has been involved in numerous community college and K-12 projects as a Designer, Project Manager, Project Director on the program / construction management side and now Office Director. He came to the firm with a large portfolio of educational work and has dedicated his career to the success of students through the design of safe, quality learning environments. His recent experience includes guiding the Los Alamitos Unified School District through a $163 million Measure ‘K’ bond program which focused on modernization. Today, he provides leadership to the firm as Office Director and serves as a trusted advisor for our clients to ensure quality delivery in all aspects of design and project management.

Andrew obtained his Bachelor of Environmental Design and his Bachelor of Architecture from North Dakota State University. His personal passion is cycling and frequently seeks out century rides and Ultra Endurance mountain bike races.

Andrew Cartwright

Project Manager

Andrew has been practicing architecture for 15 years with skills spanning design, planning, drafting and project management. With such a wide breadth of experience and an understanding of both conceptual design and practical construction, he is a versatile resource to the projects he works on. His experience includes educational projects throughout Southern California for K-12 and community college districts.

Paul Dragescu

Project Manager

Paul has been with Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company since 2004 and serves as both Designer and Project Manager on medical and educational projects. He follows each of his designs through construction, ensuring maximum client satisfaction when the ribbon is cut. Along with his creativity, education and experience, it is his thoroughness and attention to detail that have built Paul’s stellar reputation with clients, building owners, construction managers and contractors.

Paul’s desire to attend a university that emphasized both the creative and technical aspects of architecture led him to Lawrence Technological University, where he entered their dual degree program. His experience instilled the idea of theory coupled with practice and taking abstract ideas into the real world to solve any problem. Prior to receiving a Master of Architecture from University of Michigan, Paul earned a second degree in architectural illustration, which enables him to render in multiple media, creating a more collaborative experience with clients.

Daniel Flores

Project Manager

As Project Manager, Daniel works directly with clients to develop and refine master plans and designs and to see those projects through construction. He has served in this role for nearly a decade, building upon previous expertise in managing school design projects throughout Southern California. Daniel’s experience also includes healthcare and large-scale campus master planning, two areas that complement his approach to educational design through his technical knowledge, future-forward thinking and ability to manage complex coordination with engineering and technology disciplines.

Jenny Harrison

Project Manager

A member of the team since 2009, Jenny works as a Designer and Project Manager. She brings expertise in sustainability strategies and 21st century classroom design and is also recognized by clients and colleagues for her collaborative spirit and technical skill. In her role, Jenny helps clients explore creative concepts during design and implement those concepts by overseeing the daily coordination of projects through construction; this includes DSA coordination and approvals.

Jenny obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from University of Arizona. She is a prized baker and avid cook who holds a winning title from the Food Network’s Cupcake Wars.

Rudy D. Monico

Project Manager

A member of the firm since 2010, Rudy works as a Designer and Project Manager for new school construction and renovation projects. In his role, he works with clients from beginning to end (and beyond) to ensure the highest quality delivery in design and documentation. Rudy obtained his Bachelor of Architecture from California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Around the office, in addition to being recognized for his technical knowledge and care for design, he is well-known as a true foodie who is passionate about the culinary arts.

Robert Price

Project Manager

Bob, a seasoned architect, joined in 2021 as one of the company’s Project Managers. His background includes experience in a variety of building typologies, predominantly education and healthcare facilities. Originally from Kansas, he earned his degree in Oklahoma, practiced for ten years in Texas and finally settled in California. His most recent experience focuses on K-12 education.

Bob believes strongly in continuing his education through accredited courses, reading, attending lectures and travel. He is active in the arts: regularly attending concerts by the Los Angeles Philharmonic at Disney Concert Hall and the Los Angeles Chamber Orchestra at Huntington Library. He also attends the Los Angeles Times Festival of Books every year, and regularly visits the growing number of great museums in the LA area. Bob has also worked professionally as a graphic designer, industrial designer, architectural photographer and was active in a Murder Mystery acting troupe that performed in Texas.

John Thomas

Project Manager

After working with various award-winning Los Angeles firms and heading up his own practice, John joined Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company in 2012 and assumed the role of Project Manager. A licensed architect, both in California and Florida, John brings vast experience-based knowledge to the firm, backed by over 40 years in the profession. During his career, John has worked in all facets of the profession from business development and design to construction administration. While he brings expertise in civic and justice facilities, John’s specialty lies in educational buildings—from pre-K to university level.

John graduated from Georgia Institute of Technology with a Bachelor of Architecture and also studied at L’Ecole des Beaux Arts in Paris. He has a love of sailing, snorkeling and fishing.

Matt Whitham

Project Manager

Matt is a talented architect with a history of work in education and residential projects. He is a collaborative project manager who enjoys building relationships with school staff during the design process. Matt has a Master of Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.

Program Management + Construction Management Team

Marc Dombrowski

Program and Construction Manager

Marc is a Program and Construction Manager at Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company. He works in partnership with clients, architects consultants and contractors to ensure seamless project delivery and serves as a trusted advisor for the client. He also provides field operations support during construction.

Marc has an engineering background and graduated from Purdue University with a Bachelors of Mechanical Engineering / Mechanical Technology. He also holds certifications in sustainable energy technologies.

Alan Kong

Construction Manager

Alan’s pursuit of architecture and civil engineering is greatly motivated by the necessity of an environmentally sustainable future. His extensive years of general contracting and construction management experience with high-end residential, commercial and educational facilities have given him the effective tools to manage all aspects of a project. Alan’s ability to manage projects and consistently stay on budget while meeting strict deadlines is an asset to both the client and the architectural teams with which he works.

Alan obtained a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington and a Master of Civil Engineering from California State University, Los Angeles. He is licensed to practice civil engineering in the state of California. Alan is also a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction, as well as a certified Safety Assessment Program Evaluator with the California Governor’s Office of Emergency Services.

Garrett Miller

Construction Manager

As Construction Manager, Garrett interfaces directly with a client’s staff, architects, contractors, jurisdictional agencies and other entities. He performs design and constructibility reviews, assists with contractual negotiations and coordinates all other work necessary to successfully complete projects—including, value engineering, construction management and project closeout.

Garrett holds a Master of Construction Management from Arizona State University.

Edwin Munguia

Program and Construction Manager

Joining Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company in 2008, prior to his graduation from University of Southern California, Edwin worked as a draftsman and an integral part of the construction administration team on several education facility projects. Since obtaining his architecture degree, he has been working as a Construction Manager specializing in school modernization and developments.

Outside of work, Edwin is a self-proclaimed car enthusiast, who can often easily spend hours reading and learning about the design and mechanics of cars.

Chad Nielsen

Construction Manager

Chad first started with the firm in 2010. Working with the construction management team, Chad enjoyed the challenge of onsite problem solving and participating in the modernization process for school districts. After a brief stint exploring other opportunities in the field, Chad returned to Rachlin Partners | A Huckabee Company with additional experience to supplement his construction management skill set. Sitting at a desk does not suit Chad, he is a ‘site guy’ through and through, often referring to what he does as ‘architecture adjacent.’

Chad retains his predilection for creativity by looking for opportunities outside of work to design and fabricate anything from human scale chicken coops to architectural models for developers.

Jennifer Pearson

Program Manager

Jennifer Pearson is a versatile architect whose experience bridges the gap between architect and owner. She serves as a Program Manager and guides school districts and other clients through the complexities of construction programs. Jennifer joined the firm’s Program and Construction Management team in 2015 with more than two decades of prior experience in education architecture. In the years since, she has proven to be an invaluable resource to her clients. Whether she’s developing a cash-flow analysis for a district-wide facilities bond program, overseeing a team of vendors and consultants or working with school staff to select classroom furniture, her can-do attitude and proven results mean her clients can focus their energy where it’s needed most.

Jennifer spent her first six years at the firm embedded at Downey Unified School District’s Facilities Department, where she managed a $291 million Measure ‘O’ bond program. Working side-by-side with district staff from maintenance to administration gave her a deep understanding of their procedures, challenges and needs. Jennifer’s technical knowledge, analytical skills and creative problem solving contributed to the successful completion of projects touching all 23 campuses in the District.

Jennifer earned her Bachelor of Architecture at the California Polytechnic University, San Luis Obispo, School of Architecture and Environmental Design.

Rikki Perez

Construction Manager

As Senior Construction Manager, Rikki provides construction management support to multiple teams while also working directly with district staff, architects, contractors, jurisdictional agencies and other entities to ensure a successful project. Rikki brings more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry—primarily working with school districts in Southern California. She has earned a reputation for excellence in customer service and a proven ability to effectively empower the project team.

Since joining the firm, Rikki has helped manage services for a $295 million construction and renovation program at Downey Unified School District which encompassed 21 school campuses with projects to improve physical conditions, kitchens, and safety; reconfigure spaces to meet the district’s changing needs; upgrade mechanical, electrical, and plumbing infrastructure; and install technology infrastructure for 21st Century learning.

Rikki holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Civil Engineering from Cal Poly Pomona.

OUR CLIENTS

The majority of our client base consists of repeat clients and referrals, which is a testament to the quality of our work and the strength of our relationships.

ABC Unified School District
Alhambra Unified School District
Anaheim Elementary School District
Bonita Unified School District
California State Office of Historic Preservation
City of Los Angeles
City of Santa Monica
City of Victorville
County of Los Angeles
Covina-Valley Unified School District
Culver City Unified School District
Downey Unified School District
El Monte Union High School District

Fountain Valley School District
Glendale Community College District
Hacienda La Puente Unified School District
Harbor-UCLA Medical Center
Kern High School District
Las Virgenes Unified School District
Long Beach Community College District
Long Beach Unified School District
Los Alamitos Unified School District
Los Angeles Community College District
Los Angeles Unified School District
Norwalk-La Mirada Unified School District
Palm Springs Unified School District
Santa Maria Joint Union High School District

Santa Monica Community College District
Santa Monica-Malibu Unified School District
Saugus Union School District
Simi Valley Unified School District
Sony Pictures Entertainment
The Walt Disney Company
Tustin Unified School District
United States Postal Service
University of California, Irvine
University of California, Los Angeles
University of Southern California
Ventura County Community College District
Ventura Unified School District
William S. Hart Union High School District

OUR PROJECTS

Righetti High School Addition

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Rachlin Partners / Righetti High School Building / Job # 6508 /

Hope Elementary School

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Rachlin Partners - Hope Elementary School

Bonita Center for the Arts

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Rachlin Partners  -  Bonita Performing Arts Center  -  Photograp

Sage Creek Performing Arts Center

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SageCreek_Rachlin_Featured2

Santa Maria High School Classroom Modernization

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Santa Maria High School by Rachlin Partners - Photography by Tom

CONTACT US

RACHLIN PARTNERS | A HUCKABEE COMPANY

8640 National Boulevard
Culver City, CA 90232

(p) 310.204.3400

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