Meet The Team

Lawrence has spent his life dedicated to art, architecture, sustainability, and community. While in architecture school Lawrence and Christa helped Michael Reynolds write the first Earthship book. They were married in Cincinnati and moved to The Bay in 1990. Lawrence worked for Eugene Tsui on the “Fish House” in Berkeley and designed the sail-fin entry structure. While working for Ohmega Salvage and Omega Too Lawrence learned about lighting and then founded Metro Lighting with Christa in 1993 where they lead a team to design and build custom handcrafted lighting fixtures in brass and glass. After volunteering in their daughter’s schools for over a dozen years Lawrence founded the West Berkeley Design Loop, an organization for locally owned businesses in the design and construction industries, and later created Berkeley-Built Magazine to promote their work, the built environment and things built in Berkeley. He founded Commotion West Berkeley to foster public art, community, and pride of place. Lawrence was lead artist for Burning Man project Chilopod in 2018 and 2022, which now resides in Lake County, and was lead or co-lead artist for two temple proposals. Lawrence and Christa have raised three daughters in Berkeley who now live in Portland and Tacoma. 

Partner, Lead Designer, Operations
Educated as an architect at the University of Cincinnati, Christa has enjoyed creating new lighting designs and working with designers and homeowners at Metro Lighting since 1994. Her favorite projects have been working with designers to bring their custom designs to fruition in restaurants, creating unforgettable dining experiences throughout the SF Bay area. In addition to being a designer, she wears many hats–bookkeeper, operations manager, and IT specialist. Whether it’s managing inventory, paying bills, or networking the computers, Christa brings her puzzle-solving skills to keep Metro Lighting running smoothly. 

With roots in biotech electronics, entrepreneurship, and real estate, Joe is a traveler and maker — part Burning Man engineer, part Zen student. When not teaching, coding, or enjoying the outdoors, he explores life through gaming, electric bikes, and mindfulness retreats — helping others to create a more beautiful, sustainable world.

Anni Tilt, AIA, is a principal of Arkin Tilt Architects – a Berkeley-based firm widely recognized for excellence in sustainability and design for over 20 years.  Previously, Anni worked for eight years with internationally-acclaimed Fernau and Hartman Architects, and DEGW – an innovative London-based firm specializing in workplace design – as well as a construction coordinator for a major building contractor in Seattle. With a B.S.E. in Civil Engineering from Princeton University, Anni explored ecological use of wood in construction, taught structures and design, and was awarded the Branner Traveling Fellowship while pursuing an M.Arch at UC Berkeley. Always interested in the intersection of art and science, Anni is a founding member of CASBA, a board member of the West Berkeley Design Loop, a coordinator of a local egg Co-op, and has served on numerous award juries. 

Todd Jersey has been working in the design and construction space for over 50 years. He began painting houses and building decks when he was only 16 years old. Between high school and design school, he spent three years as an apprentice carpenter where he learned all the standard wood frame building trades. Starting his career as a builder has led to a fluency in wood frame construction unmatched amongst his architectural colleagues. This fluency has allowed him to avoid design decisions which are expensive to build and/or lack structural and design integrity and to create designs that are easy to construct and embody simplicity and elegance at an economical construction cost.

Mr. Jersey has also been a leader in the sustainable design space for over 33 years now and is part of a small number of architects truly dedicated to creating projects that focus on earth care as a primary element of the work. TJA designed the first LEED Gold hotel in the world, which was completed in 2005 at a cost that was the same per square foot cost that the same hotel developer was spending on conventional construction. This was possible because of Mr. Jersey’s passion for environmentally smart design and his ability to control construction costs due to his fluency in the construction realm.

In the last 15 years, Todd has taken his love of construction and environment to entirely new levels, becoming a master of the application of the best practices found in Building Science and Passive House principles to wood frame construction in ways that create no additional financial burden on the project. Todd has become a master at providing his clients with the absolute highest level of energy efficiency, ecological sustainability, structural integrity and durability and high-level aesthetics at a price point delivered by conventional architecture and construction.

All of Todd’s skills were critical to the construction of his signature project, the historic restoration of the venerable Richmond Plunge. The historic indoor pool was closed after the Loma Prieta earthquake. Plans for its restoration were developed by another architecture firm but shelved by the city of Richmond for years as the previous design was well over the city’s allocated funds. Using his construction chops, Todd created approached the project differently from a functional and structural perspective and in so doing saved the city of Richmond enough money to move the project into financial viability. Todd brings this same approach to problem solving in all his work, large or small.

For his clients, the passion for building, visual beauty, sustainability and best practices means that TJA projects are more beautiful, function better, save energy, have better interior comfort and cost the same or less than projects that are conventionally designed and built. In many cases working with TJA is the difference between project being financially viable or unbuildable.

Todd Jersey AIA, list of professional skills and areas of expertise:

• Wood Frame construction expert

• High Performance construction expert

• Waterproofing consultant with expertise in both new and existing projects

• Expertise in waterproofing forensics and repair regimes for existing projects

• Building Science and Building Envelope expert

• Passive House consultant

• Constructability reports and consultation

• Owner’s Representative for commercial projects

• Cost Control Expert on wood frame projects

• Ecological site planning and landscape design including ecological stormwater management

• Ecological infrastructure planning

• LEED design and certification (our firm designed the first LEED Gold hotel in the nation in 2004)

• Passive cooling and heating expert. This is especially important with existing buildings with no mechanical AC

• Building materials consultant

• Interior design

• Artist/colorist and expert color consultant

• Art consultant

• Accessibility specialist

Scott is the owner of McGlashan Architecture, a small Berkeley firm doing projects all around the West since 2004. We specialize in custom residential architecture with an emphasis on energy efficiency, low embodied carbon, and salvaged and recycled materials. We make buildings that perfectly fit the local landscape, the climate, the neighborhood, and the inhabitants. We work closely with clients, builders, landscapers, and interior designers to create warm, stylish homes with graceful indoor/outdoor connections, plentiful natural light, carefully crafted details, and efficient layouts. Scott is also a cabinetmaker and woodworker and brings decades of construction experience to his projects. McGlashan Architecture loves designing new homes, vacation getaways, ADU’s, houses of worship, art studios, residential additions, and family compounds.

Matthew is principal of the award winning WADLUND+ Design Studio, founded in 2010. He has deliberately staked out a broad range of experience in the belief that design encompasses the entire spectrum of society and the built environment. His background in energy policy, land conservation, culinary arts, and carpentry has influenced his architectural career. WADLUND+ Design Studio is currently focused on urban infill housing and mixed use.  

Jonathan is a multifaceted creative and community leader: an artist (@bachrach.arts), director of the 120710.art gallery, and a Berkeley Arts Commissioner serving on the public arts subcommittee. He is also president of the Gilman District Coordinating Committee and owner of 1207 10th Street, where he provides studio space to local artists. A cofounder of an electronics design software company, Jonathan lives in West Berkeley with his two teenage children. Previously, he was an adjunct professor in UC Berkeley's EECS department, where he taught, advised, and conducted research on the future of design tools.

Laura Leaverton is a Berkeley resident for 24 years, a board member of the Potters Studio in the Gilman district, and a recreational ceramics enthusiast. She retired from a career in software engineering in 2023 and now enjoys volunteering to promote the arts, and to strengthen her social communities. She loves outdoor sports, and physical challenges.

As the Executive Director of Ashkenaz, former President of the Board of The SONA Foundation, and a Founder of The Songwriter Fund, Sarah Travis has an extensive background involving talent acquisition, music education, and promotion. Even more, enjoys leveraging that history to ensure valued/aspiring artists attain the recognition they deserve while simultaneously propelling community initiatives forward. Overall, Sarah has a genuine passion for translating music-centered objectives into tangible realities and doing so while ensuring everyone involved gains positive, constructive experiences along the way. 

Jill founded Visual Jill in 2010. Her goal was to use her experience and creative inspiration to invent a different kind of home staging company—one that reflects her energy, love of color, and overall passion for comfortable modern design.

Jill has 30 years of experience leading creative teams in fashion and home decor styling. As Vice President of Visual Merchandising, first for Gap Inc./Banana Republic and later for William Sonoma Inc./Pottery Barn, Jill was responsible for developing and directing all in-store presentation and styling. She credits her Scandinavian roots for her love of modernism.

Viviana is excited to meet you all and to help support the West Berkeley community. Berkeley is her hometown, born, raised, and currently a West Berkeley resident. She is a realtor with District homes, with a background in architecture. She loves the arts of all kinds and is looking forward to being part of future projects.

“As public architects, we have the privilege to care for entire communities, much like a physician dedicated to public health. It’s an opportunity to contribute to their renewal and prosperity.”

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Janet Tam and Chris Noll may come from different backgrounds, but their shared perspective led to both a friendship and a thriving practice. Over the years, they’ve built a team rich in cultural and intellectual diversity, keeping their work fresh and engaging. According to Janet, “The engine of our firm is a collective commitment to COMMUNITY.”

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Janet admits that the firm’s growth has been “unexpected!”—yet Noll & Tam consistently surpasses expectations, delivering public projects that leave a lasting impact on the communities they serve. Her passion for architecture shines through as she approaches each project with an open mind, free of preconceived notions, always seeking the unique contributions it can bring. Her ultimate goal is to capture each project’s purpose through thoughtful, community-driven architecture, and to pass on that commitment by mentoring the next generation of design leaders.

“A library is a place where people come together to envision their future. It should be a welcoming place that stands the test of time with elegance.”

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A founding partner of Noll & Tam, Chris Noll considers himself a master of ceremonies – standing just outside the spotlight, but keeping the groove going. Chris loves bringing people together: “Every idea is a welcome idea. It may not work but, yes, let’s go out on that limb.” He finds that the best solutions are usually based upon a diversity of opinions. He is skilled at distilling ideas to identify a core vision that ties everything together.

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Chris’s fondness for animals runs deep. His dog Maisie, a ginger poodle, is the official greeter for visitors to Noll & Tam. Our delivery people come supplied with dog treats.

Chris loves libraries and working with librarians. He is actively involved with the California Library Association (CLA) and the American Library Association (ALA). He feels that libraries carry the weight of history and represent the best ideals of democracy, freedom, and independent thinking.

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He has had overdue books, but always pays his fines on time.

Lauren A. Schiller is an author, award-winning producer/host, and live event moderator. Her groundbreaking podcast and nationally syndicated radio show Inflection Point explores how women build power and lead change. Boasting a Gracie Award from the Alliance for Women in Media, it is now housed in the American Archive of Public Broadcasting. Her book, It’s a Good Day to Change the World: Inspiration and Advice for a Feminist Future is a guide to achieving an equal, just, and joy-filled world. Schiller’s current project is a new podcast and radio show with her brother called Relativity which investigates family myths, legends, and the history that shaped our American culture. It has appeared at the Wadsworth Atheneum Museum, the Institute of Contemporary Art San Francisco, and the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust Wood Street Galleries. Schiller also co-founded Unfiltered Productions, where she co-produced and co-hosted one of the first female-led podcasts, The Lady Brain Show which she also syndicated on television and radio.

As a moderator for live events at venues including City Arts & Lectures, The Commonwealth Club, Cal Performances, and JCCSF, Schiller’s conversations elicit surprising stories and reveal insightful truths about the world we live in, how we got here, and where we go next. She was Executive Producer of Audio for Salon Media; and a guest host for The Conversation on the BBC World Service and a LABA fellow. 

Schiller is also a strategist, studio director, and producer for artist and filmmaker, Tiffany Shlain/Let It Ripple.

Lauren began her career in advertising at Chiat/Day working on some of the world’s best brands and rose to become one of the first female partners at kbp the San Francisco ad agency she led. Fun fact further back, she was the first girl to join the Boys Club in the Pittsburgh, PA neighborhood where she grew up, before moving to Northern California.

“I love the creative process of drawing and designing, but what truly sustains me in this profession are the connections I build—the relationships with my team and the community.”

After a transformative visit to Big Sur in 1984 to work on the Esalen Institute (one of his favorite projects), Tom traded Texas for the Golden State and never looked back.

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Tom’s portfolio is as diverse as it is meaningful, focusing on places of worship and celebration. He has designed facilities for Unitarian, Jesuit, Evangelical, and Tibetan Buddhist communities, finding inspiration in how congregants express their faith and interact with the world. His joy lies in translating those unique energies into designs that reflect and enhance their spiritual and communal experiences.

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A lifelong artist, Tom’s love of drawing began in childhood, though his grandfather wisely advised him to turn that passion into a career. Architecture became the perfect fusion of creativity and practicality. Outside of work, Tom continues to nurture his artistic side by drawing, painting, and expanding his ever-evolving backyard treehouse.

Tom’s work reflects his belief that architecture is more than a vocation—it’s a way to connect people, stories, and spaces with creativity and purpose.