Joe Vela
Principal
Bachelor of Architecture, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo
Collaboration
When a project is finished, I want the teams to remember Aedis as a firm that collaborates with our clients. We make a potentially challenging process enjoyable! In the end we want our clients, and those that worked with us, to appreciate our service-oriented style and willingness to always help out for the betterment of the project.
Most Memorable Projects
It’s difficult to pick a favorite! My projects are like my children. I invest so much time and energy into making sure the final outcome is perfect, that each one leaves an impact on me. So far in my career, the two projects that have stuck with me the most are the Half Moon Bay High School Project and the Cosmetology Project at San Jose City College. Both projects were meaningful and significant additions to the campuses with extremely satisfied clients and team members. In short, both were wonderfully collaborative projects!
Outside the office
At home, I am our in-house weather geek/nerd. I’m known for regularly sending weather reports to friends and family. In addition, tinkering/do-it-yourself projects are always in the works at the Vela household. I like working around the house – whether it’s mowing the lawn, fixing the fence, remodeling or painting, the house is a never-ending project. As a family, we enjoy baseball, bike riding, and traveling as much as possible.
Outreach
I am a member of the School Site Council where my children attend. I also volunteered as a member of The San Jose Elks Lodge service organization.
Aedis designs projects that are significant and impactful! It is not just classrooms, but whole communities that we design, where people typically spend a third of their daily lives. Therefor, we have the unique opportunity to meaningfully impact a person’s environment and experience. This is both a privilege and an honor.