2024

The year has started with a bang! After a successful collaboration to create the Lego Robotics lab in 2019, Bacilia has been working again with the Richmond Police Activities League (RPAL) to bring to life the latest addition to the Richmond facility. The Culinary Club is a program designed to instill healthy eating habits in young people and to teach them delicious, accessible, and fun meal preparation methods. BMA created the Architectural drawings and coordinated the efforts of the project's consultants under a tight timeline. She is excited to see this project start construction in January of this year. Bacilia is a proud Richmond native with a strong commitment to the well-being of the city and its residents.

We are also working on three new residences in Oakland, Walnut Creek, and San Pablo, assisting with accessibility upgrades for an eatery in Concord, and designing ADUs in Walnut Creek, Richmond, and Vallejo.

Part of my work I enjoy includes accessibility upgrades to both residences and businesses. I love to help my clients modernize their homes so that they can comfortably and safely age in place.

2023

I kicked off the year with a bang, excited to commence a new project with one of my favorite non-profit organizations, Richmond Community Foundation. I will be designing a second duplex on a vacant lot in central Richmond, California. RCF’s mission is to mobilize the power of connection to build healthy, thriving communities. It’s a mission I embrace wholeheartedly in my hometown of Richmond.

Amongst other projects, this year we worked on two residential remodels in Berkeley, a large addition in San Leandro, and several ADUs in Richmond, San Pablo, and Berkeley. We also completed several Feasibility Studies for clients who are considering projects but who would first like to know more about their property, what the process would entail, and potential costs and timelines before launching into the full kebob.

I was pleased to welcome a new team member, Indira. Indira specializes in Revit models, CAD detailing, and design work. She has been a wonderful addition to the team… productive, prompt, and pleasant!

2022

A year of firsts!

My first single-room dwelling project consisting of 17 units broke ground. It is a project I am passionate about because it is located in my hometown of Richmond, California. It aims to help expand housing options in the San Francisco Bay Area for young professionals, seniors, and anyone looking for community and an affordable place to live.

I completed the design and received entitlements for my first custom chalet in the beautiful Tahoe region of northern California. 2022 also seemed to be the year of additions with projects in Oakland, Berkeley, and Richmond!

I got my feet wet in the ocean of YouTube, being interviewed by Architect and mold specialist Cheryl Ciecko. We discussed building codes and the processes involved when beginning a remodeling project. Check out the interview!

Finally, I was pleased to welcome three new team members. Drake is our permit technician and client liaison with building and planning department personnel. Dominic is a seasoned Architect who undertakes 3-D modeling and technical drawings. Pearce helps with pre-design diagramming and schematic design modeling.

2021

I was pleased to acquire Minority Business Enterprise (MBE), Women Business Enterprise (WBE), and Small Business Enterprise (SBE) certification in the state of Oregon. 

I enjoyed participating in Career Day events at two different elementary schools. Connecting with young people has always been a passion especially since I recall yearning for the opportunity to meet Architects and builders when I was a child. Being a woman of color in this industry has not been easy at times, but it has afforded me a multi-faceted, fulfilling career. I hope to share my example as much as I can with young people, especially with girls who aspire to become part of the architecture, construction, or engineering industries. I look forward to speaking at more events where occupations are introduced to children.

2020

While I’m actively continuing my Architecture practice in California and visiting for long stretches often, I moved to the wonderful city of Portland, Oregon, and am proud to call this city my home. I love the Portland area and the beauty that abounds, both man-made and that which has been created in nature’s kitchen. Bringing my practice here has provided me the opportunity to share what I have learned with a new group of people. In the process, I know I will continue to learn and grow as an Architect.

At the top of the year, I was thrilled to welcome a new member to the family: our sweet pup, Daisy the Doberman!