Co-founder and Principal designer Rosa Van Parys grew up in Ecuador, where she received a professional degree in architecture at the School of Architecture at Catholic University, then earned a diploma of plastic arts at Université Paul Valéry in Montpellier, France. She headed to the University of Southern California (USC) for her master’s degree in building science, then went on to earn a second master’s degree from the Graduate School of Design at Harvard University. As the Design Principal of VPA+D, Rosa leads both the architecture and interior design studios. Her designs are recognized for being innovative and cutting edge, with the ability of adapting timeless architecture into today’s life.

The couple met at USC, where Michael received his architecture degree. He also has an international background; he attended high school in Spain after growing up in Westlake Village, CA. Michael’s interest for architecture derives from his passion for materials and methods. Michael has taught LEED classes at UCLA Extension and worked on multiple LEED platinum-certified projects, including two of the largest and greenest homes in the country. Committed to sustainability and energy efficiency, Michael and Rosa are both Accredited Professionals in Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED AP).