Spotlight on Staff | Ron Nestor, Senior Principal

With over 35 years of design and planning experience in a wide variety of product types ranging from single-family homes to downtown high-rise corporate headquarters and industrial facilities, Ron’s projects include some of the most recognized in the region. Join us for a short Q&A session with Ron.

1) When did you realize that you wanted to be an architect?

Seriously, I think I have always wanted to be an architect, building cities with my Lego blocks. In first grade, I found books in the library on the White House and the U.S. Capitol building – my teacher told my mom that maybe I wanted to be President – no I was just interested in the floor plans, sections and elevations. In fifth grade, I read a design article on Frank Lloyd Wright’s Imperial Hotel in Tokyo, of its innovation and how it survived the great 1923 earthquake, and it was then and there that I knew that is what I wanted to do.

2) Tell us about your journey to become an architect?

At Westminster High I took a beginning drafting class and an architectural drafting class. Graduating at age 16, I first went to Golden West College where after a year, I got my first job, with Berkus Group Architects in Santa Ana. I was the ‘office boy’ only for about 2 weeks when they hired someone even less experienced than me! I worked there about 3/4 time for four years while going to school at Cal Poly Pomona. I was the proverbial ‘sponge’ moving from production into design at about age 19, where I really wanted to be. I was in the first class at Cal Poly to receive Bachelor of Architecture degrees. The day after I graduated, I embarked on a six-month-long journey beginning on the East coast, then continuing through most of Europe and parts of Northern Africa.

Upon returning, I was welcomed by the Ronald Reagan recession of 1982.  No one was hiring and although Berkus offered me a spot, I declined, wanting to spread my wings. Barry Berkus continued to be a mentor and inspiration until his recent passing. I finally got a job with EcoTecture in Orange that lasted a year until they went belly up. Right as that was happening, I had a call from McLarand Vasquez & Partners where I was for 16 years, the last six of which I was a partner, working on some of the most significant projects in the West like The Water Garden, Wilshire Courtyard, the MTA Headquarters Tower at Union Station, Howard Hughes Center, Hughes Center Las Vegas, and the Hualalai Resort on the Big Island.  After MV&P, I had my own firm, Nestor+Gaffney Architecture for ten years, prior to joining WHA.

3) What’s your favorite thing about WHA?

The diversity of projects – every day it seems I am working on something completely different. I’ve been able to bring my historic experience to WHA (I am also an Architectural Historian and used to teach at Cerritos College), and I get to work on projects large and small.

4) What was the most exciting project you’ve worked on at WHA?

Without question, Ambassador Gardens, is the most complicated and the most rewarding project I have worked on. I especially appreciate its market success and the exceptional recognition by our peers.

5) Do you have anything to say to young people who are interested in architecture and want to join this industry?

It is a tough profession, especially the education part and the exam, but if the interest is burned into your heart and you work hard, I can’t imagine a better profession. As I travel around Southern California in particular, I feel that I have ‘children’ all over town!

6) What do you do in your free time?

I used to be an avid Scuba Diver – I advanced through the ranks to become Master Scuba Instructor. I’ve taught more that 500 people how to dive, the last being my wife, Martha, who finished her dives on Bora Bora. I retired from professional diving due to time constraints and now enjoy diving on tropical vacations. I also love travel – I have a globe with little pins from all the countries I’ve visited. And, of course, I love being with my two Golden Retrievers, Wilson & Elliott, my four-legged kids!