Spotlight on Staff | Fernando Laullon

WHA is excited to announce that Fernando Laullon has been promoted to Executive Vice President. An architect with over 32 years of experience, Fernando has been involved in all aspects of business and project development. Join us as we ask him about his career journey.

What break-out project defined your career?

Ladera Ranch. I joined WHA in 1995. In early 1997, WHA became the master plan architect for Ladera Ranch. It’s been an honor to be associated with a design firm that possesses the various skill sets and talent to execute a project of that magnitude. I was given the opportunity to grow into my role as a project architect. I was responsible for numerous housing projects and together with Bob Wilhelm, we were given the opportunity to plan and design all four recreational clubhouse facilities as well as the four pool parks that were built throughout the community.

WHA | Ladera Ranch, CA | Rancho Mission Viejo, LLC/DMB Ladera, LLC

What inspires you?

The concept of “Placemaking”—the art of creating elements that establish a unique character and sense of place whether it be a single home or an entire community. It’s what people connect to. It’s what makes a house a home, a neighborhood a community. This is a very special profession that bestows upon us the responsibility of not only shaping our environment but shaping the lives of the families that purchase the homes that we design.

What’s your favorite thing about working at WHA?

Our firm is about fostering teamwork and giving people opportunity. Bill Hezmalhalch has always supported and encouraged the entrepreneur spirit. It’s a culture that promotes and inspires people to become forward thinkers, to learn more, to do more—all aspects that promote growth and build leadership.

WHA at PCBC 2016 

What achievements are you proud of professionally and personally?

I’m proud of our clients and our staff. We’ve made great progress in the California Building Industry Association (CBIA) to become leaders in residential design, a design that is sought after by the entire world. We’ve been able to respond to sustainability and energy conservation issues.  We’ve been successful in incorporating new technologies and been responsive to an ever-changing buyer profile by creating new design prototypes.

Personally, I’m proud to be associated with an industry that “gives back” to the community in the manner that it does. Whether it is through Home Aid, Habitat for Humanity, the City of Hope, Laura’s House or the many other charitable organizations that we have been associated with, our staff has and continues to donate their time to these charities to support the common cause.  The message has always been,”Think of other people first.” Give people hope, encouragement and the education to help them achieve their potential and live better lives.

Someone once said, “The more successful you become the harder it is to become successful.” This industry and our firm have never rested on their laurels.