Gregor Kuchakhchian
Sherman Oaks,CA
Summary
Results driven Architectural Designer and Project Manager with over 8 years of experience in residential development, zoning compliance, and municipal permitting in Southern California. Completed AXP hours and pursuing architectural licensure (5/6 ARE exams passed). Skilled in evaluating project plans against municipal codes and state regulations to secure approvals, with a focus on coordinating complex ADUs, additions, and phased residential projects.
Overview
5
5
years of professional experience
Work History
Project Manager/ Senior Design Coordinator
SoCal Upgrades
Los Angeles, CA
07.2023 - Current
- Strengthened the company's residential division by developing a standardized ADU catalog system, streamlining the permitting process and reducing design turnaround times
- Maintained organized project records including RFIs, submittals, inspection sign-offs, and change logs
- Familiar with residential building systems including framing, MEP coordination, and finish sequencing
- Managed small-scale residential construction projects from pre-construction through closeout, including new builds, ADUs, and major remodels
- Conducted site walks and field verification to confirm work conformance with approved plans and specs
- Involved in over 150 residential projects, including ADUs, additions, and new homes, supporting both design and construction coordination.
- Acted as the main liaison between owners, consultants, contractors, and city officials, ensuring clear communication and consistency from design to construction.
- Conducted site evaluations to assess zoning and feasibility, ensuring projects aligned with municipal codes and client goals.
- Coordinated directly with city plan checkers to address corrections, clarify code interpretations, and expedite approvals.
- Improved team communication and workflow between design and construction departments, resulting in smoother project execution.
- Supported business development by maintaining relationships with clients and expanding company visibility within the residential market.
Mentorship / Internship
Douglas Ewing Architects
Pasadena, CA
01.2025 - 06.2025
- Mentored directly by Douglas Ewing, FAIA, gaining exposure to environmentally responsive and context-driven design practices.
- Designed architectural plans for residential, commercial, & historic projects.
- Assisted in early design and visualization for custom residential projects emphasizing sustainability, natural materials, and sensitivity to site conditions.
- Observed design principles that integrate natural light, xeriscaping, and reclaimed materials, strengthening understanding of sustainable architecture.
Architectural Designer / AutoCAD Draftsman
2K Forum
Tujunga, CA
01.2021 - 07.2023
- Collaborated with project architects on design development and detailing, addressing plan check comments to enhance compliance and project quality.
- Conducted field measurements and created precise as-built drawings for remodels and new construction, ensuring alignment with design intent.
- Implemented Revit to enhance efficiency and drawing accuracy.
- Assisted an architectural team focused on residential design, preparing full drawing sets and construction documentation.
- Fulfilled AXP experience hours for architectural licensure under supervision of licensed architects, gaining comprehensive practical knowledge.
Education
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) -
Woodbury University
Los Angeles12-2022
General Education -
Los Angeles Valley College
Los Angeles05-2018
High School Diploma -
Sherman Oaks CES
Tarzana, CA10-2016
Skills
- Permit Coordination & Plan Check Navigation
- California Building Code (CBC) & Local Ordinance Evaluation
- Zoning & Municipal Code Research
- General Plan & Specific Plan Analysis
- CEQA Awareness
- Construction Documentation & Blueprint Reading
- Technical Report Writing & Summaries
- AutoCAD 2026, Revit 2026, Rhinoceros 8, Chief Architect X15
- Adobe Creative Cloud (InDesign, Photoshop, Illustrator)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Cross-Functional Team Collaboration
Professional Engagements
- Study Abroad Program, Venice, Italy
- International Internship, Yerevan, Armenia (urban housing development support)
- Member, American Student Architects (ASA), Woodbury University
Timeline
Mentorship / Internship
Douglas Ewing Architects
01.2025 - 06.2025
Project Manager/ Senior Design Coordinator
SoCal Upgrades
07.2023 - Current
Architectural Designer / AutoCAD Draftsman
2K Forum
01.2021 - 07.2023
Bachelor of Architecture (B.Arch) -
Woodbury University
General Education -
Los Angeles Valley College
High School Diploma -
Sherman Oaks CES