Meet the Women of Burdge Architects
At Burdge Architects, we are propelled by the contributions of our diverse team of women from every corner of the globe. Led by a dynamic female President and Vice President, our firm thrives under the guidance of female leadership. As we commemorate Women's History Month, we invite you to join us in spotlighting the extraordinary talents and invaluable perspectives of the women who shape our firm.
Jennifer Hoppel, AIA | President
Meet Jennifer Hoppel, President of Burdge Architects. Originally from Wisconsin, Jennifer studied architecture and sustainable design at the University of Minnesota, earning both a Bachelors and a Masters degree in Architecture. Joining Burdge and Associates in 2015, she quickly rose to become an Associate in 2018, contributing significantly to the firm's projects. In 2020, Jennifer was appointed President of Burdge Architects, providing invaluable leadership and expertise to continue to shape the firm's success.
Jeanette Tang | Vice President, Director of Operations, and Interior Designer
Jeanette Tang, who has worked at Burdge for nearly 25 years, began her journey as an intern while completing her Interior Design degree at UCLA. Originally from Denmark, where she grew up on a farm, Jeanette's childhood dream of becoming a vet shifted into a passion for design and architecture, guiding her towards a fulfilling career that spans decades.
Anna Mattioli | Associate
Anna Mattioli recently celebrated her 10-year anniversary with Burdge Architects, having started in March 2014. Originally from Italy, Anna found her path in architecture after a change of direction from engineering school, proving that sometimes unexpected twists lead to the most fulfilling careers.
Veronica Salas | Office Manager
Veronica is a cornerstone of Burdge Architects, having dedicated an impressive 26 years to the firm since 1997. Originating from Puerto Vallarta, Mexico, her introduction to the architectural realm began unexpectedly, initially serving as the nanny for Doug Burdge's twin boys. Eventually, the opportunity arose for Veronica to transition into an assistant role within the office. When Veronica started with Burdge, the firm was based out of Doug’s garage in Westlake Village, eventually upgrading to a trailer up on Rambla Orienta and finally moving to their current office space on PCH. Throughout her tenure, Veronica has embraced various responsibilities, evolving into the role of office manager. Grateful for the opportunity to grow and learn alongside the firm, Veronica remains an invaluable asset, embodying the spirit of dedication and loyalty that defines Burdge Architects.
Carmel McFayden, AIA | Project Architect
Meet Carmel McFayden, who joined the Burdge team in August 2020 during the midst of the pandemic. Bringing her expertise all the way from Australia, Carmel has a degree in architecture from the University of Melbourne. Her journey took a serendipitous turn when a backpacking trip through Europe led her to meet her American husband, eventually bringing her to California.
Karen Hau | Project Manager
Karen joined the Burdge team two years ago, in April 2022. She brings a wealth of international experience, having lived in Peru, Canada, and New York City before embracing the West Coast sunshine with us. Karen's interest in architecture was sparked early on in high school during a drafting class, where her love for drawing and technical precision merged seamlessly, setting her on the path to where she is today.
Monica Heiman | Design Technology Manager
Monica started working at Burdge in 2021, marking nearly three years of contributions to the team by August. Originally from Santa Cruz, Monica's passion for architecture led her to Los Angeles, where she pursued her studies at USC. Inspired by her great-grandfather, an architect in San Francisco, Monica's childhood fascination with his design ignited her own aspirations in the field. Her innate desire to craft space and create meaningful environments propelled her toward a career in architecture.
Kayley Ryan | Junior Project Manager
Kayley joined Burdge Architects in September of 2019 after graduating from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona. Born and raised right here in Malibu, her affinity for architecture blossomed at a young age as she watched many homes designed by Burdge come to life around her. With a natural inclination towards crafting unique and inviting spaces, Kayley brings her passion for designing single-family residences to help numerous Burdge homes come to fruition.
Raine Murray | Project Coordinator
Beginning as an administrative assistant in 2016, Raine's love for art and architecture found a home within the firm's dynamic environment. Inspired by her experience at Burdge, she pursued an associate degree in architecture, transitioning into an internship role in 2019. Currently serving as a Project Coordinator, Raine balances her professional responsibilities with her ongoing studies at Woodbury University, where she will soon graduate with a Bachelor of Architecture in May.
Dawn Randall | Administrative Assistant
Joining the firm in April 2016, Dawn brought with her a wealth of expertise cultivated over 27 years of managing a surgical practice in Santa Monica. Seeking a change after the surgeons' retirement, Dawn transitioned to Burdge Architects, drawn by the allure of contributing to the architectural landscape of Malibu, where she has resided for 38 years. Despite lacking prior architectural experience, Dawn's dedication and adaptability quickly endeared her to the Burdge team. Originally from South Bend, Indiana, Dawn holds a degree from Augustana College in Rock Island, Illinois. At Burdge, she finds herself surrounded by brilliant and creative individuals, grateful for the opportunity to collaborate with such a remarkable team.
As we mark Women's History Month, we're proud to recognize the diverse talents and perspectives of the women who drive our firm forward. From our President and Vice President to every team member, their dedication and expertise shape our projects every day. Their journeys are a testament to resilience and commitment to excellence. Join us in honoring their achievements and celebrating the significant impact of women in shaping the future of architecture.