Michael Ellars

michaelellars.com

Michael Ellars, AIA, APX, CSI, CCCA, CDT, LEED AP, ADAC, CASp

Curriculum Vitae

March 2022

Education

University of Southern California, School of Architecture

1995–2000Bachelor of Architecture magna cum laude

Licensure and Certification

2006–Present Licensed Architect, California (C30683)
2007–Present LEED Accredited Professional (AP), United States Green Building Council (0010017988)
2009–Present Certified Access Specialist (CASp), California (CASp-111)
2014–Present Construction Documents Technician (CDT), Construction Specifications Institute
2019–Present ADA Coordinator, ADA Coordinator Training Certification Program (ACTCP), University of Missouri & Great Plains ADA Center (54105478-4617)
2021–Present Certified Construction Contract Administrator (CCCA), Construction Specifications Institute

Primary Professional Experience

2000–PresentDLR Group
(formerly WWCOT prior to 3/2010)

ADA Coordinator

05/2018–Present: Lead internal quality control responsible for disabled access compliance during design and construction phases of the $1.95+ billion Automated People Mover (APM) project at Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) as part of the “P3”team for LAX Integrated Express Solutions (LINXS).

Project Architect / Project Manager

06/2006–Present: Project executive and technical lead for broad range of project types (civic, retail, K-12 education and higher education) with involvement from schematic design through construction documents, construction administration, and project close-out. Schedule and direct staff during all phases of projects. Expanded marketing/business development responsibilities including client management, proposal preparation, and project interviews. A “go-to” code expert for the California Region.

Certified Access Specialist (CASp)

09/2009–Present: Field investigation, conditional analysis, and written report documentation regarding construction-related accessibility standards compliance. Design phase plan reviews and construction phase inspections. Technical advice for access compliance across all projects types.

Forensic Architect

09/2008–5/2011: Investigate construction defects (including field work and documentation review), provide litigation support services (including code research, presentation preparation, and critical issue analysis), and assist in development and oversight of remedial design work.

Designer / Job Captain

02/2001–6/2006: Direct junior staff during design development and construction document phases. Co-chaired interoffice “Technical Roundtable” group. Active member of inter-office “CAD Leaders” group. Some construction management and marketing experience.

Graphic Designer / Marketing

05/2000–2/2001: Develop proposals, presentations, and other marketing graphics. Assist business development and client research efforts.

Secondary Professional Experience

2015–2020USC School of Architecture

Part Time Lecturer (Adjunct Faculty)

08/2015–05/2020: Develop curriculum, provide instruction, and review student work within the undergraduate and graduate Building Science programs. Courses included building science design studios (ARCH 405ab and ARCH 305a) and upper-division electives (ARCH 418).

Professional Memberships and Affiliations

1996–PresentAlpha Rho Chi Fraternity (APX), Andronicus Chapter & Alumni Association
2006–PresentAmerican Institute of Architects (AIA), Los Angeles Chapter
2013–PresentConstruction Specifications Institute (CSI), Los Angeles Chapter & San Diego Chapter

Professional Service and Activities

2020–PresentInvited Guest Lecturer, Professional Practice/Accessibiity, USC School of Architecture
2009–PresentInvited Presenter, NotLY (Not Licensed Yet)
2002–PresentInvited Guest Critic, Topic Studios and Building Science Studios, USC School of Architecture
2011–2018Co-Chair, Accessibility Subcommittee of Education Committee, Los Angeles CSI
2011–2018Member, Education Committee, Los Angeles CSI
2006–2017Member, Building Performance and Regulations Committee, AIA Los Angeles
2009Mentor, ACE Program, WWCOT and Santa Monica High School
2009–2012Member, Los Angeles Building Enclosure Council, NIBS/BETEC and AIA Los Angeles
2009–2012Invited Presenter, AIA Los Angeles – Emerging Professionals Education Series
2003–2006President, Andronicus Alumni Association, Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity

Instructional Experience

University of Southern California, School of Architecture

11/2021 Guest Lecturer, ARCH 526: Professional Practice: Legal & Economic Context
Accessibility: Past, Present & Future with Best Practices
10/2020 Guest Lecturer, ARCH 526: Professional Practice: Legal & Economic Context
Accessibility: Past, Present & Future
01/2020–05/2020 Instructor, ARCH 418: Designing with Natural Forces
Introduction/Overview, Structural Systems, Wind Design, Acoustics, Daylighting, Design for Water, Extreme Environments, Final Project, Site Analysis, Presentations
01/2019–05/2019 Instructor, ARCH 418: Designing with Natural Forces
Introduction/Overview, Structural Systems, Wind Design, Acoustics, Daylighting, Design for Water, Extreme Environments, Final Project, Site Analysis, Presentations
01/2018–05/2018 Instructor, ARCH 418: Designing with Natural Forces
Introduction/Overview, Structural Systems, Wind Design, Acoustics, Daylighting, Design for Water, Extreme Environments, Final Project, Site Analysis, Presentations
08/2017–12/2017 Instructor, ARCH 305a: Building Science II
Introduction & Drafting 101, Sustainability & Beyond, Site Analysis, Concept + Programming, Structural Systems, Detailing, Design Models, Representations
01/2017–05/2017 Instructor, ARCH 405b: Building Science III
Overview, Site Analysis, Program Analysis, Sustainability & Beyond, Schematic Design, Submission Planning, Lighting Design, Steel Detailing
08/2016–12/2016 Instructor, ARCH 405a: Building Science III
Introduction/Overview, Materials Overview, Site Analysis, Program & Code Analysis, Architectural Views, Structural Systems, Building Enclosure, Mechanical Systems
01/2016–05/2016 Instructor, ARCH 405b: Building Science III
Introduction/Overview, Building Codes, Structural Design, Site Analysis, Schematic Design, Submission Planning, Aesthetics, Detailing, Submission Boards
08/2015–12/2015 Instructor, ARCH 405a: Building Science III
Basic Data for Building Science, Materials Overview, Structural Systems, Site Analysis, Envelope Systems, Architectural Acoustics, Mechanical Systems, Code Analysis & Accessibility

NotLY: Not Licensed Yet
(formerly USC Architecture License Study Hall)

12/2019Code Analysis: Area Calculations and Applications
05/2019Code Analysis: Area Calculations and Applications
06/2016ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
06/2015ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
ARE 4.0 PPP/CSE: A Brief History of Accessibility
CSE: The 12 Parts of Title 24
01/2015ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
ARE 4.0 PPP/CSE: A Brief History of Accessibility
CSE: The 12 Parts of Title 24
05/2014ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
ARE 4.0 PPP: How Did We Get Here? A Brief History of Accessibility
CSE: The 12 Parts of Title 24
04/2014ARE 4.0 BDCS: Architectural Acoustics
05/2013ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
CSE: California Supplemental Exam
12/2012ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
CSE: California Supplemental Exam
05/2012ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
CSE: California Supplemental Exam
05/2011ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
ARE 4.0 PPP: Programming, Planning & Practice
05/2010ARE 4.0 SD: Schematic Design
ARE 4.0 BDCS: Building Design
09/2009ARE 4.0 BDCS: Building Design & Construction Systems

AIA Los Angeles — Emerging Professionals Education Series

06/2016ARE Workshop: Site Planning & Design
09/2014ARE Workshop: Building Design & Construction Systems
06/2012ARE 4.0 SPD: Site Planning & Design
06/2011ARE 4.0 SPD: Site Planning & Design
05/2010ARE 4.0 SPD: Site Planning & Design
10/2009ARE 4.0 SPD: Site Planning & Design
09/2009ARE 4.0 BDCS: Building Design & Construction Systems
05/2009ARE 3.1 BT: Building Technology
03/2009ARE 4.0 SPD: Site Planning & Design

AIA Los Angeles — Building Performance & Regulations Committee

04/2015Making an Access Friendly Business
03/2014Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC
02/2014Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC
06/2013Accessibility Seminar: How Did We Get Here?
09/2012Accessibility Seminar: Emergency Regulations
05/2012Accessibility Seminar: Why Accessibility?
10/2011Accessibility Seminar: Site Circulation
08/2011Accessibility Seminar: Clear Floor Spaces
06/2010Accessibility Seminar: Accessibility in Existing Non-Residential Buildings

AIA San Fernando Valley

11/2016An Evening of Accessibility: Best Practices for 2013 CBC and 2016 CBC Preview
09/2015Accessibility: Past & Present (CASp Discussion Group)
03/2015Accessibility Blitz: Parking
11/2014Accessibility: Past, Present and Future
Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC

AIA Golden Empire (Bakersfield)

10/2011ARE 4.0: Construction Documents & Services

LACSI: Los Angeles Chapter of Construction Specifications Institute

12/2020Accessibility: Past and Present
12/2018Accessibility: Past and Present
01/2017Accessibility: Past and Present
01/2015Accessibility: Past and Present
06/2013Accessibility Seminar: How Did We Get Here?
10/2011Accessibility Seminar: Site Circulation

IECSI: Inland Empire Chapter of Construction Specifications Institute

11/2014Accessibility: Past and Present
Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC

AWA+D: Association of Women in Architecture & Design

12/2014Cocktails & Codes: The 12 Parts of Title 24

Thompson Design Expo (Orange County)

11/2019Accessibility: What’s New in the 2019 California Building Code?
11/2018Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2016 CBC
11/2017Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC (2016 Update)
11/2016Accessibility: Past & Present

Long Beach City College—Construction Management/Maintenance & Operations CE Seminar

08/2017Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC (2016 Update)

LAUSD: Los Angeles Unified School District

01/2021Accessibility: Past, Present & Future
Best Practices for CBC Accessibility (Part 1)
Best Practices for CBC Accessibility (Part 2)
Recent Changes to CBC Accessibility (2019)
Upcoming Changes to CBC Accessibility (2021)
01/2019Accessibility: Past, Present & Future
Best Practices (Part 1)
Best Practices (Part 2)
2016 CBC Intervening Code Cycle Accessibility Provisions (2018)
Preview of 2019 CBC Accessibility Provisions
11/2016Accessibility: Past, Present & Future
Best Practices for 2013 CBC
2013 CBC Intervening Code Cycle Accessibility Provisions (2015)
Preview of 2016 CBC Accessibility Provisions

Coalition for Adequate School Housing (CASH) – 37th Annual Conference on School Facilities

02/2016Virtual Reality: The Next Big Thing

The Valley Economic Alliance (San Fernando Valley, Los Angeles)

04/2015Making an Access Friendly Business

DLR Group (formerly WWCOT prior to 3/2010)

02/2022Code Analysis: Area Calculations and Applications
06/2021Building Code: 2021 Intervening Code Cycle Updates for 2019 CBC
05/2021Accessibility: Past, Present & Future
Best Practices for CBC Accessibility (Part 1)
Best Practices for CBC Accessibility (Part 2)
Recent Changes to CBC Accessibility (2019)
Upcoming Changes to CBC Accessibility (2021)
07/202030 Years of ADA: Celebrating Three Decades of Civil Rights
09/2019Building Code Update: What’s New in the 2019 California Building Code?
10/2018Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2016 CBC
12/2017Code Analysis: Area Calculations and Applications
08/2017Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC (2016 Update)
05/2014Accessibility Seminar: Best Practices for 2013 CBC
07/20122010 California Building Standards Code: Title 24
04/20122010 California Building Code: Chapter 4
03/20122010 California Building Code: Chapter 3
02/20122010 California Building Code: Chapter 1
07/2011Microsoft Word: Introducing Styles
02/2010Using Styles in Microsoft Word
01/20082007 California Building Code: Chapter 5

Alpha Rho Chi Fraternity — National Convention

04/2010Convention Boot Camp: Robert’s Rules of Order

Publications

11/2016New Visual Realities Require K-12 Designs for the Future. DLR Group Insights.
(formerly availalbe at www.dlrgroup.com/insights/articles/ellars-new-visual-realities/)
04/2016Boosting the K-12 Educational Experience through Virtual Modes of Learning. DLR Group Insights.
(formerly available at www.dlrgroup.com/insights/articles/ellars-virtual-reality/)
02/2016Virtual Reality: A Revolutionary Evolution in Building Design. AIA YAF Connection. issuu.com/youngarchitectsforum/docs/160216_-_1401_-_vol_14_issue_01_dra/32
06/2014Architectural Acoustics. Presentation slides and supplemental notes from NotLY seminar. michaelellars.com/edu/are/are40/bdcs.html
05/2010ARE Schematic Design: Building Layout Vignette Sketch Paper Example. Supplemental presentation material from NotLY seminar. michaelellars.com/edu/are/are40/sd.html

Novels

2013Edge of Infinity. Science fiction. ISBN-10: 1484840399 / ISBN-13: 978-1484840399. CreateSpace Independent Publishing Platform.

Awards and Honors

20222021 Sam Overton Humanitarian Award of Excellence, Disability Access and Accommodation Advisory Committee (DAAAC), Los Angeles World Airports
2012Certificate of Recognition, Police/Fire Headquarters Reconstruction Project, City of Burbank
2000AIA (Henry Adams) School Medal, School of Architecture, University of Southern California

Grants and Scholarships

2015“Virtual Realities” Professional Development Grant, DLR Group
1995Trustee Scholarship, University of Southern California

Technology Skills

Hardware

1990–Present: Specify, construct, install, and troubleshoot assorted computer hardware and peripherals. Half-year professional development grant for virtual reality study using Oculus Rift head-mounted display (2015).

Operating Systems

1990–Present: Install and manage various mainstream and niche operating systems, including Microsoft Windows (3.1 through 10), Linux (various distributions), BeOS, and MS-DOS.

Computer Aided Drafting and Design / Building Information Modeling Software

1993–Present: Proficient with AutoCAD (32+ years) and Revit (19+ years). Profesional experience with PowerCADD and SketchUp. Familiar with form•Z and 3DStudio.

Graphic Design / Desktop Publishing Software

1995–Present: Proficient with Adobe Photoshop (29+ years) and InDesign (18+ years). Professional experience with Quark Xpress, Adobe Illustrator, and Adobe Dreamweaver. Familiar with GIMP, Inkscape, and Scribus.

Office / Productivity Software

1995–Present: Proficient with Microsoft Office suite (29+ years), including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, and Outlook. Professional experience with Microsoft Project and Microsoft Access. Familiar with LibreOffice.

Web Markup / Programming Languages

1995–Present: Proficieint with World Wide Web markup languages (29+ years), including HTML, DHTML XHTML, and HTML5. Proficient with JavaScript/ECMAScript programming (27+ years) and CSS (25+ years). Familiar with AutoLISP programming and AutoCAD interface customization.

Professional Website Examples:

Hobbies and Interests

Building technology, architectural detailing, building standards and codes, accessibility/universal design, sustainable/regenerative design, website development, graphic design, and reading and writing science fiction.
Computer geek. Amateur historian. Puzzle fanatic. Creative problem solver.

References

Due to the nature of the Internet, and in respect of my references’ privacy, these are available only upon request.