About co/arch design
Architecture Without Borders
co/arch design was founded in Los Angeles by architects trained at top institutions, including the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and the University of Virginia.
Born out of a global need for virtual collaboration during the COVID-19 pandemic, we recognized that high-quality architectural design is not limited by geography.
By combining innovation, advanced technology, and a fully remote international team, we deliver efficient and precise drafting and design solutions to clients across the globe.
Our Mission
To empower architects and developers by providing reliable, flexible, and cost-effective remote design services—delivered by a team of internationally trained professionals, based in Los Angeles and Latin America.
How It Works
We act as a direct bridge between you and our technical team. Our project coordinators ensure smooth communication and on-time delivery.
Drafting and design services available on request | Seamless collaboration across time zones | High-quality deliverables, always on schedule
Why Choose co/arch?
🎓 Top-tier professionals: Internationally trained architects and designers
⚡ Fast turnaround: We understand expectations and deliver with speed
🔧 Latest tools: Our team masters advanced architectural software
🤝 No long-term contracts: Work per project or by the hour
📈 Scalable capacity: Take on more projects without hiring or overhead
Experience That Matters
🌎 Founders trained in the USA 🇺🇸 & Ecuador 🇪🇨
🏗️ 50+ completed and built architectural projects
🏆 15+ international design awards
🌐 Experience in: USA, Ecuador, Peru, Bolivia, Colombia, Europe, Asia & the Middle East
Experience That Matters
Aaron Leppanen Marquette, MI
Co-Founder
Aaron Leppanen holds a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) in Los Angeles, and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Michigan in Ann Arbor.
Throughout his career, Aaron has contributed to a wide range of award-winning projects in the institutional, educational, residential, and commercial sectors across the globe. His international experience includes work with prestigious firms such as Greg Lynn FORM (in collaboration with Gehry Partners) in Los Angeles, Naga Studio Architecture in Dubai, McIntosh Poris Associates in Detroit, and Belzberg Architects in Los Angeles.
His portfolio features high-profile projects such as the Sentosa Island Casino Proposal in Singapore, Oqyana – “Australia” (part of The World development) in Dubai, Saadiyat Museum Pavilion No. 3 in Abu Dhabi, and the Bill & Melinda Gates Discovery Center in Seattle.
While at Belzberg Architects, Aaron served as Project Manager and Lead Designer for the Los Angeles Museum of the Holocaust—an internationally recognized project celebrated for its architectural innovation and sustainability.
Aaron has also participated as a design critic and guest reviewer at several academic institutions, including the University of Southern California, ArtCenter College of Design, Northern Michigan University, and Universidad Católica in Quito, Ecuador.
Gabriela Anker, LEED AP Quito, Ecuador
Co-Founder
Gabriela Anker holds a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI-Arc) and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Virginia.
She has worked with renowned firms such as Rafael Viñoly Architects, Daly Genik Architects, and Naga Studio Architecture in Dubai. During her time at Lee Burkhart Liu Inc., she held an associate position, further strengthening her leadership in the field.
Gabriela has actively participated in the global architecture dialogue. She was a panelist at the «Dialogue for Contemporary Latin American Design» in Washington, D.C., and was invited to exhibit her work at the Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat (CTBUH) events in Shenzhen, China, and Chicago.
Her expertise has led her to speak at the Latin American Summit on Mixed-Use Development in Bogotá, Colombia, and serve as a guest jury for notable platforms such as Trama magazine’s “XX International Call for Projects,” and for the «Sacha Pavilion» project by CAE in Ecuador.
Gabriela has also served as a final reviewer at respected institutions including the ArtCenter College of Design, Universidad Internacional del Ecuador (UIDE), and Georgia Tech.
Additionally, she completed the “GIC IX Innovation Executive Program,” where she was recognized with the Best Startup Progress award, deepening her involvement in women’s enterprise development and innovation management.
Roberto Anker, Quito, Ecuador
Advisor
Roberto Anker holds a Systems Engineering degree with High Distinction from the University of Virginia and an MBA from Harvard Business School.
He is a founding partner of Proventus Advisors (founded in 2005), a leading financial advisory firm based in Latin America. Early in his career, Roberto worked with Morgan Stanley’s Latin American Investment Banking Group in New York, participating in transactions totaling over US$3 billion. He later joined Morgan Stanley’s Private Equity division (MSGEM) in São Paulo, focusing on investments across the region.
At Proventus, Roberto has led advisory teams in landmark corporate transactions, including:
- The sale of a 50% stake in Pronaca to CMI
- The acquisition of Ecofroz by Air Water
- The investment from Corporación Favorita in Hanaska
- The sale of Fisa Group to Constellation Software
- The sale of El Kiosko to Alpina
- Capital raising for Marathon Sports
Strategic reviews of major infrastructure projects such as the Quito subway and Quito airport
Roberto is also an active board member for both private and non-profit organizations. He serves as a mentor at Endeavor, and is a member of YPO (Young Presidents’ Organization).