SDIAZ

Lance D. Baker, AIA

President

Lance Baker, founding partner and principal of Synectic Design, has successfully completed projects in the Federal, public, private and commercial markets. As an owner and designer, Lance participates in the design, documentation and administration for each project Synectic Design completes.

With 24 years of experience, Lance works closely with each and every client to ensure that he understands both their needs and their expectations. He prides himself on working together with clients, contractors and subconsultants to find solutions to the complex needs of each project. He is sincerely dedicated to actively leading the design team through all phases and participates in every major decision affecting successful project completion.

Lance is licensed for architecture in 20 states; he’s a member of AIA (American Institute of Architects) and active in the Scottsdale Charros, a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the community through the promotion and support of education, youth programs and economic development.

David P. Hamblen, LEED AP BD+C

Vice-President

A partner in Synectic Design since 2005, Dave holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute (Virginia Tech). With 20 years of experience, he has successfully completed projects of varying types in the public, private and commercial markets. With the Synectic Design team, he consistently exceeds clients’ expectations with respect to design, practical and budgetary considerations.

Dave participates in the design, production and technical aspects on a majority of the firm’s projects; thriving on the challenge to provide solutions for any design problem he’s presented with. He is also responsible for various management duties including budgeting, technology and quality control.

Dave has achieved LEED Certification which, according to the US Green Building Association, “signifies that you are a leader in the field and an active participant in the green building movement who contributes expertise to the design, construction, operations and maintenance of buildings and neighborhoods that save energy, use fewer resources, reduce pollution, and contribute to healthier environments for their occupants and the community.”

Valorie Jakubowski

Marketing/Office Manager

Handling both the firm’s office management and marketing, Valorie is a seasoned multi-tasker. A 1995 graduate of the University of Nebraska at Kearney, Valorie earned a Bachelor’s of Science in Journalism with a minor in Public Relations. She spent more than 10 years in sales – mostly in media and technology sectors – before accepting her first marketing position in the A/E/C industry. She has been with Synectic Design since October 2011.

Valorie uses her knowledge, creativity and enthusiasm to create our marketing materials, respond to RFQs, handle office duties such as accounting and human resources, and create & maintain the website and social media sites. In her spare time she loves to read, hike and camp with her family.

Jake Munns

Senior Project Manager

Jake Munns has successfully completed many projects of varying types in the healthcare, public, private and commercial markets. Jake studied CAD Design and Construction Management at Northern Arizona University in Flagstaff and, with more than 14 years experience, Jake brings extremely solid coordination and documentation skills to every project he works on. He takes great satisfaction in listening to client desires and parameters, with careful consideration to balance these factors against design constraints such as budget and schedule.

Aggressive skills and experience in architecture have given Jake an excellent foundation from which to adapt to new situations with an open mind. Strategies of execution are developed and relationships are built with all team members and appropriate resources. Mediums and processes are implemented to visualize and complete the project.

Mike Martinez

Project Manager

Mike Martinez has successfully completed many projects of varying types in the healthcare, public, private and commercial markets. With 19 years of experience – including more than 3 years at SDI, Mike takes satisfaction in listening to client desires and parameters, with careful consideration to balance these parameters against the design constraints such as budget and schedule. He develops strategies of execution and builds relationships with all team members and appropriate resources. He implements mediums and processes to visualize and complete the project.

Mike has an Associate’s Degree in Architectural Drafting & Design and a Bachelor of Arts in Business Management from Westewood College of Technology in Denver. His natural skills combined with his experience in architecture have given Mike an excellent foundation to adapt to new situations with an open mind, while bringing solid coordination and documentation skills to every project he works on.

Ashley Sams

Project Manager

Ashley Sams is a 2013 graduate of the College of Architecture at the University of Arizona, with an Accredited Bachelor’s of Architecture. She has successfully completed projects of varying types, including hospitality, multifamily, mixed use, retail, medical, senior housing and residential.

With 8+ years of experience, Ashley brings a wealth of experience in BIM modeling and management, as well as coordination and documentation skills. She takes satisfaction in collaborating with the client, engineers and contractors to create a beautiful, user-friendly, cohesive space that creates a positive and effective user experience.

Cole St. John

Project Manager

Cole St. John is a 2021 graduate of the College of Architecture at the University of Arizona, with an Accredited Bachelor’s of Architecture. He has successfully worked on projects of varying types, including hospitality, multifamily, mixed use, industrial, and residential.

With 2+ years of experience, Cole is a passionate designer and aspiring architect with the goal of being an advocate for innovation through construction and design. He brings a wealth of experience in BIM modeling and rendering skills.

Isayra Martinez

Project Manager

Isayra Martinez is a 2022 graduate of the College of Architecture at Arizona State University, with a Bachelor’s of Architecture and minor in Construction Management. Originally from Mexico, B.C. she gets her inspiration from Mexican/ Spanish Architecture and looks up to designers like Luis Barragan, Antonio Gaudi and Tatiana Bilbao. She has successfully worked on projects of varying types, including hospitality, multifamily, mixed use, retail, and residential.

With 2+ years of experience, Isayra brings experience in BIM modeling, as well as coordination, architectural design and interior design skills. She brings an enthusiastic, goal-oriented and creative view to projects in order to expand her experiences and bring innovative ideas to promote positivity within her community. Isayra also helps Valorie maintain the website and social media sites in her spare time. In her free time she enjoys painting, drawing, hiking and playing tennis.

Alberto Escudero

Project Manager

Alberto Escudero is a 2022 graduate of the College of Architecture at Arizona State University, with a Bachelor’s of Architecture. He is currently working towards getting his master’s in architecture. He has successfully worked on projects of varying types, including hospitality, multifamily, mixed use, retail, and residential custom homes.

With 2+ years of experience, Alberto brings experience in BIM modeling, as well as coordination, architectural design and rendering skills.

Tate Fourie

Project Manager

Tate Fourie is currently studying Architectural Design at SLCC on their path to the world of Architecture. Accruing 3 years of experience in primarily large scale multifamily and industrial complexes, Tate has built a driven focus on design concepts whilst maximizing effective use of space. In their free time, Tate enjoys curating spaces, building PC’s and competitive gaming.

They prioritize building strong relations and inclusive spaces allowing for seamless design and development from start to finish. Previously a resident of the Salt Lake City area, Tate has recently joined the SDI team to continue the journey and bring new concepts and ideas to the team.

Kristen Luciano

Project Manager

Kristen Luciano is a 2016 graduate of the College of Architecture at Ferris State University, with a Bachelor of Architecture Technology and Sustainability, and a minor in Facility Management.  She has successfully worked on projects of varying types, including hospitality, multifamily, commercial, educational and custom residential.

With 7+ years experience, Kristen brings experience in BIM and CAD, coordinates with engineers throughout all phases of design and construction and works with contractors throughout the building and permitting process.