Meet the Team

Our synergetic team represents our work: we’re diverse, multilingual, collaborative, experienced, driven, and rooted in our values—with a healthy dose of humor and flexibility.

ALICIA PONCE

Founder & Principal

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, Living Future Accredited
Languages: English, Spanish

Architect, Author and Advocate, Alicia Ponce is the founder and principal of APMonarch. Since 2007, Alicia’s expertise and passion for sustainability have supported many clients in designing radically better projects. Her reputation for resilient and eco-conscious architecture secured APMonarch’s role as the Sustainability Architect and direct protégé to Santiago Calatrava and his firm’s design proposal for the 2019 O’Hare International Airport Global Terminal. The international competition drew 1,200 teams and five were selected for the final presentation.

Alicia’s highly collaborative process has led project teams and organizations to earn both LEED and Living Building Challenge certified projects. Recognized for her ability to identify the challenges and opportunities in green buildings, in 2010 Alicia received a grant to co-lead a sustainability workshop in Sao Paolo, Brazil

Alicia is a contributing author of Today’s Inspired Latina Vol. VI. Learn more about her purposeful journey to architecture, entrepreneurship, and connection with nature. 

Email Alicia
Buy her book
speaking engagements

MILO AGUILAR

Sustainability Lead & Project Manager

WELL AP, LEED AP BD+C Accredited
Languages: English, Spanish

A native of Guanajuato, Mexico, Milo is an Architect, a LEED Accredited Professional and an MBA with a concentration in real estate. Milo’s experience also includes Interior Design and Construction Project Management. At APMonarch, he demonstrates strong leadership in projects he is charged with and is able to coordinate teams speaking in English and Spanish.

Milo’s business operations and development skills focus on customer satisfaction and sales growth while committing to social and environmentally conscious practices. Milo has completed LEED Certified projects throughout the Chicagoland area and Latin America.

ANTONIO J. SIERRA

Senior Architectural Associate

Languages: English, Spanish

As Project Manager at APMonarch, Antonio adds value with his experience in developing residential and commercial architecture from initial design through project implementation and construction management. Antonio brings a variety of project experience in single and multi-family residences, restaurant design, commercial office, and places of worship. Antonio holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Miami School of Architecture.

During his undergraduate studies, he played a key role within a team of graduate students and faculty to improve the urban quality of the neighborhood of Allapattah, Florida and its “Little Santo Domingo” sector. He assisted in creating a historic patrimony by locating residential units that may qualify for a historical preservation certificate and thus rehabilitation tax credits.

JORGE HERRERA

Senior Project Manager

Languages: English, Spanish

Jorge has extensive experience in all project phases from early programming through field observation activities and closing out the project. He is responsible for development of project documents, including the preparation of permit, bid, and construction documents, specifications and coordination of the work with contractors, consultants, and clients. Jorge’s portfolio includes institutional, industrial and commercial facilities.

NICOLE GINARD

Architectural Designer

Languages: English, Spanish

Nicole is a recent architecture school graduate with an interest in public spaces, community projects, and housing. She sees architecture as a tool to improve the quality of life for those who inhabit created spaces. Nicole is interested in intersectionality and the fabric that makes up communities and how they tie into the field of architecture

ROSA Y. ORTIZ

Director of Planning and Community Engagement

AICP, LEED AP
Languages: English, Spanish

Rosa is a certified planner and a LEED accredited professional with two decades of government, corporate and not‐for-profit experience. She is committed to equitable community development, sustainable initiatives and affordable housing. Her work is based on local, national and global perspectives from experiences in England, Denmark, Mexico, China, France and the United States. Rosa serves as a purpose consultant specializing in Community Development and recently served the City of Chicago in the role of Managing Deputy Commissioner for the Department of Housing and at Enterprise Community Partners as Senior Program Director. She is an active member of national collaborations through Elevated Chicago with partnerships in Denver, San Francisco, Memphis, Atlanta and Los Angeles. Rosa is committed to building inclusive and resilient communities for all. She lives in Chicago in a multigenerational home with her husband, two daughters and mom. She enjoys swimming, dancing, painting, gardening and music.

LAURA NUÑEZ

Marketing & Business Manager

Languages: English, Spanish

Laura Nuñez is a graduate of the University of Southern California School of Cinematic Arts. After several years performing various roles in front of and behind the camera, she became a Teaching Artist for Chicago Arts Partnership in Education (CAPE). It was there that she discovered her passion for community organizing and fostering emerging artists. Laura is a founding member of Villarte Chicago and organizer of the Little Village Arts Festival. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and administration, Laura Nuñez is a proven problem solver. Her knowledge base spans IT, graphic design and event planning.