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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.

For us, diversity is not a checkbox. It is who we are.

At APMonarch, we firmly believe that diversity is not just a box to check, but a cornerstone of innovation and excellence in architecture. As a women and minority-owned firm, we are deeply committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive workplace that reflects the rich tapestry of our society. We recognize the importance of diversity in enriching perspectives, driving creativity, and ensuring equitable opportunities for all.

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

H. BRIAN HAYNES

Project Manager

Languages: English, Spanish

With over 20 years of experience, Brian has built a reputation for his evaluating and optimizing new and existing buildings. His success is attributed to his excellent communication style and ability to work seamlessly with project teams. His work in Chicago and Guatemala inspires him to think outside box between the intersection of the natural and built environment. Brian leads as an innovative and passionate architect and ensures that his projects are attractive, functional, and operationally resilient.

MILO AGUILAR

Interior Design and Sustainability Lead

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

Milo’s portfolio demonstrates a deep experience with sustainability and LEED. Those projects span a wide range of international commercial office projects located in the Unites States, Mexico and Panama. He is knowledgeable regarding all phases of a project, from conceptual design to detailing and construction drawings to construction administration.

Milo brings a holistic and sustainable view to his work and keenly pairs it for local context and culture.

NICOLE GINARD

Senior Designer

Languages: English, Spanish

Nicole is an architectural designer who brings beautiful aesthetics to all projects. Inspired by her lived experiences in Chicago, Miami and Medellin, Colombia, Nicole has developed a fierce interest in architecture and interior design and their impact on the environment. She has a profound talent to start a project from initial concept and execute it through to construction. Nicole has experience in graphic design and sustainability and her projects range from adaptive reuse, office build outs and new construction.

CHRYSTAL TILLBURY

BIM Manager

Languages: English, Spanish

A valuable addition the APMonarch Team, Chrystal is licensed in Panama. Her background includes valuable roles in hospitality, education, and government projects. She is a detail-oriented and dependable team player with strong organizational skills. As BIM manager, Chrystal leads and supports the design team during the design, construction phases of the project.