Los Angeles, CA – October 2025 – Award-winning Los Angeles firm Tim Barber Architects announces the promotions of Ari Engelman, AIA, NCARB, and Katie Peterson-Hesketh to Principal Architects effective October 1, 2025. This announcement follows the promotion of Kelly Becker, AIA, NCARB, and David Stone, AIA, NCARB, who joined the 32-year-old firm’s leadership team as Principals at the start of 2024.
“Our succession planning is a 10-year commitment,” said Tim Barber, Founding Principal. “As we enter year seven, it is rewarding to see Kelly, David, Ari, and Katie step into these leadership roles. Their vision, dedication, and design expertise will carry the firm forward for our next 32 years and beyond.”
Engelman joined Tim Barber Architects with over 15 years of architectural experience on commercial and institutional projects with a focus on educational spaces. A graduate of The City College of the City University of New York, Ari brings expertise with large-scale, complex projects to the firm’s residential work.
Peterson-Hesketh joined the firm in 2012, bringing expertise in both modern and historic residential architecture to Tim Barber Architects. Katie holds a Master of Architecture from UCLA and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Ball State University. Knowledgeable about the Mills Act Historical Property Contract Program, she helps homeowners navigate opportunities for preservation and restoration.
The firm’s new leadership structure is designed to allow each Principal to assume responsibility for distinct areas of the business. Joining the team in 2013 and 2018, respectively, Becker and Stone have helped strengthen the firm’s commitment to design excellence in signature residential projects. Stone is Principal Architect and Director of Operations, with a focus on business strategy and development. Becker oversees complex design projects as Principal Architect and Director of Design.
“As our projects continue to grow in ambition and complexity, my focus will be on strengthening the systems and strategies that support our design teams,” said Engelman. Peterson-Hesketh adds, “Fieldwork is where our designs are truly tested. In this role, I concentrate on translating design intent into the built environment, ensuring that every decision on-site reinforces the integrity of the project and the client’s vision.”
About Tim Barber Architects
Tim Barber Architects is a residential architecture studio based in Los Angeles, defining sophisticated, vernacular-driven residential design in California and beyond. Celebrated for its homes that balance heritage, innovation, beauty, and resilience, the firm weaves history and place into every project, taking a highly collaborative and deeply personalized approach.
For decades, the firm has generously supported the Institute of Classical Architecture and Art, the Los Angeles Conservancy, Habitat for Humanity, TreePeople, Heal the Bay, and My Friend’s Place. The practice is also currently leading fire-rebuild projects in the Pacific Palisades and Altadena.
“Our purpose is to create enduring delight through our architecture and our relationships. Our team brings exceptional value and detail to every aspect of our work, protecting and improving the lives of our homeowners and the planet for now and for years to come”.For more information, visit https://timbarberarchitects.com/. | Cover photo by Laure Joliet
