Environ Architecture, Inc.

With over 35 years of industry experience, Alan is considered an expert in his field. Educated at the University of Illinois, Chicago School of Architecture, Alan started his career in the Windy City working as a partner at Environ. When Alan moved to California in 1988, he worked for various firms in Los Angeles, but eventually planted roots in Long Beach. His goal was to work and live in a city that was vibrant and innovative. In 1991 he earned his architectural license from the State of California and in 1992 he opened up shop as owner and Architect of Environ West. LEED Certified in 2009, specializing in building development and construction (BD+C), Alan and his team pride themselves on being at the forefront of the green movement.

Alan has been extremely active in the community, serving on boards of neighborhood associations, the redevelopment agency, local charter schools, and now acts as Commissioner of the Long Beach Cultural Heritage Commission, the Downtown Long Beach Associates Economic Development Committee, and is an Officer for the AIA South Bay Chapter. While Alan and his team  work on various types of residential and commercial architecture, he has particular expertise in urban design, adaptive reuse of historically significant buildings with emphasis on creating sustainable and innovative environments. 

Willetta McCulloh partnered with Alan Burks in 1995 and Environ West became Environ Architecture, Inc. The two Illinois natives met in California and shared the same passion for design, community and urban environments. Willetta received her Bachelor of Science Degree from the University of Southern Illinois, Majoring in Interior Design and Minoring in Psychology. Later she earned her Interior Design Certification through the California Council for Interior Design (CID). As a founding member of the California Legislation Coalition for Interior Designers (CLCID), she fought for a Title Act from the State of California to create the title “Certified Interior Designer” for those who pass the NCIDQ, thereby certifying them in the California.

Willetta’s primary focus at Environ is to direct the design process for tenant development and interior architectural projects. The way in which she initiates design direction of spaces show her clear vision for a holistic approach to design. Willetta believes strongly in being a working part of the community, and as such, has involvement in various local organizations. She currently serves on the Board of the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Green Business Council, is an active Former Board Member of the Women’s Business Council, serves on the Board of The Growing Experience, a 7-acre urban farm in North Long Beach works to provide food and educate lower income families about environmental sustainability, urban agriculture and the creation of a local food system. Willetta is also an active member of the Long Beach Rotary Club and is on the Los Angeles County Community Development Foundation Advisory Board. She volunteers her time to programs like Habitat for Humanity and mentoring programs such as Camp Enterprise, a program through the Rotary Club that teaches teens vital business tools for real world application while cultivating confidence and promoting team building skills. Willetta is dedicated to serving her community, all the while creating designed environments that thoughtfully and holistically compliment it.   

Aimee Mandala joined the Environ team in 2007. With a family tradition in architecture that stems back four generations, Aimee was naturally inspired to be part of the field that she has come to appreciate and admire. Aimee received her Bachelors of Arts degree from California State University, Long Beach in 2005 graduating with honors. She earned her certificate as a Certified Design Firm Administrator through the Society of Design Administration in 2009 and also became a LEED Accredited Professional that same year.

Hired at Environ as an Office Administrator, her role developed over time and she was promoted to Director of Operations in 2010. Aimee has served on the Long Beach Chamber of Commerce Women’s Business Council Board since 2012 and has been elected as the Vice President of Programs for the coming 2015-2016 fiscal year. In her free time she enjoys running with her endearingly energetic chocolate labs, creative writing and spending time adventuring with her family.

In designing workspaces today, we look at an increasing number of aspects that play an important role in how values are professionally nurtured. We consider how productive a space will be overall for a  business and the people working there.

To understand this better, we take the time to learn early on about the "brand" of the company, how they view themselves and how they want to be seen by their customers and competitors in the marketplace.

That's why we invited Mick Victor, an experienced brand strategist and creative director with I MOBIUS INC. to be a part of our team at the Environ offices in February of 2016. Mick brings a wide range of skills in not only understanding today's brands and business cultures, but also how to translate their influence into the buildings and spaces we design.

Barbara joined Environ in 2006 as a Project Designer for various interior architectural projects. Barbara earned her Degree in Interior Design from Brooks College of Design in 1989. After graduation she worked for Pacific Business Interiors, a furniture dealer based out of Orange County for eight years. In 1995 she was hired by the J. Paul Getty Trust to work as the Project Manager for the furniture, finishes and equipment design team for the prestigious Getty Center in Los Angeles. With her background and rich experience and expertise, Barbara has been very valuable to Environ and our clients. Since joining the Environ design team she has had the opportunity to work on a variety of projects such as the Long Beach Multi-Service Center, the Social Security Administration, Mental Health America, and the Long Beach East Division Substation and Belmont Point to name a few.

Barbara believes that as designers, we have the ability to change the mood and attitude of the people who occupy our spaces with things as simple as color and texture. To see this in action is something that excites her. In her personal life, Barbara is a super mom to her two sons, is passionate about volunteering in her community, enjoys collecting rare original art and 1940s pottery, and is a party planner extraordinaire. She also enjoys riding bikes, skiing, and hiking with her family. 

Leticia joined Environ in 2005 as a Project Manager. Since then she has continually done everything she could to stay at the forefront of the architectural world. She earned her Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Accreditation in 2009, her Architectural License in 2010, her National Council of Architectural Registration Board (NCARB) Certification in 2011, and in 2013 she became a Subject Matter Expert for the California Architects Board (CAB) and the Department of Consumer Affairs’ Office of Professional Examination Services where she assists in the development, maintenance, administration, validation and occupational analysis of the architectural licensing examination. Most recently she was asked to be on the NCARB Task Force Member on the Pace of Change in the Architecture Profession.  Her involvement with the CAB and NCARB take her to Sacramento and Washington, D.C. to help in the decision-making process.  Leticia is now Environ’s Senior Architect and is responsible for training all other designers at Environ. Some notable projects she has completed are Naples Center, Belmont Point, and the Long Beach Multi-Service Center to name a few. 

Mayra joined Environ Architecture in 2015 and has been working in the architectural field since 2012.

Mayra received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Woodbury University in 2013. She has experience in a wide array of tasks, from creating sketches to producing construction documents for both residential and commercial projects. Born in Mexico, she currently resides in Los Angeles, CA with her two pups.

Michele Rene Bancalari joined Environ as an Executive Assistant in the Spring of 2013 and has been a great addition to the Environ management team. Michele supports the entire staff in the areas of marketing, accounting, human resources and general office management.

With her background in real estate, she has a breadth and depth of knowledge in the industry, offering a different perspective to the work we do. In addition to her proficiencies, her creative spirit and Long Beach based community involvement lends to the nature of our firm. Michele serves on the board of the Long Beach East Village Association, and in her spare time she enjoys painting and singing in her jazz trio, The Funny Valentines. 

Monique joined Environ in 2011 as a seasoned Project Manager in the design industry. A Cum Laude graduate of California State University, Long Beach, Monique earned her Bachelor of Arts degree in Interior Design. She has designed a wide range of commercial interiors projects since 2000. She earned her LEED® Green Associate certification through the US Green Building Council in 2010. Since joining the firm, Monique has been a pivotal addition to the Environ interiors team. She has active involvement in all phases and functions of interior architecture projects from conceptual design through construction administration. Her detail-oriented approach offer thorough and cohesive designs that clients and building owners alike can appreciate and admire.

Monique draws additional inspiration from her travels to Europe and Asia, including a five-year stint living in Japan while working for a Japanese Fortune Global 500 Company. In her free time, Monique enjoys body-boarding and “glamping” at the beach with her husband and two energetic children.