As Chief Operating Officer at SAA, Anne Algaze plays a critical role in translating the firm’s mission – redefining architectural excellence through innovation and deep client engagement – into daily execution and long-term growth. Anne has been with SAA since its early days, joining in 2003 as a designer and rising through the ranks to the position of COO. A licensed architect, she brings two decades of experience across architecture, design, and commercial real estate.

Anne’s leadership is instrumental in ensuring SAA evolves in step with the broader transformation of the commercial real estate landscape. As client demands shift toward agility, speed, and scalability, Anne drives internal change that positions our firm to lead – building systems, teams, and operational frameworks that support high-impact, future-ready solutions.

Anne holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley, and a Master of Business Administration from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

As the creative force behind SAA’s design philosophy, Chari brings more than 30 years of experience leading workplace projects that unite creativity, performance, and purpose. She approaches every engagement as a partnership – translating client goals into environments that strengthen culture, support business success, and enhance the way people work.

As a mentor and design leader, Chari empowers her teams to push ideas further and deliver design solutions that make a measurable difference for clients and the people they serve. She plays a key role in shaping SAA’s creative culture, fostering an environment where excellence and client partnership go hand in hand.

As Principal and leader of SAA’s Healthcare Practice, Danna Sigal partners with building owners and healthcare organizations to create high performing healing environments -spaces that improve efficiency, elevate care delivery, and generate measurable value for clients and communities. With more than 30 years of experience spanning healthcare, education, commercial, and institutional projects, she brings both rigor and heart to every phase of design, helping clients achieve operational excellence while enhancing the experience of care for staff and patients alike.

Drawing on lessons from entrepreneurial practice and corporate design leadership, Danna blends deep design insight with strategic business acumen. She guides and inspires teams to deliver thoughtful, value-driven solutions that strengthen client partnerships and advance organizational goals. Her work reflects not only professional excellence but also her enduring passion for sustainability, wellness, and community impact.

Danna holds a Bachelor of Arts from UCLA and a Master of Architecture from Yale University. A Licensed Architect and LEED AP accredited professional, she is recognized for her collaborative leadership and her ability to unite strategy, empathy, and creativity-along with a lifelong love of nature, movement, and design as a force for good.

Erica has been with SAA since its founding in 2000. As Principal, she brings visionary leadership and operational depth to SAA’s work across Orange County and beyond. She leads strategic planning and design visioning for clients navigating complex real estate decisions, bringing clarity to every phase of the architectural process.

With a career built across all aspects of firm strategy and operations – from document production and project management to design leadership and business development – Erica offers a rare 360° perspective on how to drive both creative and commercial success. With a proven track record of managing large-scale real estate transactions in Orange and Los Angeles counties, she has become a trusted and invaluable resource to clients.

Erica’s leadership is defined by a sharp understanding of market realities and client priorities. Under her direction, SAA’s Orange County office has become a valued partner to building owners and tenants seeking clarity and speed in a shifting commercial real estate landscape.

Erin Miller leads SAA’s Real Estate Measurement & Analytics Group, an essential partner to building owners, asset managers, tenants, and brokers who need clarity, precision, and strategic insight before making their next real estate move.With two decades of technical and architectural expertise, Erin has built one of the industry’s most trusted space accounting teams. Her group delivers comprehensive services, from field surveys and as-builts to BOMA area analysis, accessibility compliance, and strategic assessments, all designed to inform smarter investment and leasing decisions.

Erin currently serves on the BOMA Measurement Standards Committee, playing a pivotal role in shaping how commercial real estate is measured and benchmarked across North America. Her national leadership reinforces SAA’s commitment to setting industry standards.

Francisco leads projects from vision to completion with precision, collaboration, and a deep understanding of architectural principles and building codes. As Principal and a leader of Quality Assurance, he advances SAA’s commitment to excellence through firmwide training, standards, and documentation protocols that ensure consistency and elevate design integrity.

Working closely with clients, teams, and partners, Francisco oversees every phase-from programming and design development to construction administration-balancing creativity, technical rigor, and performance. His leadership ensures each SAA project exceeds expectations in quality, efficiency, and execution.

Jeff brings over 35 years of architectural, design and construction experience, specializing in managing & leading teams to deliver business-driven solutions for clients. His ability to simplify complex processes and provide tailored solutions across diverse sectors and project sizes makes him a strategic partner for organizations who need a versatile design partner.

Leveraging strong relationships with owners and industry professionals, Jeff’s collaborative leadership consistently drives new opportunities and successful outcomes. His portfolio spans ground-up structures, building and tenant improvements, medical and dental offices, operating rooms, industrial facilities, restaurants, breweries, community centers, and high-end residential design. With deep knowledge of building codes and types, paired with enthusiasm and problem-solving skills, Jeff builds long relationships & delivers exceptional results.

As Managing Director of SAA’s Orange County office, Michael provides strategic leadership and oversees daily operations to ensure the continued success and well-being of the team. He is dedicated to maintaining strong client relationships, guiding business development efforts, and fostering a culture of mentorship, collaboration, and design excellence.

Actively engaged throughout every stage of a project, from concept to completion, Michael ensures that each effort reflects SAA’s client-first approach and commitment to efficiency, creativity, and responsiveness. He works closely with SAA staff, contractors, brokers, landlords, vendors, and specialty consultants to simplify complex challenges and deliver innovative, high-performing environments that exceed expectations.

His expertise spans programming, space planning, design development, construction documentation, and construction administration. Michael also establishes design standards, oversees value engineering efforts, and manages the selection of interior finishes and furnishings ensuring every project embodies SAA’s vision to turn challenges into excellence through thoughtful, forward-thinking design.

As the leader of SAA’s Real Estate Advisory Services, Michael partners with both investor and occupier clients to provide industry-specific insight across the full cycle of real estate ownership and operations. Mike’s services consist of both strategic advisory and tactical management, whether portfolio-based or project-specific. He has the capability to serve in an ongoing fractional capacity for organizations lacking in-house expertise in real estate development and/or management. His experience spans start-ups to Fortune 500 firms, giving him a unique perspective.

Mike recognizes that SAA’s clients look to the firm as more than a design resource, they see SAA as a trusted advisor. By expanding SAA’s technical expertise and strategic capabilities, Mike ensures that clients gain both confidence and clarity to unlock the full value of their spaces.

As Chief Financial Officer and one of SAA’s founding leaders, Mike Takaki has guided the firm’s strategic direction since its inception. He brings a thoughtful, disciplined approach to ensuring financial strength and operational excellence across all practice areas.Mike works closely with leadership and project teams to make the financial side of every engagement transparent and straightforward for clients. His focus on clarity, accountability, and partnership reflects SAA’s commitment to lasting relationships and continuous improvement. Through his leadership, SAA continues to grow with stability, purpose, and confidence.

As CEO and Founding Principal of SAA interiors + architecture, Nelson Algaze has been the driving force behind the firm’s evolution into a dynamic, multi-market firm recognized for simplifying complexity, delivering long-term value, and guiding clients through an ever-changing real estate landscape. Since founding SAA together with Rick Shlemmer in 2000, Nelson has fostered a culture of innovation, accountability, and client-focused collaboration, taking the company from a bold startup vision to a recognized leader in corporate interior design with offices throughout Southern California and New Jersey.

SAA’s reputation as a trusted, results-driven partner stems from its integrated approach to addressing architectural and design challenges, coupled with a consistent commitment to excellence in execution. As a licensed architect with over 30 years of industry experience, Nelson is deeply engaged in architectural leadership councils throughout Los Angeles and has spent the past two decades bridging the gap between architectural innovation and systemic inefficiency. His leadership reflects a steadfast dedication to authenticity and forward-thinking design.

As a founding principal of SAA, Rick brings more than three decades of leadership as both a designer and business owner. He works with clients to evaluate their business goals and challenge assumptions, developing space plans and design solutions that drive profitability, performance, and sustainability. Rick also stewards many of SAA’s largest client relationships, ensuring a consistent focus on partnership, service, and long-term value.With a background that bridges art, design, and business, Rick brings a unique perspective to every project. His work spans developers, building owners, corporate environments, high-end residences, retail stores, and hotels, each reflecting a strong balance of function, creativity, and purpose.

Rick leads project teams in establishing design direction and project goals while overseeing business development across SAA. His collaborative leadership and practical insight continue to shape the firm’s workplace strategy and reputation for creating environments where business, creativity, and culture thrive.

Stephanie brings extensive expertise in design, project management, and the real estate lease transaction process to every project.   Stephanie values the enduring relationships she has developed over the years with building owners, brokers, construction managers, property managers, and corporate clients who rely on her practical insight, experience, and steady leadership.

Stephanie’s deep understanding of both design and operations allows her to guide projects with clarity and precision from concept through delivery. Her collaborative approach and commitment to long-term relationships have made her a trusted partner to clients throughout the Greater Los Angeles region.

As the leader of SAA’s East Coast office, Tom takes a hands-on approach with both staff and projects. With a diverse background in construction management, in-house facilities, and design, he brings multiple perspectives to every project, allowing him to fully immerse himself in the process and approach each task with a true sense of ownership.

By combining technical expertise with empathy and adaptability, Tom ensures solutions are both practical and inspiring. His broad expertise in the commercial real estate industry enables Tom to simplify complex processes and provide tailored solutions across diverse sectors and project sizes making him a strategic partner for organizations who need a versatile design partner.

As one of SAA’s founding leaders, Vatche has worked with Nelson Algaze and Rick Shlemmer since the firm’s inception, helping shape SAA’s culture and reputation from the very beginning. His steady demeanor and clarity have earned him deep respect across the real estate and construction industries, while his ability to successfully guide technically complex projects has fostered the success of our clients and communities.

Vatche’s natural talent for identifying emerging industry trends reflects SAA’s vision of building environments that not only respond to today’s needs but also anticipate the future. With decades of experience and a reputation for integrity, Vatche continues to be a trusted leader to our clients and partners.