Our Story // Leadership
Leadership
Quality, Integrity, Professionalism.
Darden Architects’ firm principals combine for over 150 years of valuable industry experience. In addition to providing high-level design and planning services, firm leadership recognizes it is their role to support the profession and give back through good works in their community. Leadership values the merits of each company employee and works in a collaborative style on each project. The firm atmosphere is one of continuing professional development and ongoing effort to stay current within our constantly changing industry. This ambitious attitude supports our commitment to offer the highest quality product to every client.
Robert L. Petithomme
Managing Principal
AIA, LEED AP
Mr. Petithomme holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and has been with the firm for 22 years. Mr. Petithomme has 37 total years experience in the profession.
Antonio J. Avila
Principal
AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Mr. Avila holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and has been with the firm for 23 years. Mr. Avila has 25 total years experience in the profession.
Edwin C. Goodwin
Principal
AIA
Mr. Goodwin holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and has been with the firm for 34 years. Mr. Goodwin has 42 total years experience in the profession.
Grant E. Dodson
Principal
AIA
Mr. Dodson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the University of Oregon, and has been with the firm for 34 years.
DeDe Darnell
Principal
ASID, IIDA, LEED AP
Mrs. Darnell holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Industrial Technology (Interior Design) from California State University Fresno, and has been with the firm for 24 years. Mrs. Darnell has 34 total years experience in the profession.
Michael K. Fennacy
Principal
AIA
Mr. Fennacy holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California, and has been with the firm for 24 years. Mr. Fennacy has 31 total years experience in the profession.
Martin E. Dietz
Principal Emeritus
Architect, CCS, LEED AP
Mr. Dietz holds a Bachelor of Science with honors in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and served the firm for 40 years. Marty is now Principal Emeritus with the Firm.
Edwin S. Darden, Jr.
Principal Emeritus
AIA Emeritus
Mr. Darden holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and served the firm for 43 years. Mr. Darden has 47 total years experience in the profession. Ed is now Principal Emeritus with the Firm.
Michael J. Nelson
Associate
Mr. Nelson holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture and Construction Management from California State University Fresno, and has been with the firm for 22 years. Mr. Nelson has 25 total years experience in the profession.
Leslie Rau
Associate
IIDA, LEED AP
Mrs. Rau holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Interior Design from California State University Fresno, and has been with the firm for 17 years. Mrs. Rau has 18 total years experience in the profession.
Martin A. Ilic
Associate
Mr. Ilic holds a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Graphic Design from California State University Fresno, attended the Art Center in Pasadena and has been with the firm for 14 years. Mr. Ilic has 17 total years experience in the profession.
Gerardo Padron
Associate
Mr. Padron holds an Associate’s Degree from the Phoenix Institute of Technology, and has been with the firm for 15 years. Mr. Padron has 30 total years experience in the profession.
Sean P. Mendoza
Associate
AIA
Mr. Mendoza holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and has been with the firm for 25 years. Mr. Mendoza has 29 total years experience in the profession.
Andrew A. Corral
Associate
AIA, LEED AP
Mr. Corral holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Construction Management. Emphasis in Architecture, from California State University, Fresno and has been with the firm for 14 years. Andrew is a Graduate of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing’s School Facility Leadership Academy.
Matthew R. Heiss
Associate
AIA
Mr. Heiss holds a Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University San Luis Obispo and has been with the firm for 7 years. Matt is a Graduate of the Coalition for Adequate School Housing’s School Facility Leadership Academy.