People

The success of DB+A is built upon the talent, knowledge and dedication of our team.
As a boutique architectural design firm, the credibility of our work depends on the performance of our collective team. We are an ideal blend of managers, technical experts, designers, and problem-solvers –an essential combination for architectural success. The diversity of backgrounds and experiences we offer provides unique perspectives to every project and is a great source of pride for our firm. 

David Babcock

Principal
Dave is the founding principal of DB+A and oversees an expanding portfolio of work that is rooted in architectural knowledge and innovation. During his 30+ years of design and construction experience, he has built an architecture firm that provides land planning, site planning, landscape design, building design, and interior space planning services. Dave primarily focuses his efforts on fostering positive client experiences, and ensuring the work meets clients’ needs with quality and timely delivery. In his extensive career, he has overseen a range of projects including industrial development and construction, mixed-use, urban planning, office campuses, and other commercial sectors. Dave’s active involvement in large-scale development projects puts him at the forefront of California’s growing industrial market.
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Dave holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Landscape Architecture from the University of Arizona and is a Registered Architect and Landscape Architect in California. He is a lover of the outdoors – skiing, camping, and grizzlies – but more than anything his greatest passion is family, especially his four amazing grandkids.

Jeff Berberich

Senior Project Manager
Jeff is the lead project manager and multi-disciplinary expert at DB+A. During his 11 years with the firm, Jeff has shown mastery in developing architectural planning and design guidelines, overseeing landscape concepts for streetscape projects, parks, and wetland restorations, managing retail and industrial site plans, consulting on office conceptual plans, and leading entitlement projects. Not only does Jeff manage the staff and consultant teams on complex projects, but he also specializes in integrating community involvement and excels and facilitating stakeholder buy-in.
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Jeff graduated from Cal Poly, where he received a degree in Urban Planning and Design. When he isn’t in the office leading conference calls, putting out fires, and reviewing site plans, you can find Jeff outdoors – hiking, biking, kayaking, or camping.

Paul McArdle

Landscape Architect
Paul has over thirty years of landscape architecture planning and design experience. Working at multi-discipline design firms and as a sole-proprietor, Paul has been involved in regional projects, urban design, plazas, parks, streetscapes, commercial, and industrial design throughout his impressive career. Paul’s experience includes preliminary design, construction plans and specifications, project management, and construction administration of public and private projects.
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Paul’s direct collaboration with DB+A began in 2002, where he has been able to leverage his extensive knowledge of urban design and civic engagement. He primarily focuses his consulting efforts for DB+A on integration of landscaping into overall site design concepts, ensuring projects are meeting quality standards, and advising on construction management solutions.

Paul has a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from the University of Washington and is a registered Landscape Architect in the state of California. A man of many talents, Paul utilizes his free time to support a range of interests - from oil painting to fly-fishing to drumming!

Sean Votaw

CAD Manager / Job Captain
Sean has decades of experience as a CAD master and technical design guru. He approaches projects from a unique perspective – merging technical needs with individual project mechanics. His depth of knowledge is being leveraged for current projects at DB+A that are sizable and complex in nature – including International Park of Commerce, Costco, and Central Green.

Prior to joining DB+A, Sean owned his own CAD Design firm for 26 years. During his tenure as owner, he worked on high-profile projects like the Apple campus, Google campus, and the Asian Art Museum, to name a few. He has a reputation in the industry for providing meticulously prepared documents and technically advanced design solutions. Sean’s ability to foster strong client relationships and deliver innovative solutions for their project needs, makes him an incredible asset to the team.
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Sean has an Associate of Science degree in General Drafting from Napa Valley College and has accumulated multiple AEC Autodesk certifications over the course of his extensive career. He enjoys mountain adventures in Tahoe, hiking, and watching Formula 1 racing for fun.

Claire Corbett

Job Captain
Claire’s relentless passion for design excellence and innovative thinking offers a fresh perspective on all aspects of the design process. In her current role as Job Captain, Claire is responsible for managing stringent timelines, delivering on client expectations, and fostering creativity from project inception to realization. Her personal efforts focus primarily on the integration of natural landscaping elements into large-scale industrial projects, multi-use parks, and wetland areas – further supporting DB+A’s growing landscape design practice. Not only is Claire the point person on many of these landscaping projects, but she is also expanding her skillset to include new modeling techniques using Sketchup software.
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Claire graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of California, Davis with a BA in Landscape Architecture. As an Aggie, the Landscape Architecture department awarded her an Outstanding Performance Award for her commitment to architectural exploration, and the UC Davis Sustainability Award for analyzing and incorporating climate-friendly practices into every project.

Summer Garcia

Project Coordinator
Summer is the workplace operations lead and oversees both office and project coordination requirements. Leveraging her background in Urban Planning and Research Administration, she is a valuable contributor to the strategy, planning and research needs of the firm.
 
Summer provides daily operational support – including contracts, project schedules, and administrative oversight for our growing industrial portfolio. As a newest member of the DB+A family, Summer has already demonstrated her versatility and drive to get things done. Not only does she offer a unique perspective that is grounded in experience, but her positive attitude helps to build and maintain strong relationships with both colleagues and clients.
 
Summer has a Masters in Urban Planning from Columbia University, and a Bachelor of Urban & Environmental Planning from the University of Virginia. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys time with her husband, 2 kids and 2 dogs. You can find them hiking, swimming, or enjoying a movie night together.

Megan Stepanek

Marketing Director
Megan is the head of Marketing and new business development at DB+A. She is responsible for the ongoing digital efforts of the firm, including the website (relaunched in 2021!), social channels, and industry outreach. She provides ongoing support for the branding and visual representations of the firm, making sure external-facing materials adhere to our highest brand standards.
 
Prior to joining DB+A, Megan worked in Marketing at Charles Schwab in San Francisco, where she oversaw their national media strategy and investment. Her experience working with a large national firm and managing their brand throughout the various media channels provides a valuable, big-picture perspective for our growing marketing needs.
 
Megan has a BA in Communications from UC Davis, and attended the University of Paris, Sorbonne where she obtained a minor in French. In addition to the consulting work she does for DB+A, she also sits on the Family Advisory Council for UCSF Benioff Oakland Children’s Hospital. She is a mother, a runner, a writer, and…when time permits…a pretty darn good cook.