RODRIGO VARGAS
PRINCIPAL
Born in Chicago, raised in Mexico City, Rodrigo Vargas is an accomplished artist, Architect and Interior Designer. His passion for bold and unexpected design led to the formation of RVDA in 2009. His uniquely global, bi-cultural perspective is reflected in the signature interiors he creates for leading hospitality brands, multi-family real estate projects, restaurants and bespoke residential clients worldwide.
DANIELLE S. FOX
PRINCIPAL DESIGNER / DANIELLE@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
After starting out with legendary Designer James Northcutt, Los Angeles native Danielle Fox has designed for many of the worlds' top hospitality brands and iconic properties including The Hotel Bel-Air and The Beverly Wilshire, a Four Seasons Property, among others. At RVDA, she oversees the design team and is intimately involved in all projects.
SUSAN SHEN
SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER/PROJECT MANAGER / SSHEN@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
With degrees in Art and Interior Design, Taiwan native Susan Shen joined RVDA in 2017 and has managed and designed for top hospitality brands throughout Asia, Mexico and high-end residential clients in Southern California.
DEVON WILLIAMSON
SENIOR PROJECT DESIGNER/PROJECT MANAGER / DEVON@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Devon Williamson joined RVDA from renowned design house Clear on Black. With an exquisite eye for detail and a playful sense of design, Devon has created incredible interiors for developers and top hospitality brands the world over including The US Grant, a Luxury Collection Hotel, San Diego and the Hyatt Regency Maui Resort and Spa.
MELANIE FLORES
SENIOR DESIGNER/PROJECT MANAGER / MELANIE@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Melanie brings design experience from prominent design firms in Los Angeles, including KNA Design, Gensler, and Avenue Interior Design. There she had gained invaluable knowledge in both hospitality and high-end residential industries, domestically and internationally. Melanie strives to design unique interiors that create memorable and one of a kind experiences.
KRYSTAL GAPIT
SENIOR DESIGNER / KRYSTAL@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Krystal graduated from University of Santo Tomas with a degree in Interior Design. She brings ten years of FF&E and project design expertise from noted design firms, KNA and HBA. Her experience on international developments and positive energy brings a valued perspective to the team.
BRIAN AKER
PROJECT MANAGER/DESIGNER / BRIAN@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
With over 20 years of experience in luxury/lifestyle hospitality operations, Brian brings a unique perspective to our projects at RVD by always keeping the end user top of mind throughout the design process. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Hospitality Management and a Master of Arts degree in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University. Throughout Brian’s previous experience, Brian played an integral role managing major renovations and opening new build hotels such as the 1 Hotel West Hollywood. Brian loves to pull from his past experience in hotel operations to inform his decisions in his second career as part of the design team at RVD.
DESIREE WEITZENHOFFER
SENIOR DESIGNER / DESIREE@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Desiree is a dedicated senior interior designer with over 20 years of industry experience. Her primary expertise lies in multifamily projects, complemented by additional experience in high-end residential, commercial, and hospitality sectors. Throughout her career, she has contributed to numerous award-winning projects across Southern California and the United States, earning recognition for her ability to merge functionality with aesthetic excellence. She is committed to creating spaces that foster connection and accurately reflect clients' needs and expectations through innovative and thoughtful design approaches.
MICHAEL SIPORIN
STUDIO DIRECTOR / MICHAEL@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
With over 25 years of experience in the hospitality industry, Michael brings a deep foundation in architectural excellence and visionary design to RVD. As a licensed architect with a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, Michael has led award-winning projects working with prestigious hospitality firms, including Rockwell Group, Jeffrey Beers International, and Studio Collective in New York and Los Angeles. His portfolio includes award-winning projects such as NeueHouse LA and NYC, and Moxy Lower East Side. Michael is known for his ability to guide complex projects from concept through completion—seamlessly blending strategic planning with innovative design.
BRUNO SILVA
DESIGNER / BRUNO@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Bruno Silva graduated with a Bachelor Degree in Industrial Design from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. He joined RVD to contribute with his passion for interior design coming from a background in high end residential and hospitality furniture.
JENNIFER SMOKLER
DESIGNER / JENNIFER@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Jennifer graduated from Arizona State University with a Bachelor's degree in Psychology and additional studies in Interior Design. She first joined RVD as a summer intern during college, and after graduating, she returned to the firm as a Junior Interior Designer and Marketing Coordinator for the office. Her vibrant energy, creative mindset, and passion for design make her a valued asset to both the creative and branding sides of the RVD studio.
ANDREA LEMUS BETANCOURT
DESIGNER / ANDREA@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Andrea holds a Bachelor Degree in Architecture from Universidad Iberoamericana in Mexico City. She is also a Plastic Artist dedicated to sculpture and painting. With her experience, coming from a background in residential and multi-family projects, her role at RVD is to design and create spaces, drawings and visualizations, adding a pop of color and creativity to every project.
JEFFREY LAU
INTERIOR ARCHITECT / JEFFREY@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
With skills in both project management as well as AutoCad, Malaysian born Jeffrey Lau's experience as an Interior Architect covers high-end hospitality, residential and multi-family projects the world over.
SEAN JEK
INTERIOR ARCHITECT / SEAN@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from University of Oregon. He has been working with some renowned architecture and interior design firms in Northern and Southern California. He has many years of design experience in large scale commercial project, themed park hotel and amenities space, casino planning and amenities area, high end custom home. He has managed and coordinated large-scale casino project in Asia. His passion for contemporary and fine art which reflects on his design and details.
DENISE PAYES
OPERATIONS DIRECTOR / DENISE@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Denise is responsible for overseeing the day-to-day operational functions of the company, ensuring that business processes run smoothly, efficiently, and in alignment with strategic goals. As Rodrigo's right hand, she is an indomitable problem solver, known for her sharp analytical thinking and seamless coordination across contracts, and accounting.
ANGELA GUILLEN
OFFICE MANAGER / ANGELA@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Angela plays a critical role at RVD, overseeing procurement, on-site installations, and FF&E coordination across all projects. Her dependable, hands-on approach supports every facet of RVD’s operations, and her calm, steady presence ensures deadlines are met and clients are consistently satisfied.
SAMDY CHINCHILLA
OFFICE MANAGER ASSISTANT / SAMDY@RODRIGOVARGASDESIGN.COM
Samdy keeps the RVD machine running with her detail-oriented, efficient and multifacted skills that keep up with our fast-paced environment. She is vital to ensuring the smooth functioning of the office and providing support to our team.