Join us in recognizing three fantastic leaders at 19six who are driven and dedicated to projects that enrich the community.
Amber Freitas
Promoted to Director of Human Resources
19six Architects is lucky to have Amber as a leader at the firm. She brings a wealth of experience to her current role as Director of Human Resources. Amber has followed her love of being a true “people-person” into working for small to medium companies in a range of industries throughout her career. She spent over 10 years at an emerging technology company, a few years in real estate development, and then over eight years at a large manufacturing/packaging company. She also brings deep insight and practical expertise as a certified Professional in Human Resources (PHR).
“I knew we needed someone to focus on HR, but I had no idea how much of a help that was going to be to the company until Amber came on board. She’s really been able to focus and elevate our hiring and employee experience. She has a great positive attitude, and I look forward to Amber helping to make 19six an even better place to work and growing with top talent.”
– Alan Kroeker, 19six Senior Principal Architect
When asked about her pathway to leadership at 19six Architects, Amber shares that “…19six has a rich legacy as one of the oldest and most established architectural firms established in California and was facing considerably growth and needed an HR partner. After meeting with leadership and hearing about the growth trajectory, along with their dedication to projects that truly enrich the communities in which they serve and the culture they had been nurturing, I felt an instant connection and knew I had found a call that I had to answer.” Since coming on board last May, Amber has been focused on taking over talent acquisition and management (recruiting diverse and talented individuals with varied experience and expanding on an already fantastic culture). In the coming years, she will continue her HR journey with 19six, streamlining efficiencies and developing policies and procedures around HR that flex and grow with our changing world to keep 19six poised as a top employer for architectural, engineering, and interior design talent in California and just an all-around great place to work!
Bryan Rayburn
Healthcare Market Sector Leader
Before his tenure at 19six began in 2018, Bryan established himself as a licensed sole practitioner, focusing on small-scale residential and commercial projects in Oregon. Reflecting on his formative experiences, Bryan credits that experience with forging his strong sense of responsibility as an Architect: “It gave me the sense that I had to be responsible for all parts of the project since there was nobody else who was looking over my shoulder.”
“Bryan has really grown professionally since joining 19six. He has a passion for healthcare projects and possesses the unique strong attention to detail and processes to successfully meet the demands of these complex projects. As a member of our leadership group, he has taken the lead on project delivery initiatives and helped to define procedures to streamline workflow for the entire company.”
– Alan Kroeker, 19six Senior Principal Architect
His sole-point responsibility mentality has matured at 19six as Bryan has grown into a leadership position in the company. Lately, Bryan has shifted his focus from project execution to client management and strategic company planning. “I want to do bigger, better projects,” he says, “to really be part of the team that puts 19six into the public eye on a regional scale.” He believes that every project that is done tells a story about 19six and that the work paints a picture of the company’s considerable capabilities.
Bryan’s leadership can be seen in his initiative to document 19six procedures and standardize production to establish a foundation for the company’s production. Bryan’s view is that “Standardization sets an expectation for the company’s production processes, lets silos share knowledge across offices, and forms a foundation on which the company can grow and expand.”
Samantha Poremba
Associate Director of IT
Samantha’s journey at 19six Architects reflects her unwavering dedication and commitment to excellence. After graduating from Cal Poly SLO with a degree in architecture, Samantha embarked on her professional journey as an architectural project support specialist. Her passion for technology and innate troubleshooting skills led her to a seamless transition into a pivotal role as Associate Director of IT. From providing basic IT support to orchestrating the company’s overall infrastructure and long-term planning, Samantha’s journey epitomizes resilience and adaptability.
“I don’t think most people appreciate how fortunate we are to have Sam keeping our IT systems running efficiently. One of the best things I have seen since Sam has been on board is that most people don’t have to think about their IT needs. Things work how they’re supposed to, and if they don’t, she’s responsive and will resolve the issue as quickly as possible.”
– Alan Kroeker, 19six Senior Principal Architect
Samantha’s impact extends beyond her technical prowess. She has been a pillar of support for her colleagues, ensuring a smooth and seamless workflow by proactively addressing potential issues. Her empathetic approach to problem-solving and unwavering commitment to providing exceptional support have earned her the respect and admiration of her peers.
“Being there for my colleagues when they encounter tech issues is one of the most significant contributions I make,” Samantha noted. “I strive to create a supportive and empowering environment where everyone feels valued and respected.”
In addition to her IT responsibilities, Samantha has played a crucial role in managing the tech side of acquisitions and mergers, ensuring a smooth transition for all employees. She is also actively involved in upgrading the firm’s infrastructure and setting and maintaining company standards for software and technology use as part of the Project Delivery Committee. Samantha Poremba’s exemplary contributions underscore 19six Architects’ commitment to fostering a culture of innovation, collaboration, and excellence. Her passion for technology and unwavering dedication to supporting her colleagues exemplify the firm’s core values and reinforce its position as a leader in the architectural industry.