People

Maurice Levitch, AIA

President

From age 11, Maurice Levitch has played a role in the family business. He spent many of his school vacations working as a truck driver, laborer, or carpenter.

Maurice’s commitment to design/build inspired him to earn his general contracting license before finishing his undergraduate studies. He graduated from the University of California, Berkeley’s College of Environmental Design in 1984 and had become a licensed architect by 1991.

Now as the President of Levitch Associates, Inc., Maurice is the principal architect and primary project manager, as well as overseeing all aspects of operations. Maurice Levitch and the craft of Levitch Associates, Inc. have been featured in several local publications.

Alongside award-winning green projects (including his own home remodel in 2004 that coincided with his interest in green building), Maurice promotes sustainable building practices throughout the company and the community. He enjoys giving presentations about architecture, construction, and related topics to everyone from elementary school students to colleagues.

Maurice uses his professional experience as a Safety Assessment Program Evaluator for the state Office of Emergency Services to help keep people in their homes after a disaster if it’s safe to do so.

Maurice is also a NARI Certified Remodeler and Universal Design Certified Professional (UDCP).

Maurice is still involved with local Boy Scout Troop 6, helping to get equipment up to their summer camp in the Sierra.

Maurice, his wife, and their two children have called the East Bay home for many years. On the weekends you may see him driving his 1964 MGB, which he’s had since high school, or the original company pickup, a 1969 Chevy truck Maurice is slowly converting to a Levitch Associates parade vehicle.

Edward J. Levitch, AIA

Founder

A licensed Architect and General Contractor, Edward Levitch was a reflection of Levitch Associates and its rich history.

His construction experience began in 1946 when he joined the apprenticeship program of the AFL/CIO Carpenters and Jointers of America. For the next seven years he worked as a journeyman carpenter, foreman, project manager, and superintendent for a variety of construction companies both here and abroad.

When Ed entered the Architecture program at the University of California, Berkeley in 1953, he already understood the building process. This invaluable skill enabled him to design buildings that were innovative yet practical to construct.

Filled with enthusiasm for the craft, he started his own business before graduating. When he became a licensed architect, Ed unquestionably wanted his business to reflect his zeal and thorough education in both architecture and construction. At the time, the design/build process was a radical and innovative way to approach professions that were once separate. Now, Design/Build is the cornerstone of Levitch Associates, Incorporated.

Aside from running a successful family business, Ed Levitch published his autobiography, From Beginning to Beginning, and two poetry and prose books. For the dramatic story of how he and his family emigrated to the United States from war-torn Europe with 1,000 refugees, read Haven by Ruth Gruber.

Nestor Agpoon

Design Associate

Since childhood Nestor has enjoyed drawing people, houses, and other objects. When his brother studied architecture and became an architect, Nestor followed in his footsteps. Before coming to the U.S. in 2000, Nestor worked in the Philippines, where he is a licensed architect and member of the United Architects of the Philippines (UAP), and Singapore. His design experience includes single and multi-unit residences, educational spaces, parks, and playgrounds.

Nestor has been a Design Associate with Levitch since 2005. He is involved in all stages of architecture projects from initial property measurements and drawings and researching applicable buildings codes, drafting and creating 3D renderings that help clients envision their new spaces, and creating permit and construction drawings.

Outside the office, Nestor loves drawing in pen and ink and painting in watercolor. He also enjoys playing guitar, songwriting, singing, and recording.

Geneva Anderson

Design Associate

Geneva grew up in Bozeman, Montana. From an early age she remembers pitching in on family remodeling projects that her father, an engineer, had initiated. This experience led Geneva to study architecture at Montana State University and later complete her M. Arch degree at Rhode Island School of Design (RISD). Having also studied music performance, she is interested in the evolution and use of Design Theories between Architecture and Music. An emphasis on making (from models to furniture) and forming engaging environments also interest her.

Having worked with Levitch from 2019-2022 in design and estimating roles, Geneva rejoined Levitch in 2023 as a Design Associate and is involved in all stages of the architectural process.

In her free time, Geneva plays clarinet and baritone sax, roller skates, and enjoys all things outdoors. She’s also eager to get back into a wood shop and continue to develop craftsmanship through fun projects.

Elizabeth Brown

Relationship and Project Manager

Fascinated with connections between the natural world, design and comfort from a young age, Elizabeth loves architecture, design and the creative process. Early experiences with the concept of creating shelter, from camping to watching homes be built, made a strong impression. Much of Elizabeth’s career relates to the designed environment, with sales, marketing, program and project management and green building expertise developed across the architecture and engineering, wellness, and financial services sectors.

Elizabeth rejoined Levitch in 2017 as our Relationship and Project Manager after having worked with us for five years as an Assistant Project Manager. She is responsible for new projects, communications and ongoing project management, delighting in seeing work that improves clients’ lives evolve from idea to drawing to completed project.

Elizabeth holds a B.A. from Connecticut College and a Certificate in Construction Management from Cal State/East Bay.

Outside work, she might be enjoying various creative pursuits, reading, or traveling.

Erick Figueroa

Estimator

Erick has been around construction and remodeling since childhood. His family has purchased and managed homes in Northern California for investment and family use. They spent weekends performing much of the construction improvements and remodeling themselves, from windows to finishes, roofing, plumbing, electrical and more. Family members include a general contractor, a carpenter and a tilesetter. With that experience, a career in the building industry was a natural progression for Erick.

His work experience includes property and assistant construction management, sheet metal fabrication, and estimating. Erick joined Levitch in 2022 as our Estimator, and is involved from the schematic design phase through final construction pricing and change orders.

Erick earned a B. A. in Economics and Spanish from UC Santa Barbara, and is working on a Construction Management certificate program through the UC Davis Extension.

Erick and his family came to the U.S. from Mexico in 2009. He honors his roots by helping tradespeople with trade and language education, through the College of Marin and Marin Builders’ Association. He also likes to coach wrestling and hike in his free time, and enjoys exploring some of the East Bay’s trails.

Brian Levitch

Project Administrator

Following in the family tradition, Brian Levitch began working for Levitch Associates, Inc. at a young age. During high school, he would join the team in whatever capacity he was needed.

After attending Chabot College and Boise State University, Brian returned to the Bay Area as a licensed Emergency Medical Technician (EMT) ready to get to work. He ultimately decided to join his grandfather Ed and uncle Maurice in the family business.

As the Project Administrator, Brian handles a wide variety of office and field responsibilities including cost estimating, creating contracts and change orders, and helping in the field with material selections, ordering and deliveries.

Outside the office Brian enjoys going on trips with his wife Jasmin and their son or just spending time together at home. He is also an active Assistant Scoutmaster volunteer with the Boy Scouts, and has been an avid musician since the ’90s.

Matthew MacGillivray

Design Associate

Matt grew up in Buffalo, New York. As a child, he loved to draw, and took inspiration from a nearby Frank Lloyd Wright building, the Prairie-style Heath House. As an undergrad, Matt first studied music then started taking classes in architecture and building. After completing his Master’s in Architecture at U Penn, he moved to New York City. As a construction manager for the Chelsea Market, 17 former factory buildings covering a city block, Matt helped to transform the complex into a vibrant community space with retail and food on the ground floor and filming and other large spaces above. Upon completion of the Chelsea Market project, he worked as a designer at a firm specializing in design renovations of iconic brownstone residences and lofts.

Matt joined his then-girlfriend (now wife) when she moved to California for school. Here he has worked on historic preservation projects as well as a variety of residential additions, renovations, and Accessory Dwelling Units (ADUs). Matt joined Levitch in 2018 as a Design Associate and is involved throughout the design process.

In addition to spending time with his family, Matt stays active within the local music community and also enjoys Krav Maga and riding his bike around the East Bay.

Lauren McLeod

Sustainability and Design-Build Project Manager

Lauren is Levitch’s Sustainability and Design-Build Project Manager, in which she plays several key roles: facilitating pre-construction activities, managing construction projects, acting as our Senior Estimator, and helping to keep our operations in and out of the field as sustainable as possible.

Lauren had previously worked for another Berkeley design/build firm as a design associate and was Levitch’s Estimator for five years. She returned to Levitch in this new role in 2024 after completing her Master’s in Global Development Practice from Harvard University. She also holds a BA in Architecture from UC Berkeley.

In her free time Lauren may be sailing on the Bay, volunteering in the community, thrifting vintage fashion, or traveling the world.

Diana Montoya Webber

Design Office Manager

As a child Diana loved models, which translated into studying industrial engineering and then architecture. In her native Venezuela, Diana co-founded an architecture firm that specialized in high-end residential, hospitality and commercial projects including additions and new construction.

Diana came to the U.S. to study English and stayed after meeting the man who became her husband. They lived in England before returning to the U.S. in 2016. Diana joined Levitch as a Design Associate in 2019, and she is involved throughout the design process from schematic design to construction documents. In 2023 she became our Design Office Manager. In addition to her architectural experience, Diana is a Certified Green Building Professional and has done interior design including for high-end hotels.

In her free time, Diana likes to hang out with family and friends, listen to music, do yoga and travel. If she can combine music with travel, that’s even better!

Kanta Morinaga

Design Associate

Kanta grew up in the South Bay of Los Angeles, CA. As a child, he enjoyed making forts that brought the massive adult world down to a scale that made more sense for him and his sister. Since then, Kanta has earned a B.A. in Architecture from UC Berkeley. He has continued studying, designing, and building a a range of uniquely customized spaces including interior remodels, backyard additions, shipping container conversions, and treehouses. Kanta joined Levitch in 2021 as a Design Associate, and is involved throughout the design process.

In his free time, Kanta enjoys spending time outside skateboarding, bicycling, and admiring various landscapes of the Bay Area and beyond.

Vuk Pavićević

Project Manager

Vuk grew up in Bosnia and moved to the U.S. with his family in 1999. Since his youth, he has enjoyed figuring out how to build and repair things, so an education in the building arts was a natural next step. Vuk holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and is a licensed architect as well as a NARI Certified Remodeling Project Manager. He had hands-on experience helping to design and renovate several homes and knew he wanted to continue working in the field. He has been with Levitch since 2013 as a Project Manager, helping to keep our construction jobs running smoothly.

Vuk loves to travel and has visited Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and Asia. He also enjoys rebuilding cars in his spare time.

Dave Church

Finish Carpenter

Dave was born in Oakland and has over 30 years of finish carpentry experience. In addition to over ten years with Levitch, Dave has worked in East Bay neighborhoods like Piedmont and San Francisco’s Pacific Heights and Cow Hollow.

Rickey DeLima

Finish Carpenter

Rickey is a Bay area native and had been a painter before joining Levitch. He has worked with Levitch for over 13 years as a painter, driver and now as a finish carpenter.

Outside work, Rickey enjoys riding his motorcycle on local day trips.

Sinisa Jankovic

Finish Carpenter

As a youth Sinisa liked sculpture and working with wood. Those interests and experience along with building shelving for a family business helped him to get started in carpentry. When he moved to New York City from the former Yugoslavia, he worked as a carpenter in a cabinet shop. He continued with carpentry when he relocated to California, and has worked with Levitch since 2002 as finish carpenter and cabinet maker.

Marcial Mendoza

Carpenter

Marcial came to the U.S. from Guatemala in 2007. He worked as a cook and forklift driver before transitioning to construction in 2016 when a friend invited him to work with him as a carpenter. Marcial joined Levitch in 2019, where he hopes to continue building his skills and stay long-term.

In his free time, Marcial likes to spend time with his kids and family. He likes to walk, be outside and play soccer, which is one of his favorite sports.

Martin Mendoza

Carpenter

Martin was born and went to school in the little town of Todos Santos, Guatemala. Before moving to the U.S., he trained on the job as a roofer. Martin started at Levitch in the late ’90s doing excavation, and after a few years began to learn carpentry. He’s been with us as a carpenter since 2001. Martin likes to get to know people and have people get to know more about him.

Off the job, his favorite thing is playing in the park with his four children.

Ramiro Pablo-Calmo

Carpenter

Also from Todos Santos in Guatemala, Ramiro is also Martin’s nephew. Following in the family footsteps, he has always worked in construction, building mostly in brick and concrete back in Guatemala. After coming to the U.S. Ramiro began learning carpentry at Levitch Associates, and has been with the company since 2012. He always likes learning new construction skills, whether it is woodworking or painting.

Outside of work, Ramiro enjoys playing soccer and spending time with his wife and daughters.

Jose Sanchez

Carpenter

Jose was born in Michoacán, Mexico but got his training in Oakland before beginning as a laborer on area job sites. He has worked his way up in the construction industry since the early 2000s, and has been a carpenter at Levitch since 2016.

Outside work, Jose might be at the gym, barbequing in the park or watching movies with his three daughters.

Saul Sanchez-Olmedo

Carpenter

Saul was born in Jalisco, Mexico, and took classes in California to learn about the construction industry. He has always worked in construction, working as a lead at other companies before finding his way to Levitch. At Levitch since 2004, Saul is a lead carpenter. He says one of his unique skills is knowing exactly what type of fire extinguisher to use in any situation!

At home, Saul enjoys woodworking and fixing tools in his garage.

Manuel Valentin

Foreman

Manny was born in the small town of Jalisco, Mexico, and came to the U.S. when he was 7. After graduating from Berkeley High School, he worked at a nursery and in landscaping and carpentry. Manuel puts his many years of experience with the company (since 1993!) to good use as a Foreman.

When he’s not on the job, Manuel loves to be out camping in nature, boating on any body of water, even water skiing! He also enjoys restoring old houses and classic cars and listening to music.

Frankie Levitch

Yard Manager

Frankie has been supervising daily activities at the Levitch yard, shop and office since 2018. A skilled and empathetic communicator, he directs staff with authority while connecting with his team for quality individual time that may involve petting and purring.

Frankie has a passion for culinary delights and in his spare time enjoys hunting, grooming and napping.