Ayse Sercan, AIA, NCARB

Ayse Sercan is a licensed architect and member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), serving as a Staff Architect at AVELAR. She provides architectural services for the design and reconstruction of residential, commercial, and industrial projects. Her work also encompasses construction and litigation support — including field investigations, code-compliance review of existing conditions and contract documents, preparation of reconstruction design documents, contract administration, and site observation.

Ayse’s career spans architectural design, historical restoration and renovation, and waterproofing consulting. Prior to joining AVELAR, she was Principal Architect at Working Design Group in Alameda, where she led residential, commercial, and industrial projects across design, construction documentation, cost estimating, and construction administration, and provided waterproofing consultation including peer review and field investigation. She also served as Chief Executive Officer and Principal Architect of Safer DIY Spaces in Oakland.

Her earlier experience includes a Design Associate role at Larson Shores Architects and a position at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, the nationally recognized forensic and structural engineering firm, where she supported building design and reconstruction work alongside construction and litigation support. This breadth of design and forensic experience gives her a well-rounded understanding of how buildings are designed, built, and evaluated.

Educational History

• Bachelor of Architecture, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo (2007)

• Bachelor of Arts in English Language and Literature, Smith College (1993)

Professional Organizations

• Member, American Institute of Architects (AIA)

• NCARB Certificate Holder, National Council of Architectural Registration Boards