PEOPLE
Andrew Crane
Principal; AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Driven by curiosity, Andrew Crane co-founded AERO COLLECTIVE in 2015 in order to provide creative, community-oriented architecture to Inglewood and beyond. He strongly believes that architecture and the built environment can influence people's experiences on both a personal and communal level.
Whether it is a home found in an affordable mixed-use housing project, a spark of inspiration gained at an art gallery, a healthier lifestyle choice encouraged by the design of a health clinic, or friendships formed over dinner at a restaurant, Andrew's passion is guiding communities and individuals to realize their greatest architectural goals.
Before co-founding AERO, Andrew gained 10 years of valuable design experience working on affordable housing, mixed-use projects, transit-oriented developments, offices, restaurants, and museums at an LA architecture firm. He has extensive knowledge of zoning code and density bonus programs as it applies to multifamily housing and mixed-use projects.
Andrew holds a B.Arch. from the USC School of Architecture. In his spare time, he enjoys repairing vintage cars, making sourdough from scratch, and exploring new places, whether in California or abroad.
Cesar Aguirre
Principal; NCARB
A principal at AERO COLLECTIVE, Cesar’s focus is on how to improve the city of Los Angeles, where he was born and raised, through design. Through his design work, he explores the positive impact that housing can have on the identity of a neighborhood. Each project site and community is unique, and finding the right balance between growth and respect for the existing neighborhood residents is something that AERO always strives to achieve.
Cesar joined AERO as principal in 2015 in order to be part of a collaborative team process interested in making housing more equitable. As an LA native, Cesar is committed to the progressive growth of the city. Previously, while working at PSL Architects, Cesar participated in multiple affordable and market-rate housing projects, which resulted in hundreds of new built units throughout the city. Bringing this approach to AERO, he has continued to provide design and construction expertise for their multifamily projects.
He holds a bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Southern California and a Certificate in Real Estate Development from the USC Ross Minority Program in Real Estate at the USC Lusk Center. While completing his real estate certificate, Cesar and his team won the award for best development project presentation.
Outside of the office, Cesar spends his free time building his ADU, walking the dogs around in a never-ending neighborhood loop, and planting and replanting his small garden.
Brion Moran
Principal
As a principal and cofounder at AERO COLLECTIVE, Brion Moran is dedicated to creating thriving spaces in South LA and beyond. He brings more than 20 years of valuable experience in the architecture and design industry, including multifamily and mixed-use, commercial, retail, and civic projects.
In 2015, he co-founded AERO to bring his and his partners’ collective design talents to the City of Inglewood. Since then, he has been proud to work on high-profile renovation projects in the area, including the Miracle Theater, Hilltop Coffee and Kitchen, and the recent transformation of the Inglewood Chamber of Commerce.
Previously, Brion worked on multifamily and mixed-use projects across LA, residential home development, and national retail flagship prototypes. His background in the master planning of infill projects ranging from 15 to 1,000 units has given him valuable experience in creating unique solutions in complicated urban environments.
Brion holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the Knowlton School of Architecture at Ohio State University. In his free time, he enjoys the best of life — art, photography, food, and travel. He also serves as a board member at the Inglewood Chamber Of Commerce.
Carol Templeton
Project Architect; AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Carol Templeton consistently exceeds her clients’ expectations. As Project Architect, she begins each project by leading clients on a journey of exploration. Using what she’s discovered, she translates project needs into unique and inspiring spaces.
During her 25 year career she has focused on multifamily, mixed-use and commercial projects. She has designed several award-winning mixed-use, multi-family, adaptive reuse and community centers including 26th Street Affordable Housing and Sunset Vine Tower.
Carol holds a Master of Architecture degree from Southern California Institute of Architecture and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Painting, Sculpture, and Graphic Arts from University of California, Los Angeles. An LA native, Carol spends her free time with her husband, daughter and two dogs, and enjoys abstract painting, traveling and hiking.
Carissa Morrow
Designer; Interior Designer
As a designer at AERO, Carissa Morrow looks to add unique details to each project from custom furnishings to specialty finishes. She is passionate about the interdependent relationship between art and the functionality of the spaces we inhabit, believing the fullest merger of the two creates the best designs.
Before joining AERO, she worked at an interior design firm in Springfield, Missouri, where her projects included hospitality, healthcare, retail, and office environments. Previous project experience includes serving on design teams for Museum of the Bible’s private residential suites in Washington, D.C. and, locally, Hilltop Cafe in Inglewood.
Carissa holds a Bachelor of Interior Design degree from Missouri State University. Outside of work, she’s usually wandering a new hiking trail or lost in aesthetic exploration at a local art museum.
Hesby Cruz
Designer
An Inglewood native, Hesby brings to AERO an appreciation for community-based projects. He has an understanding of the intricacies of multi-family housing design and experience working with real estate developers on 100% affordable housing projects. His prior work with Conservation Corps groups gives him an appreciation for nature and sustainable design.
At AERO, he contributes design ideas and helps the team to develop renderings and other project documentation to help clients see their visions take form.
Hesby has a Master’s Degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California and a Bachelor’s Degree in Economics from UC San Diego. When not at work he enjoys riding his moped, spending time outdoors and hanging out with his miniature pinscher, TT.
Martha Kriley
Junior Designer
As a junior designer at AERO with a background in mathematics and architecture, Martha excels in research and analysis as well as rigorous design methods. Her additional experience in set and exhibition design enables her to focus on the human experience.
Her thoughtful design work has been awarded with numerous recognitions, including the AIA Henry Adams Medal for excellence in architecture as the top graduating student at UCLA in 2020. As part of a 4-person team, her work, En Vogue: Climate Couture for the Urban Stage, also received third place in the Burnham 20/20 competition by the Chicago Architecture Club . In 2020, she led a 15-person multidisciplinary team to a second-place win in the US Department of Energy’s Solar Decathlon with a proposal for an accessory dwelling unit.
Martha graduated with distinction from UCLA Architecture & Urban Design with a master’s degree in architecture, and also has an undergraduate degree in mathematics from Case Western Reserve University. Outside of work, if she’s not out hiking, you can find her volunteering or learning a new skill, such as editing podcast episodes, recording bedtime stories for her nephew (with voices, of course!), or playing an instrument.
Taniea Smith
Studio Manager
A commitment to process improvement and a relationship-building focus drive Taniea in her role as Studio Manager. She works with AERO’s partners to ensure all office operations are running smoothly. Her ability to work with team members to improve efficiencies results in a better experience for the firm’s clients.
With over ten years of experience, Taniea has a proven track record in managing all administrative support functions. She brings an analytical mind and critical thinking to every project she takes on.
Taniea graduated with honors from Cal State University Long Beach, receiving a Master of Business Administration and two Bachelor of Arts degrees in Creative Writing and English Literature. She spends significant time volunteering with local organizations helping underserved populations and with her toy Maltipoo, “Kodak Flash” exploring and adventuring around Los Angeles. She’s also a worthy opponent on the golf course.
Xinhua Wei
Junior Designer
Xinhua takes inspiration from living and studying in China and the US. She draws on her international experiences to design places where people from various backgrounds feel comfortable. She aims to provide a better living experience through residential and multi-use building design.
Xinhua earned a Master of Science degree in Architecture and Urban Design from UCLA. Before earning her degree, she was a researcher at The Palace Museum in Beijing, surveying and restoring the roofs of ancient Chinese buildings. Her love of food has her exploring restaurants and perfecting recipes at home. Her favorite weekend activity is hiking in a national park, followed by learning to play bass.
Rachel Burch
Designer
Rachel has an innate ability to contribute building designs that respect and enhance the urban environment. Before kicking off the design process, she spends time understanding the neighborhood context and how people experience it. Her knowledge of zoning enables her to help her clients understand what they can build on a site.
Rachel’s experience includes multi-family, affordable and senior living housing projects. She earned her Master’s in Architecture and Urban Design degree from Washington University in St. Louis and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from Texas Tech University.
A Texas native, Rachel has called Los Angeles home since 2019. Outside work, she enjoys going to concerts, sunsets at the beach, cross-stitching, crocheting and cuddling with her cat Willow.