OUR PEOPLE
Our office's expertise is built on our strong relationships with our clientele. We collaborate closely with each client throughout each project and provide a platform for our clients to realize a collective design vision. Embracing constant communication within our team and craftsmen is pivotal in sharing ideas and inspiring one another. Meet our office's leadership team below
AJ Remen
A.J. Remen is a founding Principal of Arista Architects and has always had a passion for redefining urban fabric and working towards the design and development of buildings that evoke the vernacular character of its region He received his bachelor of architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame (2006) and a Master of Real Estate Development degree from the University of Southern California (2009).
His early professional career centered on fine custom homes, civic structures, and neighborhood planning and development. His early experience in Seaside Florida was published in several regional and national magazines while also winning a Palladio award for residential design during his two years in the region.
In addition to architecture, his experience also involves master plan design and programming collaborating with talented landscape architects and engineers on a number of gardens and site developments. His background understanding the financial model behind development and construction projects supplements his background with award-winning design to help serve the firms clientele and all aspects of architectural design and quality craftsmanship in every project.
Professional Registration:
Licensed Architect in the following states:
California (C37018),
Colorado (ARC.00407107),
NCARB Certification (103046)
Professional Affiliation:
National Council of Architects Registration Board
La Jolla Community Planning Association
La Jolla Development Permit Review Committee
La Jolla Village Merchants Association
La Jolla Historical Society
Board Member - Notre Dame Club of San Diego
CONNECT
F.H. "Trip" Bennett
Trip Bennett is a founding Principal of Arista Architects and was born, raised, and educated in Texas. The nickname "Trip" was given because he was the third (triple) of his namesake after his grandfather and father. Trip graduated from Texas Tech University with a Bachelor of Architecture degree in 1975 and married his wife, Alice, the same year.
In 1983, Trip established his first architectural practice in San Antonio. His initial focus there was primarily an adaptive renovation/restoration of historic structures and the design of custom single-family residences. Due to the significant economic turn-down in Texas in the late 1980s, Trip relocated his family to San Diego. Since then, Trip has been fortunate to work in and around San Diego designing custom homes for individual clients. In 2020 Trip, along with AJ Remen, rebranded their office as Arista Architects, continuing their emphasis in the design of custom single-family homes and the adaptive reuse/restoration of historic structures.
Trip's work has been featured in numerous publications receiving both regional and national design awards.
Trip's dedicated service to the community includes roles as president and current member of the La Jolla Sunrise Rotary Club, founding Board Member and former president of Ballet Arte Dance Theater, former vice president of the La Jolla Historical Society Board of Directors, Interim Executive Director of the La Jolla Historical Society and past Chairman of the La Jolla Concours d' Elegance.
Professional Registration:
Licensed Architect in the following states:
California (C20963),
Arizona (33769),
Utah (7510246-0301),
Texas (7702),
NCARB Certification (85978)
Licensed Interior Designer CCIDC (1947)
Professional Affiliation:
National Council of Architects Registration Board
La Jolla Village Merchants Association
La Jolla Historical Society
