Darren Franks, Chapter President

As Chapter President, it is with distinct honor that Darren leads the ICAA SoCal Chapter, as together we appreciate the past, share in the present, and build sustainable communities for our future.   As owner of Darren Franks & Associates, a paint contracting firm specializing in the decorative arts, Darren has the good fortune to work with many ICAA members who are highly-talented artists, architects, designers, and builders, on prestigious projects.  He has been a member of ICAA since 2012, and advocates our mission to advance the love, respect and appreciation of classical architecture and art through education and community.  Born in England, Darren lives in Santa Monica with his wife and two sons.

Elizabeth Dinkel, Chapter Vice President

Elizabeth is President at Elizabeth Dinkel Design Associates, Inc. She is recognized by House Beautiful, Elle Décor, Veranda, and California Homes & Interiors as one of America’s leading interior designers. A graduate of Georgetown University, she has played a significant role in the Southern California design community, including serving on the Design Leadership Network (DLN).

John Margolis, Chapter Treasurer

John P. Margolis was born in Boston, Massachusetts into an academic family full of intellectual and artistic diversity. He holds a bachelor’s degree with a Major in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, and a Master of Architecture from the University of California, Berkeley. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and is licensed in Massachusetts. His passion for classical and traditional architecture led him to the ICAA in 1990. Since then he has held numerous Board positions and also served as New England Chapter President of the ICAA for five years. He was recently elected to Fellow of the ICAA and has a Certificate in Classical Architecture. In 2019, John joined Appleton Partners as a Senior Project Manager in their Santa Barbara office where he interprets traditional approaches to the Southern California climate. John also enjoys sketching, watercolor painting and creating environments for timeless and harmonious living.

Valerie Thomas, Chapter Secretary

Valerie Thomas is an LA native and has worked with the design community for over 20 years. She’s guided a number of artisan-based companies, and has been at the helm of west coast projects for Remains Lighting since 2008. She joined the ICAA SoCal in 2009 after attending her first event, a tour of Casa del Herrero in Santa Barbara. She studied design at UCLA and the Design Institute of Dublin in Ireland. When she’s not immersed in design she’s likely to be outdoors, backpacking or rock climbing in the Sierra.

Stephen Brodheim

Stephen joined the ICAA SoCal Board in 2019, and serves as the Co-Chair of the Events Committee. He works as a furniture and decorative arts specialist for the online marketplace of Sotheby’s auction house. Focusing on 18th and early 19th century neoclassical furniture and architect-designed interiors in graduate school, Stephen received a Master of Arts degree from Dartmouth. A passionate gardener, he is member of the Men’s Garden Club of Los Angeles, and has a particular fondness for roses and geraniums. Along with his husband John and beagle Baxter, Stephen lives in a 1926 Spanish Colonial Revival house in the Hollywood Hills.

Winston Chappell

A fifth generation Californian, Winston Chappell graduated from Harvard University and California Institute of the Arts. Following college, he worked as a designer/builder of custom residences with a specialty in the restoration of historic properties, eventually focusing exclusively on design. His work has appeared in Architectural Digest and has been included in the New Blood 101 and Millennium Models exhibitions at the Pacific Design Center. Since 2005, he has been active in the ICAA SoCal, serving on the Education Committee and the Board of Directors. He also currently serves on the Design Review Board, Pacific Palisades Civic League; Board of Directors, Seven Arrows Elementary School and Little Dolphins Pre-School; and as Docent of the Santa Monica Conservancy.

Russ Diamond

Russ Diamond, owner and President of Snyder Diamond, is a native Angelino whose family run business has served trade professionals and the design community for over 70 years. Graduating from the University of California, Santa Barbara with a Bachelor of Arts degree in business economics, Russ went on to earn his MBA from the University of Southern California. He is a founding board member for The Storehouse of World Vision, whose mission is to distribute donated building supply materials to community organizations and schools within the inner cities across the US. Russ continues to serve as a valuable resource and advocate for those within the industry looking for business development advice and leadership. When he is not immersed in work, Russ enjoys a day out on the golf course or spending time at home tending to his beloved Briards.

Rocky LaFleur

Rocky LaFleur, a beloved friend to all of us, fellow board member, design professional, and an exceptional human being, passed away on March 12 due to a sudden illness.  As a mentor to countless young design professionals – many of whom continue his work within our Chapter – Rocky touched so many lives, and we are no doubt a stronger community because of him. His warmth, kindness and exuberance made those around him feel welcomed, loved and valued.

We are fortunate that such a beloved person was a member of our Chapter and in our lives. The ICAA SoCal will pay tribute and honor Rocky for his many contributions. More information will be coming soon.

Brian Pinkett

Brian Pinkett is a partner at Landry Design Group where he has worked over 26 years. He earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, which included studying in Rome with the late architectural historian, Colin Rowe. Brian also serves on the Board of Directors at The Legacy Kids Project and is a member of to the National Trust for Historic Preservation and Los Angeles Conservancy. An avid photographer and athlete, he is active with the American Photographic Artists and has played some of the best golf courses around the world.

Kym Rodger

Australian-born Los Angeles-based interior designer Kym Rodger creates sophisticated spaces that reflect a sense of adventure and boundless creativity while radiating timeless elegance and warmth. The daughter of a landscape designer and an optometrist, Kym travelled the world before settling in the US. Kym has been a member of the ICAA since 2013. She co-chaired the Education Committee for 5 years before transitioning to a role with the Social Media Committee. An accomplished painter, Kym has collaborated with Mayflower Wallpaper to create a line based on her original artwork called “Sheets”. Kym is a lifelong athlete, enjoying daily hikes in the local canyons, ocean swimming, and regular stand up paddleboard excursions in the waters off Los Angeles.

Lynnea Schwieters

LA-based interior designer Lynnea Jean has been thoughtfully crafting residential interiors for over a decade, and she recently launched a successful line of contemporary furniture. 2020 was her first year as a board member of the ICAA SoCal, and she currently serves on the Membership Committee. She served as Chairperson of the So Cal Neoclassicists for four years. Lynnea studied interior design and business marketing at Texas Christian University. When she’s not working, you’re most likely to find her hiking her favorite trails, painting, or strolling her local farmer’s market with a new recipe in mind.

Diane Sipos, Chapter Director

Diane Sipos is a native Angeleno and has been with ICAA SoCal since 2005.  Prior to her role as ICAA SoCal Chapter Director, she oversaw major organizational and programmatic initiatives in the non-profit sector and higher education.  She has enjoyed being part of the SoCal chapter since its early inception and seeing it grow to what it is today, with a thriving membership.  She likes bringing together diverse stakeholders to create programs and initiatives to advance our mission.  She enjoys travelling and hiking, and her favorite spot is sitting by the Tuolumne River in the high Sierra.