Our Team
MATTHEW JAMES GUMMOW
PRINCIPAL | ARCHITECT
Born in La Jolla and raised between San Diego and Orange County, Matt Gummow is a Principal at Alder James with more than fifteen years of experience across custom residential, educational, civic, hospitality, and cinema projects. His work is process-oriented and detail-driven, focused on finding solutions others have not considered, and on designing bold, grounded architecture that reconnects people with themselves, with others, and with the natural world.
Matt earned his BBA from the University of San Diego, graduating summa cum laude in 2007, and his M.Arch from NewSchool of Architecture and Design in 2012, where he was valedictorian and received the AIA Henry Adams Award. He began his career at Dougherty + Dougherty in Costa Mesa, then joined BB Architects in Laguna Beach, before co-founding Alder James with Emily. NCARB certified, he holds licenses in California, Nevada, Arizona, and Ohio, and leads design direction, entitlement strategy, and client leadership.
emily alder rolfing
PRINCIPAL | DESIGNER
Emily brings a grounded, trained eye to Alder James, shaped by her lifelong connection to Laguna Beach and her early work in local real estate alongside her father, who has served the community since the 1970s. Having admired the charm and character of Laguna homes since childhood, she carries a deep appreciation for the town’s history while embracing a modern, transitional design perspective.
She leads the studio’s interior direction with a refined sense of style and an intuitive approach to materials, color, and the small details that give a home its soul. Emily also guides the firm’s marketing efforts, helping shape the visual identity behind the work. Rooted in her hometown and community, she balances a full life as a mom of three, a dedicated volunteer, and an active member of several nonprofit boards, bringing that same heart and clarity into the spaces she helps create.
brandon featherstone
senior ARCHITECT
Brandon brings more than a decade of architectural experience to Alder James, shaped by roles at both boutique and international firms. With a strong background in BIM, construction documents, and complex project coordination, he approaches each design challenge with curiosity and a drive to understand not just the tools, but the processes that make great architecture work.
A Cal Poly Pomona graduate, Brandon blends technical depth with a thoughtful, problem solving mindset. He’s energized by learning, refining systems, and helping ideas move from concept to buildable reality. At Alder James, he contributes clarity, rigor, and a steady commitment to elevating the craft on every project he touches.
Armando Corado
Designer | Permit coordinator
Armando brings years of hands-on architectural drafting experience and a strong foundation in residential design to his work at Alder James. A Cal Poly San Luis Obispo graduate with additional studies in Florence, he pairs technical precision with an appreciation for timeless, site-driven architecture.
Before joining the studio, he spent several years supporting projects in Laguna Beach and abroad, giving him a clear understanding of how thoughtful detailing and careful coordination shape a successful home. Armando is a steady, team-oriented designer who contributes clarity, craft, and a deep respect for the design process to every project.
Jenni Isidro
Designer
Jenny brings a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach to her work at Alder James. With a Master of Architecture from Arizona State University and early experience in teaching, residential life, and digital media, she blends technical skill with a strong sense of how people actually live in a space.
She supports our projects with careful modeling, clear communication, and a steady, team-focused presence. Jenny is energized by design that feels both grounded and imaginative, and she contributes to each project with curiosity and care.
Gian Dopazo
execitive assistant
Gian brings a focused, detail-driven approach to his role as Executive Assistant at Alder James. With a background in Public Relations from Argentina and over seven years supporting U.S. companies remotely, he pairs strong communication skills with refined operational instinct.
Known for his perspicacious and meticulously detail-oriented nature, Gian excels at anticipating needs and maintaining clarity in fast-paced environments. His grounded, organized presence supports studio leadership and ensures seamless coordination across all phases of work.
Approachable and professional, Gian is a trusted point of connection for clients, collaborators, and the Alder James team.