little studio | BIG IDEAS

Design Path Studio is driven by our passion to improve communities and lives. We are an award-winning planning and architecture firm based in Encinitas, CA. Our practice provides urban design, site design, architectural and structural engineering services. We have built a reputation for our innovative and efficient designs solutions, and pride ourselves on our client relationships.

In response to housing needs in California, and across the country, our team has established ourselves as leaders in the creation of pioneering housing programs and have been policy advisors for municipalities across the country. We have witnessed our programs help property owners provide housing for multi-generational family members, rebuild after devastating wildfires, and provide housing for vulnerable and underserved residents.

Our company philosophy is that good modern design should be achievable and affordable.

Yvonne St Pierre, AIA, LEED AP
Owner, Architect

Yvonne is a licensed architect in the states of California and Colorado and is a third generation resident of Leucadia California. With over 20 years of experience in design and construction she takes pride in her work, her craft, her family and her community.

Yvonne earned her B.Arch. from Woodbury University in 2004 and began her work experience in 1999 while earning her degree. Her mentorship in various offices and hands on experience gave her a diverse design background in commercial, retail, and residential projects.

Yvonne and her husband J.P. St. Pierre live in coastal Leucadia raising two bright young and energetic boys.

Geoffrey Plagemann, AICP Director of Planning + Urban Design

Geoffrey’s broad experience in urban/architectural design and city/environmental planning can be seen in his award-winning, visionary projects. He has worked in both the public and private sectors and values the relationships he builds with co-workers, clients, and residents. Geoffrey is well versed in the inner workings of government projects such as visioning, comprehensive planning, grant writing, plan review, and consensus building.

Geoffrey is a driven community leader who has guest lectured at West Virginia State University and the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point, and has presented at the San Diego Vital Aging Conference, West Virginia Urban Ag Conference, and a SDAF PechKucha Night. Geoffrey is also active with the local chapters of the American Planning Association and American Institute of Architects.

With his family he enjoys cross-country road trips, skiing, mountain biking, curling, the occasional triathlon, and coaching his sons' football and soccer teams.

Cody Purcell, P.E. Structural Design Engineer + Project Manager

Cody is a licensed P.E. in the state of California with over 10 years of structural engineering experience. He received his B.S. in Structural Engineering from University of California, San Diego.

He has managed numerous projects from early design phase through construction on a wide variety of new and existing buildings. He enjoys working closely with the design team, owners, and contractors to deliver effective solutions.

In his free time, Cody enjoys traveling, hanging at the beach, or relaxing at home with his family.

Jose De Jesus Garcia III Architectural Designer + Drafter

Jose graduated from San Diego Mesa College with an Associate of Science Degree in Architecture Technology. He has been actively building his career with Design Path Studio since 2021.

Outside of work, Jose enjoys working on cars and staying fit at the gym. Looking ahead, he aims to broaden his expertise as an architectural designer and plans to return to school to pursue a bachelor’s degree.

Kristine, Assoc. AIA Project Manager + Designer

Kristine is currently going back to school to earn her BA in Design with an emphasis in Interior Architecture from SDSU. Her experience with Design Path Studio has allowed her to explore the ins and outs of architecture.

She enjoys being able to see her projects through, from initial design concepts to completed construction.