Doug Gargaro

Doug Gargaro’s professional foundation in the building industry began while studying architecture and design in San Diego. During college, he joined CEI, a fire alarm and low-voltage electrical contractor, where he developed an early aptitude for AutoCAD and technical drawing production.

Starting as a part-time drafter, Doug advanced into leadership of the company’s CAD department while still attending college. He helped develop its drafting operations and oversaw a team of more than seven drafters, gaining early experience in production standards, drawing coordination, and the technical documentation of electronic security and building systems.

Following graduation, Doug moved from technical building systems into professional architectural work, beginning a progression through established San Diego firms including HMC Architects, Salerno Livingston Architects, Public Architecture + Planning, and Tait and Associates.

His responsibilities evolved from CAD production and detailing into job captain and project management roles, working across educational facilities, healthcare projects, commercial environments, and major multifamily developments.

At Salerno Livingston Architects, Doug contributed to the approximately 276,000-square-foot Metrome condominium development in downtown San Diego, supporting construction documentation, consultant coordination, and construction administration. His experience also included the UCSD Original Student Center Expansion and coordination of construction document production for multiple Starbucks locations across Southern California and Arizona.

These assignments gave him direct exposure to the progression of building projects, from early design and documentation through agency review, permitting, and construction.