Robert Fernandez

Robert Fernandez graduated with a degree in architecture from California Polytechnic University at Pomona. He was hired as the in-house architect for C. J. Segerstrom & Sons, a prominent land developer in Orange County, Calif., where he established and wrote the design and construction quality of standards for its regional shopping center, South Coast Plaza, which opened in 1965. Today, South Coast Plaza, which consists of just over 220 national and international stores spread over 140 acres, is the highest grossing shopping center in the United States, exceeding $1.5 billion in sales. After 35 years of employment, his other projects include industrial and residential work, most recently the completion of a $200 million Concert Hall adjacent to the Performing Arts Center, Repertory Theater, and future Museum of Arts.