We are AAHA Studio.
About Harper & Aaron
AAHA Studio was founded by husband and wife team Harper Halprin and Aaron Leshtz. While students at the University of Southern California, Harper and Aaron developed a love for design and architecture that extended beyond just aesthetics. With a focus on providing a concierge-style approach to every aspect of their services, Harper, Aaron and the AAHA Studio team are dedicated to ensuring that their clients feel like an extension of their own family, while offering them guidance through every step and challenge they may face along the way.
For nearly a decade, the design-driven firm has been rooted in a culture of family and a collaborative philosophy working on projects across various scales and scopes. Their designs are grounded in a rigorous dialogue informed by a deep understanding of their clients’ needs and visions. AAHA Studio is a solution-driven practice, utilizing industry technology, knowledge and an inquisitive nature to deliver seamless project management and high quality final results.
Our Team
People are the engine that makes this train move and we’re fortunate to have the best team around. Chances are you’ll get to know each of us quite well throughout the entire life of your project. Our distinct perspectives, varied experiences, and individual skills are the basis of a rich collaborative experience, and we’re excited to begin this journey together.
Harper Halprin, AIA
ARCHITECT & PARTNER
A native of Southern California, Harper made her way to New York after graduating from the University of Southern California with a Bachelor of Architecture. Under the direction of Bill Sofield and S. Russell Groves, she was integral to domestic and international retail roll-outs from Tom Ford to Tiffany & Co. From private penthouses and luxury residential developments to hospitality and commercial interiors, Harper has played key roles in managing high-end projects for private clients.
She can take the heat and always adds extra 🌶
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Aaron Leshtz, AIA
ARCHITECT & PARTNER
A California licensed architect, Aaron's design sense and technical abilities are influenced by his experiences in Los Angeles, New York, and London. Under the mentorship of world-class designers Bill Sofield and Hagy Belzberg, he learned the importance of detail and craftsmanship honing an understanding of the difference between style and quality. He has been integral to the development of numerous flagship retail concepts as well as the documentation and construction for high-end residences across the country. His broad experience also includes development of creative office space for tech and entertainment clients.
He also never says no to ice cream. 🍦
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Becky Cardenstern
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER
Becky fell in love with architecture as a child while watching her family home transpire from paper to reality. After receiving her Bachelor of Architecture from USC in 2008, she worked on high-end residential projects domestically and internationally with some of the top firms in Los Angeles. A few notable projects have been on the cover of Architectural Digest, CA Home+Design, and have won the Robb Report Ultimate Home of 2015.
Becky joined the AAHA Studio team in 2018 and brings over 12 years of experience in residential design, as well as the desire to collaborate and make every design personal, unique, and the epitome of the client’s vision.
Becky can also make a mean cheesecake and can be found at most parties making small talk with the 🐩.
Sonja Grozdanic
ARCHITECTURAL PROJECT MANAGER
After receiving her Masters in architecture and working in Boston for four years in a multi-disciplinary architectural firm, Sonja moved to Los Angeles to embark upon her new life adventure. For the last five years she has been working in LA on high-end residential projects and loving the teamwork and creativity that come from architecture and design.
Sonja thoroughly enjoys her arts and crafts projects. 🎨✂️ 🧵
Lisa Ljevaja
INTERIOR DESIGN PROJECT MANAGER
Lisa subconsciously knew she was destined to be a designer when she proclaimed in her sleep at 8 years old, “that’s not the way I wanted it arranged.” After stints of studying anthropology, and traveling as a beekeeper, she settled down to study Interior design at Ryerson University in Toronto. Following graduation, she had the opportunity to work on a project of the late architect Will Alsop.
Since then, Lisa’s design interests have taken her into the world of film as an art director, to NYC working in the Empire State Building on hospitality projects, managing a stained-glass studio, more hospitality work in LA and back to residential design. Through combined experiences and a multitude of interests, her design ethos has organized around storytelling to create a unique and tailored backdrop for each client and project.
Her least favorite word and its implications: parka 🌨
Favorite word: sunshine ☀️
Ngoc-Linh Dang
ARCHITECTURAL DESIGNER
Ngoc-Linh studied architecture in the historic city of Savannah, graduating Magna Cum Laude at Savannah College of Art and Design. She loves a good challenge, from conceptual studies to problem solving in the field. Ngoc-Linh is a team player and believes better solutions come from diverse minds coming together.
In her free time, she enjoys sketching / painting, challenging herself to a game, or being out in the sun with an iced dirty chai.
Jesse Franco
INTERIOR DESIGNER
Jesse fell in love with the art of interior design and transforming spaces at a young age from watching both his mom, who had an eye for interior design, as well as his father, who is a contractor for residential properties. However, it took Jesse a few years to realize you can merge a love for art with a career.
He received his Bachelor of Science in Business Management from California State University of Northridge, following graduation he went on to work in finance for a few years. Unfulfilled, he quit his job in finance and returned to school to study Interior Design at College of the Canyons.
Since then, Jesse has worked as an Interior Designer for a luxury furniture & design company as well as independent design studios for the past three years.
He loves traveling and experiencing different parts of the world.
Alexandra Green Silver
STUDIO MANAGER
Alexandra received her BA from Boston University in the History of Art and Architecture, and went on to study Art Business in Sotheby’s post graduate program in London.
Alexandra built a career in the fine art world, where she worked at numerous galleries and art institutions. Through the years she has worked with artists and clients in sales, artist liaising, project management, and communications.
As Alexandra’s interest and passion for architecture grew, she decided to make the transition and joins our team as Studio Manager where she assists with operations throughout the studio.
Alexandra moved to Los Angeles from New York 3 years ago, and has adapted quickly to life on the West Coast. When she’s not working you can find her outside hiking and surfing, or picking up hobbies like beekeeping and ceramics.
Maggie
GUARD DOG
Born in the south and raised on the streets of NYC - she’s acclimated to the southern California lifestyle and always finds her spot in the sun ☀️
