Director < BACK Philippe Kassouf Secretary Philippe and his wife, Julie, moved to PVE in 2021 to start their family. They fell in love with PVE for its strong sense of community; and are excited about the roots they are putting down in a one-of-a-kind place. Philippe is an accomplished aerospace engineer. He received his bachelor’s in aerospace engineering from the University of Southern California in 2002. He was recruited to develop avionics for, at the time, a small startup called SpaceX. In 2008, he attained a Masters of Science in Electrical Engineering from the University of Southern California. Since then, he has led several Aerospace Engineering companies and now serves on a handful of advisory boards for space startups. As a director of the PVHA, Philippe aims to bring some process efficiencies and assist with automation and online services to help expand PVHA’s capacity to serve our community. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Director < BACK Alex Howe Director Alex has lived in the South Bay for over eight years and, in 2022, fulfilled a long-held goal by moving with his family to Palos Verdes Estates. He and his wife chose this beautiful community for its idyllic views, incredible schools, welcoming neighborhoods, and the timeless appeal of its architecture and tree-lined streets. A 20-year marketing executive and entrepreneur with a focus on the real estate industry, Alex has a passion for enhancing user experiences and crafting compelling storytelling. A graduate of the University of Virginia with a double major in marketing and history, he is focused on improving communication and accessibility for community members. He is committed to helping preserve the unique character and high standards that make Palos Verdes Estates such an extraordinary place to call home. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Staff < BACK Milet Libunao Senior Architectural Analyst Milet brings with her over 20 years of design practice experience in Architecture/Urban Design, Commercial Interiors, Master Planning and Landscape involving private and public entities. She was involved in projects that included commercial offices, retail, higher education, healthcare, public parks and recreation, and residential clients. Milet has a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from the University of Santo Tomas in the Philippines, and was a licensed architect in Manila before moving to Los Angeles. Milet completed her Graduate Certificate in Landscape Architecture with Distinction at UCLA while working at various architectural offices in Southern California and before joining the PVHA. She is a LEED AP BD+C certified professional. She is also a docent‐in‐training and garden volunteer at the LA County National History Museum, and recently certified as a UC Master Gardener. Milet frequents the South Bay beaches and gardens with her husband and young son for local nature trips. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Election 2026 Candidates < BACK Keith Geiger Treasurer < PREVIOUS NEXT >

Faces of PVHA Board of Directors The Board of Directors consists of five annually elected members charged with managing Association finances, holding public meetings and elections, keeping meeting minutes, approving amendments, and adopting resolutions. Christine McNamara President BIO Keith Geiger Vice-President BIO Mahmoud Farzaneh Treasurer BIO Philippe Kassouf Secretary BIO Alex Howe Director BIO Art Jury The Art Jury, comprised of six members, was established in 1923 to monitor all building specifications and property changes to the developing peninsula. Dan Withee Vice President BIO Stuart Magruder Member BIO Joseph Spierer Member BIO Domingo Ottolia Member BIO Staff PVHA’s staff is available to answer questions and provide guidance on all aspects of the residences and properties in Palos Verdes Estates. Milet Libunao Senior Architectural Analyst BIO With the ultimate goal of protecting and nurturing our overall community development, we collaborate directly with the cities in our jurisdiction and help streamline the process for property owners and applicants. Make your voice heard. All property owners in Palos Verdes Estates or Miraleste in Rancho Palos Verdes are automatically members of Palos Verdes Homes Association. We encourage every member to increase their involvement with the Palos Verdes Homes Association by attending meetings and volunteering for vacant positions. We look forward to working with you! Meetings Board meetings are held monthly. The Annual Meeting of Members, per the bylaws, is held the second Tuesday of January at 7pm. Meetings are held virtually on Zoom. Upcoming Meetings Multiple Dates Wed, Jun 17 Board of Director's Meeting / Online Zoom Event RSVP Jun 17, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:00 PM Online Zoom Event Multiple Dates Mon, Jun 22 Full Art Jury Meeting / Location is TBD Learn more Jun 22, 2026, 3:00 PM – 5:00 PM Location is TBD Fri, Jul 03 Office Closed - Independence Day Observered / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Jul 03, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Mon, Sep 07 Office Closed - Labor Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Details Sep 07, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Mon, Oct 12 Office Closed - Columbus Day / Indigenous Peoples Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Oct 12, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Wed, Nov 11 Office Closed - Veterans Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Nov 11, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Thu, Nov 26 Office Closed - Thanksgiving Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Nov 26, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Fri, Nov 27 Office Closed - Day After Thanksgiving / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Nov 27, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Fri, Dec 25 Office Closed - Christmas Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more Dec 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Tue, Jan 12 101st Annual Meeting & Election of Directors / Online Meeting (Zoom) RSVP Jan 12, 2027, 7:00 PM – 9:00 PM Online Meeting (Zoom) Mon, May 25 Office Closed - Memorial Day / 320 Palos Verdes Dr W Learn more May 25, 2026, 9:00 AM – 5:00 PM 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, 320 Palos Verdes Dr W, Palos Verdes Estates, CA 90274, USA Wed, Apr 15 Board of Directors Meeting / Zoom Meeting Details Apr 15, 2026, 4:30 PM – 6:30 PM Zoom Meeting

Jurist < BACK Stuart Magruder Member Art Jury Term: 2 years, December 2025. Stuart Magruder, Architect, is the founding principal of Studio Nova A Architects, an architecture and design practice based in Redondo Beach. The Studio’s work includes residential and commercial projects, and specializes in highly sustainable contemporary architecture. The Studio has built projects all over Southern California, and has developed excellent relationships with building departments and with quality contractors who can get your project built. < PREVIOUS NEXT >

FAQ Find answers to frequently asked questions about PVHA and the Art Jury. PVHA, Art Jury & Jurisdiction What is the Homes Association and what does it do? The Homes Association is a 501(c)(4) nonprofit corporation. The Protective Restrictions provide the authority to: Interpret and enforce the provisions of the Protective Restrictions Appoint members to the Art Jury Provide administrative support to the Art Jury Maintain records, including the plans for all structures in Palos Verdes Estates and Miraleste Who are the members of the Homes Association? The Owners of record of property within Palos Verdes Estates and Miraleste are members of the Homes Association. Each property is entitled to one vote. Who is the Board of Directors and how are they selected? The only qualification required to serve on the Board is to be a property owner of Palos Verdes Estates or Miraleste. Directors are elected annually if a voting quorum is achieved during the annual meeting held in January. The selection is based on the talents needed and availability. The Directors are not compensated. What does the Art Jury do? The Art Jury has the authority to review any and all plans that pertain to the external aesthetic appearance of structures and properties. This applies to new construction, remodels, and includes maintenance issues such as repainting, re-roofing and replacing windows and doors. For a complete list, please see the following section: Costs, Materials & Process. No structure can be built or altered in any way without Art Jury approval. How are Art Jury members appointed? There are six members on the Art Jury, all of whom are appointed by the Board of Directors of the Homes Association. Each member serves a three-year term, and terms are staggered. Art Jury members are compensated for the time served during Art Jury meetings What are the qualifications of the members of the Art Jury? Three members must be practicing Architects; frequently all members are architects or landscape architects. The members are appointed at the discretion of the Board based on talent and availability. Why are the Art Jury Meetings not open to the public? The Art Jury meetings are confidential, as these meetings are a collaborative effort among educated trained experts. Homeowners have an opportunity to express their opinion on a project when the project is presented to the Planning Commission at the City. Members of the Planning Commission are invited to observe the Art Jury meetings. For projects reviewed by the Full Art Jury, the applicant and their architect or designer may make a personal appearance during a Full Art Jury meeting. Appearances must be scheduled in advance and the appearance fee paid. What does the Homes Association/Art Jury do that the City can’t do? The Art Jury approves the exterior appearance of all structures to meet a standard of “good of its’ kind” to maintain architectural integrity throughout the City. The City approves the way a structure is constructed. The Art Jury cannot approve a building whose construction does not conform to prevailing City codes or ordinances, and the City cannot make any judgment regarding the structure’s architectural appearance. The Homes Association’s authority is derived from the Protective Restrictions, while the City enforces building goals and standards through building codes and ordinances. Inspections: Completion & Compliance Why is there the “Neighborhood Compatibility Ordinance” and what is it? Neighborhood Compatibility is a City policy, not a policy of the Homes Association. Neighbors have a legitimate interest in your property as it impacts the character of their neighborhood, their views, and their privacy. The Neighborhood Compatibility Ordinance has placed additional limitations on the size and height of structures beyond those spelled out in the Protective Restrictions. The Planning Commission, a committee reporting to the City Council, has the obligation to review all projects that meet the criteria of the Neighborhood Compatibility Ordinance at a public hearing. All Neighbors within a 300’ radius are notified in advance of the hearing and given the opportunity to express their support or opposition to the project. The Planning Commission reviews the project in context of its neighborhood and is sensitive to: Square footage in relation to surrounding properties Height Massing, a term relating to the appearance of size View corridors Privacy The Planning Commission may approve or reject the project. The applicants or the neighbors have the right to appeal the decision of the Planning Commission to the City Council. You should contact the City of Palos Verdes Estates Planning Department to see if your project requires Planning Commission Approval. What are Deed Restrictions? Deed Restrictions are recorded limitations on the use and improvement of a property. They are legally enforceable. The Basic Protective Restrictions of Palos Verdes Estates were recorded in 1923. I hear that unless you’re a member of the Art Jury or one of their friends you can’t get their approval Members of the Art Jury do not review their own projects. They are required to recuse themselves from the meeting, as is the President of the Homes Association. Those who have gone through the process before will acquire a proficiency and avoid issues that they know will be rejected. An architect or homeowner new to the process will have more questions and should start by speaking with staff prior to initiating their application. Costs, Materials & Process A neighbor has a skylight which was disapproved for another. Why? One of two things may have happened. The first is that the owners of the house down the street may have installed the skylight without permission from the Art Jury, which would place them in a condition of non-compliance. There are instances where people are unaware of, ignore or defy the restrictions. Since the Association does not have any field investigators some of these conditions remain undetected. In most cases the situation is resolved at the time of sale when properties are usually required to be brought into compliance by the buyers. The second thing that may have happened is that the Art Jury approved the skylight down the street and later felt that it made an aesthetic mistake and decided to reject all future submissions. The Art Jury does not feel obligated to repeat its mistakes. In instances such as this, the Art Jury may offer an alternative which they feel is more appropriate given past experience.

Jurist < BACK Joseph Spierer Member Joseph Spierer is a Southern California native and licensed architect with over 20 years of experience. He earned a degree in architecture from the University of Arizona and is licensed in California, with qualifications to practice in more than 40 states. His practice is centered on luxury residential architecture, with a focus on bespoke homes that reflect each client's individuality. At the core of his work is the belief that every person has an innate sense of design. Through a careful and collaborative process, he draws out that sensibility and translates it into architecture that feels both personal and refined. His portfolio spans ground-up custom residences, adaptive reuse, and select multi-family and commercial projects, with work completed across both Northern and Southern California. He provides the full scope of architectural services from schematic design through construction documents and construction administration, ensuring continuity and clarity from concept to completion. His approach integrates contemporary environmental strategies with practical and economic considerations, supporting both design integrity and lasting performance. Beyond practice, Joseph is actively involved in real estate investment and development. He serves as a managing member of several holding companies and is a partner at JAM Properties, which focuses on identifying and assembling opportunities throughout Southern California. < PREVIOUS NEXT >