SANTA ANA, CA—Planning anddesign firm MVE Institutional hastransformed itself into SVA Architects Inc. Therebranding, which comes as the firm recently observed its 10-yearanniversary as its own entity distinct from MVEGroup, solidifies the firm's identity in the designworld.

The newly named firm will be led by ErnestoVasquez and Robert Simons. Known forcreating environments that are socially and environmentallyresponsible as well as economically viable, Vasquez is widelyrenowned as a community advocate and leader. His designsincorporate smart-growth principals, specializing in public/privatepartnerships with universities, cities, county governments, housingauthorities, transit authorities, K-12 schools, mixed-use complexesand international developments.

Simons leads the firm's design practices in creating learningand living environments that aim to improve the quality of localcommunities while enhancing the experience of all participants. Hespecializes in the design and planning of higher-education and K-12facilities, expansion and modernization programs and planning andarchitecture for student housing, civic, recreation, cultural,community, public safety and commercial spaces.