Born and raised in the Philippines, Ethel Rubio began her architectural studies at the University of the Philippines, where she completed a Certificate in Architectural Drafting. After emigrating to the United States in 1986, she earned her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Southern California, with an emphasis in Urban and Regional Planning. This early foundation shaped her multidisciplinary career in the built environment, public service, and community leadership.

Ethel brings more than 30 years of multidisciplinary experience across the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (A/E/C) industry and the nonprofit sector. Her project experience spans transportation, education, correctional facilities, hospitality, commercial, healthcare, and residential developments, reflecting a deep understanding of complex project delivery in both public and private settings.

In addition to her A/E/C work, Ethel has held leadership roles in mission-driven organizations. With the American Red Cross Biomedical Services in Greater Los Angeles and the San Fernando Valley, she helped grow the organization’s life-saving blood donor base. She later volunteered and consulted with her daughter’s middle school to support enrollment growth and secure grant funding. Prior to launching her firm, Ethel served as Development Manager for the West Coast of North America for the Royal Institution of Chartered Surveyors (RICS), where she expanded professional membership and engagement.

In public service, Ethel was appointed in 2019 by former Los Angeles Mayor Eric Garcetti to the Adams–Normandie Historic Preservation Overlay Zone (HPOZ) Board, a volunteer advisory body to the Los Angeles Department of City Planning overseeing new and remodeling construction within the district. In June 2023, she was reappointed by Los Angeles Mayor Karen Bass for an additional four-year term. She served as Board Chair and was the only woman on the board.

Most recently, in September 2025, Ethel was appointed by Mayor Bass as a Commissioner to the Los Angeles Cultural Heritage Commission, where she contributes to the preservation and stewardship of the City’s historic and cultural monuments.

A recognized leader and trailblazer, Ethel is the first Filipino American woman to serve as President of the Association for Women in Architecture (AWA) in 1995 and the first Asian American woman to serve as President of the AIA|LA Associates in 1994. She currently serves as President of the Filipino American Society of Architects and Engineers of Southern California (FASAE-SoCal), continuing her long-standing commitment to leadership, mentorship, and representation within the A/E/C profession.

Ethel’s passion for making a difference has led her to serve in impactful volunteer leadership roles in professional, civic, and alumni organizations. She mentors students, young professionals, and well-seasoned professionals who are interested in taking their careers to the next level. She is a determined advocate for women empowerment, diversity, equity and inclusion (DEI), and sustainability — in and out of the workplace.

Currently, one way Ethel focuses on addressing the housing crisis in Los Angeles is by leveraging her diverse skillset to educate and work with clients on building accessory dwelling units.