• PAUL WELSCHMEYER, AIA, CEPE, HERSII & GPRater
• Principal at PWaec

Paul Welschmeyer is a multifaceted professional whose career spans architecture, art, and community activism. A native of the East Bay, California, Paul’s architectural journey began in the early 1980s, with notable tenures at prominent firms such as Ratcliff Architects in Berkeley and Studios Architecture in San Francisco. His private practice, launched in 1992, has focused on adaptive reuse, historic rehabilitation, corporate interiors, and both multi-family and single-family residential projects. In 2008, Paul distinguished himself as the first architect in California to become a certified HERS II Rater, marking a significant expansion into energy conservation and green building practices.

In addition to his architectural work, Paul has deep interests in the arts. Between 1982 and 1988, he developed as an artist and became known for his work within the architectural and commercial furniture circles. This creative background continues to inform his architectural designs and approach. After a 35-year hiatus from painting, Paul returned to his artistic roots in 2023, embracing a new chapter in his life as a painter.

A passionate advocate for his community, Paul has long been involved in the revitalization of Niles, California, a historic district within Fremont founded in 1869. Over the past 35 years, he has played a leading role in the preservation of Niles’ heritage, co-founding the Niles Community Association in 1993, and serving on the Fremont Historic Architectural Review Board (HARB) from 1991 to 1998. In 2024, he was reappointed to HARB, continuing his work in historic preservation and redevelopment.

Paul is also an advocate for local culture, hosting the Niles Home Concert Series, a platform for live music in his community. His artistic and architectural work can be explored through his personal website(http://pwaec.com))and Instagram (@Paul_Welschmeyer), where he shares his creative journey in both architecture and visual arts.

ACADEMIC DEGREES, LICENSE and CERTIFICATES

• 2012 Certified Energy Plans Examiner, Residential, CABEC, No. R08-12-2138
• 2011 Multifamily Building Analyst, BPI, No. 5019054
• 2011 Green Point Rater, Existing Multifamily, Build it Green, No. 2009.258
• 2010 HERS ll Rater, California Energy Commission (CalCERTS) No. CC2005663
• 2010 BPI (Envelope & Bldg. Analyist) Candidate No. 5019054
• 2009 Green Point Rater, New & Existing Homes, Build it Green, No. 2009.258
• 1985 California Architectural Registration, No. C015373
• 1979 Bachelor of Science in Architecture - with Honors, California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

CIVIC AFFILIATIONS

• 2024-Present, Historic Architectural Review Board, Fremont, CA
• 2008 Board Member, California Nursery Company Legacy Council
• 2003 Niles Redevelopment Owner/Merchant Group
• 1999 Board Member, Dominican Sisters Advisory Board, Fremont CA
• 1998 Board Member, Mission San Jose Advisory Board, Fremont, CA
• 1991-1998 Historic Architectural Review Board, Fremont, CA
• 1990-1993 Founding member - Niles Community Association, Fremont,