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Common Threads: Cross Discipline Conversations
June 4 @ 1:30 pm - 3:30 pm
$20.00
Consequential creatives across disciplines—from culture (food, music) to architecture and design—share their stories, discuss their professional path and ponder their legacy, and the future.
Conversation #1, 1:30-2:30 PM
Join us at Studio O+A for an intimate conversation with three San Francisco originals who have each spent decades shaping the culture of this city through sound, space, and community. Talking shop with Primo Orpilla, Studio O+A; Kirk Michael Harper aka The Selecter; and John Quintos of Cento Coffee. Hosted by Annabelle Udo-O’Malley.
Conversation #2, 3:00-3:30 PM
Creative forerunners in design, technology and architecture discuss their origin stories, making an impact with intention, by invention and through innovation, and their latest projects. Featuring Primo Orpilla (interior designer and co-founder, Studio O+A), Gene Sandoval, AIA (design partner, ZGF Architects) and Everett Katigbak (multi-hyphenate, analog intelligence advocate) with host Lisa Boquiren.
Sound+Set: Thomas Heinser
About the Presenters
Kirk Michael Harper — known as The Selecter — has spent over three decades defining San Francisco’s music and nightlife as a DJ, writer, event producer, and venue owner. Founding partner of Mr. Fives and 330 Ritch Street, he remains a driving force behind Sweater Funk, the city’s beloved boogie and funk party since 2008.
Primo Orpilla is one of San Francisco’s most influential interior designers, known for translating the technology mindset into physical space for Facebook, Microsoft, Samsung, Uber, Yelp, and beyond. His design philosophy — organizing space to share the light and flatten the organization — is rooted in fostering collaboration and human connection.
John Quintos is a Bay Area native and owner of Cento Coffee, a SOMA cornerstone since 2008. From Cento Coffee Bar to Vega Coffee to a full roasting brand, John brings a DJ’s intentionality to his craft — knowing your audience, trusting your taste, and building loyalty. He currently owns Système D Cafe at the Center for Architecture + Design.
Annabelle Udo-O’Malley (host) is a San Francisco-based event producer and storyteller whose work spans culture, community, and live experience. A Bay Area media and culture veteran, she has co-hosted special AAPI broadcasts on KPFA 94.1 FM and served as editor and writer for various publications including AsianWeek, Filipinas, Hyphen, Kaleo, Rewind, and Wushu Kung Fu.
Everett Katigbak is a documentary filmmaker, storyteller, and creative who spent 20 years telling stories across different mediums at Stripe Press, and at Facebook, Pinterest, and Anthropic. His latest film, “American Pachuco: The Legend of Luis Valdez,” won major awards at Sundance, and from the Library of Congress, and premieres on PBS in fall 2026.
Gene Sandoval, AIA is an unconventional thinker with an active imagination, and resourcefulness, which he leverages for designs that creatively balance human and environmental performance. Gene leads design teams for some of ZGF Architects most complex and ambitious projects, including an expansion at the Nike World Headquarters Campus, and doubling the capacity of the Portland International Airport.
Lisa Boquiren (host) is a design & architecture aficionada who works with creative businesses on brand, marketing and communications strategy. She also produces and moderates convergent conversations, in-person and online, including Pacita Abad: The Making of an Exhibition (San Francisco Design Week 2024). Her editorial work appears in SHLTR, SPACES and Small Firms, Great Projects.