Blueprints for Prosperity: Crafting Tax-Savvy Asset Portfolios for Architects
Equitable Advisors has helped architecture firms and other businesses to plan for the present and future via business and personal financial planning strategies.
They now present Blueprints for Prosperity: Crafting Tax-Savvy Asset Portfolios for Architects. This insightful session, featuring Executive Vice President Georges Chammas, Vice President Willem Kruse, and Financial Advisor Collin Kahal, will equip architects with the tools to optimize their assets. Participants will begin by analyzing their current investment mix, gaining a deeper understanding of how their assets are currently positioned. The session will then delve into the diverse opportunities for portfolio diversification, focusing on the advantages of spreading investments across various asset classes and taxable buckets.
Furthermore, attendees will learn how to integrate Asset Location Planning into both their personal finances and their firms, ensuring their portfolios are well-positioned for long-term prosperity.
Firm Foundations is a six-part business education series supported by a grant provided by the AIA Trust and Victor Insurance. Expert-led session equips architecture and design professionals with essential tools to navigate legal, financial, and operational challenges. The 2025 series covers legal risk, financial planning, staffing, marketing, accounting, and emerging technologies like Artificial Intelligence.
Georges Chammas
Since joining Equitable, George has been assisting individuals and businesses in protecting their financial well-being. With the licenses, know ledge and experience he has gained and through managing a team of associates, he and his team can assist clients in creating solutions to many different issues. George’s holistic financial education methods have awarded him the title of Retirement Planning Specialist from the Wharton Program through U. Penn.
George Chammas is originally from the Bay Area and obtained his degree in Finance and Political Science from Purdue University. George began his career in finance in San Diego in 2006 and he was quickly promoted to Divisional VP in 2008 helping the branch achieve success at a level never seen before. As VP in San Diego, the branch was a Two Time Gold President’s Trophy Winner in 2011 and 2012 signifying the top award and the top branch of the organization. George was promoted to a Senior VP position for the Northern California/Hawaii Branch in 2014. In 2016, the organization achieved the highest award, Gold President's Trophy, for being the #1 organization in. In 2017, George got promoted to Regional Co-Executive VP because of the team's success and responded with another #1 finish as the top organization. The Northern California/Hawaii branch embodies the hardworking and professional, yet fun, spirit of George and the leadership team, staff and associates. Our vision is to be the premiere estate and financial planning firm creating the perfect client experience, maintaining a w inning culture while caring for each other and our clients. George is a Regional Executive Vice President of the Equitable Advisors’ Northern California/Hawaii Organization. George works with individuals and business owners to help them define their financial goals and provide strategies, products and services to help them work toward their objectives.
George lives in San Rafael with his wife, Jessica and his daughter, Lilly. He enjoys traveling, sports, and coaching. He is a contributor toward many charities and is active in the community, including Fresh Start Surgical Gifts, Ronald McDonald House, Northern Lights School, Valley Christian School and many more.
Willem Kruse
Willem Kruse is a Vice President at Equitable Advisors and works with health care employees and architects to navigate the world of finance. He has a strong passion for bridging the financial literacy gap and takes every opportunity to educate his clients to feel empowered in making financial decisions. As a licensed fiduciary, Willem takes pride in putting his clients’ needs above anything else.
A Bay Area native, Willem grew up in San Jose. He attended Chapman University, where he acquired a degree in Business Administration, focusing on finance. Outside of the office, Willem is an avid reader, golfer, and runner. He also enjoys camping and getting out in nature whenever possible!
Collin Kahal
As a Financial Advisor at Equitable Advisors, Collin Kahal works with individuals and architecture practices to accomplish their comprehensive financial goals. He supports his clients, their families, and their businesses towards feeling confident in their futures. Collin’s focuses are retirement planning, risk management, and tax-efficient strategies.
Raised on the east coast in Wilton, Connecticut, Collin obtained his degrees in Economics and Finance from Washington University in St. Louis Missouri, while playing third base for the university’s baseball team. Since graduating in 2021, he transitioned to San Francisco, to begin his career as a Financial Advisor. In his free time, Collin loves to cook, golf, and follow the Yankees.
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