Erik Yesayan is the founder and principal of Pattern Planning & Development Inc., a Los Angeles–based land use consulting firm specializing in entitlement strategy and permit expediting.

With over 15 years of experience in planning and policy across Southern California, Erik leads a team that consistently wins approvals for residential, industrial, and commercial developments, guiding projects through complex regulatory approvals with agencies like the California Coastal Commission, U.S. Army Corp. of Engineers, and dozens of jurisdictions throughout Los Angeles County.

Erik previously worked as a Coastal Planner focusing on residential projects and Woolsey Fire rebuilds in Malibu, and directed utility-scale solar projects from site acquisition through construction. 

He served on the Glendale Planning Commission from 2009 to 2015, including a term as chair, and held a senior position at Cordoba Corporation supporting major infrastructure efforts throughout California.

Erik’s development career began at Caruso, where he managed community outreach for the Americana at Brand project in Glendale.

A strong advocate for sustainable development, Erik founded Walk Bike Glendale and sits on the Arroyo Verdugo Greenway Committee. He has guest lectured at the Harvard Graduate School of Design and the MIT Center for Real Estate on land use, post-disaster rebuilding, and California planning policy.

He earned both his Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Planning from the University of Southern California, graduating with honors. Erik is also an Eagle Scout, reflecting a long-standing commitment to leadership, integrity, and service.