Erik Yesayan is the founder and principal of Pattern Planning & Development Inc., a Los Angeles–based land use consulting and permit expediting firm. With over 15 years of experience in planning and policy across Southern California, Erik leads a team that specializes in entitlements for residential, commercial, and mixed-use developments, guiding projects through complex regulatory approvals with agencies like the California Coastal Commission, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, and City and County of Los Angeles.

Erik previously worked as a Coastal Planner focusing on luxury homes 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 as an intern for Caruso, where he managed community outreach for the Americana at Brand project in Glendale – an experience that sparked his long-term commitment to high-quality community-driven development.

A strong advocate for sustainable development, Erik co-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.