Prior to joining WR&D, Silva worked at Santa Cruz-based Thacher & Thompson, serving as both an architect and firm partner for projects across Silicon Valley, Santa Cruz, and the Monterey Bay. A native of Sacramento, Silva studied art history and environmental design at the University of California at Santa Cruz. He also served as a Commissioner on the Santa Cruz Board of Building & Fire Appeals from 2003 to 2013 and he currently serves on the City of Monterey Architectural Review Committee.