Designing for a Better Tomorrow: DC Architecture and Design Summit

Yolanda is the Senior Principal and owner of Hickok Cole Architects, a large commercial architecture and interiors firm located in Washington, DC. She has over 25 years of base building and interior design experience in a variety of project types from large-scale, mixed-use developments to small commercial interiors, both around the world and in the region. She is widely recognized for her leadership in the region’s business community and for her work on many award-winning projects in the commercial/corporate, government, and institutional markets. Prior to joining Hickok Cole Architects as a partner, Ms. Cole was a partner with Arlington-based LyrixDesign, which merged with Hickok’s firm to become Hickok Cole. LyrixDesign was one of the top 25 woman-owned and interior design firms in the region. She began her career with New York-based Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF), where she was a senior designer of large-scale high-rise office buildings. While with KPF, Ms. Cole served as senior designer for the 1.2-million square-foot Chifley Tower in Sydney, Australia, where she lived for two years; and the award-winning Capital Cities/ABC headquarters in New York.

Bob Fox is a leader in the architecture and interior design industry and is well respected for his open-minded and innovative approach to workplace design. In 2003, Bob founded FOX Architects, an award-winning architecture and interior design firm focused on the commercial office sector. His commitment and drive helped position the firm in the forefront of workplace building design and technology. Bob serves as a trusted advisor to clients ensuring their strategic objectives and executive expectations are achieved. Seven years after starting FOX Architects, Bob launched Work Design Magazine, a digital publishing company dedicated to exploring the issues, innovations, and ideas that shape the places we work. The magazine connects workplace practitioners from around the world through weekly content, webinars, and events. Today, readership has grown internationally to more than 35,000 leaders, architects, facility managers, dealers, end-users, and consultants. Bob possesses more than 30 years of experience, is an active member of the design community, and speaks regularly at industry events focused on the future of the workplace.

Powered by tenacity, Wendy Feldman Block, brings extensive experience working on a broad range of transactions in the Washington DC Metro area and beyond. She is an award-winning commercial real estate executive serving as an Executive Managing Director at Savills. Wendy is passionate about wellness in the workplace and was the first broker in the world to advise a client on achieving both WELL and LEED Platinum certifications. She is actively sought for her knowledge on the role of wellness in the workplace, all the more critical in the future post COVID world and has a new additional focus on ESG for tenants. In her over her 30+ year career, Wendy has completed sales and leasing transactions totaling in excess of 12 million square feet. Wendy has been recognized multiple times as one of the top producers in the country and received numerous professional accolades. Wendy has represented many of the Washington DC region’s premier associations and corporations, and many of the nation’s leading 200 law firms. Notable recent clients include FINRA, Farmer Mac, the City of Alexandra, Pillsbury, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She has been an active mentor to countless people in the commercial real estate industry and taken leadership roles at many organizations including CREW DC, Iona Senior Services, Round House Theatre, Higher Achievement, the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation, and the March of Dimes Heroines Program. Wendy has received several awards for her community engagement including CREBA’s Brendan McCarthy Award, Jewish Woman International - Woman to Watch, CREW’s Impact Award and the Julien J. Studley award which recognizes one recipient for their role in corporate social responsibility.

Erin McDannald, CEO and co-owner of Lighting Environments and its sister companies, Elevated and Environments, has guided clients throughout the entire lighting design and construction process for over two decades. Trained as an interior designer, McDannald joined Baltimore’s New Design Light firm in the sales department in 2003 before becoming co-owner in 2009. Under her leadership, the company rebranded to Lighting Environments to reflect the company’s expansion into lighting technology offerings for all built environments. Honored as a 2022 Bisnow “Innovator of the Year” in commercial real estate, Erin is recognized as a top female leader in DC’s real estate field. Now a pioneer for IoT (Internet of Things) integration and building and workplace management, McDannald is leading today’s workforce through powerful digital transformation with the Elevated™ app. Elevated, a proprietary building management application, grants users unmatched access and awareness of their built environments. Elevated’s all-in-one interface supports interactive, engaging spaces and supports real estate ROI. Environments is an IoT integrator and software development company offering full-scale adaptable solutions that support businesses from end-to-end, from energy management to health monitoring. With every development and service, Erin McDannald and the Lighting Environments brands continue to innovate for spaces that are expertly designed, well-connected, and flexible for each user and occupant.

A real estate veteran with over 25 years of experience, Desa has developed commercial, mixed use and residential projects. Beginning her career in community development, Desa led the transformation of long- vacant parcels in the riot-scarred 14th Street corridor, laying the foundation for its subsequent rebirth. In the private sector, she addressed similar issues at-scale, developing over $60 Million of affordable housing and mixed-use development. In the Public Sector, Desa served as Project Executive for complex, high profile developments. Currently through Gotham, she works with private, municipal and nonprofit clients to maximize the value and efficacy of their real estate holdings, increasing savings and generating additional revenues. Desa is a former Obama appointee with the Public Building Service of the US General Services Administration. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Brown University and a M.S. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the SEED School of DC and is a founding Director of City First Bank of DC.

For over 30 years, Barbara Mullenex has focused her career on people; an attribute that embodies the Perkins Eastman manifesto of Human by Design. Recognized by many for her unique contributions to hospitality, residential, mixed use and workplace projects, her professional legacy will be one of passion for mentorship, inclusion, growth and change. Barbara joined Perkins Eastman as a studio leader in Washington, DC in 2013 bringing with her an expertise in strategic planning, organizational strategy, talent development, and outcome based management for projects of all scales. In 2015, she joined the firm’s Board of Directors, and is now the Managing Principal in Washington, DC – Perkins Eastman’s second largest office. As a local and international leader, she is responsible for actively supporting and strengthening the firm’s mission and values through consistent communication and participation with clients, support organizations, and philanthropic associations. Through her collaborative leadership approach, Barbara has maintained a focus on producing creative and innovative solutions for her clients. She builds inter- and intra- organization teams that effectively work together to share information, make decisions, and solve problems to achieve mutual goals. Barbara has lead the design and management of numerous high-profile projects for clients such as Marriot, WeWork WeLive, Global Holdings, and World Bank. From large, complex projects to the most intimately scaled spaces she brings clarity of vision, consistency of intent and focus on purpose. In addition to her expansive portfolio of work, Barbara is committed to leadership through service and has been recognized for her philanthropic and community engagement. She serves on the Executive Committee and Membership Committee of the Federal City Council, is a member of the Economic Club of Washington DC, and the International Women’s Forum. In her commitment to bringing the arts into our daily discourse she has served on the Board on the National Symphony Orchestra and is currently Vice Chair of the Maryland Youth Ballet Board. She has earned service awards that include Washington Business Journal’s CEO Leadership in Philanthropy, and the Corporate Award from the March of Dimes Heroines in Technology. Guided by her passion for mentorship, Barbara has dedicated much of her career to fostering the growth of those around her. Whether participating in events such Learn From the Best with ULI Washington’s Young Leaders Group, or clearing a path for our work force’s next generation, her commitment to every individual’s personal and professional growth has made her the leader she is today.

Alyson’s approach to design enables cultural institutions to address new audiences while enhancing their buildings’ and sites’ essential character. She utilizes facilitation, graphic representation, and digital technology to develop solutions that make history and meaning tangible. Alyson‘s pioneering work includes a vast portfolio of new and revitalized museums, landmark buildings, and sacred sites, as well as 21st-century advancements in the management and use of geospatial information for planning, design, and stewardship. Alyson enjoys engaging and empowering diverse stakeholder groups to create authentic and inclusive experiences of shared cultural places – making these places stronger, more dynamic, and better connected to their communities.

Desmond Greene is the managing principal of the New York office for WB Engineers+Consultants and leads the firm’s Energy & Sustainability practice area. He has been in the consulting engineering business for over 30 years. He is a licensed professional engineer in New York, a Certified Energy Manager (CEM) and a Green Building Engineer. He is a member of the Association of Energy Engineers (AEE) and the American Society of Heating, Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Engineers (ASHRAE).

Paola Moya is a visionary leader driven by innovative designs, collaborative environments, and thoughtful placemaking. As the founder and chief executive officer of Moya Design Partners, Paola is the company’s creative director in charge of setting the firm’s strategy, direction, culture and brand. She oversees the studio’s operations and enjoys building teams. Paola is active in the design, evolution, and life of every project. She is a multifaceted designer with expertise in the fields of architecture, interiors, product, and visual design. Paola’s client-centered and methodical approach has not only earned the trust and loyalty of clients, it has also contributed to her esteemed reputation in the industry. Paola personally collaborates with clients to check progress and implement feedback quickly and effectively. She consults with residents, partners, and stakeholders to identify vision / scope / goals for each project. With in-person design charettes, web-based video feeds, and advanced technology, Paola is known for keeping communications open and live. In turn, she coordinates with each MOYA team member to ensure timely completion of required deliverables. The Washington Business Journal has recognized Paola as one of the region’s “Power 100 Playmakers”; a top “40 Under 40” professional; and a “Minority Business Leader of the Year.” In 2019, she was named a top “40 Under 40” professional by Building Design + Construction Magazine, and the WBJ honored Paola among seven top immigrant business leaders for her firm’s contributions to the architectural landscape of the city. She has been named “Young Entrepreneur of the Year” by the DC and Hispanic Chambers of Commerce, and her work has been recognized with design excellence awards from AIA, the National Organization of Minority Architects, Graphic Design USA, International Design Awards, and Built by Women (Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation). Paola is a frequently sought speaker at local and national AIA chapters, the Urban Land Institute, and the National Building Museum. She has served on the boards of the Montgomery Housing Partnership and the District of Columbia Building Industry Association. She earned a master’s degree in architecture with a real estate development concentration, as well as a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Catholic University of America and holds a finance certification from The University of Pennsylvania’s Wharton School Executive Education program. Paola enjoys her hobbies outside of work, which include finding new salsa dancing venues, cultivating her love of martial arts, and discovering new rhythms and flavors in different corners of the world. She enjoys her newfound passion for running, although she says it is coming along slowly!

Ask Dayton why he chose architecture and he answers simply, "I love the process of inventing." He started early, too. As a kid, he and some friends took the initiative to build what became a popular BMX park, complete with ramps and connected trails. "The satisfaction of seeing so much enjoyment in that project may have planted the seed for my interest in architecture," he muses. Now Dayton tackles memorable projects like the Lumpkin’s Slave Jail, also known as the "Devil’s Half Acre," interpretive museum in Richmond, Virginia. "It is undoubtedly the most humbling and important project I’ve worked on in my career," Dayton remarks. "A project with this much emotion and historical complexity really highlights the importance of listening, observing, asking questions and doing research to create meaningful and timeless architecture." Dayton is eager to seek out new experiences. After completing a big project, he says, "I jump on a plane and go somewhere I’ve never been and venture to do something I’ve never done."

Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet is a culture cultivator with a unique ability to breathe narrative into any design, giving voice to community, people and places. With her diverse art and culturally-rich background as well as her multidisciplinary design experience, she is a multifaceted design professional who can help partners address any project challenge. Sequoyah has a Bachelors of Art in Liberal Arts from Sarah Lawrence College—where she studied art, literature and anthropology—as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Moore College of Art + Design. She is the first Native American to graduate from Moore’s MFA program and one of the only Native American’s in the country to hold a MFA in Interior Design. Boutique Magazine recognized her as a 2020 Boutique 18—a rising star in hospitality design. As a designer, she has range—a range that comes from an appreciation of various cultures and histories. She can design a classical interior with the same ease as an austere modern one because she values the experience of designing from a reference rooted in something bigger. For Sequoyah, every style and aesthetic have meaning and purpose—not one greater than the other. While she relishes the opportunity to push people to think out of the box, she takes an honest, level-headed approach to teamwork and leads with kindness and respect. She helps teams effectively communicate to resolve disagreements and make decisions—she keeps projects moving forward. She is an agent of change who is passionate about advocacy and providing quality design for underrepresented communities. Sequoyah’s design process balances the beauty of art and materiality with functional solutions. She is passionate about championing diversity within the design profession and providing all people access to interior design through design equity. Sequoyah is determined to design for real people with real world problems and uplift them through elevated spaces.

Martiena Schneller joined Hoffman & Associates in 2012, and as Senior Vice President of Design, determines design and quality standards across the company’s portfolio and manages the retail development division. With over a decade of experience, Martiena utilizes her architectural and urban planning background to guide her development and construction management role. Across her time at Hoffman & Associates, Martiena has worked on several notable projects including all residential units, office buildings and entertainment venues at The Wharf. Beyond her work on The Wharf, Martiena managed the public-private partnership with Montgomery County in Bethesda for two residential projects: The Darcy and The Flats, along with The Bower, a 137-unit condominium at The Yards and The Banks, a 10-story apartment residence located in the Southwest DC. She is currently focused on the company’s expanding portfolio including Seaboard Station, West Falls and Parcel B at Audi Field. Prior to joining Hoffman & Associates, Martiena served in architectural and construction management roles at Lukemire Partnership, EE&K Architects and Wiencek & Associates. Across her career she has contributed to the community by volunteering her architectural skills to projects for Habitat for Humanity, Christmas In April DC and District of Columbia Building Industries Association Community Improvement. Martiena is a LEED® Accredited Professional. She graduated from Lehigh University with a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and the University of Maryland with a Master of Architecture.

Gary Martinez, FAIA, is an internationally recognized expert on the design of landmark performing and cultural arts centers. As a Partner and Studio Director at OTJ Ar- chitects, Gary leads with an unwavering belief in the power of architecture to inspire, engage, and heal, while recognizing that the results of his work must reflect the shared values of the communities in which he practices. Gary approaches the design of cultural and performing arts facilities by looking to the future experience of the community, patron, performer, and operator, even when the context of the venue is firmly rooted in the past. Since 1976, he has met the challenge of designing new facilities as well as renovating historic assets to accommodate op- era, symphony, chamber music, and a single public speaker in successive performance slots. By aligning practical solutions, sound project management, and exemplary ar- chitecture, Gary develops solutions that maximize flexibility, ease of operation, and versatility while artfully balancing the requirements of clients and those of the commu- nities in which they practice. A sampling of Gary’s signature projects includes the rei- magining of Washington, D.C.’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, the renovation of New York City’s iconic Webster Hall, the revitalization of the Boston Opera House and the Cincinnati Music Hall, as well as the design of the Smart Financial Center in Sugar Land, TX. In addition, Gary has long been a sought-after lecturer and speaker on such topics as 21st century theatrical venue design and the relationship between sustainability and existing urban infrastructure. Gary has appeared on NPR’s Theatre Arts, WBUR Boston, and his published work has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s preservation program as exemplary guidelines in the field of theater preservation de- sign. Gary continues to advise communities across the country on a pro-bono basis on this subject.

Jordan Goldstein, Gensler’s Global Director of Design and a member of the firm’s Board of Director, is an award-winning architect who uses design to help clients unravel complex problems and craft relevant solutions that evolve their businesses and brands. Gensler is widely recognized as the world’s leading collaborative design firm, with 50 locations and more than 5,000 professionals networked across the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East. Throughout his 25-plus-year career, Jordan has been involved in further defining the skyline of global cities with projects like Beijing’s twin 725-foot CP Towers and Bangkok’s 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri Tower. Jordan has also provided design vision and leadership on projects that range in scale from China’s Duke Kunshan University campus to Marriott’s new global headquarters outside of Washington, DC. Jordan’s projects have won numerous national and local awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and NAIOP, among others. His work has also appeared in various periodicals, including Architect, Interior Design, Contract, Fortune, US News & World Report, Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. In addition to being recognized for his design skills, Jordan has also been honored for his leadership. In 2017, 2015 and 2013, he was included on the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100” list of the most influential area business leaders and was recognized as one of the top 25 innovators in the Washington, DC area. Jordan is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the International Interior Design Association. An advocate of helping the next generation of architects prepare for tomorrow, Jordan has taught at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Master in Architecture, and has been the Kea Professor at the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Mr. Otteni holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia and a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate from the Kenan- Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. He joined Boston Properties in 2000 upon his graduation from KFBS, and has since taken on increasingly complex roles in the development of the company’s projects. As a Senior Vice President in the Development department in Washington, DC, Pete has direct responsibility for all aspects of development, acquisition and disposition projects throughout the greater DC region, including acquisition/land acquisition, financing, entitlement, design, construction, and leasing. Since joining Boston Properties, Mr. Otteni has managed or been directly involved with over 4.5 million square feet of completed or in process development.