It starts with having a shared vision of what we’re all working toward together. Beyond that, I think the entrepreneurial spirit that runs throughout the firm is a huge part of it. As a 100% employee-owned firm, we all have a stake in the outcome and are working toward that shared success.
newsstand
07.27.2026
OTJ President and Co-CEO Laura Kennington Recognized with Trusted Leadership Award
OTJ is proud to announce that President and Co-CEO Laura Kennington has been recognized with a Trusted Leadership Award as part of the 2026 WTOP Top Workplaces Awards program. Based on confidential employee feedback, the award recognizes leaders who consistently earn the trust of their team members while nurturing workplace cultures that empower individuals to thrive.
While the honor celebrates Laura’s leadership, it also reflects the culture, values, and employee-owned structure that make OTJ unique. As highlighted in WTOP News’ feature, “Laura Kennington: A Winning Workplace Starts with Vision and People,” Laura believes that building a great workplace begins with a clear vision and a shared understanding of what team members are working toward together.
That philosophy has helped shape OTJ’s culture during a period of significant growth. What began as a Washington, D.C.-based practice has evolved into a nationally recognized design firm with team members working across 27 states. As the firm has expanded, OTJ has remained committed to preserving the entrepreneurial spirit and sense of connection that have defined the organization throughout its history.
A cornerstone of that culture is OTJ’s 100% employee-owned structure. Employee ownership recognizes that every team member contributes to the success of the firm and has a direct stake in its future. Laura consistently reinforces a culture where shared accountability and shared success go hand in hand.
Communication and transparency are also central to the OTJ experience. Through weekly all-hands meetings, Laura and firm leaders bring team members together to discuss firm operations, celebrate anniversaries and milestones, share client feedback, and recognize accomplishments across the organization. These regular touchpoints help ensure that team members remain informed, engaged, and connected to one another regardless of geography.
Equally important is OTJ’s collaborative leadership model. As the firm has grown nationally, leadership has intentionally incorporated diverse voices from across the practice, including representatives from operations, marketing, people leadership, and project delivery. This approach ensures that strategic decisions are informed by a broad range of perspectives and remain grounded in the day-to-day experiences of our people and clients alike.
Laura’s leadership philosophy reflects this commitment to inclusion and accessibility. She believes that listening is one of the most important responsibilities of leadership and encourages open dialogue across all levels of the organization. By fostering an environment where team members feel heard, valued, and empowered to contribute, she has helped strengthen the culture of trust that continues to distinguish OTJ.
This Trusted Leadership Award recognizes Laura’s impact on OTJ, but it also highlights the strength of the firm’s culture, one built on shared ownership, collaboration, transparency, and a deeply rooted commitment to excellence. As OTJ continues to grow, these principles remain foundational to the firm’s success and to its reputation as a workplace where people can build meaningful and rewarding careers.
