People

Elizabeth (Liz) is a purposeful designer who works in close partnership with her clients from the onset of each project to identify and deploy built environments that are both artful and efficient. Liz is noted for leading a creative dialogue amongst diverse stakeholders – one that results in the expert alignment of budget, schedule, and furniture solutions that heighten the end-user experience. Her ability to build trust-based partnerships with clients, consultants, and trades results in long-lasting business relationships that endure over the course of repeat projects.

Liz draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement for its savvy application of resources, commitment to constant innovation, and emphasis on gender equality in design. A LEED Accredited Professional, Liz also holds a certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). A representative sampling of her portfolio includes the headquarters for Enviva, workplaces for the National Institutes of Health, the National Wildlife Federation, as well as for digital titan Yelp.

Raised in a family with long-standing ties to the real estate and design communities, Margaret draws inspiration from the worlds of fashion and the visual arts. She credits time spent in London for her fascination with architecture and the role it plays in shaping culture worldwide. Margaret now works to develop design solutions that challenge and redefine how leading corporations conceive of the workplace.

As Principal and Studio Director, Margaret is equally committed to cultivating enduring, trust-based relationships built on open communication between stakeholders, team members, and consultants. She prides herself on connecting with clients and understanding how design can best support the success of their business, mission, and culture. Margaret has received multiple awards from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Designers Association. She holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Georgia with a major in Furnishings and Interiors.

Natalie calls on deep-rooted inspiration and the ability to translate concept into solutions to support the success of clients and projects across the corporate, multi-family, and residential sectors. Her work has been recognized by NEWH Magazine and Sunset Magazine and her design of the Edgewood Tahoe Resort has been honored with awards from such prestigious publications as MUSE, Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, USA Today, and Forbes Travel Guide. Other recent projects include the Virgin Hotel and Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, the Pacific Gate residences in San Diego, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

Natalie received a Bachelor’s with honors in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University and studied Fine Art at Kent State University. This background in visual arts inspires to approach each interior project as a work of experiential art where the interplay of light, shadow, and texture are augmented by her in-depth understanding of color theory.

Natasha is a versatile interior designer with experience spanning corporate offices, research and development facilities, building amenities and repositioning, and life science projects. Her ability to provide leadership and encourage collaboration within her team and along with her clients translates to a seamless process from the onset of the project through to close-out. Natasha is also noted for her ability to apply a strategic design approach while leveraging her extensive knowledge of varied workplace typologies to develop bespoke spatial solutions that connect each client to their culture.

Natasha holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design from the Wentworth Institute of Technology and has served as a critic and mentor at her alma mater. Her work has been honored with the International Interior Design Association’s Northeast Award for Best Office Design and a Merit Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society.

The product of four generations of architectural talent, Pablo is a noted workplace strategist and designer whose award-winning portfolio spans the workplace, building repositioning, healthcare, retail, as well as the arts and culture sectors. Driven by a commitment to fostering communities in projects across a myriad of practice areas, Pablo works to advance our firm’s growth through ever more design-forward projects. Pablo also actively contributes to OTJ’s continued study of emerging trends in workplace design.

A sought-after speaker and commentator, Pablo has been featured in publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Contract Magazine, Forbes, the Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. His work has been recognized by organizations such as NAIOP, AIA, and IIDA.

Steve is a highly collaborative designer who enjoys a long professional history of trust-based relationships. Steve partners with stakeholders and consultants from the onset of each project to ensure that the built space supports his client’s objectives well into the future. He is a noted problem solver, adept at balancing financial imperatives without compromising the integrity or quality of his designs.

With over 35 years of experience, Steve specializes in projects spanning culture and the performing arts, libraries, educational institutions, as well as commercial and corporate headquarters, sports and fitness facilities, and the hospitality sector. He most recently led OTJ’s transformation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, in Washington, DC, and is now at work on the design of The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. Steve received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.

Jose approaches each project as an opportunity to engage in a collaborative process that yields high efficiency spatial solutions for clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Jose’s expertise in the assessment of building structures and systems enables him to maximize the potential of the built environment, bearing critical feasibility considerations in mind.

A LEED-certified Technical Director with over 20 years of experience, Jose specializes in single- and multi-family residential, mixed-use development, base building and repositioning, as well as commercial interiors. He recently led the delivery of the corporate offices of the Center for American Progress, McKinsey, and the new PBS headquarters, as well as the multiple-award winning offices of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). An active member of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, Jose holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s of Architecture from Catholic University of America.

Educated amidst the architectural heritage of his native Turkey, Kaan credits this international perspective for his ability to creatively address even the most challenging design, schedule, or budget problems. Throughout his 20-year career, Kaan has partnered with clients to deliver enduring workplaces and building repositioning solutions across a wide range of industries and markets.

Kaan is also a LEED and WELL accredited professional as well as a passionate advocate for the development of savvy solutions that both benefit the environment and promote employee wellbeing. He recently served as technical lead for Nexstar Media Group’s Washington, DC TV studios, as well as new buildings for the Alexandria Campus of Catholic University and the Association of American Universities. Kaan holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Yildiz Technical University and a Master’s in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University.

Kala embraces a holistic design approach to capture each organization’s distinct character in workplaces that promote productivity and the exchange of ideas. Kala also excels at gaining a deep understanding of her clients’ cultural dynamics to arrive at uniquely tailored interior solutions that maximize the value of each real estate investment. She relishes working at the intersection of the analytical and the creative, from advising clients on commercial leasing needs, to space planning, concept development, and creating fly-throughs and renderings.

Kala holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech. She has served as senior designer on a broad range of interiors including for clients such as Volkswagon, the International Monetary Fund, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

Kathy is a veteran finance professional who works in close partnership with OTJ’s senior most leadership to advance billing and collection efforts in support of the growth and stability of eight offices nationwide. With over 30 years of experience, Kathy credits her success in no small part to her ability to nurture trust-based relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization – from firm executives and directors to the most junior members of the teams she heads.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Iowa State College of Business. Prior to joining OTJ she was a successful consultant and held leadership positions at HKS and professional services firm Good Fulton & Farrell. In her free time, Kathy is an avid traveler and devoted pet-lover who volunteers at the SPCA and fosters dogs for multiple organizations.

Born into a family of artists, Kendra grew up in Jordan and Kenya – an experience that has fueled a passion for the creation of environments and buildings that not only respect the fabric of a community but also enrich it. Now a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, Kendra excels at analyzing new opportunities and producing content that best position OTJ to secure new work across the government, corporate, and cultural sectors.

Kendra holds a Bachelor’s in International Affairs and Contemporary Cultures and Societies from George Washington University, and a Master’s in Arts Administration from Goucher College where her thesis explored the intersection of arts organizations, social media, and cultural branding. Kendra is also an avid watercolor painter whose professional experience includes work for an internationally recognized museum exhibit and experiential design firm.

Kevin works to ensure that all our clients benefit from the highest level of document quality and best practices in technical design. His expertise has contributed to the success of some of our most complex and award-winning workplace designs including such projects as the headquarters of Sands Capital Management and the American Petroleum Institute (API), workplaces for leading legal practices such as Axinn and Orrick, as well as the offices of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Kevin holds the distinction of being one of a few highly accomplished professionals in our industry to be inducted as both a Fellow with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Notably, he is also the first African American male to be honored by the IIDA College of Fellows. Kevin serves on the Maryland State Board of Architects and has been a recipient of the Award of Distinguished Achievement from the Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Kevin is a frequent guest lecturer at the George Washington University School of Interior Architecture and Design and was a contributing author of the book Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

Elizabeth (Liz) is a purposeful designer who works in close partnership with her clients from the onset of each project to identify and deploy built environments that are both artful and efficient. Liz is noted for leading a creative dialogue amongst diverse stakeholders – one that results in the expert alignment of budget, schedule, and furniture solutions that heighten the end-user experience. Her ability to build trust-based partnerships with clients, consultants, and trades results in long-lasting business relationships that endure over the course of repeat projects.

Liz draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement for its savvy application of resources, commitment to constant innovation, and emphasis on gender equality in design. A LEED Accredited Professional, Liz also holds a certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). A representative sampling of her portfolio includes the headquarters for Enviva, workplaces for the National Institutes of Health, the National Wildlife Federation, as well as for digital titan Yelp.

With over a decade of experience as a lead designer on projects of global significance, Lucille is both a born collaborator and a behind-the-scenes facilitator. She embraces the seeming opposites found in every design effort: The intentional juxtaposed against the accidental yet beautiful, intuitive aesthetics tempered by feasibility, and the artistry of hand sketches enhanced by the latest visualization technology. This combination of skills, design philosophy, and a commitment to long-lasting partnerships continues to earn Lucille accolades from clients, peers, and our industry.

A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Planning Master’s program, Lucille’s work has been featured in publications such as Fast Company and Curbed. Her portfolio features a superlative collection of ground-up architectural projects spanning the civic, mixed-use, residential, and hospitality sectors. Highlights include The Brazos Gateway, the Commercial Bay Tower in Auckland, NZ and the Sanya Sunshine Insurance Finance Plaza. Lucille also regularly serves as a studio reviewer at the University of California, Berkeley.

Michelle leads her clients through an interactive and engaging design process that results in bespoke spaces, reflective of each organization’s culture and brand. As an emerging authority on the design of cutting-edge Life Sciences workplaces, Michelle artfully fuses the seemingly opposing requirements of commercial interiors and laboratory design.

Michelle’s award-winning portfolio ranges from corporate-tech offices and research labs to law firms and educational facilities. She recently led the design of a new conference center and offices for Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, as well as office renovations for Ipsen Bioscience across multiple locations throughout North America. She has been honored with multiple Design Awards from the New England Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Interior Design from Boston Architectural College.

Natalie calls on deep-rooted inspiration and the ability to translate concept into solutions to support the success of clients and projects across the corporate, multi-family, and residential sectors. Her work has been recognized by NEWH Magazine and Sunset Magazine and her design of the Edgewood Tahoe Resort has been honored with awards from such prestigious publications as MUSE, Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, USA Today, and Forbes Travel Guide. Other recent projects include the Virgin Hotel and Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, the Pacific Gate residences in San Diego, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

Natalie received a Bachelor’s with honors in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University and studied Fine Art at Kent State University. This background in visual arts inspires to approach each interior project as a work of experiential art where the interplay of light, shadow, and texture are augmented by her in-depth understanding of color theory.

Born and raised in the architecturally dazzling city of Barcelona, Oriol has worked in Spain, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. – formative experiences that have shaped his international perspective towards architecture and design. Oriol graduated with a Master’s degree in Architecture from BarcelonaTech (UPC).

An expert in commercial interiors for non-profits, associations, and corporations, Oriol recently served as Senior Architect on the new offices of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which received the 2020 Award of Excellence from the DC/MD Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; and a 2021 Design Award from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Other projects include the National Realtors Association, the Children’s Law Center, and the American Petroleum Institute, which was highlighted in Office Snapshots.

The product of four generations of architectural talent, Pablo is a noted workplace strategist and designer whose award-winning portfolio spans the workplace, building repositioning, healthcare, retail, as well as the arts and culture sectors. Driven by a commitment to fostering communities in projects across a myriad of practice areas, Pablo works to advance our firm’s growth through ever more design-forward projects. Pablo also actively contributes to OTJ’s continued study of emerging trends in workplace design.

A sought-after speaker and commentator, Pablo has been featured in publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Contract Magazine, Forbes, the Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. His work has been recognized by organizations such as NAIOP, AIA, and IIDA.

As Strategic Partnerships Director for our newly formed Dallas office, Sara brings passion, drive, and a deep understanding of the local commercial real estate market to bear on the development of trust-based relationships with clients spanning the corporate, multi-family, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, as well as cultural and performing arts sectors. A maven and consummate connector, Sara works to pair clients with design teams uniquely suited to the realization of business and human objectives.

Sara graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a focus in Public Relations. Sara serves on the Board of Trustees for Shearith Israel and on the Young Leadership Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. When she is not active at work or in her community, Sara can be found sweating it out at The Bar Method or Orangetheory Fitness.

Sarah artfully balances a detail-driven approach to architecture with the capacity to complete multiple complex projects with competing deadlines without compromise to budget, schedule, or design integrity. Throughout her career, Sarah has been involved in each phase of design, construction, documentation preparation, and construction administration. Sarah asks incisive questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ needs and develops recommendations that are both innovative and functional.

Sarah’s recent projects include the offices of Americans for the Arts, the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union, and the Westory office building in Washington, DC. An active member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), she was honored with its 2015 DC|MD REEL Member of the Year Award. Sarah received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Interior Design from James Madison University and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech. She cites the colors, detailing, and playfulness of Luis Barragán as well as the clean lines and meditative, life-giving spaces of Peter Zumthor as key influences on her design aesthetic.

Stacey is a dynamic interior designer who embraces a hands-on, collaborative approach. Her industry experience spans the full design and project management scope for commercial corporate workplace and retail environments. Stacey’s many enduring client relationships are a testament to the consultative value and leadership she brings to bear on each of her projects.

Stacey has led her teams in the design of over a hundred retail banks for JP Morgan Chase across the New York and Mid-Atlantic region. A recent transplant from New York City, Stacey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Syracuse University and remains a diehard Orange basketball fan!

As Director of Design, Tamara works to inspire her teams in the development of ever more creative solutions to the challenges of a post Covid corporate landscape. She draws on a passion for sustainability and wellness as well as an undergraduate degree in biology to explore how human form and performance can be influenced by acoustics, ergonomics, and the broader environment, built or unbuilt. Committed to the integrity of her design work and to environmental stewardship, Tamara is noted for her ability to connect people to the spaces they inhabit while ensuring a superlative client experience from kickoff to closeout.

Tamara holds an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design I The New School. An award-winning designer and sought-after speaker on the topic of future workplaces, Tamara has led the design and delivery of workplaces for such notable clients as Moody’s, Fenwick, and Medium to name a few. Tamara is a Canada native and former NCAA athlete whose cold-weather roots continue to inform her extracurricular activities. When not venturing onto ice or snow, Tamara can be found cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs or courtside at the US Open.

Thomas attributes his early vocation as an architect to the influence of his two grandfathers: One a carpenter and the other an engineer. Today, Thomas is a technical architect and sustainability advocate with expertise in commercial offices, laboratory interiors, lifestyle and hospitality projects, as well as multi-family residential developments. An innovative architect with a keen eye for design, Thomas leverages his in-depth understanding of the permitting process to realize each of his clients’ vision on-time and on-budget.

Thomas is also an early adopter of the visualization advancements that are reshaping our industry – an arsenal of tools which he sensibly deploys to facilitate confident decision making and the seamless transfer of information amongst consultants. A “double husky,” Thomas holds both an undergraduate and a Master’s degree in Architecture from Northeastern University.

Ryland is an energetic architectural professional whose passion for the intersection of design and technology has led him to specialize in BIM management. Detail oriented, technically savvy, and collaborative, Ryland has led BIM implementation on major national and international projects such as the 300,000 SF Old Main Post Office historic conversion in Chicago, IL. He also shepherded the implementation of digital design practices at such notable firms as Eskew Dumez Ripple and served in Shanghai as the Design Technology manager across Gensler’s eight offices in the dynamic Asia region.

Ryland is a firm-wide resource at OTJ and a frequent lecturer on BIM strategy. He has collaborated with our teams on the delivery of a Global Hospitality Leader’s Headquarters and a Life Sciences Hub buildout in the Bay Area. In addition to BIM, Ryland regularly leads workshops on design as well as the quality assurance/quality control process. Ryland is a licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.

Sam approaches all interior design projects with both creativity and a high degree of technical proficiency. Her enthusiasm for collaboration fosters unique opportunities for the exchange of ideas between all members of the design team, while her expertise in critical thinking facilitates communication and the decision-making process.

Sam is a passionate workplace strategist, driven by an instinct to put people at the center of design solutions. She measures the success of her projects by their ability to increase productivity, creativity, and the quality of each individual’s work life. Sam holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University. She has served as workplace designer and strategist for the Washington, DC offices of the National Democratic Institute, Media Matters for America, and the Credit Union National Association.

Vanessa approaches each project with a singular commitment to realizing her client’s objectives through a powerful conjunction of strategic investigation and bespoke design solutions that challenge preconceived notions of space and functionality while mitigating the risks associated with construction. With a rigorous focus on deadline adherence and open channels of communication, Vanessa nurtures a collaborative dialogue that lends a voice to even the most diverse stakeholder groups and consultant teams. Her diverse cultural, professional, and academic background informs her unique perspective and allows her to think at a variety of scales.

Vanessa has worked with such clients as AXINN, Enviva, VIDA Fitness, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Skanska. She holds a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & University and a Bachelor of General Studies in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.

Leslie is a creative interior designer with a keen eye for details often overlooked in large projects. Her experience in both the commercial and government sectors lends her insight into the exacting requirements of complex, multi-faceted projects. She brings special emphasis to the programming phase where she works to lay the groundwork for the success of subsequent phases by carefully capturing her clients’ design objectives.

Leslie graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior and Environmental Design. Leslie’s education background offers her unique insight that result in thoughtful design solutions and superlative spaces for end users. Some of her most notable work includes projects such as the American Heart Association, Tysons Plaza, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and the Department of Health & Human Services.

Marie’s interest in architecture was sparked at the age of 12 when she gained admission to the highly selective Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH) in Miami, FL. This formative experience exposed Marie to the myriad of ways in which design could impact the human experience and set her on a professional journey of her own. Today, Marie is a resourceful and collaborative design professional noted for her ability to perform in deadline-driven environments.

A LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, Marie has led the delivery of workplaces for clients such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the National Capital Planning Commission to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida and is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole.

Enthusiastic and multi-talented, Megan leverages a diverse design background in support of her client’s mission critical objectives. A team player who thrives in deadline-driven environments, Megan works to develop bespoke 3D visualizations that articulate each project’s design intent with clarity and facilitate a more confident client decision-making process. In addition, Megan is noted for her ability to produce concise yet exacting constructions documents as well as innovative furniture and finish packages.

A graduate of the University of California Davis, Megan has supported the success of projects across a wide range of practice areas. Representative work includes the Washington, DC, government affairs offices of beer giant Anheuser-Busch, the headquarters of the Entertainment Software Association, as well as workplaces for several noted professional services firms.

Melissa brings to bear wide ranging project experience on the design of commercial office interiors and amenity spaces. Agile and resourceful, Melissa also has experience in the delivery of new ground up construction. Her design expertise and technical proficiency, combined with meticulous problem solving skills, add value to each of engagements from the schematic design process to construction documentation, through to construction administration.

Melissa has worked on LEED projects that span the full range certification levels. She has also partnered with the City of Chicago, Department of Buildings, in obtaining complex building permits. Melissa is a discerning team member who works closely with clients and consultants to ensure that each project’s vision is fully realized while adhering to even the strictest budgetary and parameters. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned a Bachelor degree.

Michael was introduced to construction and woodworking while participating in his family’s residential construction company from childhood through college. Today, he is a sought-after technical architect who leverages construction management experience to ensure that his clients’ objectives are exceeded from visioning through to project completion. Michael thrives in working to resolve complex detailing considerations and embraces the challenge of marrying the practical and aesthetic requirements of a given element inside a space.

A versatile professional, Michael is enamored with Dada and Bauhaus art, committed to the principals of New Urbanism, and fascinated by the bold experimentation of Soviet era concrete buildings. He recently served as project architect for the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations in Washington, DC.

With over 10 years of architectural and construction management experience, Michelle embraces a multi-disciplinary approach that translates into high performing designs informed equally by brand objectives and financial feasibility. She is a detail-driven architect with the capability to complete multiple projects under competing deadlines. In addition to developing successful design solutions, Michelle leverages a robust digital toolkit to create compelling visualizations that accelerate project decision making.

A LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction, Michelle is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She has contributed to projects such as Draper & Kramer, JPMorgan Chase, and Bridge Commercial RE Partners. Michelle graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Olivia approaches each project as an opportunity to create a unique destination that maximizes the potential of the built environment. She works in close partnership with her clients to gain an in-depth understanding of how the physical space can enhance each organization’s operations with special emphasis placed on the mental and physical wellbeing of staff. A collaborative at heart, Olivia is noted for her ability to bring to life those spoken and unspoken design objectives that ensure the lasting value of her workplace solutions.

From project onset through to completion – and often beyond – Olivia remains committed to the realization of her clients’ mission critical objectives. She measures the success of her design work in its ability to harmonize form and function while advancing brand representation. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Radford University.

With projects completed across the United States as well as internationally in Mexico and China, Rachel brings a uniquely global perspective to the design of interior environments for various-sized organizations across a broad range of industries. She is noted for her ability to build consensus amongst diverse stakeholder groups through effective communication strategies and has experience supporting the success of projects on accelerated timelines.

A LEED Green Associate, Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech. A representative sampling of her recent work includes workplaces for New York Life, Russell Reynolds Associates, Akima, and Kastle Systems. In addition, Rachel is currently at work on the Brazos Gateway mixed use development in Waco, Texas.

Rami’s diverse design background allows him to artfully balance minute detailing and big-picture concepts for projects spanning commercial interiors, educational institutions, health care, and secure spaces. Rami leverages his technical expertise to execute each project’s design vision, bearing critical issues of constructability in mind. His responsibilities include field surveys and verification; scheduling; the preparation of exacting construction documents; construction administration; permit, bidding; consultant coordination; technical detailing, and code verification/coordination. Rami ensures the integration of engineering elements into the design concept and develops the necessary detail drawings.

Rami holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Boston Architectural Center. His portfolio includes the repositioning of office properties and their accompanying amenity spaces at 1400 K Street and 1100 G Street to name a few as well as workplaces for Chenega and the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Rex is a hands-on architect whose background in construction lends him an innovate perspective on issues of buildability from project onset through to close-out. An optimist noted for his ability to synthesize design-build best practices, Rex partners with contractors to develop code, accessibility, exterior envelope, and building systems solutions without compromise to design integrity, budget, or schedule.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Rex is inspired by the early 20th century Vienna Judendstil movement – a movement that overlays media, architecture, and technology to breathe new life into blighted urban environments. His portfolio includes workplaces for clients such as PayPal, McAfee, Hulu, and Credit Suisse to name a few. Rex is also a registered architect with membership in the AIA and NCARB.

Samantha’s design work factors both precedent and future business requirements into bespoke environments noted equally for their aesthetic value and functionality. She thrives in a collaborative, collegial atmosphere where group thinking challenges assumptions and results in solutions that accelerate organizational objectives. Samantha also excels at gaining a deep understanding of her clients’ cultural dynamics to arrive at uniquely tailored interior solutions that maximize the value of each real estate investment.

Samantha is committed to bringing creative direction to life by ensuring that her projects are delivered on time and on-budget. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Recently she has served as Designer on several projects such as Mei Mei and Ipsen Biosciences as well as National Development and VIDA Fitness located in multiple locations.

A craftsperson at heart, Sharissa thrives in the creative environment of the architectural industry where she can leverage her graphic talent and strategic mind frame to deliver winning collateral in support of OTJ’s rapid expansion. As the mother of three children, Sharissa has been called upon to master the art of multi-tasking – a skill that serves her well as a manager on our fast-paced marketing team.

Sharissa draws inspiration and satisfaction from her ability to envision the outcome of a project from the onset of the first client deliverable – proposals, qualifications, and presentations that will ultimately translate into holistic built solutions where people from all background can do their best, most rewarding work. Sharissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Rutgers University where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sharissa also holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Temple University. A champion of Agility, Integrity, Partnership, and Positivity, Sharissa was the recipient of our Core Value Award in 2021.

With over 20 years of experience in interior architecture and design, Susan is noted for the successful delivery of exacting projects across the commercial, government, and banking sectors. Susan is committed to translating business objectives into high performance environments by guiding her clients through the programming, space planning, and conceptual design phases. She fosters a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to ensure that projects are brought to fruition on time and on budget.

A versatile professional with a diverse skillset and an agile mindset, Susan has worked on a wide range of projects for an equally broad range of end users. Her portfolio includes projects such as Boeing, Cushman & Wakefield, JPMorgan Chase, and Tenax Aerospace. Susan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Architecture from the Academy of Art University.

Tara is committed to the design of interior workplace environments that are both functional and inventive. An avid collaborator throughout the design process, she is guided by a deep understanding of client objectives, which then get translated into budget-savvy solutions. Tara is an integral member of the design team, working to ensure that the design intent for each of her projects is fully realized from inception to close-out.

With a keen eye for pattern and detail, Tara expands upon schematic concepts to deliver enduring spaces that artfully balance function and aesthetics while supporting the requirements of even the most diverse stakeholder groups. Tara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her most recent project, Visitation Hotel, is a mixed-use development that builds on New Urbanism concepts.

Trisha is a critical thinker whose design work is fueled by the power of human connectivity. Noted for her humor and enthusiasm, Trisha embraces the iterative push and pull of the design process to arrive at solutions that reflect each of her client’s unique brand and persona.

A proud Hokie, Trisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech. Recent project work includes 3141 Fairview Park Drive building repositioning, as well as the DFS Headquarters.

Venkat is committed to the development of streamlined architectural solutions that translate into high efficiency interior workplace environments. With a keen eye for pattern and detail, Venkat expands upon schematic concepts to deliver enduring spaces that artfully balance function and aesthetics while supporting the requirements of even the most diverse stakeholder groups.

A LEED-accredited Technical Designer, Venkat specializes in industrial architecture, ground-up development, and interior renovations for commercial properties, retail spaces, and corporate offices. His recent projects include multiple retail branches of JP Morgan Chase Bank throughout the mid-Atlantic area, the corporate offices of NextGen Healthcare, and the Viasat Headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Venkat holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Memphis.

Claire is a licensed architect adept at leading the design and delivery of projects that range across industries and typologies. From jewel box neighborhood amenity centers to residentially inspired mixed-use lifestyle destinations, Claire is driven to connect complex architectural concepts with artful technical solutions that balance aesthetics and buildability.

Claire is a graduate of Texas Tech University where she earned both Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture. Her portfolio is comprised of projects in the multi-family, office, retail, and hospitality sectors and located within the US, Latin America, the Middle East, and China. Representative recent work includes the Brazos Gateway mixed use development in Waco, Texas, the Tysons Corner Center Masterplan, as well as the award-winning Parc Haven in Las Vegas, Nevada.

Colleen is an agile professional who credits early exposure to her family’s decades-old furniture business for a long-standing interest in design. As OTJ’s marketing go-to for both of our fast-growing Government and Life Sciences practice areas, Colleen partners with design leaders nationwide to develop winning qualification packages, proposals, and presentations that artfully advance our value proposition and help meet critical business development objectives.

A native of the Jersey Shore, Colleen earned a Bachelor of Arts in English from the University of Mary Washington where she honed her writing skills as the school paper’s News Editor. Now a young mother, Colleen enjoys returning to the seaside to watch her son Tommy enjoy the ocean as she did every summer.

Cristina takes pride in tackling new challenges, no matter the size of the project or its budget. A Senior Associate and Technical Director with over 20 years of experience, she specializes in landlord and space planning services for healthcare and corporate clients. Cristina works to understand each organization’s culture and programmatic requirements to develop a holistic plan of action for the duration of the design process.

Cristina recently served as designer for the offices of Mednax Pediatric Cardiology Associates in Rockville, Maryland, and will represent OTJ at the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association’s upcoming Showcase. She is particularly conscious of environmental impact, working to reduce waste, assess material origins, and ensure accountability with each project. Cristina holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture from Longwood University.

Denise has been instrumental to OTJ’s expansion. With expertise in business development strategy, operations, and processes, Denise focuses on corporate office building and workplace growth in the Washington, DC region, while also partnering with other regional leaders to support the growth of our national teams. Denise credits her success to the development of long-lasting consultative client relationships built on trust, that endure well beyond the completion of OTJ’s work.

A WELL Accredited Professional, Denise is a member of the Governance Committee of Commercial Real Estate Women (CREW) in Washington. She holds a Bachelor’s in English from Boston College and a second Bachelor’s in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco.

Eddie is a former English major who was inspired to pursue a career in architecture when he found himself spending hours at bookstores critiquing articles in design magazines. Nearly twenty years later, Eddie is now a pragmatic designer with a talent for addressing even the most minute technical details within each of his projects. He prides himself on his ability to engage clients and consultants alike in a collaborative process fueled in equal parts by knowledge of industry trends, technology, and sustainability.

An expert in technical writing, 3D modeling, and rendering, Eddie has been honored with multiple awards from the American Society of Interior Designers. He holds a Bachelor’s in English from Bob Jones University and a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from Radford University. Eddie aspires to create economically sensitive, sustainably minded, adaptable spaces that inspire staff engagement, support individual development, and elegantly reflect an organization’s mission and brand.

Elizabeth is a proven leader in the oversight and execution of deadline-driven projects with mission-critical specifications and fast-track schedules. She is adept at guiding her team and clients through the architectural design process and consistently arrives at consensus-based solutions that align function, aesthetics, and budgetary requirements. Her expertise spans workplace strategy, design development, construction administration, and management of the consultant team.

Elizabeth’s recent projects include the groundbreaking design of Booz Allen Hamilton’s NexGen Innovation Center, standards from which have deployed across a nationwide real estate portfolio. She is a member of the Louisiana Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and has been honored with multiple design awards by the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Auburn University.

Eric is a workplace strategist and interior designer recognized for his ability to develop solutions that maximize functionality and space utilization while enhancing aesthetic value. An active member of the Miami business and architectural communities with over 30 years of professional experience, Eric has led the design and delivery of enduring office environments for leading regional and national legal practices in addition to workplaces for clients in the fields of commercial real estate, construction, technology, and the nonprofit sector.

Eric’s recent projects include the offices of a leading global streaming provider as well as the headquarters of the Knight Foundation. He serves on the board of the Miami Design Preservation League, a nonprofit organization dedicated to preserving, promoting, and protecting the historic Art Deco architecture in Miami Beach, and was recently honored with a Lifetime Achievement Award by the South Florida Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Eric holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota.

A Senior Technical Designer with over 20 years of professional experience, Erica welcomes the challenge of creating spaces that perform both functionally and aesthetically. An active listener, Erica ensures that her clients benefit from the highest level of document quality and best practices in project management.

Erica is a LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction with expertise in the commercial, academic, residential, nonprofit, and civic sectors. Recent projects include workplace interiors for Torti Gallas and Partners, Kearney Companies, and the Managed Funds Association, as well as the renovation of the Metro Park lobbies and amenity spaces. An avid cyclist, Erica holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Miami University.

Erica is a mother of six and grandmother of three as well as a true OTJ den mom. Her ability to keep workplace operations running seamlessly across eight office locations, combined with the warmth of her welcome, has earned her fans among our team members and visitors alike. In addition to this full plate, Erica also navigates the complexities of our business and architectural licenses.

Erica joined us five years ago after 17 years spent in the healthcare industry. She holds a Bachelor’s degree from American Intercontinental University as well as an MBA in Healthcare Administration. In addition, she is now pursuing a Doctorate in Business Administration. When not in the office, you might find Erica helping out at her local women’s shelter or dancing to Beyonce!

Erin is a project designer with a passion for translating ideation into enduring, human-centric solutions that speak equally to form and function. She brings a heightened focus to the execution of minute and often overlooked details that can significantly impact the successful and timely delivery of her projects. Erin is also noted for her ability to work in close partnership with even the most diverse stakeholder groups and help realize the full value of her clients’ investment in the built environment.

Erin holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Virginia Commonwealth University. Some of her representative recent projects include US Mint, American Astronomical Society, and American Heart Association.

A connector, advocate, community and consensus builder, Falynn partners with design teams to nurture both established and nascent client relationships through transparency and earned mutual trust. As Principal and Strategic Partnerships Director, Falynn brings over 20 years of professional experience to her work with cultural and educational institutions of all sizes along the east coast and in the south.

Raised in a single-parent household custom-built to suit the needs of her mother, a disabled veteran, Falynn became acutely sensitized to issues of accessibility, which led her to pursue a degree in architecture. She holds a Bachelor’s of Art in English from the University of Florida and a Master’s of Architecture from Georgia Tech. Falynn serves on the boards of the Contemporary American Theater Festival and the Society for Marketing Professional Services (SMPS) and has been a featured speaker on business development for the SMPS and the American Institute of Architects.

Gary is an internationally recognized expert in the design of cultural and performing arts centers. Gary is also noted for his longtime advocacy of design strategies that reduce each project’s environmental footprint while translating to long-term reductions in operating costs. As a Senior Principal and Studio Director, he directs the execution of award-winning landmark theaters, leading stakeholders and fellow professionals as he unlocks the social and economic power of cultural venues to heal urban neighborhoods.

A sought-after speaker at industry conferences, Gary’s work has been featured in The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Wall Street Journal, NPR, and other national and regional outlets. He has lectured at the University of Maryland School of Architecture and has served as a juror for the Interschool Design Competition, organized by the American Institute of Architects and the National Building Museum. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science, Urban Design, and Planning from the University of Maryland.

Gaston’s diverse portfolio spans commercial mixed-use and multi-family residential developments across the United States. With a singular commitment to place-making and the expression of each project’s distinct brand image, he is a meticulous, detail-oriented designer skilled in complex project coordination. In addition to his strong technical background, Gaston draws on his belief in the power of design to shape our built environment. His thoughtful approach ensures that client objectives are at the forefront of each project, artfully balancing overall design vision and technical execution.

Gaston recently supported the reimagining of the noted Carlyle Hotel in Washington, DC, shepherding extensive coordination with the local jurisdiction to ensure expedient approval from the historical preservation board. His portfolio also includes the Nashua Performing Arts Center as well as the Thunder Valley Resort Casino. Gaston graduated from the University of Virginia with a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture.

Drawing on a background in psychology, Gelsie provides her clients with purposeful, evidence-based designs that support business operations and enhance staff productivity. She approaches each project as an opportunity to explore the mission and values of an organization, which she translates into layered environmental experiences. Gelsie thrives in a collaborative environment that fosters the free exchange of ideas to the benefit of her clients.

A representative sampling of her recent projects include the Alarm.com Headquarters, the Center for American Progress, and RIAA. She holds a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Architecture and Design from the George Washington University, as well has a Bachelor of Arts in Psychology from Vassar College.

Georgette excels in guiding her clients through even the most challenging of design exercises, engaging all parties in a collaborative design development process while maintaining a keen focus on each project’s intent through to close out. Georgette is committed not just to concept but to bringing creative direction to life through exacting construction administration, ensuring that her projects are delivered on time, on-budget, and without compromise.

Georgette holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University. She credits the energy and creativity she encountered at this Historically Black College and University (HBCU) as a critical influence on her work today. An expert in building information modeling (BIM), Georgette has worked as a designer on Science Applications International Corporation (SAIC)’s Huntsville, Alabama headquarters, a multitude of projects for Booz Allen Hamilton, and the Washington, DC offices of the Vera Institute of Justice.

With over 20 years of professional experience, Georgina brings an international design background to her projects with a wide range of community planning, development, and educational project experience. With a focus on the planning and design of cultural and performing arts venues as well as historic restoration, rehabilitation, and adaptive re-use projects, Georgina provides strong yet collaborative leadership.

A selection of Georgina’s recent projects includes the reimagining of the Alameda Theater, the expansion of Washington’s historic Ford Theater, and the renovation of the Martin Luther King Jr. Memorial Library. Georgina has won over a dozen architectural awards for her work, including seven awards for the restoration of Brooklyn’s celebrated King’s Theater. She is an enthusiastic supporter of Washington’s Shakespeare Theatre Company. Born and raised in South Africa, she graduated with a Bachelor’s of Architectural Studies and Bachelor’s of Architecture from the University of Cape Town, South Africa.

A Design Director with over a decade of design experience, Greg is the heart of each of his project’s teams. From visioning to schematics and design documentation through to close-out, Greg is equal parts design advocate, client care specialist, and consultant whisperer.

Noted for his innate penchant toward dialogue and collaboration, Greg has led the design and delivery of projects ranging from jewels boxes to headquarters totaling more than 200,000 RSF including JLL’s Global Headquarters, Hyatt’s Headquarters and the Evans Scholar Foundation National Headquarters. In addition to holding a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Parsons, Greg is committed to the development of the next generation of design talent and serves as a mentor to many of our more junior team members.

With over 15 years of experience, Greg is a skilled collaborator who relishes his role in successfully shepherding projects of all sizes from the initial stages of design though day-to-day construction management and up to the final “punch walk.” To do so, Greg leverages honed organizational skills to ensure that consultant teams interface seamlessly and that projects meet even the most rigorous of schedule and budgetary imperatives.

A disciple of Mies van der Rohe’s “Less is More” design philosophy, Greg embraces the simple art of decluttering, as he sees it, “stripping things down to the bare essentials and removing all the unnecessary fluff.” Greg also admires Frank Lloyd Wright for his virtuosity in achieving harmony between each design and its natural environment. Greg holds Bachelor of Fine Arts degrees in Interior Design and Furniture Design from the Savannah College of Art and Design.

A third-generation architect, Guion has long been passionate about the design of impactful physical spaces. Now a licensed architect with over 15 years of experience, Guion embraces a holistic methodology where the crafts of design, documentation, and construction each elevate one another across an array of project typographies. His portfolio ranges from multifamily residential, architectural renovations, large tech workplace interior headquarters, and large scale mixed-use developments in Asia to extensive high-end retail design across North America, Europe and China.

Guion holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from Northeastern University. He recently served as project leader on the Napa Civic Center; a block in San Francisco’s new Parkmerced neighborhood; and the residences at 2177 Third Street, which have been long-listed for a Dezeen 2021 Award. He has also been honored with awards from the Historic Hawaii Foundation and the World Architecture Festival. His work has been cited in Dezeen, Architect Magazine, and the San Francisco Business Times to name a few. Guion also currently serves on the Housing Committee of the Bay Area Council.

A licensed California Architect, Hannah is a versatile design professional whose portfolio of work spans the multi-family residential, office buildings, and commercial mixed-use sectors. Hannah has been instrumental to the successful delivery of projects across Europe, the Mid-West, and the West-Coast. She is an early adopter of the technology tools reshaping our industry and works to facilitate client decision making through outcome visualization.

Hannah is headquartered in our San Francisco office. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech and a Master’s in Architecture from UC Berkeley. Representative recent work includes the Thunder Valley Casino Resort in Lincoln, CA, the Brazos Gateway mixed use development in Waco, Texas, as well as the Margaritaville Tahoe Hotel.

With a Master’s in Real Estate from Georgetown University, Holly brings a unique, business-centric perspective to design that aligns strategic, operational, and human objectives. A recognized leader in the DC design community, Holly has held multiple roles in the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association (IIDA), including that of President. Holly is also an active member of the corporate real estate community. She has been cited in Architecture DC, and has spoken at numerous industry events and conferences. Her work has been honored with multiple awards by the IIDA and American Institute of Architects.

Holly’s experience spans over 15 years and includes the development of high-performing workplaces for clients in the technology, legal, corporate, nonprofit, and government sectors. She recently led the design and delivery of projects for the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, as well as the legal services firm Axinn, Veltrop & Harkrider.

With over 30 years of industry experience, Howard is a recognized design leader who brings a heightened focus on accountability to the realization of even the most demanding projects. A strategic planning and space management expert, Howard engages internal and external teams in a collaborative dialogue that yields incisive solutions to complex problem sets for clients in the corporate, government, hospitality, and residential sectors.

Howard’s work has been cited in Interior Design Magazine, Architectural Digest, IFMA News Magazine, and the Washington Business Journal. He has been featured as a speaker at multiple industry conferences and events. His recent projects include the National Science Foundation, the National Labor Relations Board, and American Express’ Regional Operating Center in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. Howard holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

A Senior Associate & Senior Strategic Partnerships Manager, Irene is focused on supporting the growth of our multi-family and commercial mixed-use practice areas through the development of deeply rooted, trust-based relationships. Committed to the success of each project she engages with, Irene also works to align those of our teams best suited to the realization of each client’s project objectives.

Irene holds a Master’s degree in Commercial Real Estate with a focus in Development from Georgetown University. Irene is also an active member of NAIOP MD/DC, ULI, CREW Northern Virginia, and a board member of the Georgetown University Real Estate Alumni Association.

Jack is an accomplished, detail-oriented architect who specializes in the delivery of technically demanding projects of all sizes. His experience spans the design, drafting, and construction management of projects for federal government agencies as well as clients in the commercial, aerospace, and multi-family residential sectors. Jack is noted for his ability to expertly navigate even the most demanding permitting scenarios and for the development of sustainable design solutions that benefit both the environment and his clients’ bottom line.

Jack brings a persistent, analytical, and disciplined approach to each project, with determined task focus and follow-through. He recently served as Senior Architect on the Visitation Frederick Hotel and Condominiums, multiple projects for the Lafayette Federal Credit Union, and the Virginia headquarters of the Integration Technologies Group, among others. Jack holds a Bachelor of Architecture, a Master of Architecture, and a Master of City and Regional Planning from the Catholic University of America.

Empathy is the key to Jaclyn’s success as a Director of Design – a quality she uses to deliver environments that encourage individuals to do their best, most creative work. Jaclyn references the rich architectural history of Miami in her work while leveraging a passion for color to develop brand-specific palettes that amplify each client’s unique corporate persona.

Born and raised in Miami to Cuban parents, Jaclyn received her Bachelor’s degree in Interior Design and her Master’s in Architecture, both from Florida International University. An active member of the American Institute of Architects, she is a sought-after speaker on architecture in Miami. She recently served as design lead on the offices of ADT Security Services in Boca Raton, The Ritz Carlton Yacht Collection, as well as the South Florida headquarters of a global music streaming provider.

Jennifer is a dedicated project lead and designer passionate about the development of interior environments that engage diverse occupants across a range of project typologies. Jennifer supports the success of her teams by identifying opportunities for efficiencies that accelerate project delivery from kick-off to close-out.

Jennifer’s design solutions balance functionality and aesthetics while conforming to even the strictest budgetary parameters. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Endicott College.

Born in the Philippines and raised in Australia, Jireh is a graduate of the University of New South Wales. A student of social science and human resource management, Jireh put the pursuit of her Ph.D. on hold to focus on a full-time position in HR. Ten years and an ocean crossing later, Jireh is OTJ’s Senior People Operations Manager – a critical role in which she empowers our team members to do their best, most creative work, unencumbered from administrative concerns related to pay or benefits.

Jireh is also the product of a family of engineers and architects – a background that lends her a unique understanding of the human challenges faced by our design teams day-to-day. A life-long scholar, Jireh holds prestigious certifications from both the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM-CP) and the Human Resource Certificate Institute (PHR). Outside of work, she is a certified scuba diver, an occasional sky diver, and an active member of her church where she mentors teenagers and youths.

A registered architect with over 20 years of experience, John has been instrumental to the successful delivery of a wide range of building types, chief among them projects in the cultural and performing arts sectors. John works to nurture collaborative relationships with client stakeholders, owner representatives, user groups, construction managers, and subcontractors through all phases of the design process.

John has been honored with multiple awards from the American Institute of Architects. He is currently serving as Senior Architect on the restoration of the historic Loew’s Jersey Theatre movie palace. A member of the League of Historic American Theaters, John has served as guest critic at the Pratt Institute’s School of Architecture and Kent State University’s College of Architecture & Environmental Design. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Cincinnati.

John is an experienced designer whose deep understanding of technical constructability issues augments his creative design process. He excels at translating his clients’ unique design concepts into the reality of a built environment. A noted problem-solver, John actively collaborates with both internal and external team members to serve as a conduit for communication and the realization of project goals and objectives.

John completed his Master of Architecture at the Catholic University of America in Washington, DC. His portfolio spans complex building repositioning projects across our nation’s capital, workplace interiors for leading organizations such as Booz Allen Hamilton, as well as select lifestyle and hospitality projects for rapidly emerging brands such as VIDA Fitness.

John is a senior architect with over 30 years of experience in developing superlative design solutions for cultural, educational, and public projects with complex budgetary, scheduling, and phasing requirements. John leverages his lauded project management abilities and deep feasibility studies experience to ensure the seamless delivery of each of his projects while reconciling the diverse expectations of multiple stakeholder groups.

John’s recent projects include the Thunder Valley Casino Resort Concert Venue, the rehabilitation of Loew’s Jersey Theater, and the M&T Bank Pavilion at Baltimore’s France Merrick Performing Arts Center. John has been a featured speaker at industry conferences and his work has been recognized by leading industry organizations such as the American Institute of Architects. John has served on the board of the Westminster Child Care Center and the Baltimore Public Schools’ Ingenuity Project, and currently chairs the Architectural Review Board of Baltimore’s Cedarcroft Neighborhood Association.

A graduate of Virginia Tech, Jordan embraces a holistic design approach to capture each organization’s distinct character in workplaces that promote productivity and the exchange of ideas. Jordan also excels at gaining a deep understanding of her clients’ cultural dynamics to arrive at uniquely tailored interior solutions that maximize the value of each real estate investment.

Jordan holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and is an Associate Member of the International Interior Designers Association. Jordan is grateful for the opportunity to enhance her clients’ everyday experiences and relishes working at the intersection of the analytical and the creative, from advising clients on commercial leasing needs, to space planning, concept development, and creating fly-throughs and renderings.

With over 25 years of experience spanning the for- and nonprofit sectors, Jordana now serves as a Senior Principal and our Chief People Officer. Together with a dedicated team of human resources and administrative professionals, Jordana works to advance our mission and to promote an inclusive, equitable work culture where individuals from diverse backgrounds are empowered to do their best, most creative work.

Jordana provides strategic oversight in all areas of human resources including personnel recruitment, selection, retention, organizational development, as well as administration and operations. She holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Business Administration and Management from Pensacola Christian College as well as Senior Professional Human Resources Certifications from the Human Resource Certification Institute (HRCI) and the Society of Human Resources Management (SHRM).

Both a native of New York City and an ancient history buff, Jorge draws equal inspiration from skyscrapers and the Parthenon. With over 15 years of experience and an itch to tackle even the most exacting of technical challenges, Jorge is noted for his ability to seamlessly manage the delivery of complex interior projects for clients across a wide range of industries. Throughout planning, design, and construction, Jorge draws on his proven communication skills to harmonize the voices and align the interests of all project stakeholders.

Jorge holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology and is currently on the path to becoming a licensed architect. He has served as technical designer for financial sector clients such as HSBC, Bank of America, and Royal Bank of Canada to name a few. In addition, Jorge recently led the delivery of the Knight Foundation’s Miami headquarters. Jorge is also an impactful mentor to his more junior associate.

Jose approaches each project as an opportunity to engage in a collaborative process that yields high efficiency spatial solutions for clients across a broad spectrum of industries. Jose’s expertise in the assessment of building structures and systems enables him to maximize the potential of the built environment, bearing critical feasibility considerations in mind.

A LEED-certified Technical Director with over 20 years of experience, Jose specializes in single- and multi-family residential, mixed-use development, base building and repositioning, as well as commercial interiors. He recently led the delivery of the corporate offices of the Center for American Progress, McKinsey, and the new PBS headquarters, as well as the multiple-award winning offices of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA). An active member of the District of Columbia Building Industry Association, Jose holds a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master’s of Architecture from Catholic University of America.

Judy approaches design with artistry and a high degree of technological proficiency. She brings a heightened focus to design details, resulting in meticulous drawings that rapidly gain client approval and prides herself on her ability to engage clients and consultants alike in a collaborative process fueled in equal parts by knowledge of industry trends, technology, and sustainability.

Judy is grateful for the opportunity to enhance the end user’s everyday spatial experience and relishes working at the intersection of the analytical and the creative, from advising clients on commercial leasing needs, to space planning, concept development, and creating flythroughs and renderings. Judy earned a Bachelor’s in Interior Design from California College of the Arts.

Educated amidst the architectural heritage of his native Turkey, Kaan credits this international perspective for his ability to creatively address even the most challenging design, schedule, or budget problems. Throughout his 20-year career, Kaan has partnered with clients to deliver enduring workplaces and building repositioning solutions across a wide range of industries and markets.

Kaan is also a LEED and WELL accredited professional as well as a passionate advocate for the development of savvy solutions that both benefit the environment and promote employee wellbeing. He recently served as technical lead for Nexstar Media Group’s Washington, DC TV studios, as well as new buildings for the Alexandria Campus of Catholic University and the Association of American Universities. Kaan holds a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Yildiz Technical University and a Master’s in Architecture from Istanbul Technical University.

Kala embraces a holistic design approach to capture each organization’s distinct character in workplaces that promote productivity and the exchange of ideas. Kala also excels at gaining a deep understanding of her clients’ cultural dynamics to arrive at uniquely tailored interior solutions that maximize the value of each real estate investment. She relishes working at the intersection of the analytical and the creative, from advising clients on commercial leasing needs, to space planning, concept development, and creating fly-throughs and renderings.

Kala holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech. She has served as senior designer on a broad range of interiors including for clients such as Volkswagon, the International Monetary Fund, CareFirst Blue Cross Blue Shield, and the National Veterans Legal Services Program.

Katherine is an award-winning workplace strategist and designer who credits the success of her projects to a singular emphasis on the human dimension of the built environment. By working from the onset to gain an in-depth understanding of each organization’s culture and brand identity, Katherine develops bespoke workplaces where innovation and business flourish jointly. In addition, Katherine is uniquely experienced in the selection and specification of furniture solutions that support operational objectives.

As a Studio Director, Katherine enjoys cultivating relationships and bringing together diverse stakeholders to jointly image bespoke design solutions. She received the Bronze Award for Commercial Interiors from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association and has served as Co-Chair of its Philanthropy Committee. Katherine graduated from Radford University with a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Fine Arts.

Kathy is a veteran finance professional who works in close partnership with OTJ’s senior most leadership to advance billing and collection efforts in support of the growth and stability of eight offices nationwide. With over 30 years of experience, Kathy credits her success in no small part to her ability to nurture trust-based relationships with individuals at all levels of an organization – from firm executives and directors to the most junior members of the teams she heads.

Kathy holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from Iowa State College of Business. Prior to joining OTJ she was a successful consultant and held leadership positions at HKS and professional services firm Good Fulton & Farrell. In her free time, Kathy is an avid traveler and devoted pet-lover who volunteers at the SPCA and fosters dogs for multiple organizations.

Born into a family of artists, Kendra grew up in Jordan and Kenya – an experience that has fueled a passion for the creation of environments and buildings that not only respect the fabric of a community but also enrich it. Now a marketing professional with over 15 years of experience, Kendra excels at analyzing new opportunities and producing content that best position OTJ to secure new work across the government, corporate, and cultural sectors.

Kendra holds a Bachelor’s in International Affairs and Contemporary Cultures and Societies from George Washington University, and a Master’s in Arts Administration from Goucher College where her thesis explored the intersection of arts organizations, social media, and cultural branding. Kendra is also an avid watercolor painter whose professional experience includes work for an internationally recognized museum exhibit and experiential design firm.

Fascinated by the fast-paced growth and global impact of the life sciences sector, Kendra is a designer and lab planner who has supported the delivery of premier research environments for clients such as Sherlock Biosciences and Pyxis Oncology to name a few. Kendra synthesizes her analytic and creative skills as well as her studies in the psychology of space to develop designs that are rooted in research and finely articulated in their details.

Kendra holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Cornell University. She headed design for Designing End-of-Life Care Settings to Enhance Quality of Life, a Cornell University report, and has been honored with the International Interior Designers Association’s Innovation Award. She has extensive commercial experience designing healthcare, science technology, and civic environments. Within these projects she has developed furniture packages, finish palettes, and drawing sets for projects up to 1,000,000 RSF in size.

A Japanese, Canadian-born, Spanish-speaking, Jewish, naturalized U.S. citizen, Kent is an architect with over 30 years of experience. Kent’s work has been featured in numerous publications, including The New York Times, Wired, I.D. Magazine, and Esquire. He serves on the Facilities Committee of the Dalton School and on the Buildings and Grounds Committee of the Pratt Institute. He is also a regular teacher and critic at institutions such as the Pratt Institute, Parsons School of Design, Columbia University, Bennington College, The Fashion Institute of Technology, and The School of Visual Arts.

Kent is NCARB certified and holds architect licenses in 16 states including New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Pennsylvania, Maryland, Virginia, and Washington, DC. His recent projects include the Wells Fargo headquarters at Hudson Yards and the Credit Suisse offices at Eleven Madison Avenue. Kent received a Bachelor’s of Arts in Architecture and Literature from Bennington College and a Master’s of Architecture from Columbia University.

We are first adopters of the rapidly evolving technology tools reshaping the architecture and design industry. As such, we rely on IT specialist Kevin Hebron to facilitate our teams’ seamless use of REVIT, Duo, and virtual reality applications (among so many others) in service of a more effective design and communication process.

A graduate of Shawnee State University, Kevin approaches the challenges inherent to his role with unending positivity and agility – troubleshooting on tight deadlines with end-users working from any of our national locations and across a myriad of platforms. Kevin is also a regular contributor to our firm’s Diversity Task Force – a grassroots effort dedicated to the development of time-bound initiatives that will foster diversity, equity, inclusion, and access, in our firm, industry, communities, and nation. Kevin holds Comp TIA A+ and Comp TIA Sec + certifications and looks forward to continued growth as vital member of our IT team.

Kevin works to ensure that all our clients benefit from the highest level of document quality and best practices in technical design. His expertise has contributed to the success of some of our most complex and award-winning workplace designs including such projects as the headquarters of Sands Capital Management and the American Petroleum Institute (API), workplaces for leading legal practices such as Axinn and Orrick, as well as the offices of the NAACP Legal Defense Fund.

Kevin holds the distinction of being one of a few highly accomplished professionals in our industry to be inducted as both a Fellow with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA). Notably, he is also the first African American male to be honored by the IIDA College of Fellows. Kevin serves on the Maryland State Board of Architects and has been a recipient of the Award of Distinguished Achievement from the Virginia chapter of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Kevin is a frequent guest lecturer at the George Washington University School of Interior Architecture and Design and was a contributing author of the book Becoming an Architect: A Guide to Careers in Design.

Lance serves as our Co-Chief Executive Officer and leverages decades of design and construction industry expertise on our clients’ behalf to realize built environments where individuals thrive and businesses prosper. A tireless champion of integrity, partnership, agility, and positivity, Lance credits his success to the development of long-lasting consultative relationships grounded in trust and transparency.

Lance’s portfolio of work includes workplaces for Adobe, Booz Allen Hamilton, PBS, Sands Capital Management, the U.S. Department of State, and Yelp, as well as the repositioning of The Foundry and the ground-up construction of the 2100 L Street Class A trophy office building. In addition, Lance is currently leading our team in the design of the Visitation mixed-use development in Frederick, MD. The project includes a hotel, a collection of multi-family residential buildings, a full-service spa, and an intimate performance venue. It’s also at the heart of our firm’s growing mixed-use and residential portfolio. Lance holds both a Bachelor’s of Science in Design as well as a Master’s of Architecture from Clemson University.

Laura is a collaborative designer with a talent for communicating concepts in ways that can be understood by stakeholders, designers, contractors, and consultants alike. She approaches each project as an opportunity to develop meaningful solutions in partnership with her team so as to advance her clients’ business objectives. Laura believes that good design is the direct result of a project’s unique parameters and that every decision should be made with strong intent.

A graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design, Laura has completed projects for Whole Foods Market, as well as the headquarters for Strayer University and Western Union

As President & Co-Chief Executive Officer, Laura is dedicated to the development of long-lasting, trust-based client and industry relationships. Since joining our firm nearly 20 years ago, Laura has led the development and deployment of strategic initiatives that have translated to a national presence and the expansion of our line of services. Laura has also shaped the evolution of our organization through her role in the acquisition of top talent across our geographic footprint. The success of her commitment to transparency and accountability is evidenced by the strength of our growth: OTJ now ranks as one of the top 100 design practices in the nation and has been recognized as a workplace of choice by several national publications.

Laura holds a Bachelor’s degree in Marketing Management from Virginia Tech. A LEED Accredited Professional, she is the co-chair for the CoreNet Eastern Regional Symposium’s Sponsorship Committee and a member of the Washington DC Economic Partnership (WDCEP) Advisory Board. An artist at heart, leader, eternal optimist and people-person, Laura thrives in the creative environment of our architecture practice and welcomes every opportunity to match clients with the team best suited to the realization of their human and business objectives.

Lee is the consummate architect who believes that everyone deserves good design. His work is informed by the deeply held desire to synthesize stakeholder aspirations, project requirements, and environmental stewardship, as well as aesthetic imperatives expressed through meticulous construction.

Investigative, humorous, and at times irreverent, Lee is an award-winning professional whose work has been recognized by noted national professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA). Lee is also a sought-after instructor who, upon graduation, was invited to lecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology where he also sits on studio design juries. A representative sampling of Lee’s design work includes global headquarters for Caterpillar and Goodyear as well as the masterplan for Wrigley Field.

Leen is a detail-oriented interior designer who is committed to the realization of each project’s design intent on time and within budget. She supports her clients’ success by developing bespoke design solutions that challenge preconceived notions to realize spaces that are as unique as they are functional. Leen also works with the project team to draft and revise construction drawings from schematic design through construction administration.

A regular critic for Marymount University’s Interior Design program, Leen holds a Bachelor’s of Interior Architecture from the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and is an Associate Member of the American Institute of Architects. She currently serves as design lead for the new headquarters of the Design-Build Institute of America. Leen is also a passionate humanitarian who draws on her experience working for the United Nations to support our own Diversity Task Force’s efforts both within our firm and beyond.

Leslie is a creative interior designer with a keen eye for details often overlooked in large projects. Her experience in both the commercial and government sectors lends her insight into the exacting requirements of complex, multi-faceted projects. She brings special emphasis to the programming phase where she works to lay the groundwork for the success of subsequent phases by carefully capturing her clients’ design objectives.

Leslie graduated from Illinois State University with a Bachelor of Science in Interior and Environmental Design. Leslie’s education background offers her unique insight that result in thoughtful design solutions and superlative spaces for end users. Some of her most notable work includes projects such as the American Heart Association, Tysons Plaza, U.S. Fish & Wildlife Services, and the Department of Health & Human Services.

Linda is a results-oriented architect whose extensive commercial real estate experience helps define and realize strategic initiatives. A hands-on project leader from conceptualization through to post-occupancy, Linda is renowned for both her exacting attention to technical details and her ability to craft enduring architectural solutions.

A graduate of the University of Maryland, Linda has been instrumental in the success of many of OTJ’s most technically exacting projects. A sampling of her recent work includes the repositioning of 1625 Eye Street trophy class-A building, the new workplace of tech leader FiscalNote, as well as the headquarters of the National Wildlife Foundation. In addition, Linda is dedicated to cultivating the next generation of design talent through the active mentorship of junior team members.

Elizabeth (Liz) is a purposeful designer who works in close partnership with her clients from the onset of each project to identify and deploy built environments that are both artful and efficient. Liz is noted for leading a creative dialogue amongst diverse stakeholders – one that results in the expert alignment of budget, schedule, and furniture solutions that heighten the end-user experience. Her ability to build trust-based partnerships with clients, consultants, and trades results in long-lasting business relationships that endure over the course of repeat projects.

Liz draws inspiration from the Bauhaus movement for its savvy application of resources, commitment to constant innovation, and emphasis on gender equality in design. A LEED Accredited Professional, Liz also holds a certification from the National Council for Interior Design Qualification (NCIDQ). A representative sampling of her portfolio includes the headquarters for Enviva, workplaces for the National Institutes of Health, the National Wildlife Federation, as well as for digital titan Yelp.

With over a decade of experience as a lead designer on projects of global significance, Lucille is both a born collaborator and a behind-the-scenes facilitator. She embraces the seeming opposites found in every design effort: The intentional juxtaposed against the accidental yet beautiful, intuitive aesthetics tempered by feasibility, and the artistry of hand sketches enhanced by the latest visualization technology. This combination of skills, design philosophy, and a commitment to long-lasting partnerships continues to earn Lucille accolades from clients, peers, and our industry.

A graduate of the Massachusetts Institute of Technology School of Architecture and Planning Master’s program, Lucille’s work has been featured in publications such as Fast Company and Curbed. Her portfolio features a superlative collection of ground-up architectural projects spanning the civic, mixed-use, residential, and hospitality sectors. Highlights include The Brazos Gateway, the Commercial Bay Tower in Auckland, NZ and the Sanya Sunshine Insurance Finance Plaza. Lucille also regularly serves as a studio reviewer at the University of California, Berkeley.

Raised in a family with long-standing ties to the real estate and design communities, Margaret draws inspiration from the worlds of fashion and the visual arts. She credits time spent in London for her fascination with architecture and the role it plays in shaping culture worldwide. Margaret now works to develop design solutions that challenge and redefine how leading corporations conceive of the workplace.

As Principal and Studio Director, Margaret is equally committed to cultivating enduring, trust-based relationships built on open communication between stakeholders, team members, and consultants. She prides herself on connecting with clients and understanding how design can best support the success of their business, mission, and culture. Margaret has received multiple awards from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Designers Association. She holds a Bachelor’s from the University of Georgia with a major in Furnishings and Interiors.

Marie’s interest in architecture was sparked at the age of 12 when she gained admission to the highly selective Design and Architecture Senior High School (DASH) in Miami, FL. This formative experience exposed Marie to the myriad of ways in which design could impact the human experience and set her on a professional journey of her own. Today, Marie is a resourceful and collaborative design professional noted for her ability to perform in deadline-driven environments.

A LEED Accredited Professional in Building Design and Construction and an associate member of the American Institute of Architects, Marie has led the delivery of workplaces for clients such as the National Institutes of Health, the Department of Defense, and the National Capital Planning Commission to name a few. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida and is fluent in English, French, and Haitian Creole.

As Vice President of Finance, Matthew deftly oversees the day-to-day functioning of our finance department, from billing and cash flow to reporting and fiscal compliance. Since joining our team, he has implemented improved processes to increase efficiency in all areas of accounting, ensuring seamless operations and rigorous fiscal management.

Matthew holds a Bachelor’s in Accounting from the University of Central Florida. Prior to joining OTJ, he managed corporate accounting for Hilton Hotels and served as an accountant for LTBD, PC; Wiss & Company; and Town Residential. Fascinated by sleek, streamlined design and the dynamism of the real estate industry, Matthew is also a passionate tennis player, gardener, and baker, known for his mastery of treasured family recipes.

Enthusiastic and multi-talented, Megan leverages a diverse design background in support of her client’s mission critical objectives. A team player who thrives in deadline-driven environments, Megan works to develop bespoke 3D visualizations that articulate each project’s design intent with clarity and facilitate a more confident client decision-making process. In addition, Megan is noted for her ability to produce concise yet exacting constructions documents as well as innovative furniture and finish packages.

A graduate of the University of California Davis, Megan has supported the success of projects across a wide range of practice areas. Representative work includes the Washington, DC, government affairs offices of beer giant Anheuser-Busch, the headquarters of the Entertainment Software Association, as well as workplaces for several noted professional services firms.

Melissa brings to bear wide ranging project experience on the design of commercial office interiors and amenity spaces. Agile and resourceful, Melissa also has experience in the delivery of new ground up construction. Her design expertise and technical proficiency, combined with meticulous problem solving skills, add value to each of engagements from the schematic design process to construction documentation, through to construction administration.

Melissa has worked on LEED projects that span the full range certification levels. She has also partnered with the City of Chicago, Department of Buildings, in obtaining complex building permits. Melissa is a discerning team member who works closely with clients and consultants to ensure that each project’s vision is fully realized while adhering to even the strictest budgetary and parameters. Melissa is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign where she earned a Bachelor degree.

Michael was introduced to construction and woodworking while participating in his family’s residential construction company from childhood through college. Today, he is a sought-after technical architect who leverages construction management experience to ensure that his clients’ objectives are exceeded from visioning through to project completion. Michael thrives in working to resolve complex detailing considerations and embraces the challenge of marrying the practical and aesthetic requirements of a given element inside a space.

A versatile professional, Michael is enamored with Dada and Bauhaus art, committed to the principals of New Urbanism, and fascinated by the bold experimentation of Soviet era concrete buildings. He recently served as project architect for the Bureau of Overseas Building Operations in Washington, DC.

With over 10 years of architectural and construction management experience, Michelle embraces a multi-disciplinary approach that translates into high performing designs informed equally by brand objectives and financial feasibility. She is a detail-driven architect with the capability to complete multiple projects under competing deadlines. In addition to developing successful design solutions, Michelle leverages a robust digital toolkit to create compelling visualizations that accelerate project decision making.

A LEED Accredited Professional for Building Design and Construction, Michelle is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). She has contributed to projects such as Draper & Kramer, JPMorgan Chase, and Bridge Commercial RE Partners. Michelle graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech and holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Michelle leads her clients through an interactive and engaging design process that results in bespoke spaces, reflective of each organization’s culture and brand. As an emerging authority on the design of cutting-edge Life Sciences workplaces, Michelle artfully fuses the seemingly opposing requirements of commercial interiors and laboratory design.

Michelle’s award-winning portfolio ranges from corporate-tech offices and research labs to law firms and educational facilities. She recently led the design of a new conference center and offices for Massachusetts Biotechnology Council, as well as office renovations for Ipsen Bioscience across multiple locations throughout North America. She has been honored with multiple Design Awards from the New England Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Michelle holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Microbiology from the University of Florida and a Master’s in Interior Design from Boston Architectural College.

Natalie calls on deep-rooted inspiration and the ability to translate concept into solutions to support the success of clients and projects across the corporate, multi-family, and residential sectors. Her work has been recognized by NEWH Magazine and Sunset Magazine and her design of the Edgewood Tahoe Resort has been honored with awards from such prestigious publications as MUSE, Travel + Leisure, Architectural Digest, USA Today, and Forbes Travel Guide. Other recent projects include the Virgin Hotel and Hotel Nikko in San Francisco, the Pacific Gate residences in San Diego, and the Fairmont Chateau Lake Louise in Alberta, Canada.

Natalie received a Bachelor’s with honors in Interior Architecture and Design from the Academy of Art University and studied Fine Art at Kent State University. This background in visual arts inspires to approach each interior project as a work of experiential art where the interplay of light, shadow, and texture are augmented by her in-depth understanding of color theory.

Natasha is a versatile interior designer with experience spanning corporate offices, research and development facilities, building amenities and repositioning, and life science projects. Her ability to provide leadership and encourage collaboration within her team and along with her clients translates to a seamless process from the onset of the project through to close-out. Natasha is also noted for her ability to apply a strategic design approach while leveraging her extensive knowledge of varied workplace typologies to develop bespoke spatial solutions that connect each client to their culture.

Natasha holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Interior Design from the Wentworth Institute of Technology and has served as a critic and mentor at her alma mater. Her work has been honored with the International Interior Design Association’s Northeast Award for Best Office Design and a Merit Award from the Illuminating Engineering Society.

Olivia approaches each project as an opportunity to create a unique destination that maximizes the potential of the built environment. She works in close partnership with her clients to gain an in-depth understanding of how the physical space can enhance each organization’s operations with special emphasis placed on the mental and physical wellbeing of staff. A collaborative at heart, Olivia is noted for her ability to bring to life those spoken and unspoken design objectives that ensure the lasting value of her workplace solutions.

From project onset through to completion – and often beyond – Olivia remains committed to the realization of her clients’ mission critical objectives. She measures the success of her design work in its ability to harmonize form and function while advancing brand representation. Olivia holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Radford University.

Born and raised in the architecturally dazzling city of Barcelona, Oriol has worked in Spain, the United Kingdom, and the U.S. – formative experiences that have shaped his international perspective towards architecture and design. Oriol graduated with a Master’s degree in Architecture from BarcelonaTech (UPC).

An expert in commercial interiors for non-profits, associations, and corporations, Oriol recently served as Senior Architect on the new offices of the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA), which received the 2020 Award of Excellence from the DC/MD Chapter of NAIOP, the Commercial Real Estate Development Association; and a 2021 Design Award from the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of the International Interior Design Association. Other projects include the National Realtors Association, the Children’s Law Center, and the American Petroleum Institute, which was highlighted in Office Snapshots.

Oscar is a technical designer committed to the delivery of flexible, functional, and innovative environments that advance his clients’ business and human objectives. A consummate collaborator, Oscar partners with fellow designers, consultants, and contractors, from visioning through to close-out, ensuring that the project’s intent is articulated down to the most minute of details. Oscar has leveraged this exacting design philosophy in support of clients such as Spotify and Interval International, to name a few.

Oscar holds a Master of Architecture degree from Florida International University and looks forward to completing both his architecture license and LEED accreditation. Oscar serves as adjunct faculty at Miami Dade College and is committed to helping the next generation of talent develop an arsenal of sustainable and wellness design skills that will, in turn, translate to solutions that benefit both clients and the environment in the South Florida market.

The product of four generations of architectural talent, Pablo is a noted workplace strategist and designer whose award-winning portfolio spans the workplace, building repositioning, healthcare, retail, as well as the arts and culture sectors. Driven by a commitment to fostering communities in projects across a myriad of practice areas, Pablo works to advance our firm’s growth through ever more design-forward projects. Pablo also actively contributes to OTJ’s continued study of emerging trends in workplace design.

A sought-after speaker and commentator, Pablo has been featured in publications such as Interior Design Magazine, Contract Magazine, Forbes, the Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post. His work has been recognized by organizations such as NAIOP, AIA, and IIDA.

Pascal holds a proven record in the development of high-performing solutions that shape the reputation and support the growth of fast-paced professional services firms in high barrier-to-entry markets. As our firm’s Chief Marketing Officer, Pascal partners with our design and executive leaders as well as our marketing and business development teams to deliver holistic solutions that have fueled our firm’s geographic expansion across the continental United States.

Pascal’s commitment to the evolution of our brand has helped cement our position as a business partner of choice for clients such as PBS, Yelp, as well Booz Allen Hamilton to name a few. His experience spans the fields of publishing, public relations, as well as corporate branding and communications. He graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts from New York University.

A proud Massachusetts native and dedicated Patriots fan, Pete is a recognized expert in the design and delivery of complex technical solutions for clients who require sophisticated security solutions, network operations centers, training rooms, and state-of-the-art conference facilities. Throughout his career, Pete has partnered with government agencies and non-government clients to propel operations through the implementation of agile work environments that support both business and human objectives.

Pete recently completed the phased, full building interior renovation of the 350,000 RSF U.S. Department of State Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations headquarters, as well as laboratory and research and development facilities for Booz Allen Hamilton nationwide. Additional representative work includes workplaces for Lockheed Martin, the National Institutes of Health, and the DEA to name a few. Pete holds both a Master’s degree in Architecture from Catholic University of America.

With projects completed across the United States as well as internationally in Mexico and China, Rachel brings a uniquely global perspective to the design of interior environments for various-sized organizations across a broad range of industries. She is noted for her ability to build consensus amongst diverse stakeholder groups through effective communication strategies and has experience supporting the success of projects on accelerated timelines.

A LEED Green Associate, Rachel holds a Bachelor of Science from Virginia Tech. A representative sampling of her recent work includes workplaces for New York Life, Russell Reynolds Associates, Akima, and Kastle Systems. In addition, Rachel is currently at work on the Brazos Gateway mixed use development in Waco, Texas.

Rami’s diverse design background allows him to artfully balance minute detailing and big-picture concepts for projects spanning commercial interiors, educational institutions, health care, and secure spaces. Rami leverages his technical expertise to execute each project’s design vision, bearing critical issues of constructability in mind. His responsibilities include field surveys and verification; scheduling; the preparation of exacting construction documents; construction administration; permit, bidding; consultant coordination; technical detailing, and code verification/coordination. Rami ensures the integration of engineering elements into the design concept and develops the necessary detail drawings.

Rami holds a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the Boston Architectural Center. His portfolio includes the repositioning of office properties and their accompanying amenity spaces at 1400 K Street and 1100 G Street to name a few as well as workplaces for Chenega and the Bipartisan Policy Center.

Rex is a hands-on architect whose background in construction lends him an innovate perspective on issues of buildability from project onset through to close-out. An optimist noted for his ability to synthesize design-build best practices, Rex partners with contractors to develop code, accessibility, exterior envelope, and building systems solutions without compromise to design integrity, budget, or schedule.

A graduate of the University of California, Berkeley, Rex is inspired by the early 20th century Vienna Judendstil movement – a movement that overlays media, architecture, and technology to breathe new life into blighted urban environments. His portfolio includes workplaces for clients such as PayPal, McAfee, Hulu, and Credit Suisse to name a few. Rex is also a registered architect with membership in the AIA and NCARB.

Ryland is an energetic architectural professional whose passion for the intersection of design and technology has led him to specialize in BIM management. Detail oriented, technically savvy, and collaborative, Ryland has led BIM implementation on major national and international projects such as the 300,000 SF Old Main Post Office historic conversion in Chicago, IL. He also shepherded the implementation of digital design practices at such notable firms as Eskew Dumez Ripple and served in Shanghai as the Design Technology manager across Gensler’s eight offices in the dynamic Asia region.

Ryland is a firm-wide resource at OTJ and a frequent lecturer on BIM strategy. He has collaborated with our teams on the delivery of a Global Hospitality Leader’s Headquarters and a Life Sciences Hub buildout in the Bay Area. In addition to BIM, Ryland regularly leads workshops on design as well as the quality assurance/quality control process. Ryland is a licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional. He graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Architecture from the University of Southern California.

Sam approaches all interior design projects with both creativity and a high degree of technical proficiency. Her enthusiasm for collaboration fosters unique opportunities for the exchange of ideas between all members of the design team, while her expertise in critical thinking facilitates communication and the decision-making process.

Sam is a passionate workplace strategist, driven by an instinct to put people at the center of design solutions. She measures the success of her projects by their ability to increase productivity, creativity, and the quality of each individual’s work life. Sam holds a Bachelor’s of Science in Design and Environmental Analysis from Cornell University. She has served as workplace designer and strategist for the Washington, DC offices of the National Democratic Institute, Media Matters for America, and the Credit Union National Association.

Samantha’s design work factors both precedent and future business requirements into bespoke environments noted equally for their aesthetic value and functionality. She thrives in a collaborative, collegial atmosphere where group thinking challenges assumptions and results in solutions that accelerate organizational objectives. Samantha also excels at gaining a deep understanding of her clients’ cultural dynamics to arrive at uniquely tailored interior solutions that maximize the value of each real estate investment.

Samantha is committed to bringing creative direction to life by ensuring that her projects are delivered on time and on-budget. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Wentworth Institute of Technology. Recently she has served as Designer on several projects such as Mei Mei and Ipsen Biosciences as well as National Development and VIDA Fitness located in multiple locations.

As Strategic Partnerships Director for our newly formed Dallas office, Sara brings passion, drive, and a deep understanding of the local commercial real estate market to bear on the development of trust-based relationships with clients spanning the corporate, multi-family, retail, hospitality, mixed-use, as well as cultural and performing arts sectors. A maven and consummate connector, Sara works to pair clients with design teams uniquely suited to the realization of business and human objectives.

Sara graduated from Texas State University in San Marcos with a Bachelor’s degree in Mass Communications and a focus in Public Relations. Sara serves on the Board of Trustees for Shearith Israel and on the Young Leadership Board for the Jewish Federation of Greater Dallas. When she is not active at work or in her community, Sara can be found sweating it out at The Bar Method or Orangetheory Fitness.

Sara is a noted professional who has been instrumental in the design and delivery of over two million square feet of workplace, retail, hospitality and lifestyle, aviation, and higher education interiors in New York City and the surrounding region. Her portfolio includes workplaces for such notable clients as American Airlines, BlackRock, Citi, Discovery, and the Studio Museum of Harlem to name a few. With a classical foundation in the arts, Sara fuses all elements of a space together to arrive at solutions that are cohesive, functional, and of high aesthetic value.

Sara thrives in a collaborative atmosphere where the open exchange of ideas results in design solutions that challenge the status quo and propel business forward. She excels at developing concepts that adeptly enhance the end-user workplace experience while conforming to even the strictest budgetary and scheduling requirements. Sara is also committed to nurturing the next generation of design talent. She finds fulfillment in teaching and sharing industry knowledge with her younger colleagues as she helps them grow and mature as professionals. Sara received a Bachelor of Fine Art, Environmental Interior Design, from Syracuse University.

Sarah artfully balances a detail-driven approach to architecture with the capacity to complete multiple complex projects with competing deadlines without compromise to budget, schedule, or design integrity. Throughout her career, Sarah has been involved in each phase of design, construction, documentation preparation, and construction administration. Sarah asks incisive questions to gain a comprehensive understanding of her clients’ needs and develops recommendations that are both innovative and functional.

Sarah’s recent projects include the offices of Americans for the Arts, the Bank-Fund Staff Federal Credit Union, and the Westory office building in Washington, DC. An active member of the Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP), she was honored with its 2015 DC|MD REEL Member of the Year Award. Sarah received a Bachelor’s of Fine Arts in Interior Design from James Madison University and a Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech. She cites the colors, detailing, and playfulness of Luis Barragán as well as the clean lines and meditative, life-giving spaces of Peter Zumthor as key influences on her design aesthetic.

A craftsperson at heart, Sharissa thrives in the creative environment of the architectural industry where she can leverage her graphic talent and strategic mind frame to deliver winning collateral in support of OTJ’s rapid expansion. As the mother of three children, Sharissa has been called upon to master the art of multi-tasking – a skill that serves her well as a manager on our fast-paced marketing team.

Sharissa draws inspiration and satisfaction from her ability to envision the outcome of a project from the onset of the first client deliverable – proposals, qualifications, and presentations that will ultimately translate into holistic built solutions where people from all background can do their best, most rewarding work. Sharissa earned a Bachelor of Arts in Communication from Rutgers University where she became a member of Zeta Phi Beta Sorority, Inc. Sharissa also holds a Master of Science in Marketing from Temple University. A champion of Agility, Integrity, Partnership, and Positivity, Sharissa was the recipient of our Core Value Award in 2021.

Stacey is a dynamic interior designer who embraces a hands-on, collaborative approach. Her industry experience spans the full design and project management scope for commercial corporate workplace and retail environments. Stacey’s many enduring client relationships are a testament to the consultative value and leadership she brings to bear on each of her projects.

Stacey has led her teams in the design of over a hundred retail banks for JP Morgan Chase across the New York and Mid-Atlantic region. A recent transplant from New York City, Stacey holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Syracuse University and remains a diehard Orange basketball fan!

Steve is a highly collaborative designer who enjoys a long professional history of trust-based relationships. Steve partners with stakeholders and consultants from the onset of each project to ensure that the built space supports his client’s objectives well into the future. He is a noted problem solver, adept at balancing financial imperatives without compromising the integrity or quality of his designs.

With over 35 years of experience, Steve specializes in projects spanning culture and the performing arts, libraries, educational institutions, as well as commercial and corporate headquarters, sports and fitness facilities, and the hospitality sector. He most recently led OTJ’s transformation of the Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, in Washington, DC, and is now at work on the design of The Milken Center for Advancing the American Dream. Steve received his Bachelor’s of Architecture degree from Syracuse University.

With over 20 years of experience in interior architecture and design, Susan is noted for the successful delivery of exacting projects across the commercial, government, and banking sectors. Susan is committed to translating business objectives into high performance environments by guiding her clients through the programming, space planning, and conceptual design phases. She fosters a collaborative approach with all stakeholders to ensure that projects are brought to fruition on time and on budget.

A versatile professional with a diverse skillset and an agile mindset, Susan has worked on a wide range of projects for an equally broad range of end users. Her portfolio includes projects such as Boeing, Cushman & Wakefield, JPMorgan Chase, and Tenax Aerospace. Susan holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Design and Architecture from the Academy of Art University.

As Director of Design, Tamara works to inspire her teams in the development of ever more creative solutions to the challenges of a post Covid corporate landscape. She draws on a passion for sustainability and wellness as well as an undergraduate degree in biology to explore how human form and performance can be influenced by acoustics, ergonomics, and the broader environment, built or unbuilt. Committed to the integrity of her design work and to environmental stewardship, Tamara is noted for her ability to connect people to the spaces they inhabit while ensuring a superlative client experience from kickoff to closeout.

Tamara holds an AAS in Interior Design from Parsons School of Design I The New School. An award-winning designer and sought-after speaker on the topic of future workplaces, Tamara has led the design and delivery of workplaces for such notable clients as Moody’s, Fenwick, and Medium to name a few. Tamara is a Canada native and former NCAA athlete whose cold-weather roots continue to inform her extracurricular activities. When not venturing onto ice or snow, Tamara can be found cheering for the Toronto Maple Leafs or courtside at the US Open.

Noted for her ability to artfully align the objectives of even the most diverse stakeholders, Tamra is a relationship-minded design professional who works throughout each project’s life cycle to build consensus and exceed client objectives. Tamra is a passionate advocate for the ability of the built environment to positively impact the health and wellbeing of its occupants while also advancing best practices in environmental stewardship. She leverages extensive experience in the medical and workplace sectors to arrive at interior solutions that are both contemporary and high performing.

Tamra is a graduate of Texas A&M University where she received a Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Design. In addition to being the recipient of numerous design awards, Tamra’s work has been featured in leading trade publications such as Interior Design Magazine. A sampling of Tamra’s recently completely projects includes New Jersey’s Jefferson Cherry Hill Hospital Expansion, Riverside Walter Reed Hospital in Gloucester, VA, as well as the King Faisal Specialist Hospital in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia to name a few.

Tara is committed to the design of interior workplace environments that are both functional and inventive. An avid collaborator throughout the design process, she is guided by a deep understanding of client objectives, which then get translated into budget-savvy solutions. Tara is an integral member of the design team, working to ensure that the design intent for each of her projects is fully realized from inception to close-out.

With a keen eye for pattern and detail, Tara expands upon schematic concepts to deliver enduring spaces that artfully balance function and aesthetics while supporting the requirements of even the most diverse stakeholder groups. Tara holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Rochester Institute of Technology. Her most recent project, Visitation Hotel, is a mixed-use development that builds on New Urbanism concepts.

Thomas attributes his early vocation as an architect to the influence of his two grandfathers: One a carpenter and the other an engineer. Today, Thomas is a technical architect and sustainability advocate with expertise in commercial offices, laboratory interiors, lifestyle and hospitality projects, as well as multi-family residential developments. An innovative architect with a keen eye for design, Thomas leverages his in-depth understanding of the permitting process to realize each of his clients’ vision on-time and on-budget.

Thomas is also an early adopter of the visualization advancements that are reshaping our industry – an arsenal of tools which he sensibly deploys to facilitate confident decision making and the seamless transfer of information amongst consultants. A “double husky,” Thomas holds both an undergraduate and a Master’s degree in Architecture from Northeastern University.

Tony is a technical architect adept at incorporating adaptive reuse strategies and innovative design solutions for contractor, government, medical, developer, and corporate clients. Tony’s portfolio of work totals several millions of square feet and includes projects for of the Department of State Overseas Buildings, the National Institute of Health’s Division of Neurosciences, the National Capital Planning Commission, and the Department of Justice’s Executive Office for Immigration Review.

Tony serves on the board of several community service organizations including the Fairfax County South’s Land Use Committee and the Architectural Review Boards for Lorton Station and Laurel Hill. A LEED Accredited Professional, Tony is also a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB). Tony holds a Master’s degree in Architecture from Texas A & M University.

Trisha is a critical thinker whose design work is fueled by the power of human connectivity. Noted for her humor and enthusiasm, Trisha embraces the iterative push and pull of the design process to arrive at solutions that reflect each of her client’s unique brand and persona.

A proud Hokie, Trisha holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design from Virginia Tech. Recent project work includes 3141 Fairview Park Drive building repositioning, as well as the DFS Headquarters.

Vanessa approaches each project with a singular commitment to realizing her client’s objectives through a powerful conjunction of strategic investigation and bespoke design solutions that challenge preconceived notions of space and functionality while mitigating the risks associated with construction. With a rigorous focus on deadline adherence and open channels of communication, Vanessa nurtures a collaborative dialogue that lends a voice to even the most diverse stakeholder groups and consultant teams. Her diverse cultural, professional, and academic background informs her unique perspective and allows her to think at a variety of scales.

Vanessa has worked with such clients as AXINN, Enviva, VIDA Fitness, Bristol-Myers Squibb, and Skanska. She holds a Master of Architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & University and a Bachelor of General Studies in Urban Planning from the University of Michigan.

Venkat is committed to the development of streamlined architectural solutions that translate into high efficiency interior workplace environments. With a keen eye for pattern and detail, Venkat expands upon schematic concepts to deliver enduring spaces that artfully balance function and aesthetics while supporting the requirements of even the most diverse stakeholder groups.

A LEED-accredited Technical Designer, Venkat specializes in industrial architecture, ground-up development, and interior renovations for commercial properties, retail spaces, and corporate offices. His recent projects include multiple retail branches of JP Morgan Chase Bank throughout the mid-Atlantic area, the corporate offices of NextGen Healthcare, and the Viasat Headquarters in Carlsbad, California. Venkat holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Memphis.