Perspectives.
Insights.
Results.
0
%
The people of KGD bring a wide diversity of perspectives, experiences, and backgrounds to every project. Genuine collaboration with communities, clients, and partners comes naturally.
Our unique perspectives spark unique questions. And unique answers.
AIA, NCARB
Chris Gordon is a founding principal and a co-President of KGD Architecture. He is sought after as a resource and leader in a housing design. He is passionate about answering the urgent call for creating housing in urban communities. His comprehensive approach and leadership, from concept through operations, shape high-performance buildings, elevating places, transforming lives, and creating homes for people.
He has spoken on Urban Land Institute and housing association panels sharing his expertise in affordable housing nationally. He served on a county task force that designed standards for the new Form Based Code overlay along a three-mile corridor at Columbia Pike in Arlington, Virginia.
For 25+ years, Chris Gordon has been building with his partners a collaborative practice committed to design excellence, resulting in innovative projects informed by sustainable design principles, and making a difference in the lives of their users.
Outside the architectural studio, Chris has a myriad of interests - from photography to golfing, but his millwork shop seems to be his favorite place for a passtime.
Manoj Dalaya, FAIA the founding principal of KGD, a co-President and an artist at heart. He leads the creation of complex projects that foster connections between people and their environment, enhancing a sense of relationship to – and membership in – a meaningful community. Across national borders, industries, interest groups, and design styles, Dalaya’s projects are not only resource efficient, but they also enhance the well-being and productivity of those who live and work in and around the built environment.
Dalaya’s approach is rooted in the belief that while logic and planning can serve as the foundation for collaboration in the design process, artistic intention is essential for delivering a distinctive project. His leadership inspires clients worldwide to embrace resiliency, innovation, and artistry in projects that range from master plans for mixed use developments and corporate campuses, new office and multi-family residential building, adaptive reuse, and corporate interiors projects.
Among numerous awards for individual projects throughout his career, he was also recognized in 2018 by AIA Virginia with the Distinguished Achievement Award. In addition to his leadership as Principal at KGD Architecture, Manoj served as the President of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter in 2021 and served in leadership roles with the Chapter as Design Awards Chair and member of the Board. Presently, Manoj serves on the Rosslyn Urban Design Committee of Arlington, Virginia, and the Development Process Advisory Committee of Fairfax County, Virginia, and is currently a member of AIA Documents Committee.
He lends his architectural and real estate expertise to several Washington, DC, metropolitan area urban development committees and to architecture and real estate students at local universities.
Manoj is NCARB, LEED® AP, AICP, CCCA, CCS -certified.
AIA, LEED® AP, NCARB
The inquisitive and forward-looking approach is key to Ben’s leadership and the firm's people-oriented design process. As a founding principal of the firm, Ben served as president until 2016, and now stays committed with leadership and growth of the firm working with the Co-Presidents. His dedication to excellence in architecture is reflected in his ongoing involvement in educational, public service and professional organizations.
Ben offers more than four decades of design and management experience. His wealth of knowledge extends from masterplanning to architecture and interiors for a variety of building types, including mixed-use developments, corporate headquarters, hotel, and retail design, as well as academic buildings.
A graduate of the Harvard University Graduate School of Design, Ben is a globetrotter, an epicure, a fan of the Beatles, and an aesthete. Ben knows where to find the best food in town and loves sharing his passions for high cuisine with others.
Associate AIA
Henry is a design principal with expertise in residential, institutional, and corporate projects. He has almost 30 years of design, planning and management experience, and his work at KGD spans 20 years and includes numerous award-winning projects. Significant projects include the Transurban Operation Center that received a Northern Virginia AIA Juror’s Citation Award, and the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation Headquarters in Dulles, Virginia that was recognized by the Signatures of Loudoun Awards. Henry prides himself on remaining involved in projects from inception through final delivery. He is skilled in both concept design and construction detailing to provide the necessary leadership through the entire architectural process. Henry is an excellent listener and weaves the client’s goals with design excellence and technical knowledge to guide bespoke solutions for every project. Drawing and painting have always been a passion of his, and he views architecture as the perfect blend of art and function. When not working, Henry enjoys coaching his kids in basketball and soccer, and playing an occasional round of golf. Henry received a Master of Architecture degree from Washington University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia.
AIA, LEED® AP
Tom Donaghy, a Principal and a Shareholder of KGD, is driven by creating legacies for the community and future generations. Tom brings an exceptional ability to foster an engaging design dialogue among project stakeholders. When asked what kind of projects he likes to be working on the most, his response is the complex ones which require major problem solving. He thrives on working with clients on large urban mixed-use, hospitality, as well as energy and infrastructure projects. All of his projects strive to achieve both a sense of place and a quality of space, as he sees these elements most notably affecting the lives of people who live, work and play there.
Noteworthy examples of success from this design approach include several hotels, including Kimpton Belleview in Denver, currently under construction, and Elizabeth Square which won the national NAIOP Niche Development Design Competition for Senior Living, on schedule to complete in 2023.
Whether debating design ideas, or making his favorite beef jerky - he takes his time and cares about the process - no matter how long it takes, until it’s fully baked. He also loves enthralling himself into a rock and jazz fusion on a Saturday night playing his favorite guitar.
Larry Henderson is KGD’s Interiors Director and the firm’s newest Associate Principal. A graduate of Temple University in Philadelphia with a Bachelor’s of Science in Architecture, Larry found himself gravitating more towards interior materials and methods, detail development, and space planning, rather than base building architecture. Since a young age, Larry’s design gene has been prominent. As a comics creator in his adolescence, Larry has always believed that developing a meaningful story was as equally important as the beautiful imagery that supports it. He brought this belief with him into his professional career. Throughout his body of work ranging from projects with the US Military, Museum and Cultural, Corporate Commercial, US Embassies and to the renovation of 800,000 sf of Astrazeneca campus, he is a storyteller. The spaces Larry designs are a direct reflection of end users' vision, business drivers, and the story they want to tell their marketplace.
Larry is a melomane. You can spot his family over the weekend listening to the live musical performance en plein air. In the privacy of his home, he introduces his young son to the original vinyls from the 1920’ and 30’.
RA, NCARB
Bunthit (“Eddy”), the Firm’s first hire in 1998, now heads the Bangkok office of KGD Architecture. Eddy received his education and the Architectural license in the United States. Eddy returned to Thailand to open KGD Architecture’s branch office in 2011. Presently, he oversees the International Studio of KGD. In addition to leading area markets and local projects, Eddy continues to be an important part of the larger Firm’s operations as a licensed architect, a member of our Quality Assurance / Quality Control program, part of the Firm’s Standards Committee and a leader of KGD’s IT Team.
AIA, NCARB, CDT, CSI, CCCA
Alex has joined KGD after graduating from Virginia Polytechnic Institute + State University. She has been a key member of the firm for 15+ years. Her recent promotion to a Senior Project Manager is the recognition of her success leading the Elizabeth Square project since 2014 – the 3 phased high-rise development in the heart of Silver Spring. Alex has proven to be a skillful Project Manager on this complex project, which involves many different government agencies, private developers, local community organizations, and specialty consultants. Known for exceptional communication skills, which work hand-in-hand with her determination and perseverance to fully understand and meet client expectations, she has worked with developers, non-profit, and private sector clients on projects ranging from speculative office buildings to multi-family residential, including the JBG’s prominent residential tower in National Landing, VA. Beyond Alex’s direct professional responsibilities, she leads multiple company’s initiatives contributing to building the company culture of excellence.
When not building staffing charts, Alex uses her precision and organizational skills to bake or work in the garden. She remembers each KGD team member's favorite cookie type!
Jacobi is an essential part of all major Firm projects as Building Information Modeling (BIM) Manager, overseeing the establishment of standards and actively following progress and changes to the software and BIM community. Jacobi has recently overseen the modeling for the highly secure 400,000 sf corporate campus, an endeavor that required a dozen linked models created by multiple disciplines from structure to MEP to security.
Jacobi’s aptitude for software and organization identified him as a natural leader to integrate this emerging technology into our day-to-day practice. Jacobi has been recognized as an Senior Associate at KGD Architecture for his contribution. Additionally, his efforts on the Firm’s IT environment are essential to the office’s day-to-day functionality.
AIA, LEED® Green Associate
In a decade with KGD, Leah has succeeded as designer and project architect in preserving design integrity on a wide range of project types and scales – from interior design on large FFRDC, including the Aerospace Corporation, and a new 401-unit urban infill project, such as TROVE along the Columbia Pike corridor of Arlington. Leah leads an Education Committee at KGD by constantly engaging young professionals within the firm and providing them with valuable learning programs.
In her spare time, Leah practices pilates, or retreats in her ceramics studio. She also thinks knitting is her way to meditate.
AIA, LEED® AP BD+C
Aileen's hospitality projects span from North Carolina to New Jersey and as far west as Colorado. An architect with three decades of experience, she has worked with and pushed the limits of brand standards and prototypes in designing hotels for Marriott, Hilton, Starwood, Hyatt, Intercontinental and Choice franchisees. Aileen is a strong advocate for resilient hotel design. She was instrumental in the LEED® Gold certification of the Fairfield Inn and Suites Baltimore Inner Harbor – the first for the Fairfield Inn brand and the first hotel in Baltimore to achieve the certification. Owners and developers appreciate Aileen’s thoughtful project approach from initiation and feasibility, through the entitlement process, design, construction and occupancy.
A believer that all stakeholders benefit when a hotel is well integrated into the community and local culture, Aileen is active in the Urban Land Institute and is a member of the Technical Assistance Panel (TAP) committee and active in the Women’s Leadership Initiative (WLI). Aileen is a keen artist. When inspiration visits, she retreats to her home studio to create beautiful paintings on silk.
Peg runs the firm’s financial, accounting functions and payroll services. She stands by a motto: “Watch the pennies and the dollars will take care of themselves”. She also manages the firm’s benefits, and assures compliance of our policies and procedures.
Her professional strengths and meticulousness to details drives her personal interests. In her leisure, she enjoys making cards and scrapbooks, calligraphy and drawings. She is presently taking classes for stained glass.
AIA, LEED® AP
Stephen is a Director of KGD’s Science & Technology and Education practice. He thrives on solving challenges of designing high-performing, flexible facilities capable of adapting to the evolving research landscape. He works across disciplines to design projects that enhance each client’s mission and attract top talent.
With 20+ years experience in the profession with highly reputable firms, Stephen’s joining KGD enriched our team with the invaluable knowledge in corporate, commercial, science/tech, mixed-use, higher education, K-12, programming, and master-planning projects.
Throughout his career, he has collaborated with and led successful design teams for numerous award-winning projects. He continues developing the firm’s design culture by spearheading the research initiatives and mentoring younger design staff.
Stephen’s most used phrase is “I have an idea!” and he surely knows how to implement those.
AIA, NCARB
Tess brings creative energy to every project she works on. She is experienced in all phases of design and across a variety of project types, specializing in multifamily residential. With a strong concentration of her work in Arlington County, she is familiar with the process of achieving approval of outstanding architecture under rigorous Form Based codes. Tess enjoys a client-focused approach to design and finds fulfillment in creating an inspiring environment. She sees the importance of every phase of a project and appreciates maintaining an active role from start to finish.
Tess and her young family draw their strength from nature. They never miss a weekend to get into their boat and enjoy the Potomac River, or hit a trail in Shenandoah to marvel at the views.
AIA
Marium joined the KGD team as a project designer shortly after completing her Masters in Architecture degree from the Virginia Polytechnic Institute + State University. During her time at KGD Marium has quickly honed her design skills, and advanced from working on conceptual designs to developing comprehensive design plans of complex projects. Most recently, Marium has worked on a conceptual design for the global headquarters of the biotech company Novavax. The conceptual design is the recipient of the 2021 AIA Northern Virginia Design Award. Marium is particularly proud of her involvement in the design of the Institute of Defense Analyses new headquarters. The building incorporates anti-terrorism force protection standards while set in a mixed-use environment. The experience Marium gained from working on these two large-scale projects enriched her with the thorough understanding of the intricacies of the Science and Technology secured campuses.
A voracious reader, a fan of the Harry Potter series, Marium has a talent to apply her magic wand to the designs with which she is challenged.
IIDA, LEED® Green Associate
Li Li brings over a decade of experience designing Corporate, Multifamily Residential and Hospitality projects. Focused on conceptual scheme, space planning and FF+E Specification, Li also has extensive experience in custom design, artwork consulting and construction administration. Li has overseen a number of complex projects from design through construction and understands the importance of a project lead staying intimately involved throughout the duration of a project to ensure project success. Li makes client satisfaction her top priority and is committed to deliver exceptional design and custom service to each client and project.
Li never stops learning new trends and technology. In her spare time, Li enjoys art, history, music, and fitness. She also volunteers with Make-a-Wish Foundation and enjoys working with those in need.
Since joining the firm over 5 years ago, Nia has learned quickly to navigate through the residential and multifamily markets of the DMV area. She led the Construction Administration on the recently completed Delta Towers multifamily project in Washington, DC, while working simultaneously as a designer on the Westminster Church Living project, and Phase II of the Elizabeth Square development. She is using her skills to develop inventive designs with focus ranging on the smallest interior details to the exterior facade design. Nia, a graduate of Howard University, was a participant of “Design like a Girl” program with District Architecture Center, mentoring the young female architects through navigation of the intricacies of architecture and engineering.
Nia enjoys going to the museums, or random pop ups within DC, music festivals, and she thinks that planning the trips, and anticipation of a journey might be as exhilarating as the travel itself.
RA, LEED® AP
Kevin Pennington, a 30- year industry veteran, brings passion for great architecture and strong leadership to all his work in science and technology, residential and healthcare sectors. His technical knowledge of commercial and residential developments spans across all phases of a project, and his passionate and energetic attitude is an inspiration to the younger staff. Kevin never stops seeking opportunities where his extensive experience and expertise can be applied to create inspiring built environments for our clients. Most recently, Kevin has served as a Senior Architect on the highly secure headquarters for Institute for Defense Analyses in Potomac Yard, VA, and a Project Manager on multi-phased development Elizabeth Square in Silver Spring, MD.
Estrella has been responsible for the development of many conceptual designs during her 10+ years affiliation with KGD. She understands the importance of a collaborative process, and works closely with clients and consultants to respond to each project’s unique challenges and maintain design intent from concept through construction. She places great value on contextual architecture in the development of façades and elevations for her multiple multi-residential projects, which include among others Delta Towers in Washington, DC, an affordable senior housing building; Centro Arlington, a mixed-use design that anchors redevelopment on Columbia Pike and provides both housing and public green space to its residents; and Columbia Hills, the first new housing development approved by Arlington County under the new Neighborhood Form Based Code, a winner of 2019 ULI Excellence in Affordable Housing Award. Estrella has also been a designer on the Office Building of the Future, a winner of AIA Northern Virginia Award of Merit in 2014.
Estrella lives with her young family in Seville, Spain. She graduated with a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Seville before coming to the US where she started working with KGD. She devotes all of her free time to travel with her family and the outdoors, as she is an avid bike rider.
*Estrella is an independent contractor for KGD.
Nina has always been passionate about conveying the design by means of Architectural Visualization. Led by her passion, throughout the years, she has been involved in a wide array of interior projects at KGD, she proved herself as a motivated and passionate 3D renderer with great ability to develop high quality visualizations, and a knack of quickly understanding a projects mission, vision and values.
In her free time, Nina likes to play tennis, and go for long walks with my family and their 2 dogs. She enjoys exploring different places and cuisine, and usually spending the weekends traveling.
*Nina is an independent contractor for KGD.
AIA, LEED® AP BD+C
Iffat enjoys the challenge of deciphering and solving complex design issues and is passionate about the art of building. Originally from Bangladesh, Iffat received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from Bangladesh University of Engineering and Technology before moving to the United States to pursue a Master of Science in Architecture from Louisiana State University. She brings 20+ years of experience working in many project roles for various building types, including education, transportation, public, mission critical, hospitality and residential, and interior renovation projects.
Iffat is a talented photographer with a keen eye for details and colors. She is taking exquisite photos with her professional camera and Google Pixel alike.
AIA
Joe brought a wealth of construction administration knowledge to KGD. Serving as a Construction Manager and Project Manager in the real estate development industry for 40+ years made Joe a trusted leader, problem solver, and respected representative on any construction site he visits. Joe has an impeccable track record of success managing budgets, ensuring quality and safety, and fostering relationships with all project stakeholders: owners, developers, architects, and contractors. His extensive technical knowledge of construction practices, building codes, and local requirements makes him a trusted advisor to KGD and our clients.
Fun fact about Joe is that he has both US and Italian citizenship. He loves going back to his second home at least once a year when he misses a good bowl of pasta paired with a glass of Barolo.
AIA
Ryan is a creative project designer and a licensed architect, has always enjoyed exploring complicated design issues with innovative and practical solutions, particularly working on Multi-Family, Mixed-Use, Hospitality and Healthcare projects. With his persistent pursuit of details, underpinned by his Revit proficiency, Ryan is fully engaged in project development from conceptual design through production phase. His strengths lay in generating key concepts for the project, organizing the spatial program and circulation pattern starting at the master plan stage and throughout finalization of interior layouts. Ryan is particularly skilled in visualizing design schemes by means of digital modeling, renderings and presentation graphics.
Ryan’s profession is also his passion. Outside the studio he enjoys creating and admiring visual arts, and doesn’t miss an opportunity to explore new places.
Gene Hay is originally from Brooklyn, New York and moved to the DC area from Florida in 2010. He graduated from Andrews University with both his Bachelors and Masters in Architecture. Gene is an architectural designer with 14 years of experience, with the past 4 of those years focused towards multifamily residential and mixed-use design. Spent early years designing golf course clubhouses, urban community/ recreation centers, and small commercial interiors. While also helping lead projects through schematic and design development, construction documents, to construction administration. He is skilled in the latest versions of REVIT, AutoCAD, ArchiCAD, and Adobe Photoshop. Gene is passionate for community outreach, steam related programming for youth, the New York Yankees, Giants, Knicks and Arsenal FC. During his time outside of the office Gene is a reader, a writer, a runner, and a struggling guitar player.
AIA, NCARB, PMP
Patrick brings to KGD 15+ years of design experience. He has successfully completed hospitality, commercial, multifamily residential projects. The reach of his work spans across Mid-Atlantic and as far west as Phoenix, AZ. A graduate from UC Berkeley, with the masters from Yale University, Patrick has a deep experience of working on projects of varying scales and disciplines including commercial, institutional and residential projects.
A San Diego native, Patrick enjoys the outdoors. Surfing, cycling, golfing and running are his favorite pastimes.
CDT
Brian, who has been with KGD over a decade, is valued for his technical proficiency. He routinely performs Construction Contract Administration duties including Field Observations, Quality Control and Building Conflict Resolution. His experience allows him to assist with production work, research and drawings pertaining to appropriate project milestones. Brian has worked to develop Quality Control and Office Standards to encourage an efficient office working environment and is on the Firm’s Standards Committee. As an experienced studio veteran, Brian always makes an effort to encourage and motivate young individuals to pursue personal and professional goals.
Bruno is an emerging leader at the KGD studio. He joined the firm over 6 years ago with prior Construction Administration experience. His real world construction knowledge contributed to his highly detailed designs. Bruno’s sector experience ranges from Religious Institutions, K-12 to Multifamily, both market-rate and affordable. And most recently, he has been involved in his first hospitality project - the Bingham Hotel & Residences in Arlington, VA.
Being as passionate about architecture as he is, Bruno spends his spare time advancing the architect’s profession through his involvement with LA IDEA DC which is aimed at integrating Latin American design professionals into the architecture field and engaging the broader community.
As an Architectural Designer, Karen is building her experience in the multi-family housing and higher education sectors of our practice. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Michigan and a Masters in Architecture from University of Pennsylvania.
Karen has worked with archaeologists at an ancient Greek city Notion, presently Turkey. When she isn't designing, she can be found at the pottery studio or outside running, hiking, or camping.
Noah graduated with a Bachelors degree in Interior Architecture & Design from the Academy of Art University in San Francisco, California. His passion for design was evident at a very early age as drawings of building interiors and cityscapes were prevalent in his elementary school artwork. His medium changed rapidly over the years from crayons and markers, to pencil, charcoal, and various architectural software. Noah is enthusiastic about his burgeoning career at KGD where he works diligently with his colleagues on projects, refining his skills in product and sustainable design, client cultivation, as well as residential and commercial interior architecture.
When not in the office, he enjoys playing tennis, creating portraits in color pencil, and traveling.
Jenna Hassan is a Marketing Coordinator at KGD Architecture. She is a recent graduate from Lynn University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing. Jenna has a passion for marketing and digital media. She is an ambitious and creative thinker that is always willing to take on a challenge. Jenna thrives on working in a fast pace, goal-oriented, and positive work environment.
Liz is a Virginia Tech architecture alum with 3 years of post-grad experience. She has worked on a variety of project types including, but not limited to Multifamily housing, Federal and State Projects, and Single-Family Housing. She is LEED Green Associate certified and enjoys working with her team and clients to develop design concepts and to strategize building constructability.
Raised in Chicago, she has been a food and adventure enthusiast since her childhood. In her free time, you can find her trying out new restaurants or exploring the culture of different cities. Currently, she's on a mission to visit every US National Park.
Hana is a graduate from Marymount University, with a Master’s FA in interior design and a BA in graphic design. With more than 6 years of experience in Workplace Interiors and hospitality. Hana has worked on medium to large scale multifamily housing, hotels, and boutique hotels. Offering numerous skillsets in research, branding, conceptual design, and wayfinding focused design; programming and test fit: visually appealing functional space that communicate with the client as well as the end user; architectural and technical background on custom furniture, custom millwork, custom area rugs and carpet; documentation production from schematic design to final construction documents. When not working she enjoys outdoor walks, laughing, hanging out with friends & family, shopping, and have the power to hunt for shoes even if they’re sold on a different continent.
Basil is a graduate of Cornell University, receiving a Bachelor of Architecture in 2022. His thesis explored the role of design in the realm of cultural infrastructure and public space, as it relates to social cohesion and reconciliation efforts. This is research which extends from his personal interests in art, exhibition culture, and public history. His work reflects an appreciation for research, narrative, and the representation of design intent. Basil was raised in the United Arab Emirates, and as a newcomer to DC, he’s excited to explore all the museums it offers.
Matt is a designer and a conditional artist with an educational background in interiors. He is intrigued by the relationship between concepts and space and the impact of interiors environments on human experience. Matt is inspired by everyday moments of art that serve as an undertone of wonder into our relationship with the natural and built landscapes. He is interested in workplaces and communal spaces in relation to lifestyle.
Outside of professional practice you can find him being athletic, playing music, or on an artistic endeavor.
Alexandria “Alley” Caston is the Accounting Assistant at KGD. After 3 years as the Administrative Assistant at KGD, Alley went on to pursue opportunities for growth and received her Master of Science in Organizational Leadership from Trinity Washington University before circling back to KGD. Always looking for the next challenge, she plans to use her educational background of organizations to directly support the staff of KGD.
Aside from being the accounting assistant, Alley wears many other hats including mom, All-Star cheerleading coach, and crafter. She also enjoys reading, attending plays, and binge-watching cooking shows.
Ava graduated with a Bachelor's degree from Syracuse University School of Architecture. At KGD, she is building her experience base by working on a range of design projects in the science & technology and education sectors. Ava loves working alongside the other creative designers at KGD, and will often be found around the office gleaning professional pointers and learning from her peers. When she’s not in the office, she enjoys learning about and experiencing different local coffee shops, farmers markets, walking in the area parks and neighborhoods, and playing with her new puppy.
Ridhi is a proficient graduate from Virginia Tech where she completed her Bachelors in Architecture with a minor in Industrial Design. She is currently enhancing her professional experience by working on multi-family residential housing projects.
Having grown up in Dubai, she has been fascinated by the diverse development of the city and wishes to contribute to the architectural world. She is a hardworking architect always striving to spice up her work with splashes of creativity. When not at her design desk, she enjoys music and spends her spare time collaging and cooking.
MBA, LEED® AP O+M
Shane has a depth of experience in sustainable design and engineering. He has advised private entities, governments, and military leadership on the implementation of their energy conservation plans. Shane has designed, developed and integrated renewable energy technologies across private, commercial, and government clients. Shane has authored and presented at sustainability conferences in the U.S. and abroad. He is the Secretary of Engineers Without Borders - Washington DC Professional Chapter where he helps lead a team of 300+ engineers on three separate infrastructure projects that span three continents. At KGD, Shane is instrumental in facilitating the certification of projects under LEED and other rating systems. He also supports fulfilling the requirements for Green Building Codes.He is skillful at analyzing current Building Energy Performance Standards and helping with compliance of existing assets to meet these standards.
Anbar is an Iranian Lebanese American. She received her Bachelor’s in Architecture and Environmental Design from Morgan State University (Baltimore City, Maryland) and Master’s in Architecture from Cornell University (Ithaca, New York). An emerging project designer, her varying interests are centered around equality, human justice, and diversity. In both her professional and personal life, she aims to achieve change for the better by constantly asking questions and proposing alternative approaches to established methods. Outside of the office, Anbar enjoys spending time with her family, friends and four cats, caring for her plants, managing her travel plans, organizing volunteer events, and capturing precious moments with her film camera.
William is an IT Specialist and is responsible for overseeing day-to-day support of the KGD staff regarding computer related issues. William brings a wide assortment of experience to the KGD IT team and works closely with the IT team leadership to ensure that the Firm’s IT environment runs smoothly.
Prior to KGD, William worked for the US Army at the Pentagon as part of the IMCEN support team where he was assigned to the Assistant Secretary of the Army for Acquisitions Logistics and Technology (ASAALT), as well as the Office of the General Counsel. William also has worked at the National Cancer Institute (NCI) for The National Institutes of Health and the Nuclear Regulatory Commission where he served as the network operations manager.
Away from the Firm, William is an accomplished musician and multi-instrumentalist (violin, viola, piano and guitar) and teaches music theory for his mother’s award-winning piano studio in Alexandria.
Cassandra is KGD’s Marketing Manager. She brings 15+ years experience working in the AEC industry with 5+ years experience practicing marketing for architectural firms. Being a graduate of the Masters in Architecture program from the NewSchool of Architecture, in addition to the Bachelors of Business Administration degree program from Eastern Michigan University, makes her a valuable member of the KGD marketing team. Her eye for design paired with a business acumen greatly contribute to the marketing operations of our studio.
Her interests and hobbies include traveling, photography, art, architecture, woodworking, gardening and spending quality time with her teenage daughter.
Christine is an Assistant to the Finance Manager. She manages the firm's accounts payable, accounts receivables. She is making sure that administrative needs of the office are fulfilled. Everyone in the studio knows that when you want to get something done quickly and well - ask Christine. She is always on top of it!
Christine enjoys traveling, museums & exploring the city’s restaurant scene. She is always up for the next murder mystery series marathon.
As architectural designer, Elana brings creative energy to every project she works on. She enjoys a client-focused approach to design and finds fulfillment in creating inspiring environments. Elana sees the importance of every phase of a project and appreciates maintaining an active role on the project from start to finish.
Ishita is a determined, enthusiastic mind with a keen interest in multi-disciplinary fields such as research, design, visual studies, and arts. A graduate of Syracuse University with a Master of Science in Architecture she strives to link research and architectural design. She is highly motivated to learn new software tools and technology that aid the design process for contributing to the making of an efficient and human-centric design.
Along with Architecture she also has a BA in the Indian classical dance form of Kathak from Gandharva University, Mumbai, India. She often links elements of dance such as rhythm, flow, movement to her design thinking that is reflected in her academic projects.
As an interior designer, Julia is building her experience in the multi-family housing and office sectors of our practice. She graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design at Virginia Tech. She has previously worked on hospitality design and graphic design projects.
When she isn't designing, she enjoys illustration, dance classes, and discovering coffee shops.
