Yolanda is the Senior Principal and owner of Hickok Cole Architects, a large commercial architecture and interiors firm located in Washington, DC. She has over 25 years of base building and interior design experience in a variety of project types from large-scale, mixed-use developments to small commercial interiors, both around the world and in the region. She is widely recognized for her leadership in the region’s business community and for her work on many award-winning projects in the commercial/corporate, government, and institutional markets.

Prior to joining Hickok Cole Architects as a partner, Ms. Cole was a partner with Arlington-based LyrixDesign, which merged with Hickok’s firm to become Hickok Cole. LyrixDesign was one of the top 25 woman-owned and interior design firms in the region. She began her career with New York-based Kohn Pederson Fox Associates (KPF), where she was a senior designer of large-scale high-rise office buildings. While with KPF, Ms. Cole served as senior designer for the 1.2-million square-foot Chifley Tower in Sydney, Australia, where she lived for two years; and the award-winning Capital Cities/ABC headquarters in New York.

Bob Fox is a leader in the architecture and interior design

industry and is well respected for his open-minded and

innovative approach to workplace design.

In 2003, Bob founded FOX Architects, an award-winning

architecture and interior design firm focused on the

commercial office sector. His commitment and drive helped

position the firm in the forefront of workplace building

design and technology. Bob serves as a trusted advisor to

clients ensuring their strategic objectives and executive

expectations are achieved.

Seven years after starting FOX Architects, Bob launched

Work Design Magazine, a digital publishing company

dedicated to exploring the issues, innovations, and ideas

that shape the places we work. The magazine connects

workplace practitioners from around the world through

weekly content, webinars, and events. Today, readership

has grown internationally to more than 35,000 leaders,

architects, facility managers, dealers, end-users, and

consultants.

Bob possesses more than 30 years of experience, is an active

member of the design community, and speaks regularly at

industry events focused on the future of the workplace.

Powered by tenacity, Wendy Feldman Block, brings extensive experience working on a broad range of transactions in the Washington DC Metro area and beyond. She is an award-winning commercial real estate executive serving as an Executive Managing Director at Savills. Wendy is passionate about wellness in the workplace and was the first broker in the world to advise a client on achieving both WELL and LEED Platinum certifications. She is actively sought for her knowledge on the role of wellness in the workplace, all the more critical in the future post COVID world and has a new additional focus on ESG for tenants.

In her over her 30+ year career, Wendy has completed sales and leasing transactions totaling in excess of 12 million square feet. Wendy has been recognized multiple times as one of the top producers in the country and received numerous professional accolades. Wendy has represented many of the Washington DC region’s premier associations and corporations, and many of the nation’s leading 200 law firms. Notable recent clients include FINRA, Farmer Mac, the City of Alexandra, Pillsbury, Metropolitan Washington Airport Authority, and Carnegie Endowment for International Peace. She has been an active mentor to countless people in the commercial real estate industry and taken leadership roles at many organizations including CREW DC, Iona Senior Services, Round House Theatre, Higher Achievement, the Tikkun Olam Women’s Foundation, and the March of Dimes Heroines Program. Wendy has received several awards for her community engagement including CREBA’s Brendan McCarthy Award, Jewish Woman International - Woman to Watch, CREW’s Impact Award and the Julien J. Studley award which recognizes one recipient for their role in corporate social responsibility.

Erin McDannald, CEO and co-owner of Lighting Environments and its sister companies, Elevated and Environments, has guided clients throughout the entire lighting design and construction process for over two decades.

Trained as an interior designer, McDannald joined Baltimore’s New Design Light firm in the sales department in 2003 before becoming co-owner in 2009. Under her leadership, the company rebranded to Lighting Environments to reflect the company’s expansion into lighting technology offerings for all built environments. Honored as a 2022 Bisnow “Innovator of the Year” in commercial real estate, Erin is recognized as a top female leader in DC’s real estate field.

Now a pioneer for IoT (Internet of Things) integration and building and workplace management, McDannald is leading today’s workforce through powerful digital transformation with the Elevated™ app.

Elevated, a proprietary building management application, grants users unmatched access and awareness of their built environments. Elevated’s all-in-one interface supports interactive, engaging spaces and supports real estate ROI.

Environments is an IoT integrator and software development company offering full-scale adaptable solutions that support businesses from end-to-end, from energy management to health monitoring.

With every development and service, Erin McDannald and the Lighting Environments brands continue to innovate for spaces that are expertly designed, well-connected, and flexible for each user and occupant.

A real estate veteran with over 25 years of experience, Desa has developed commercial, mixed use and residential projects.

Beginning her career in community development, Desa led the transformation of long- vacant parcels in the riot-scarred 14th Street corridor, laying the foundation for its subsequent rebirth. In the private sector, she addressed similar issues at-scale, developing over $60 Million of affordable housing and mixed-use development. In the Public Sector, Desa served as Project Executive for complex, high profile developments. Currently through Gotham, she works with private, municipal and nonprofit clients to maximize the value and efficacy of their real estate holdings, increasing savings and generating additional revenues.

Desa is a former Obama appointee with the Public Building Service of the US General Services Administration. She holds a B.A. in Urban Studies from Brown University and a M.S. in Real Estate Development from Columbia University. She serves as the Chair of the Board of Trustees of the SEED School of DC and is a founding Director of City First Bank of DC.

For over 30 years, Barbara Mullenex has focused her career on people; an attribute that embodies the Perkins Eastman manifesto of Human by Design. Recognized by many for her unique contributions to hospitality, residential, mixed use and workplace projects, her professional legacy will be one of passion for mentorship, inclusion, growth and change. Barbara joined Perkins Eastman as a studio leader in Washington, DC in 2013 bringing with her an expertise in strategic planning, organizational strategy, talent development, and outcome based management for projects of all scales. In 2015, she joined the firm’s Board of Directors, and is now the Managing Principal in Washington, DC – Perkins Eastman’s second largest office. As a local and international leader, she is responsible for actively supporting and strengthening the firm’s mission and values through consistent communication and participation with clients, support organizations, and philanthropic associations.

Through her collaborative leadership approach, Barbara has maintained a focus on producing creative and innovative solutions for her clients. She builds inter- and intra- organization teams that effectively work together to share information, make decisions, and solve problems to achieve mutual goals. Barbara has lead the design and management of numerous high-profile projects for clients such as Marriot, WeWork WeLive, Global Holdings, and World Bank. From large, complex projects to the most intimately scaled spaces she brings clarity of vision, consistency of intent and focus on purpose.

In addition to her expansive portfolio of work, Barbara is committed to leadership through service and has been recognized for her philanthropic and community engagement. She serves on the Executive Committee and Membership Committee of the Federal City Council, is a member of the Economic Club of Washington DC, and the International Women’s Forum. In her commitment to bringing the arts into our daily discourse she has served on the Board on the National Symphony Orchestra and is currently Vice Chair of the Maryland Youth Ballet Board. She has earned service awards that include Washington Business Journal’s CEO Leadership in Philanthropy, and the Corporate Award from the March of Dimes Heroines in Technology. Guided by her passion for mentorship, Barbara has dedicated much of her career to fostering the growth of those around her. Whether participating in events such Learn From the Best with ULI Washington’s Young Leaders Group, or clearing a path for our work force’s next generation, her commitment to every individual’s personal and professional growth has made her the leader she is today.

Alyson’s approach to design enables cultural institutions to address new audiences while enhancing their buildings’ and sites’ essential character. She utilizes facilitation, graphic representation, and digital technology to develop solutions that make history and meaning tangible.

Alyson‘s pioneering work includes a vast portfolio of new and revitalized museums, landmark buildings, and sacred sites, as well as 21st-century advancements in the management and use of geospatial information for planning, design, and stewardship.

Alyson enjoys engaging and empowering diverse stakeholder groups to create authentic and inclusive experiences of shared cultural places – making these places stronger, more dynamic, and better connected to their communities.

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

Paola Moya is a Colombian-American entrepreneur, architect, and

creative innovator—serving as CEO and Creative Director of Moya Design

Partners (MOYA). She is widely recognized for her visionary leadership in

the areas of architecture, urban design, interiors, experiential and graphic

design, and communication strategies.

Background & Education

Born in Colombia, Paola moved to the U.S. at age 19. While supporting

her family, she completed both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in

Architecture at the Catholic University of America and later earned a

finance certification from Wharton’s Executive Education program.

Design & Entrepreneurial Leadership

In 2017, Paola founded Moya Design Partners to anchor design in social

purpose and innovative placemaking. As the firm’s CEO and Creative

Director, she sets strategic direction, fosters a collaborative culture, and

personally drives design outcomes across all projects.

Signature Projects & Social Impact

Paola’s portfolio includes impactful and highly visible Washington, DC

projects—like the adaptive reuse of the historic Howard Theatre, the new

Audi Field, home of the DC United soccer team, MGM National Harbor,

one of DC’s newest urban parks, Eastern Market Metro Park, Diane’s House

(affordable housing), the Downtown Day Services Center (a respite for

people experiencing homelessness), and the new DC Department of

General Services headquarters.

Recognition & Awards

Paola’s career is distinguished by numerous accolades:

• Power 100 Playmakers and Minority Business Leader of the Year by

Washington Business Journal

• Winner of the 2022 WAN Female Frontier Awards

• Her graduate thesis, honored by NOMA, was featured at the

UNsponsored World Humanitarian Summit

• Awards from AIA, NOMA, International Design Awards, and more

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

Sequoyah Hunter-Cuyjet is a culture cultivator with a unique

ability to breathe narrative into any design, giving voice to

community, people and places. With her diverse art and

culturally-rich background as well as her multidisciplinary

design experience, she is a multifaceted design professional

who can help partners address any project challenge.

Sequoyah has a Bachelors of Art in Liberal Arts from Sarah

Lawrence College—where she studied art, literature and

anthropology—as well as a Master of Fine Arts in Interior Design

from Moore College of Art + Design. She is the first Native

American to graduate from Moore’s MFA program and one of

the only Native American’s in the country to hold a MFA in

Interior Design. Boutique Magazine recognized her as a 2020

Boutique 18—a rising star in hospitality design.

As a designer, she has range—a range that comes from an

appreciation of various cultures and histories. She can design a

classical interior with the same ease as an austere modern one

because she values the experience of designing from a

reference rooted in something bigger. For Sequoyah, every style

and aesthetic have meaning and purpose—not one greater than

the other.

While she relishes the opportunity to push people to think out of

the box, she takes an honest, level-headed approach to

teamwork and leads with kindness and respect. She helps

teams effectively communicate to resolve disagreements and

make decisions—she keeps projects moving forward. She is an

agent of change who is passionate about advocacy and

providing quality design for underrepresented communities.

Sequoyah’s design process balances the beauty of art and

materiality with functional solutions. She is passionate about

championing diversity within the design profession and

providing all people access to interior design through design

equity. Sequoyah is determined to design for real people with

real world problems and uplift them through elevated spaces.

Martiena Schneller joined Hoffman & Associates in 2012, and as Senior Vice President of

Design, determines design and quality standards across the company’s portfolio and manages

the retail development division. With over a decade of experience, Martiena utilizes her

architectural and urban planning background to guide her development and construction

management role.

Across her time at Hoffman & Associates, Martiena has worked on several notable projects

including all residential units, office buildings and entertainment venues at The Wharf. Beyond

her work on The Wharf, Martiena managed the public-private partnership with Montgomery

County in Bethesda for two residential projects: The Darcy and The Flats, along with The Bower,

a 137-unit condominium at The Yards and The Banks, a 10-story apartment residence located

in the Southwest DC. She is currently focused on the company’s expanding portfolio including

Seaboard Station, West Falls and Parcel B at Audi Field.

Prior to joining Hoffman & Associates, Martiena served in architectural and construction

management roles at Lukemire Partnership, EE&K Architects and Wiencek & Associates.

Across her career she has contributed to the community by volunteering her architectural skills

to projects for Habitat for Humanity, Christmas In April DC and District of Columbia Building

Industries Association Community Improvement.

Martiena is a LEED® Accredited Professional. She graduated from Lehigh University with a

Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and the University of Maryland with a Master of Architecture.

Gary Martinez, FAIA, is an internationally recognized expert on the design of landmark

performing and cultural arts centers. As a Partner and Studio Director at OTJ Ar-

chitects, Gary leads with an unwavering belief in the power of architecture to inspire,

engage, and heal, while recognizing that the results of his work must reflect the shared

values of the communities in which he practices.

Gary approaches the design of cultural and performing arts facilities by looking to the

future experience of the community, patron, performer, and operator, even when the

context of the venue is firmly rooted in the past. Since 1976, he has met the challenge

of designing new facilities as well as renovating historic assets to accommodate op-

era, symphony, chamber music, and a single public speaker in successive performance

slots. By aligning practical solutions, sound project management, and exemplary ar-

chitecture, Gary develops solutions that maximize flexibility, ease of operation, and

versatility while artfully balancing the requirements of clients and those of the commu-

nities in which they practice. A sampling of Gary’s signature projects includes the rei-

magining of Washington, D.C.’s Martin Luther King, Jr. Memorial Library, the renovation

of New York City’s iconic Webster Hall, the revitalization of the Boston Opera House

and the Cincinnati Music Hall, as well as the design of the Smart Financial Center in

Sugar Land, TX.

In addition, Gary has long been a sought-after lecturer and speaker on such topics

as 21st century theatrical venue design and the relationship between sustainability

and existing urban infrastructure. Gary has appeared on NPR’s Theatre Arts, WBUR

Boston, and his published work has been recognized by the U.S. Secretary of Interior’s

preservation program as exemplary guidelines in the field of theater preservation de-

sign. Gary continues to advise communities across the country on a pro-bono basis

on this subject.

Jordan Goldstein, Gensler’s Global Director of Design and a member of the firm’s Board of Director, is an award-winning architect who uses design to help clients unravel complex problems and craft relevant solutions that evolve their businesses and brands. Gensler is widely recognized as the world’s leading collaborative design firm, with 50 locations and more than 5,000 professionals networked across the United States, Latin America, Asia, Europe, Australia, and the Middle East.

Throughout his 25-plus-year career, Jordan has been involved in further defining the skyline of global cities with projects like Beijing’s twin 725-foot CP Towers and Bangkok’s 60-story Magnolias Ratchadamri Tower. Jordan has also provided design vision and leadership on projects that range in scale from China’s Duke Kunshan University campus to Marriott’s new global headquarters outside of Washington, DC. Jordan’s projects have won numerous national and local awards from the American Institute of Architects (AIA), International Interior Design Association (IIDA), and NAIOP, among others. His work has also appeared in various periodicals, including Architect, Interior Design, Contract, Fortune, US News & World Report, Washington Business Journal, and The Washington Post.

In addition to being recognized for his design skills, Jordan has also been honored for his leadership. In 2017, 2015 and 2013, he was included on the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100” list of the most influential area business leaders and was recognized as one of the top 25 innovators in the Washington, DC area. Jordan is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and the International Interior Design Association.

An advocate of helping the next generation of architects prepare for tomorrow, Jordan has taught at the University of Pennsylvania, where he earned his Master in Architecture, and has been the Kea Professor at the University of Maryland, where he earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture.

Mr. Otteni holds a Bachelor of Science in Commerce from the University of Virginia and

a Master of Business Administration with a concentration in Real Estate from the Kenan-

Flagler Business School at the University of North Carolina. He joined Boston Properties

in 2000 upon his graduation from KFBS, and has since taken on increasingly complex

roles in the development of the company’s projects. As a Senior Vice President in the

Development department in Washington, DC, Pete has direct responsibility for all aspects

of development, acquisition and disposition projects throughout the greater DC region,

including acquisition/land acquisition, financing, entitlement, design, construction, and

leasing. Since joining Boston Properties, Mr. Otteni has managed or been directly

involved with over 4.5 million square feet of completed or in process development.