Meet the Class of 2023

We are excited to have this talented group of individuals as part of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.

Click below to learn more about them!

  • Torti Gallas and Partners, Washington D.C.

    Jordan is a UK registered, RIBA Chartered Architect and AIA Assoc. at Torti Gallas + Partners. He has a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Huddersfield, a bachelor’s degree from Leeds Beckett University, and an advanced diploma from the Royal Institute of British Architects NW. Jordan came to the USA in 2019 on a professional architectural trainee scheme after working in London and Manchester. Jordan is the 2023 communications advisor to the ‘AIA DC Emerging architects committee’ he also mentors students at universities in the UK and USA. He is a registered architect in the UK and is currently applying for reciprocal licensure in the USA through the recently approved NCARB UK/USA Mutual Recognition Agreement.

  • Beyer Blinder Belle, Washington D.C.

    Courtney is an Associate in the Washington, D.C. office of Beyer Blinder Belle. She has a Bachelor of Environmental Design from the University of Colorado and a Master of Architecture from the University of Oregon. Courtney is active in the AIA Northern Virginia Women in Architecture Committee, and volunteers with the AIA DC Architecture for Everyone: Girls Mentor Program. She is a registered architect in New York and Colorado.


  • HGA, Washington, D.C.

    Vance Cunningham is a design coordinator with HGA in Washington, DC. Hailing from Los Angeles, Vance sought out a different environment and attended Howard University, graduating in 2015. Beginning his career with a general contractor, he was able to gain experience from an adjacent perspective prior to launching himself into the field of architecture.

    In addition to a handful of overseas government projects, Vance has worked at a local scale with hospitality and arts typologies and also at a national level with cultural and corporate projects in Minneapolis and California. He's had the pleasure to interface with a variety of client groups, small and large, and continues to pursue a community oriented approach to design. He believes that equitable design should be available regardless of project size and location, and hopes to help bridge gaps between design excellence and underrepresented groups. 


  • WDG, Washington, D.C.

    Nicholas is a Project Architect and Associate at WDG Architecture and a graduate of the University of Cincinnati. A transplant to the DC region, Nick is a native Ohioan with a strong connection to the Buckeye State. His diverse background in multifamily, retail, and adaptive re-use projects spans the continental US. While at WDG, he has been engaged in both multifamily and student housing studios, most recently leading projects in Tampa, Florida. 

    Nick has an endless curiosity and an appetite for problem solving. Sometimes related to architecture, but just as often for the sake of learning in and of itself. He is involved in WDG’s Social Committee, helping to facilitate interoffice connections, and previously chaired WDG’s Emerging Professionals Committee.

  • AECOM, Washington D.C.

    James Jesmer is a designer at AECOM’s Washington, D.C. office, where he has been since 2018. Though a native of the DMV, James grew up mostly in north-central West Virginia. Mr. Jesmer holds a Bachelor of Science, Architecture from Fairmont State University and a M.Arch from the University of Maryland.

    James’s project sectors have included work for the federal government, air and rail transportation, and commercial development. Most recently, his time has been filled with construction evaluation efforts for a renovation at the British Embassy. In addition to project work, James supports the office by planning social events and coordinating local university relations. James is also involved with AIA|DC, where he participates in Architecture in Schools and serves as Secretary for the Design Excellence Committee.


  • Hill & Hurt, Washington, D.C.

    Bradley Kaufman is a licensed architect with Hill and Hurtt Architects and is well versed in both commercial and residential architecture. Bradley holds degrees in Architecture from Kent State University and Virginia Tech. A native of the Washington area, Bradley has also lived, worked, and studied in San Miguel de Allende, Mexico, and co-founded Kaufman + Guerrero during that time.

    Bradley’s passion for architecture stems from his curiosity about how our built environment affects us and the way historical and societal factors contribute to shaping it.

  • Quinn Evans, Washington D.C.

    Anne, a native Michigander, is currently an Associate and Architect at Quinn Evans. She is a member of Quinn Evans’ (QE) Heritage Conservation Studio, focusing on the restoration and preservation of historic buildings and sites. She works on a variety of projects from the award-winning restoration of DAR Constitution Hall to the conversion of National Park Service Comfort Stations into accessible spaces.

    In addition to her passion for history, Anne’s experience as a competitive swimmer and coach, and love of growing and eating healthy foods, influenced her to become QE’s first WELL AP in 2019. Under her leadership, the Wellness Committee was formed. Facilitating multiple firm-wide events and presentations per year has led to an overall increase in awareness of employee health and wellness and the incorporation of wellness design strategies into many of QE’s projects.


  • Quinn Evans, Washington, D.C.

    David is a project architect at Quinn Evans, registered in Washington DC. He has experience with a variety project type ranging from K-12 education, community centers, and a major renovations of a federal office buildings. Prior to Quinn Evans David worked on multiple multi-family and affordable housing projects within DC. He received both his Bachelor of Science in Architect and his Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland.

    David’s interest in the impact the architecture has on health and wellbeing stemmed from his graduate thesis on the impacts the built environment has on individuals with autism and had both spoken at conferences and published his research on the topic. This passion has led David to champion and lead the first WELL registered project at Quinn Evans.

  • Jacobs, Washington D.C.

    Julian Owens is an architecture professional with a strong commitment to community advocacy, a passion cultivated during his studies at Clemson University. There, he earned both his Bachelor of Arts and Masters Degrees in Architecture. Julian founded and led the university’s chapter of NOMA, and years later assumed the role of Parliamentarian on NOMA's National Executive Board. Presently, he remains dedicated to NOMA, being actively involved at both the national and local levels, fueled by his desire for impactful community engagement. Recognized nationally for his significant contributions, Julian was honored with the 2022 AIA Associates Award. Currently serving as a Project Architect at Jacobs, he boasts over 5 years of experience designing diverse building projects, ranging from single-family residences to sizable commercial, mixed-use multifamily, and higher education facilities.


  • Perkins Eastman, Washington D.C.

    Jennifer’s work focuses on the planning, programming and design of complex institutional projects across a range of educational and healthcare clients. In particular, she draws upon her prior career as a User Experience Strategist to link space with user needs and create more meaningful spaces where outstanding, innovative and sensitive design can flourish. More recently, Jennifer has expanded her contributions into the mixed use, residential practice area as part of Perkins Eastman's DC studio.

    Jennifer is a committed mentor to students and emerging professionals and is an advocate dedicated to establishing a more diverse, equitable profession. A registered architect licensed in the State of New York, Jennifer led Perkins Eastman’s Women's Leadership Initiative, served as President of Columbia University's GSAPP Alumni Board, and is an active member of Perkins Eastman's Diversity Equity + Inclusion Initiative.

  • Teass \ Warren Architects, Washington D.C.

    Madeline is a Project Architect at Teass \ Warren Architects where she has worked since 2017 after receiving her Master of Architecture from Virginia Tech. Madeline leads her firms philanthropic efforts and serves as a leader to her studio. Madeline’s interests lie in projects that serve the greater community, whether through affordable housing, green initiatives, or contributing to DC’s historic fabric. She works on all phases of projects of all shapes and sizes. Her recent portfolio includes an Embassy renovation, an affordable housing project in Historic Anacostia, and one of Arlington County’s first Expanded Housing Option projects.

    Madeline is a self-proclaimed Code Nerd. She is also member of the AIA|DC Emerging Architects Committee and served as Team Leader for AIA|DC Small Firm Exchange in CANstruction 2022, leading them to an honorable mention. Outside of work, Madeline is always seeking creative outlets such as pottery and painting classes or freestyle cooking.


  • KGD, Washington, D.C.

    Hannah, a registered architect in Washington DC, grew up in Pittsburgh PA, and is a graduate of Syracuse University.  Most recently, she worked on an office to residential conversion at Hickok Cole.  Previously, she worked on the Silva, a luxury apartment building in DC, where her involvement from design development through construction documentation allowed her to see the details she drew come to life.

    In addition to her experience with residential architecture, Hannah has also worked on mixed-use, retail, and restaurant projects.  She is also passionate about primary education.  In her work with AIA Architecture in the Schools, she developed a semester-long curriculum and led art and architecture lessons for elementary school to students.  Hannah also enjoys traveling, cooking, and spending time with family and friends. 

  • SmithGroup, Washington D.C.

    Dominique is a licensed architect with SmithGroup in the Washington, DC office, originally from Trinidad and Tobago. As an architect in the higher education studio, she collaborates with university clients on innovative designs of new and renovated classroom and lab buildings. She is also a member of SmithGroup’s Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (JEDI) committee where she champions equitable practices in the design profession within and outside the office. Having graduated with a Master of Civil Engineering in Sustainable Design and Construction Management from Stanford University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University, Dominique possesses a strong academic foundation and strives to maintain a close relationship with her alma mater, Howard University, mentoring and assisting students with their educational journey.


  • Gensler, Washington, D.C.

    Brittney is a resolute architectural designer driven by design as a service to empower people through wellness, connection, and social equity. She is a technical designer at Gensler where she works primarily in workplace interiors and co-leads the Gensler DC office Race & Diversity committee. A daughter of Lao refugees, Brittney is a first generation college student receiving her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Yale University and her Masters of Architecture from Virginia Tech.

    Brittney thrives on understanding people and purpose. She revels in cultivating relationships to enable a successful project as a holistic designer invested in both technical and conceptual aspects of a project. Beyond her project work, Brittney is the co-founder of ARCH, a Virginia Tech grant-funded high school mentorship program that focuses on bridging the gap from high school to higher education and diversifying the creative profession. She is also an active volunteer with AIA DC Architecture for Everyone: Girls Mentor Program. As a designer and as an instructor, Brittney strives to make space to feel seen and empowered.

  • Wiencek Associates, Washington D.C.

    Kumi, is a licensed architect based in Washington DC, originally from Sri Lanka, she was deeply influenced by her experiences as an architecture student in a developing nation and influenced her passion towards Public Interest Design and Social Equity, believing that well-designed spaces can uplift marginalized communities.

    As a Project Architect at Wiencek Associates, she specializes in Affordable Multifamily and Affordable Senior Housing, dedicated to providing dignified living spaces for economically challenged individuals.
    Beyond her professional role, she actively expands her network and knowledge within the construction industry. Kumi serves as the co-chair of the AIA|DC Urban Design Committee and volunteers at the Neighborhood Design Center, where she was honored as the Prince George's County Volunteer of the Year in 2022. Her involvement in these roles reflects her profound commitment to her profession and community.


  • Perkins&Will, Washington, D.C.

    Keegan is a designer and licensed Architect in the Perkins&Will. Originally from Maine, Keegan spent his childhood enjoying remote wilderness on frequent camping and canoeing trips.

    After graduating from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in Troy, NY with a professional degree in Architecture and a Masters in Lighting, he relocated to the District of Columbia to pursue more impactful project work. Keegan is the lead Design Technology Leader and frequently coordinates the use of advanced design technologies on complex and innovative projects. He spends most of his time working on large higher education projects but steps into civic/cultural and corporate work whenever possible. Keegan also represents Perkins&Will’s firmwide Innovation Incubator program as the DC office liaison.