Meet the

CLASS OF 2024

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!

  • Page, Washington D.C.

    Gustavo Colmenares is an Architect practicing at Page in Washington, DC, where he has lived since 2010. He graduated from the University of Texas at Austin and has worked at Architecture Research Office, Pickard Chilton, Shalom Baranes, and EYP. With vast experience across project types, scales, and throughout the US, he is fascinated by the power of design and its ability to be transformational to communities. Each project is approached with rigorous research that investigates the features that describe the place, moment and time, client, program, and possible synergies.

    He currently is one of the Lead Designers for the Smithsonian Castle Modernization, a new visitor center on the National Mall that will expand the amenities and space available to the public.
    Working with individuals across many backgrounds, levels of experience, and passions within architecture, he builds relationships across his teams and believes the best ideas come from collaborative discourse and exchanging ideas.

  • CGS Architects, Washington D.C.

    Fijoy Fisiy is a talented architect at CGS Architects in Washington, DC. Born in Yaounde, Cameroon and raised in Alexandria, Virginia, Fijoy earned her Masters of Architecture degree at the Boston Architectural College. Fijoy’s project experience runs across various sectors - ranging from mixed-used multifamily to community projects and campus master plans. Fijoy’s current body of work is centered on educational and institutional design with a focus on delivering innovative educational spaces that inspire.

    When not engaging in the practice of architecture, Fijoy devotes her time and energy to issues surrounding youth capacity building and design access to underserved communities.


  • Wiencek-Associates, Washington, D.C.

    Temi Fasusi is a registered architect and a project manager at Wiencek and Associates who has spent 4 years doing mission driven work focused on creating beautiful, comfortable and equitable living environments. She earned her 5-year Bachelor of Architecture degree from Temple University, where she also served as the co-chair for Temple’s AIAS Freedom by Design Chapter. It was this experience that helped her discover what type of designer, and leader she wanted to be, and led to her becoming a recipient of the Alpha Rho Chi Award for outstanding leadership and the Temple University Diamond Award. Her work has spanned from residential (affordable and market-rate) to commercial and restaurants. Over her career she has developed a passion for design with a purpose and believes in putting time, care and effort into everything that she does, especially mentoring.

    Outside of work, her hobbies include volunteering, gardening and creating resin jewelry.


  • KGD Architecture, Washington, D.C.

    As a native of Ohio, Nia began her architectural career in the metropolitan D.C. area upon graduating from Howard University with a professional Bachelor of Architecture in 2016. For the past 7 years, she has worked primarily in affordable multifamily housing but has also worked on various hospitality and education/workplace projects.

    As an associate and designer at KGD Architecture, Nia has had the opportunity to lead the Emerging Professionals committee – a committee designed to nourish young minds to allow them to exceed both inside and outside of the office. The continued evolution of tomorrow's leaders is a passion that helps Nia create innovative programs that will help train them for all upcoming world changes. In her spare time, Nia has mentored through Mentors Inc. and Design Like a Girl, two local programs started to help young adults navigate and prepare for their futures.

  • Quinn Evans, Washington D.C.

    Upon receiving her M.Arch from the University of Kentucky, Sarah Goff, AIA made a significant move to the dynamic architectural landscape of the DC area, where she has resided for nearly eight years. Sarah's profound appreciation for historic architecture naturally aligned with Quinn Evans, a firm renowned for its expertise in preserving and revitalizing historical structures. As an indispensable team member, she has played a pivotal role in the firm's largest project to date, showcasing her exceptional skills in design and project management.

    Beyond her professional accomplishments, Sarah is deeply committed to nurturing the next generation of architects. With a passion for mentorship, she actively supports and guides younger architects as they navigate the complexities of the profession. Sarah aspires to be a source of inspiration, particularly for young women in the field, encouraging them to actively engage in their firms and communities. Her journey exemplifies a dedication to both architectural excellence and fostering a supportive and inclusive professional environment.


  • Quinn Evans, Washington, D.C.

    Denise Gravelle is an Architect and Sustainability Specialist at Quinn Evans in their Washington, D.C. office. She is knowledgeable in Life Cycle Assessment calculations and embodied carbon research, having helped to develop Kaleidoscope, an early embodied carbon assessment tool. Denise has experience with a variety of existing building retrofits, laboratory and education spaces, including a historic elementary school in D.C.

    Denise’s passion for sustainability was cemented in graduate school at the University of Oregon, where she earned dual Master of Architecture and Master of Science in Architecture degrees while researching mass timber and thermal comfort at the Energy Studies in Buildings Laboratory. In her spare time, Denise enjoys long-distance running and dabbling in various types of crafts.

  • Wilmot Sanz, Rockville, MD

    Dorris Hwang is an Architect and Technical Enclosure Director at Wilmot Sanz, an architectural firm focused 100% on exceptional healthcare design. Drawing on her passion for improving people’s well-being within the built environment, she plays a pivotal role across multiple project teams in championing sustainable solutions while integrating aesthetic and technical considerations.
    Outside of the workplace, Dorris is deeply committed to serving the community and empowering the next generation of designers. Through firm-wide mentorship initiatives and her active involvement with Women In Healthcare and the AIA DC Building Enclosure Council, she strives to encourage social responsibility and environmental stewardship for a healthier future.

    To find out more about the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development program, see link in bio


  • Teass Warren, Washington, D.C.

    Dailong is a Senior Designer at Teass \ Warren Architects in Washington, DC, where he has worked since 2017 after receiving his Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. His recent work focuses on various scales of residential projects, institutional church renovations, and commercial retail design.

    As an emerging architect at Teass \ Warren Architects, he has consistently demonstrated exceptional design talent and a commitment to fostering a collaborative and inclusive work environment. Dailong possesses a unique ability to translate conceptual ideas into innovative solutions, showcasing both creativity and a deep understanding of architectural principles and design constraints.

    In addition to his design talent, Dailong has actively engaged in mentoring younger staff members, exemplifying his leadership potential. He is responsible for organizing office pinups that have strengthened the culture of design in our office. He is also dedicated to community service and volunteer activities, reflecting a strong sense of social responsibility.

  • WGD Architecture, Washington D.C.

    Anne Mitchell is a licensed architect who obtained degrees in Architecture from both the University of Kentucky and Virginia Tech. She has over 13 years of experience in the design field and joined WDG Architecture in 2012. Serving as an Associate and Project Architect, she brings to each assignment extensive experience from her work on commercial, residential, workplace, student housing and government projects of various sizes. While at WDG she has excelled over the years helping lead the technology committee by identifying firm technology needs and optimization with an emphasis on education, practice standards and quality assurance. She excels at coordinating between project teams and combines her eye for identifying and resolving issues to ensure that the design and documentation are delivered efficiently and accurately.


  • Ewing Cole, Baltimore, MD

    Deshona Nelson is an architectural designer at Ewing Cole. Originally, from New York City’s Bronx borough, and takes pride in her Jamaican heritage. Prior to settling in Maryland, she spent a decade residing in the District of Columbia (DC). Deshona earned both her undergraduate and Master’s degrees from the Savannah College of Art and Design in Savannah, Georgia in 2011 and 2013 respectively. Currently, Deshona is diligently working towards licensure in her field.

    In 2024, Deshona was honored as one of the recipients of the OTJ Licensure Scholarship for Black/African American Architects and Interior Designers. She considers herself a versatile designer, continuously expanding her expertise across various project categories, from exterior to interior. Her commitment extends beyond design, as she actively engages in comprehending clients’ requirements, managing projects, and navigating through the design process from conception before value engineering takes place.

    Outside her professional endeavors, Deshona volunteers with organizations like the Washington Architectural Foundation, mentoring aspiring young individuals from diverse backgrounds. Her interests extend to sports such as running, biking, swimming, and bowling, where she draws inspiration for her creative pursuits while maintaining a positive outlook on life.

  • Studio MB, Washington D.C.

    asha Petersen is an associate and project manager at Studio MB Architects where she has worked for the past 8 years on everything from restaurants to horse barns. She is a graduate of the University of Maryland and began her career at Bennett Frank McCarthy Architects where she honed her skills in residential design. She enjoys being a generalist and continuing to learn about new project types, but in recent years she has specialized in schools and is particularly experienced in design for Montessori programs. Sasha was recently a speaker at the Association for Learning Environments Virginia conference, providing insight on equitable design principles based on her work across different wards with DC Public Schools. Sasha deeply values her relationships with clients and sees architecture practice as a collaboration with stakeholders to best meet the needs of the end users and the community.


  • Perkins Eastman, Washington, D.C.

    Diana Vaccaro is an accomplished architectural designer with 11 years of experience, currently serving as an associate at Perkins Eastman in Washington, DC. Born in Guayaquil, Ecuador, Diana earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Cal Poly, San Luis Obispo, and brings a rich cultural perspective to her work.


    Diana's project experience spans schematic design to construction documents across various sectors, including interiors/workplace design, residential/multifamily, large-scale projects, education, and senior living. Notable local projects include the W Hotel renovation in DC, Art Place at Fort Totten, and The Reserve in West Falls Church.


    In addition to her professional achievements, Diana is a dedicated advocate for diversity and inclusion. She serves on the DE&I steering committee and leads the Latinx/Hispanic group at Perkins Eastman. Diana is also a mentor-champion for the firmwide mentoring program, guiding the next generation of architects. As an immigrant from Ecuador, she brings a unique perspective and unwavering commitment to promoting diversity and equity in architecture.

  • KTGY, Washington D.C.

    Diane Yabut, AIA capitalizes on ten years of experience at KTGY to translate clients’ visions into reality. After contributing to Research and Development as a senior designer and mentor to new R+D Fellows, Diane returned to the production studio — today she is responsible for construction documentation and administration.

    Diane supports tomorrow’s industry leaders by participating in the AIA|DC Equity Committee by WIELD, for whom she also served as a chairperson, and the ULI Young Leaders Group Mentorship Committee. She's passionate about connecting people, leading events, and inspiring meaningful change to promote equity, diversity, and inclusion in the profession. She is motivated to grow as both an architect and a leader, and is a 2024 scholar in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.

    When not in the production studio, Diane is an instructor in the hot yoga studio, where she helps yogis increase their flexibility, mobility, and range of motion.


  • Studio U, Washington, D.C.

    Joanna Yu is an architect with over 10 years of experience, with a specialty in large multi-family residential communities and development. She moved back to DC in 2022 to work as a Project Architect after six years in Baltimore. In 2024, Joanna opened her own practice.

    Joanna graduated from the University of Maryland with dual Masters in Real Estate Development and Architecture, believing that architects can be better leaders for both clients and the community by fully understanding the industry that the profession serves. She learned how clients can think differently and incorporates that knowledge to speak better to clients’ language and needs. Since then, Joanna has continued to combine her curiosity, multidisciplinary thinking, and collaborative approach to projects to find the solutions that best contribute to each project's success.

  • HKS, Washington D.C.

    Dandi Zhang is a registered architect and landscape designer with a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Iowa State University. Currently a designer at HKS, she works across the commercial mixed-use and health studios, integrating scales and balancing the design synergy between big design strokes and intricate detailing. She contributes effectively and collaboratively to project teams and office culture, bringing creativity and passion with a strong dose of can-do rigor. She has won several design awards as a student and professional, including AIA and ASLA awards.
    Outside of her professional work, Dandi is committed to giving back to the community through pro bono projects and volunteer activities. Additionally, she is an amateur oil painter, exploring the intersection of art and architecture in her free time.


  • Studios Architecture, Washington, D.C.

    June is an interdisciplinary architect known for her problem-solving skills and dedication to design excellence. June obtained her Bachelors of Science in Architecture from the University of Minnesota Twin Cities and Master of Architecture and certificate in Real Estate Design from the University of Pennsylvania. As an associate at STUDIOS architecture, June is passionate about designing for people and has delivered projects across sectors in commercial interiors, multifamily, government, masterplan and furniture design. June’s current body of work is centered on education and delivering welcoming and inspiring design.

    June is passionate about empowering the design community and growing with peers. She is a founding member of the Asian American Designers Union | AIA DC and is a 2024 scholar in the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.