Meet the

CLASS OF 2025

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!

  • Gensler, Washington D.C.

  • HKS, Washington D.C.

    Caitlin Coats is a Job Captain and Associate at HKS who specializes in Healthcare Architecture. She has a Master of Architecture from the University of Kansas (Rock Chalk!) and has close to 8 years of professional experience. Caitlin believes that architecture can have an incredible impact on how people relate and perceive the world, and healthcare architecture is no different. It has a unique ability to create healthier environments for the all people that utilize them, both patients and staff, to create positive healing environments while establishing greater efficiencies. Caitlin has been recognized as one of DC’s most promising emerging architects as a member of the Arch30 Cohort by Metropolis Magazine. In her free time, Caitlin chases an ornery toddler and two rambunctious huskies oftentimes while drinking a lukewarm cup of coffee.


  • Perkins Eastman, Washington, D.C.

    Michelle is a Project Architect and Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman in Washington, DC. Since joining the firm in 2016 after earning her Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland, she has specialized in designing senior living communities that blend beauty, functionality, and a deep sense of home.

    Michelle believes that senior living is about more than just buildings—it’s about creating nurturing environments where people can age with dignity and comfort. She values the collaborative nature of architecture, working closely with clients and stakeholders to craft spaces that truly serve their communities.

    Outside of her work, Michelle shares her passion for the arts at her daughter’s dance studio, where she takes classes and contributes to costuming and artistic endeavors.

  • Ayers Saint Gross, Washington D.C.

    Architect by trade, maker at heart, I weave decades of experience in theatre lighting and woodworking into architecture that connects and delights. From collaborating on everything from tiny offices to large learning spaces, I bring a unique perspective and a passion for pushing the boundaries of sustainable design.


  • Ayers Saint Gross, Washington, D.C.

    Juanita Li, AIA, LEED GA, is an architect at Ayers Saint Gross with experience in higher education architecture, particularly nursing education. She journeyed to architecture by way of biomedical and industrial engineering and secondary education. Her experience with curriculum planning has prepared her to work closely with clients during programming and early phases of design. She is currently doing construction administration on several projects. Juanita loves to travel with her family, where an ideal day is wandering around an historic Old Town with a pastry, camera, and sketchbook. She stays connected with her alma mater, the University of Maryland-College Park, as a review critic and through their mentorship program.

  • KCCT, Washington, D.C.

    Corey Mack is a versatile architect, project manager, and leader within both the international and domestic studios of KCCT, specializing in institutional work with mission-critical implications for embassies, operations centers, and training venues. The nature of his portfolio demands extensive depth of technical knowledge, a broad capacity for research and knowledge retention, and he champions design that enhances safety, functionality, and quality of life. With a client base responsible for the well-being of people around the world, he approaches each project with a profound sense of responsibility and purpose. At the helm of up to 15 multidisciplinary project teams at a time, Corey leads the reconciliation of complex security requirements on large, often historically significant government campuses with wellness, resiliency, and accessibility considerations.


  • EskewDumezRipple Architects, Washington, DC

    Sarah Rivard is an Architect at the Washington DC office of EskewDumezRipple, a national practice with additional studios in New Orleans, LA and Salt Lake City. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Tulane University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia. Through her work, Sarah aspires to create places that bring people together, reflect the cultural values of communities, and blend technical knowledge with artistic expression. She brings a passion for environmental and civic-minded solutions and her work is deeply influenced by context and community-building principles.  Sarah brings experience across a variety of typologies, with recent experience in projects for LSU, the Olney Theatre Center, and a new workplace headquarters for a regional contractor.

    Outside of work she serves on the ULI Community Service Committee, participates in the AIA Architecture in Schools program, and mentors University of Virginia students. In her free time, you can find her at the beach or exploring DC’s museums and music scene.

  • Smithsonian Institution, Washington D.C.

    Emily is an Architect and Design Manager at the Smithsonian Institution as well as an Army Engineer Officer in the National Guard. She has a Masters of Architecture from the Boston Architectural College and a BFA in Architecture from Cornell University, with 12 years of professional experience. Emily enjoys her current work in a public-facing institution and using design to increase people's curiosity and love of learning. Outside of her professional life, Emily lives in Virginia with her husband and their two rascally young daughters, whom they frequently take on visits to DC's many amazing public spaces.


  • Quinn Evans, Washington, D.C.

    Abigail (Abby) Saunders is a Project Architect at Quinn Evans. Abby’s passion for preservation shapes her consideration for the built environment, and her role as an architect. She values working with a diverse team to develop creative approaches and ideas, understanding existing conditions and advancing documentation that supports the client’s unique goals from inception through construction administration. She has experience working with the National Park Service across multiple parks and has worked on several exterior restoration projects for historic structures.

  • CRB, Rockville, MD


  • WDG Architecture, Washington, D.C.

    Mikaela is an interdisciplinary Architect known for her enthusiasm and ambition. Her study of architecture as the sum of brain, body, and experience informs her holistic approach to design. After graduating with a Master's of Architecture from Kansas State University, she sought out opportunities for rapid growth that led her to DC. Her diverse architectural background ranges from adaptive reuse apartment buildings in DC to additions for elementary schools in Maryland. Mikaela is a licensed Architect who is currently working at WDG where she is an integral member of several teams on multifamily and commercial projects. Her goal is to become a well-rounded Architect who is an expert in high-performance building envelopes.

    Mikaela is passionate about building pathways for students to enter the profession of Architecture. She is a mentor as part of the University of Maryland Mentorship Program, and helps students bridge the gap from the studio to the office.

  • HOK, Washington D.C.

    Gozde Yildirim, Assoc. AIA, M.Arch, MBA, earned her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Beykent University in Istanbul. After receiving a scholarship from Miami University, Ohio, she completed her master’s in architecture in 2015. Gozde began her career with the Turkish Ministry of Health’s Ikitelli Integrated Health Campus, Europe’s largest hospital, which inspired her to focus on healthcare architecture.

    With nine years of experience, Gozde excels as a Senior Design Professional and BIM Coordinator at HOK’s Washington, D.C. studio. She has played a pivotal role in transforming major healthcare projects, ensuring seamless delivery across all phases. Her outstanding contributions have earned her the titles of 2024 Women in Healthcare Rising Star and 2023 Healthcare Design Rising Star.

    Gozde is a passionate advocate for diversity and equity in the industry. She co-authored Prospering in the U.S.: A Handbook for Immigrant Architects and currently serves on the Board of Directors for the Women in Healthcare Washington, D.C. Chapter.


  • Studio 3877, Washington, D.C.