Washington, DC—November 24th, 2021—WDG announces our 2021 promotions expanding our leadership and award-wining teams in both our Washington and Dallas offices. For 80+ years, WDG has thrived because of the leadership we bring to our clients, projects, and community. We are delighted to recognize a diverse group that has made great contributions to the success of our practice and communities.

"Promoting within is a proven testament to the progression of WDG. 'Handing over the reins' shows the continued staff empowerment of our coaching and training, these individuals have direct day-to-day connections with our clients."- Managing Principal Jeff Morris

Please join us in welcoming our new leaders and congratulating them on their promotions.

Managing Principals:

Robyn Jacobson, AIA has been promoted to Managing Principal of the Dallas office of WDG. Contributing over twenty-five years of expertise in high-density housing and mixed-use projects of all types, Robyn is a leader in all facets of the development process, from initial planning and zoning through construction, including interface with community groups. In addition to client and project commitments, Robyn is responsible for business development, strategic business planning, budgeting and finance, recruiting, employee performance improvement, and general operations.

Will Duncan, AIA has been promoted to Managing Principal of the Dallas office of WDG. Will has been with WDG for 20 years, joining the Dallas office in 2001 upon graduation. Will has spent much of his career applying WDG’s expertise in urban planning and design to the Dallas market. Will has active projects in Texas, Florida, Arizona, and Kansas. In addition to his role leading the planning and design processes in the Dallas office, Will is an integral part of staff growth through recruitment and management. His passions include mentoring young architects, process innovation, and WDG’s annual Halloween Costume competition.

"It is a privilege to announce that Will Duncan and Robyn Jacobson are joining the ranks of Managing Principals in Dallas. Their continued leadership is essential to the future success of WDG as we continue to grow and expand as a national firm." - Managing Principal Jaime Fernandez-Duran

Principals:

Eric Schlegel, AIA, LEED AP has been promoted to Principal of the Washington office of WDG. Eric has been with WDG for 27 years and is a highly sought expert in our community, serving as a leader and committee member to various organizations such as the DCBIA, Washington Building Congress, the Construction Codes Coordinating Board’s TAG, and the DMV Net-Zero Energy Coalition. Eric will continue to lead and manage many of the firm’s commercial office and multifamily projects.

Ingrid Marrone, AIA, LEED AP has been promoted to Principal of the Washington office of WDG, where she manages many of the firms highly complicated projects such as the 718,000-SF Sursum Corda in Washington, DC. Throughout her 17 years at WDG, Ingrid has loved wearing many hats within the office and always enjoys working with new teams and serving as a resource for many of WDG’s standards. Ingrid is also engaged in the community through her involvement with organizations like NAIOP Northern Virginia and CREW DC.

Doug James, AIA has been promoted to Principal of the Washington office of WDG. Joining the WDG family early in his career, Doug interned at what was then The Weihe Partnership during his fourth year at The Catholic University of America. Upon graduation he was hired full-time and has been with the firm for the last 26 years. As a Project Manager for some of the firms most prestigious projects such as Midtown Center in Washington, DC, Doug serves as the technical detailing expert. Doug will continue to lead WDG’s Building Technology Group and the firm’s Technical Quality Assurance Program (TQAP), which is respected throughout the industry for the high level of quality and consistency in WDG’s documentation.

"We are delighted and honored to announce Eric, Ingrid, and Doug as Principals of the firm. Their longstanding dedication to the success of our projects and clients is well recognized. The technical skill, experience, and management of these three individuals drives the firm's ability to handle the challenging work we are afforded. I look forward to working by their side for many years to come." - Managing Principal Sean Stadler

Associate Principals:

Susan Garcia, OAQ, Intl. Assoc. AIA has been promoted to Associate Principal of the Washington office of WDG. Susan is licensed with the Order of Architects of Quebec, grew up in Canada, and started her career in Montreal. She joined WDG from 1994 until 2002, then returned in 2015. Susan has found many ways to serve within WDG, leading the Associates Group, serving on the Sustainability Committee and Tech Task Force, co-heading the “greening” of our DC office, leading WDG’s PARK(ing) Day exhibit, organizing social events for the office (virtual and in-person) throughout the pandemic, and serving currently as a Senior Project Manager.

Esther Christian, AIA, LEED AP has been promoted to Associate Principal of the Washington office of WDG. Esther started her professional life in Michigan. Then, after a brief stint in Sarasota, she came to DC, joining WDG as a Staff Architect in 2011. Esther serves as a Senior Project Architect, where she leads the development of the technical documents for her projects. Esther also chairs WDG’s Sustainability Committee and has championed the firm’s commitment to the AIA’s 2030 challenge by supporting our team’s ability to reduce the carbon footprint of our projects.

Kristina La Torre, AIA has been promoted to Associate Principal of the Dallas office of WDG. Kristina, a Dallas native, has been with WDG for 10 years. She is a Project Manager and a leader in the Multifamily industry, focused on all facets of the design and construction process. She has a unique set of talents specializing in building planning, unit design, and construction detailing. Kristina has been instrumental in establishing quality control standards and details for the Dallas office. She is also actively involved in the AIA, WDG's Multifamily Committee, and the day to day mentoring of her peers.

Shaney Mullen, AIA has been promoted to Associate Principal of the Dallas office of WDG. Joining WDG in 2015, Shaney brings over a decade of experience in both the Dallas and Seattle markets, specializing in hospitality and residential mixed-use. He enjoys the challenge and satisfaction of projects that revitalize the urban core. Mr. Mullen is accomplished in all facets of the development process – from initial planning and zoning through construction. In every phase, he emphasizes good communication and pushes for efficient and comprehensive meetings. His primary responsibilities include being a primary resource to clients, communication with contractors, coordinating with engineers and consultants, and supervising and mentoring internal team members. Along with degrees in both Architecture and Construction Management, Mr. Mullen also earned a Certificate in Commercial Real Estate to expand on his understanding of the development process.

"Elevating our talent from within shows our appreciation and commitment to our staff. These talented individuals excel in all aspects of our profession. They are also recognized for their invaluable leadership skill and dedication to WDG. We are humbled and fortunate to have them on WDG’s team." - Managing Principal Siti Abdul-Rahman

Senior Associates and Associates:

In addition, we are pleased to also announce the promotion of nine individuals to Senior Associate and Associate. Mark Gosnell, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Laura Lago-Garrido, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, and Tom Zych, AIA, NCARB have been promoted to Senior Associate; and, Megan Lynn Stavinoha, AIA, Noor Khan, Elad Ravid, AIA, LEED AP, Lilian Noya, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP, Juan Sanford, RA, and Ali Afkhami-Aghda, RA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, GGP have been promoted to Associate. This group of leaders embodies the entrepreneurial spirit that has always driven WDG’s culture and the advancement of our practice and the profession. We look forward to seeing them continue to flourish.

"These promotions reinforce WDG’s mission of retaining and cultivating our top talent into future leaders. In addition to having exceptional talent, expertise, and leadership skills, these individuals also possess intangible attributes that will serve our clients and advance WDG’s forward-looking design culture."
- Managing Principal Bob Keane

Ali Afkhami-Aghda, RA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, GGP

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