On The Move: March 2025 Promotions And Hires

Discover the most recent industry promotions, new hires, and company news in Interior Design’s March 2025 edition of On the Move.

Check Out These Designers + Architects On The Move

BKSK Architects

BKSK Architects announces Harpreet Dhaliwal as the firm’s newest partner. A key leader in the practice, Dhaliwal has played an instrumental role in shaping socially, contextually, and ecologically engaged projects across New York City. Her work is defined by a collaborative ethos and a deep understanding of mission, place, and program. This promotion reflects BKSK’s commitment to impactful, community-driven design.

Harpreet Dhaliwal, partner at BKSK Architects. Photography courtesy of BKSK Architects.

Saguez & Partners

Dash Design has been acquired by Paris-based Saguez & Partners, forming Saguez & Dash, a global design powerhouse. The firms have collaborated for three years, merging American innovation with French sophistication. Known for projects in hospitality, retail, and luxury, the combined team will offer deep local market insight with an international perspective. This strategic move enhances their ability to deliver exceptional, sustainable design solutions worldwide.

Saguez & Dash

Saguez & Dash has appointed Gwendoline Theodet as chief development officer to lead hospitality growth across the U.S. and Europe. With a strong background in business development and strategic growth for global design firms, Theodet will enhance the company’s presence in key markets. She also serves as President of NEWH’s Paris Chapter, reinforcing her industry leadership. Saguez & Dash, a subsidiary of Saguez & Partners, specializes in hospitality design, merging European and American expertise with a focus on sustainability.

Edouard Schneider, chief brand officer at Messika. Photography courtesy of Messika.

Messika

Messika appoints Edouard Schneider as chief brand officer, reporting to Founder and Creative Director Valérie Messika. With over 20 years in luxury and fashion, Schneider will oversee global communication, PR, celebrity partnerships, and brand image across key markets. Previously global communication director at Acne Studios and PR director at Louis Vuitton, his expertise—particularly in Asia—will support Messika’s international expansion and brand positioning.

The Brooklyn Studio

The Brooklyn Studio has promoted Claire Leavengood-Boxer, RA, to senior associate. Since joining in 2016, she has played a key role in historic restoration projects across Brooklyn and Manhattan. In her expanded leadership role, she will oversee project financials, scheduling, and client relations. With prior experience at Safdie Architects and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan, Leavengood-Boxer strengthens the firm’s commitment to preserving New York’s historic fabric.

Workshop/APD

Workshop/APD announces key leadership promotions as part of its continued growth. Andrew Kline, Nicole Ficano, and Jonah Kaplan have been named principals, bringing expertise in architecture, interiors, and business development. J. Tyler Marshall and Michael Luft-Weissberg advance to Associate Principals, recognized for their leadership in complex projects. Additional promotions span marketing, project management, and design, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to innovation and craftsmanship as it enters its next chapter.

Andrew Kline, Nicole Ficano, and Jonah Kaplan , principals at Workshop/APD. Photography courtesy of Workshop/APD.

Snøhetta

Global design practice Snøhetta has leased 25,000 square feet at 55 Washington Street in DUMBO, marking a major relocation from Manhattan’s Financial District. This move further solidifies DUMBO as a premier design hub, joining firms like Bjarke Ingels Group and Brooklyn Studio. The historic, loft-style space will serve as Snøhetta’s new headquarters, supporting its transdisciplinary approach to architecture, interiors, and landscape design. The lease, the largest in Brooklyn this year, reflects the neighborhood’s growing appeal to the design industry.

Deborah Richmond, principal at Bell Design Group. Photography courtesy of Bell Design Group.

Bell Design Group

Bell Design Group has named Deborah Richmond, AIA, as its new principal. With experience at OMA and collaborations with Jean Nouvel, Richmond brings a design-driven, client-focused approach to the role. Her portfolio includes acclaimed mixed-use developments and film studio campuses featured in The New York Times, Dwell, and Wallpaper. As principal, she will drive innovation and collaboration, reinforcing the firm’s commitment to design excellence.

Studio B Architecture + Interiors

Studio B Architecture + Interiors announces a leadership transition as longtime employees Sarah Harkins and Kyle Burds become co-owners. Harkins, now leading the Aspen studio, and Burds, overseeing Boulder, bring fresh vision while maintaining the firm’s legacy of modern, bespoke design. Mentored by founders Scott and Susan Okie Lindenau, the duo will expand Studio B’s reach while upholding its commitment to excellence, creativity, and collaboration in architecture and interiors.

Corgan

Corgan has appointed Ian Zapata as director of design, marking a return to the firm where he began his career over 25 years ago. A leader in transformative, sustainable design, Zapata will advance Corgan’s global design philosophy across sectors, including aviation, mixed-use, and corporate spaces. Known for his work revitalizing cities and championing carbon-neutral design, he will also focus on nurturing the next generation of architects, reinforcing Corgan’s commitment to innovation and collaboration.

Ian Zapata, director of design at Corgan. Photography courtesy of Corgan.

//3877

//3877 expands its interiors team with the addition of senior innovator Libby Hampton, innovator Amanda Phillips, and senior collaborator Melissa Morreale. Hampton brings over a decade of hospitality design experience, including the expansion of Tupelo Honey Southern Kitchen & Bar. Phillips, with a background in multi-family and commercial projects, specializes in interior architecture and detailing. Morreale, passionate about restaurant and hospitality design, also serves as marketing director for the District Design Collaborative. Their expertise strengthens //3877’s commitment to innovation and impact-driven design.

Mariana Lavezzo, client leader and education planning specialist at Multistudio. Photography courtesy of Multistudio.

Multistudio

Multistudio has appointed Mariana Lavezzo as client leader and education planning specialist in its San Francisco office. With over 16 years in education design, including leadership roles at HED, DLR Group, and LPA, she brings expertise in inclusive, community-driven learning environments. Her global portfolio spans projects in India, Canada, and Belgium. Lavezzo’s appointment reinforces Multistudio’s commitment to innovative, equity-focused education design.

OJB

OJB announces the promotion of thirteen team members across its Boston, Houston, Philadelphia, and San Diego offices, recognizing their contributions to design, technology, operations, and firm culture. These promotions span all experience levels, from emerging professionals to senior leaders, reflecting OJB’s commitment to fostering talent and innovation. The firm celebrates their dedication and looks forward to their continued growth in expanded roles.

Ortal North America

Ortal North America appoints Elizabeth Margles as chief executive officer. With leadership experience at Material Bank, Humanscale, and Caesarstone, Margles brings expertise in sales, marketing, and brand growth. She will focus on strengthening dealer relationships and expanding Ortal’s market presence. Former CEO Jon Bowsher transitions to Executive Advisor, supporting the leadership team as Ortal continues its commitment to innovation and excellence in luxury fireplaces.

Elizabeth Margles, chief executive officer at Ortal North America. Photography courtesy of Ortal North America.

DAHLIN Architecture | Planning | Interiors

DAHLIN has promoted Gregor Markel, Elizabeth Sabol, and Sean Whitacre to managing principals, strengthening its leadership across market sectors. Markel will oversee civic and healthcare projects, Sabol will expand the education sector, and Whitacre will lead multifamily, mixed-use, and affordable housing initiatives. These promotions align with DAHLIN’s strategic growth, reinforcing its commitment to design excellence and expanding its reach across new regional markets.

Cristian Asher, director of business development and principal at LMN Architects. Photography courtesy of LMN Architects.

LMN Architects

LMN Architects welcomes Cristian Asher as director of business development and principal. With nearly 18 years in the architecture industry, including leadership roles at Gensler, SERA Architects, and Perkins+Will, Asher has secured over $1.5B in project wins across multiple sectors. He will lead LMN’s strategic growth, expanding its presence in North America while refining client engagement and storytelling. His appointment reinforces LMN’s commitment to innovation, sustainability, and impactful design.

FCA

FCA announces key leadership promotions, elevating Christopher Marotto, Francis Altieri Jr., and Marissa Dionne Mead to principal. Marotto, a 30-year veteran, leads IT strategy to enhance operational efficiency. Altieri, a healthcare design expert, focuses on human-centered patient care. Mead, director of art integration, expands the firm’s artistic approach in architecture. Additionally, FCA promotes one new director, six senior associates, and six associates, reinforcing its commitment to fostering future industry leaders.

JCJ Architecture

JCJ appoints Mary Faria, AIA, LEED AP, as eastern managing director. With 34 years of operational expertise, including leadership at Group One Partners, she will oversee resource planning, interoffice collaboration, and project alignment across the East Coast. Faria’s leadership will strengthen JCJ’s ability to support clients, optimize project delivery, and drive business objectives. Her appointment reinforces JCJ’s commitment to excellence and strategic growth.

Mary Faria, eastern managing director at JCJ Architecture. Photography courtesy of JCJ Architecture.

Michael Graves Architecture

Michael Graves Architecture (MG) has acquired Kollin Altomare Architects, expanding its presence on the West Coast and strengthening its expertise in luxury hospitality design. Kollin Altomare, known for high-profile projects like The Beverly Hilton and Waldorf Astoria Monarch Beach, brings a 20-person team to MG’s global network. This strategic move enhances MG’s ability to deliver world-class hospitality projects while fostering cross-regional collaboration and innovation.

DMAC Architecture & Interiors

Jessica Saravia, AIA, CSI, CCS, CDT, LEED AP, has been appointed chair of the Leadership Group for the National AIA Building Performance Knowledge Community (BPKC), representing 13,000 members. As DMAC Architecture & Interiors’ Technical Director, she brings expertise in performance-driven design, construction, and sustainability. Saravia will continue her leadership at BEC-Chicago while spearheading initiatives to elevate building performance standards, reinforcing DMAC’s commitment to innovation and architectural excellence.

BoConcept

BoConcept names Helena Christensen as its global artistic director, marking a new creative era for the Danish furniture brand. A renowned supermodel, photographer, and designer, Christensen will collaborate with emerging talent, lead brand campaigns, and design exclusive pieces. Her first project, Flora, a collection of botanical art prints, launches in March 2025. With a deep passion for interiors and Danish design, she brings a unique, global perspective to BoConcept’s evolving creative vision.

Helena Christensen, global artistic director at BoConcept. Photography courtesy of BoConcept.

HLW

HLW announces a new global leadership team as it enters its 140th year, appointing Ed Shim, Sejal Sonani, and Bennet Dunkley as managing partners. John Mack becomes global design director, while Cristen Colantoni and Bronte Turner are elevated to Senior Principal, and Patrick Kinzler to managing principal. This leadership transition strengthens HLW’s global presence and commitment to innovation, sustainability, and interdisciplinary collaboration across architecture and design.

Perkins&Will

Perkins&Will appoints John Sadlon as firmwide workplace practice leader after 13 years with the firm. Previously leading the New York workplace team, Sadlon will drive business strategy, consulting services, and workplace innovation globally. With over 25 years of experience and a portfolio spanning 48 cities across 12 countries, he will focus on helping businesses navigate the evolving work landscape while fostering client relationships and mentoring colleagues.

John Sadlon, firmwide workplace practice leader at Perkins&Will. Photography courtesy of Perkins&Will.

Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting

Fine Art Handcrafted Lighting has appointed Michael Perez-Caromano as national sales director. With over 15 years of experience in business development and luxury sales, Michael has held leadership roles at Phillip Jeffries, Knoll Textiles, Cinema Tech, and Restoration Hardware. Recognized by IIDA for his industry contributions, he will oversee national trade accounts, implement relationship-driven sales strategies, and expand the brand’s presence, particularly in hospitality. His leadership aligns with Fine Art’s commitment to craftsmanship, innovation, and strategic growth in the luxury lighting market.

Arrowstreet

Arrowstreet welcomes Pearl Pyo as director of interior design, bringing expertise in global hospitality and workplace environments. In her new role, Pyo will lead the Interior Design Studio, enhancing the firm’s multidisciplinary approach across hospitality, multifamily, academic, and corporate projects. Her leadership will strengthen Arrowstreet’s commitment to innovative, client-focused, and sustainable design, reinforcing its mission to push creative boundaries and deliver transformative spaces.

Ware Malcomb

Ware Malcomb announces the promotions of Catalina Rocha to director, architecture, and Amanda Kavanaugh to director, interior architecture & design in its Vaughan, Ontario office. Rocha, with 30 years of experience, will lead the region’s commercial architecture portfolio, while Kavanaugh, a workplace design expert, will drive growth in the firm’s interior design practice. Their leadership reinforces Ware Malcomb’s commitment to excellence in architecture and interior design across the region.

Ware Malcomb has promoted Ana Cervantes to director, resource services in its Irvine, California office. A licensed California architect with over a decade of industry experience, Cervantes will lead operations for the firm’s U.S. production studios, enhancing project delivery best practices. Since joining Ware Malcomb in 2015, she has played a key role in production operations, quality assurance, and mentoring team members. She previously served as Studio Manager for the Studio-West group and holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Universidad Autónoma de Baja California.

Ana Cervantes, director, resource services, at Ware Malcomb. Photography courtesy of Ware Malcomb.

Pfluger Architects

Pfluger Architects welcomes Christopher Laack, AIA, NCARB, as higher education practice leader. With over 20 years of experience across education, mixed-use, and urban planning, Laack will lead the firm’s strategic growth with colleges and universities across Texas. Previously a Principal at VLK Architects, he brings expertise in campus planning and complex projects. Based in Houston, he will strengthen client relationships and contribute to ongoing projects, including San Jacinto College and Texas Lutheran University.

Duda|Paine Architects

Duda|Paine Architects announces the retirement of co-founder Jeff Paine, FAIA, from his full-time role, transitioning into a consulting partner position. Since co-founding the firm in 1997, Paine has played a pivotal role in shaping its nationally and internationally recognized portfolio, including corporate headquarters, office and residential towers, and student life and wellness facilities. A mentor and leader, he will continue to offer guidance on select projects while the firm moves forward under the leadership of Turan Duda and principals Jay Smith, Scott Shell, and Sanjeev Patel.

Jeff Paine, consulting partner at Duda|Paine Architects. Photography courtesy of Duda|Paine Architects.

LRS Architects

LRS Architects announces the promotion of six team members, recognizing their contributions to the firm’s growth and leadership. Mathew Dreska, Amy Hjelte, Alex Karel, and Kelsey Loverro have been elevated to Senior Associate, while Paul Kurth and Zachary Freund have been promoted to Associate. These advancements reflect LRS’s commitment to fostering talent and delivering innovative, client-focused design solutions across various sectors, including hospitality, multifamily, and adaptive reuse.

Josie Briggs, principal and studio practice leader, interiors, at HKS. Photography courtesy of HKS.

HKS

HKS has strengthened its Interiors practice with key leadership updates. Brett Shwery joins as principal and global practice director of commercial interiors, while Erin Foster is the new senior living interiors studio practice manager. Additionally, Meena Krenek has been appointed global sector director of interiors, and Brad Robichaux is now global practice director of education interiors. These leadership changes reinforce HKS’ commitment to innovative, experience-driven interior design across multiple sectors, ensuring the firm remains at the forefront of transformative spaces.

HKS has appointed Josie Briggs as principal and studio practice leader, interiors. With over 25 years of experience across healthcare, corporate, civic, hospitality, and residential markets, Briggs is a champion of sustainable design that enhances human and environmental well-being. Based in Seattle, she will lead interior design strategies, leveraging her expertise to create impactful, inspiring spaces that foster connection and elevate the human experience.

Moody Nolan

Moody Nolan has promoted Ochuko Edema to director of New York Operations, where he will lead business development and strategic growth across key sectors, including healthcare, education, housing, and civic. A project manager with the firm since 2021, Edema brings over 20 years of experience, including major projects for J.P. Morgan Chase and the NYC Department of Design and Construction. His leadership will strengthen Moody Nolan’s presence in the region, expanding its impact through innovative, high-performance design.

Moody Nolan has appointed Linda Nunnelly, NOMA, LEED AP, as national business development leader. A Howard University graduate with over 25 years of industry experience, including more than 20 cumulative years at Moody Nolan, Nunnelly will lead the firm’s nationwide business development strategy from its Washington, D.C. office. Previously, she played a pivotal role in establishing Moody Nolan’s Atlanta and D.C. offices and has led significant projects such as Dunbar High School and the Atlanta Central Library renovation. She remains an active leader in professional organizations, including AIA and NOMA, and will focus on expanding the firm’s client partnerships and national presence.

RAMSA

RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architects) has appointed Frances Calosso as interior design director. With over 15 years of experience in hospitality and multifamily residences, Calosso will co-lead the firm’s Interior Design department and strengthen its branded residential and hospitality portfolios. Previously with Roman and Williams, Rockwell Group, and Islyn Studio, she has worked with brands like Ace Hotels, Kimpton, and Nobu Hospitality. At RAMSA, she will help shape landmark projects such as the St. Regis Residences Brickell and Ritz-Carlton Residences, The Woodlands.

Frances Calosso, interior design director at RAMSA. Photography courtesy of RAMSA.

Jeffrey Dungan Architects

Jeffrey Dungan Architects has promoted Joel Solomon, AIA, to partner. A key member of the firm for over 19 years, Solomon has played an integral role in its success through his expertise in design, project management, and client relations. With over 22 years in architecture, he now expands his leadership to include strategic planning and business development. A LEED Accredited Professional and Auburn University graduate, Solomon remains dedicated to creating distinctive, high-quality residential and commercial projects across the U.S. and internationally.