MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | HOANG DUONG LE
Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate

Hoang Duong Le: Honoring Heritage, Crafting Community Through Architecture

Born and raised in the coastal city of Vũng Tàu in southern Vietnam, Hoang Duong Le’s journey into architecture was inspired early by his parents' dedication to urban planning and community development. Growing up where mountains meet the sea, Duong developed a deep appreciation for how the natural environment shapes human experience—an understanding that continues to inform his architectural work today.

At just 17 years old, Duong boldly ventured to the United States in pursuit of a deeper exploration of architecture and a renewed sense of place. He graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, earning multiple honors including two Undergraduate Merit Scholarships, OMSE Academic Excellence Award, and the prestigious Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar recognition for leadership and academic excellence. He also completed minors in Construction Management and Geographic Information Science (GIS), blending technical expertise with a broader understanding of how design interacts with the environment.

Currently a Project Designer  at Hord Coplan Macht, Duong contributes to transformative educational and institutional projects, including the Johns Hopkins University New School of Public Health, the Radford University Center for Adaptive Innovation and Creativity, and several major renovations for Towson University, Georgetown University, and Montgomery College. His role extends beyond design, with a focus on BIM management, sustainability modeling, and advancing firm-wide carbon tracking initiatives aligned with the AIA 2030 Commitment.

Beyond his professional achievements, Duong is deeply committed to community impact. As a Volunteer Architectural Designer with the Neighborhood Design Center in Baltimore, he has collaborated with nonprofits to reimagine food hubs, greenhouse spaces, and accessible workshop environments. His work supports initiatives aimed at addressing food insecurity, providing services for individuals with disabilities, and restoring community gathering spaces—always prioritizing the voices of the people these spaces serve.

Duong’s leadership extends to mentorship and advocacy. As a former student leader involved in AIAS, NOMAS, University Senate and the Student Government Association at the University of Maryland, he actively shaped student experiences, advocating for improvements to the built environment and curricular innovation. Today, he continues to mentor students and emerging professionals through D.C. NOMA and AIA Potomac Valley, earning recognition as a 2023 Emerging Professional Awardee.

His dedication to sustainability, education, and social equity in design has positioned him as a rising voice in the profession—fusing the rigor of technical excellence with the spirit of service and cultural sensitivity.

As we celebrate Asian Pacific American Heritage Month, DCNOMA proudly spotlights Hoang Duong Le—whose heritage, commitment, and leadership continue to inspire and shape a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for the built environment.

Key Awards and Recognitions:

• Philip Merrill Presidential Scholar, University of Maryland

• OMSE Academic Excellence Award, University of Maryland

• John W. Hill Retirement Endowment Fund Scholarship, UMD School of Architecture, Planning & Preservation

• 2023 AIA Potomac Valley Emerging Professional Award

• Architecture Undergraduate Merit Scholarship

• Certificate in Leadership Development, Maryland LEAD Program

• Alpha Lambda Delta New Member Scholarship

Volunteer Contributions:

• Neighborhood Design Center — Volunteer Architectural Designer, leading projects on food equity and community revitalization

• University of Maryland Student Facilities Fund — Architectural Delegate, helping allocate $336,000+ in improvements to campus spaces

• Mentor and Juror for local university design studios and competitions

A Legacy in the Making

With a foundation rooted in cultural pride, academic excellence, community service, and design leadership, Hoang Duong Le exemplifies the future of architecture—where craft, compassion, and commitment converge to create meaningful, lasting impact.

DCNOMA celebrates Hoang Duong Le’s outstanding journey and contributions to the profession—and we look forward to seeing all the ways he continues to build, inspire, and lead.