July MEMBER SPOTLIGHT 2026

MEMBER SPOTLIGHT | Rafael Sanabia

Rafael Sanabia, NOMA, LEED GA

LEADING THROUGH DESIGN, SERVICE, AND COMMUNITY

Rafael Sanabia is an emerging architectural designer whose work reflects a deep commitment to strengthening communities through thoughtful design, collaboration, and leadership. Now practicing as an Architectural Designer at Wilmot Sanz in Rockville, MD, Rafael brings together experience in architecture, planning, facilities management, and project coordination to create spaces that are both functional and meaningful. Whether supporting institutional projects or engaging with future designers, he approaches every opportunity with curiosity, purpose, and a desire to create lasting impact.

A two-time graduate of the University of Maryland, Rafael earned both his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture and Master of Architecture while building an impressive record of leadership, mentorship, and service. Throughout his academic journey, he consistently demonstrated that architecture extends beyond buildings, it is about creating opportunities, strengthening communities, and empowering people.

His graduate thesis, Marley's Resurrection: Reimagining an Anne Arundel County Community Hub, explored how a neglected shopping mall site in his home county where he grew up could be transformed into a new, vibrant community hub that breathes new life into a space that for years has been deemed “dead” by other locals. The project reflects Rafael's belief that thoughtful design has the power to reconnect neighborhoods, celebrate local identity, and create places where people can thrive.

BUILDING LEADERS, BUILDING COMMUNITY

Leadership has been a defining part of Rafael's journey. During his time at the University of Maryland, he served as President of NOMAS UMD for four years while also representing the chapter as its NOMA Liaison. In these roles, he worked to strengthen relationships between students, faculty, local professional chapters, and NOMA National, creating opportunities that connected emerging designers with mentors and the broader architectural community.

Under Rafael's leadership, NOMAS UMD expanded professional development opportunities, increased student engagement, and strengthened partnerships with organizations including DC NOMA, Baltimore NOMA, and neighboring NOMAS chapters. His collaborative leadership style helped cultivate an environment where students were encouraged to grow professionally while building meaningful relationships with peers and practitioners.

Today, Rafael continues that commitment as College Liaison Co-Chair for DC NOMA, helping bridge the gap between students and professionals through mentorship, networking, and programming that supports the next generation of minority architects. His continued involvement reflects his belief that investing in people is just as important as investing in places.

GROWING THROUGH EXPERIENCE

Rafael's professional experiences have provided him with a diverse foundation spanning design, facilities planning, construction, and project management. Through internships with the National Institutes of Health, Corporate Office Properties Trust (COPT), the Administrative Office of the U.S. Courts, and Onyx Creative, he gained experience supporting projects across healthcare, commercial, and institutional environments while developing a strong understanding of how thoughtful planning influences the built environment.

At the University of Maryland, Rafael also served as both a Graduate Assistant and Teaching Assistant, mentoring students, supporting academic programming, and fostering collaborative learning environments. These experiences strengthened not only his technical abilities but also his passion for education and mentorship, qualities that continue to define his professional approach today.

His ability to balance technical design expertise with strong interpersonal leadership has become one of his greatest strengths, allowing him to contribute meaningfully to both project teams and the broader design community.

DESIGNING FOR THE FUTURE

Whether mentoring students, collaborating with project teams, or exploring new approaches to community-centered design, Rafael remains focused on architecture's ability to improve people's lives. He believes successful design begins with listening, understanding context, and creating spaces that reflect the needs and aspirations of the communities they serve.

As an emerging professional, Rafael represents a new generation of architectural leaders, designers who recognize that leadership extends beyond the studio and into the communities they serve. Through his continued commitment to mentorship, service, and thoughtful design, he is helping create a stronger, more connected profession for those who will follow.

DC NOMA is proud to spotlight Rafael Sanabia and his continued dedication to leadership, mentorship, and community-centered design. His passion for serving others and investing in future generations exemplifies the values of our organization and the impact thoughtful leadership can have both within the profession and beyond.