2025 FIRM SPOTLIGHT

Firm Spotlight | K. Dixon Architecture PLLC (KDA)

In April, DCNOMA proudly spotlights Kathy Dixon, FAIA, NOMAC, NCARB, LEED AP, CDT, and her firm K. Dixon Architecture PLLC (KDA)—a woman- and minority-owned architecture and planning practice rooted in service, sustainability, and community impact.

✨ About KDA & Kathy Dixon:

🔹 Founded in 2003 by Kathy Dixon, FAIA
🔹 Licensed in MD, VA, DC, PA, GA & NJ
🔹 Full-service firm: Architecture, Planning, Interiors, Design-Build
🔹 Projects include civic, healthcare, education & transit facilities
🔹 Committed to innovation, collaboration & creativity
🔹 Assistant Professor at UDC & former NOMA National President
🔹 2022 AIA Whitney M. Young Jr. Award recipient

KDA is known for blending form, function, and equity—creating high-performing, inclusive spaces that reflect the needs of the communities they serve. Under Kathy’s leadership, the firm continues to shape the built environment while inspiring the next generation of diverse design professionals.

DCNOMA is proud to honor KDA this Black History Month for their powerful legacy and unwavering commitment to design excellence and social impact.

Firm Spotlight | KGD Architecture

In May, DCNOMA proudly spotlights Manoj Dalaya, FAIA, LEED® AP, AICP, CCCA, CCS, and his firm KGD Architecture—a minority-owned, multidisciplinary design practice known for advancing thoughtful, sustainable, and community-centered architecture across the Mid-Atlantic and beyond.

✨ About KGD & Manoj Dalaya:

🔹 Co-President & Founding Principal, KGD Architecture
🔹 Firm established in 1995; rebranded as Kishimoto.Gordon.Dalaya PC in 2003
🔹 Headquarters in Washington, D.C., with offices in Arlington, Boston & Bangkok
🔹 Full-service design firm: Architecture, Interiors, Master Planning
🔹 Project types include housing, high-security, commercial, adaptive reuse, and education
🔹 Committed to equity, environmental stewardship & inclusive placemaking
🔹 Past President of AIA Northern Virginia & current AIA Documents Committee member
🔹 2023 AIA Northern Virginia Award of Honor recipient

KGD Architecture is nationally recognized for creating high-impact environments that support wellness, foster cultural connection, and reflect the values of the communities they serve. Under Manoj’s visionary leadership, the firm’s work blends rigorous planning with artistic intention—designing spaces that inspire, perform, and endure.

DCNOMA is proud to recognize KGD this AAPI Heritage Month for their legacy of innovation, leadership, and commitment to equity in the built environment.

Firm Spotlight | OTJ Architects

In June, DCNOMA proudly spotlights Kevin G. Sneed, FAIA, FIIDA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, and his firm OTJ Architects—a Black-led, award-winning design practice headquartered in Washington, D.C., known for delivering innovative, wellness-centered, and inclusive architecture across the United States.

✨ About OTJ & Kevin G. Sneed:

🔹 Senior Principal & Director of Architecture, OTJ Architects
🔹 30+ years of experience as architect, designer, and mentor
🔹 AIA College of Fellows member, 2017 (top 3%)
🔹 IIDA Fellow, 2024, highest distinction
🔹 First recipient of DCNOMA’s Lankford-Giles-Vaughan Minority Architect Award (2008)
🔹 Key projects: NCARB HQ, NAACP Legal Defense Fund Offices (DC & Atlanta), Adobe Government Affairs Office, Strayer University HQ
🔹 Co-author of Significant Interiors (2008), focusing on equity in interior architecture
🔹 Committed to mentoring emerging professionals and increasing access to the field

OTJ Architects is a nationally respected firm with over three decades of experience designing for the future of work, culture, science and technology, and residential environments. With offices across the country and more than 200 team members, the firm is committed to creating spaces that empower people, elevate organizations, and reflect the diverse communities they serve.

DCNOMA is proud to recognize Kevin G. Sneed and OTJ Architects for their visionary contributions to the profession, their dedication to mentoring the next generation, and their ongoing efforts to center equity and excellence in the built environment.

2024 FIRM SPOTLIGHTS

  • Genell Anderson/ AMAR Group llc

  • Aubrey Grant/ Emotive Architecture

  • Paola Moya/ Moya Design Partners

  • Melvin Mitchell- Bryant Mitchell PLLC

2024 Firm Spotlights