Frequently Asked Questions
Moya Design Partners (MOYA) is an architecture and design studio founded in Washington, DC, in 2017. As a woman- and minority-owned firm, MOYA brings together architecture, interior design, urban planning, graphic design, and communications into a holistic approach that places people at the center of design. Our diverse team of professionals shares a commitment to equity, sustainability, and innovation, creating spaces that not only serve functional needs but also inspire connection, dignity, and long-term community growth.
In just over eight years, MOYA has delivered more than 140 projects that range from affordable housing, civic revitalizations, cultural landmarks and educational facilities, to visual design and community engagement initiatives, each one a testament to our belief that design can be a powerful catalyst for social change.
Paola Moya is the Chief Executive Officer, Chief Creative Officer, and Founder of MOYA. With over two decades of experience in architecture, interior design, and urban planning, she has led landmark projects in housing, culture, education, and civic spaces. Paola earned both her Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees in Architecture from the Catholic University of America and completed a financial program at the Wharton School, University of Pennsylvania.
She is recognized as a visionary who merges innovation, sustainability, and social commitment in every project. Under her leadership, MOYA has delivered award-winning works such as the UDC Student Center (LEED Platinum), the revitalization of Eastern Market Metro Park, and the modernization of the Howard Theatre, achieving impact that extends beyond architecture to strengthen cultural identity and social cohesion in the communities we serve.
Our main office is located at:
1308 19th Street NW, Suite I, Washington, DC 20036.
We also have a NC office, located at:
8480 Honeycutt Road, Suite 200 #V295, Raleigh, NC 27615.
Since its founding, MOYA has worked on a wide range of projects, from affordable and market-rate housing to mixed-use developments, cultural institutions, commercial buildings, government offices and high-impact civic facilities. We have designed more than 3,000 housing units, 60% of which are affordable, always integrating accessibility, sustainability, and design excellence. Our expertise also extends to major educational projects, such as school expansions and university centers, as well as cultural and community projects that revitalize urban spaces and promote inclusion.
Each project is seen as an opportunity to foster community, advance equity, and leave a lasting positive impact on both the urban and human environment.
MOYA has built strong partnerships with a wide range of clients across the public and private sectors. Our public clients include the DC Department of General Services (DGS), the DC Public Schools (DCPS), the Department of Parks and Recreation (DPR) and the government of the City of Alexandria, VA. We have collaborated with cultural and educational institutions including the University of the District of Columbia, Prince George’s Community College, and the Smithsonian Institution through projects for the Latino American Museum and the American Women’s Museum. On the private sector side, our client base extends to MGM Resorts, corporate offices and developers. We have also worked with nonprofit organizations such as the DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID), charitable foundations, and sports and entertainment venues such as Audi Field.
Together, these clients reflect the diversity of our portfolio and our ability to deliver high-quality, community-driven projects that span housing, education, culture, civic life, and private development.
Working with MOYA means choosing a partner that blends technical excellence with social sensitivity. Our projects have won more than 30 national and international awards in architecture, interiors, and related disciplines. Founder and CEO Paola Moya has been celebrated as a WAN Female Frontier Awards finalist, named among the Washington Business Journal’s “Power 100 Playmakers,” honored as Minority Business Leader of the Year, and included in the influential “Women Who Mean Business” class of 2020. She also received
the Milton F. Clogg Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award and, early in her career, NOMA’s Visionary Award for innovative work in sustainable housing. These honors reflect accolades and demonstrate our commitment to innovation, equity, and impact. What sets MOYA apart is our holistic approach: integrated services spanning architecture, interiors, visual design, development, and master planning, all under one roof. Our research-driven process engages stakeholders at every level and grounds each project in community data. With sustainability at the core, we embed environmental responsibility and long-term resilience into every decision. Combined with proven delivery, financial strength, and a track record of executing complex projects on time and on budget, MOYA is a trusted partner for both public and private clients.
MOYA’s design excellence also extends internationally. Our debut development, Calya Provenza in Medellín, Colombia, recognized by Time Out as part of one of the “Coolest Streets in the World”, has drawn acclaim for its integration of local craft, sustainability, and wellness-centered design.
Yes. MOYA has a data protection policy that ensures the confidentiality, security, and responsible use of information received from clients, partners, and communities. This policy is aligned with legal and ethical standards, guaranteeing transparency in every process.
Website: moya.us
· Phone: +1 (202) 816-6692
· Email: [email protected]
· Address: 1308 19th Street NW, Suite I, Washington, DC 20036 | 8480 Honeycutt Road, Suite 200 #V295, Raleigh, NC 27615