MENU

Blog Archives

University of the District of Columbia’s New Student Center

University of the District of Columbia’s
New Student Center

2016   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
6
6
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The University of the District of Columbia’s New Student Center is an 80,000-square-foot, $63 million project that serves as a vital gateway to the campus and a symbol of UDC’s modern vision. Completed in 2016, the Center fronts Connecticut Avenue and welcomes students and visitors into a vibrant public square anchored by a distinctive clock tower, signifying UDC’s renewed civic presence and urban engagement.

Designed as part of UDC’s Campus Master Plan, the Student Center embodies the integration of sustainability and urban revitalization, achieving LEED Platinum certification. As one of the first LEED Platinum student centers on the East Coast, the building highlights UDC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection. Sustainable features include a rain garden, daylight-filled atria, bioretention systems for stormwater management, photovoltaic panels, and geothermal systems. A 20,000-square-foot green roof, used for urban agriculture, supports the university’s land-grant mission and includes a stormwater harvesting system with dual 500-gallon cisterns.

Inside, the Center houses a welcome center, ballroom, student government offices, lounges, and dining options, catering to residential and commuter students, faculty, and the broader community.

Realized by Paola Moya, Associate Architect at Marshall Moya Design, and CannonDesign as Architect of Record, the project has earned major accolades, including the National Organization of Minority Architects Design Excellence Award, ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit in Higher Education, finalist recognition at the Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Trends Awards, and the 2018 Best in Class Brick in Architecture Award, celebrating its design excellence and community impact.

Facts & Figures

Client

University of the District of Columbia 

Size

80,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016

project cost

$63M

accreditations

LEED Platinum 

Delivery Method

DesignBuild 

Construction type

1-A/Concrete
Mid
-Rise
 

Awards

2018

Brick Industry Association | Brick in Architecture Award 

2016

ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit | Higher Education

2016

National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) | Professional Design Excellence Award

2016

Urban Land Institute (ULI) | Real Estate Trends Awards Finalist

Collaborators

General contractor

Forrester Construction

CIVIL

Delon Hampton & Associates, Inc.

MEP

SETTY & Associates

LANDSCAPE

Lee and Associates, Inc.

More Projects

Chuck Brown Memorial Park

Chuck Brown Memorial Park  

2014   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Project Type

Audi Field
1
Gallery2_Chuck Brown Memorial Park
Gallery3__Chuck Brown Memorial Park
Gallery4_Chuck Brown Memorial Park
Gallery5_Chuck Brown Memorial Park
Gallery6_Chuck Brown Memorial Park
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

Chuck Brown Memorial Park, located in Langdon Park, Washington, D.C., is a tribute to the legendary “Godfather of Go-Go,” Chuck Brown. Spanning 42,000 square feet, this vibrant civic venue was designed under the leadership of Paola Moya during her tenure as CEO at Marshall Moya Design. Completed in 2014 at a cost of $5 million, the park honors the cultural significance of Go-Go music, a genre rooted in Washington, D.C.’s history.

Central to the park is a striking abstract sculpture representing Chuck Brown and two dancers. Interactive features, such as LED lights activated by motion sensors, immerse visitors in the “call and response” style emblematic of Go-Go music. A memorial wall constructed of colored concrete and high-quality ceramic tiles showcases a timeline of Brown’s life and career, complemented by an interactive discography engraved on aluminum panels.

The design integrates a recreational plaza with pervious pavers, turf seating areas, and an interactive instrument zone featuring playable drums. Sustainable elements include bio-retention areas, native plantings like Crepe Myrtle and Magnolia, and ADA-accessible pathways.

This unique space is both a celebration of local culture and a gathering place for community engagement. With features like lawn seating for outdoor concerts and picnic areas, the park captures the essence of Brown’s musical legacy while promoting inclusivity and environmental stewardship.

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DPR

Size

42,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2014

project cost

$1.8M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

Design-Build

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Broughton Construction, Inc.

CIVIL

Greening Urban, LLC

STRUCTURAL

Robert Silman Associates

MEP

Metropolitan Engineering
Shapiro – O´Brien

LANDSCAPE

Bradley Site Design

More Projects

Leckie Educational Campus

Leckie Educational Campus 

2023   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
Audi Field
1
6
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The Leckie Education Campus in Washington, DC, is expanding with a 14,500 SF addition to its existing facility. This $18M project, led by MOYA Design Partners, replaces temporary trailers with modern classrooms and community spaces, adhering to DC Public Schools’ standards and achieving LEED Gold principles. 

The design includes flexible learning areas, improved accessibility, and advanced energy systems. The addition balances sustainability with functionality while maintaining school operations during construction. 

Set for completion by 2026, the Leckie project enhances educational and environmental outcomes, creating a state-of-the-art facility that supports the community’s growth. 

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DCPS

Size

14,500 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2023 | Concept Design

accreditations

LEED Gold (Target)

Delivery Method

Design-Build

More Projects

Historic Randle Highlands Early Learning Center

Historic Randle Highlands Early Learning Center 

2022   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

6
6
6
6
6
Audi Field
1
6
6
6
6
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The Old Randle Early Childhood Education Center, located at 1650 30th St SE in Washington, DC, showcases an impressive blend of historic preservation and modern educational design. Completed in 2022, this $14 million project, led by MOYA Design Partners in collaboration with Hord Coplan Macht and Keystone Construction, revitalized a 1911 Elizabethan Tudor-style building, one of the oldest school structures east of the Anacostia River.

Spanning 20,865 square feet, the center serves students from Pre-K3 to 5th grade, including infants and toddlers. The design retains the building’s historic character while accommodating contemporary educational needs, featuring six classrooms, discovery spaces, and administrative offices.

Despite challenges in balancing historical preservation with modern safety standards, the team, with approvals from the Historic Preservation Board, sensitively restored original elements. The center also boasts sustainable features, achieving LEED Gold certification, with green roofs and Energy Star Certification. This project exemplifies MOYA Design Partners’ expertise in creating nurturing, sustainable environments for early childhood education.

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DCPS 

Size

20,865 SF  

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2022

project cost

$14M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

Historic Structure  

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Keystone Plus Construction

Associate Architect

Hord Coplan Macht (HCM)

CIVIL

Delon Hampton & Associates, Inc.

STRUCTURAL

Robert Silman Associates Structural Engineers, D.P.C.

MEP

Henry Adams, LLC

LANDSCAPE

Sage Studio

AV/IT & Security

Polysonics

SUSTAINABILITY

EcoImpact Consulting

More Projects

University of the District of Columbia’s New Student Center

University of the District of Columbia’s
New Student Center

2016   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The University of the District of Columbia’s New Student Center is an 80,000-square-foot, $63 million project that serves as a vital gateway to the campus and a symbol of UDC’s modern vision. Completed in 2016, the Center fronts Connecticut Avenue and welcomes students and visitors into a vibrant public square anchored by a distinctive clock tower, signifying UDC’s renewed civic presence and urban engagement.

Designed as part of UDC’s Campus Master Plan, the Student Center embodies the integration of sustainability and urban revitalization, achieving LEED Platinum certification. As one of the first LEED Platinum student centers on the East Coast, the building highlights UDC’s commitment to environmental stewardship and community connection. Sustainable features include a rain garden, daylight-filled atria, bioretention systems for stormwater management, photovoltaic panels, and geothermal systems. A 20,000-square-foot green roof, used for urban agriculture, supports the university’s land-grant mission and includes a stormwater harvesting system with dual 500-gallon cisterns.

Inside, the Center houses a welcome center, ballroom, student government offices, lounges, and dining options, catering to residential and commuter students, faculty, and the broader community.

Realized by Paola Moya, Associate Architect at Marshall Moya Design, and CannonDesign as Architect of Record, the project has earned major accolades, including the National Organization of Minority Architects Design Excellence Award, ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit in Higher Education, finalist recognition at the Urban Land Institute’s Real Estate Trends Awards, and the 2018 Best in Class Brick in Architecture Award, celebrating its design excellence and community impact.

Facts & Figures

Client

University of the District of Columbia 

Size

80,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016

project cost

$63M

accreditations

LEED Platinum 

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

1-A/Concrete
Mid
-Rise
 

Awards

2018

Brick Industry Association | Brick in Architecture Award 

2016

National Organization of Minority Architects | Professional Design Excellence Award

2016

ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit | Higher Education

2016

ENR Mid-Atlantic Award of Merit | Higher Education

2016

Urban Land Institute | Real Estate Trends Awards Finalist

Collaborators

General Contractor

Forrester Construction

CIVIL

Delon Hampton & Associates, Inc.

MEP

SETTY & Associates

LANDSCAPE

Lee and Associates, Inc.

More Projects

Horace Mann Elementary School

Horace Mann Elementary School 

2015   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
6
6
6
6
6
6
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

Horace Mann Elementary School in Washington, DC, is a leading institution in the DC Public Schools system, recognized for its excellence and innovative Reggio Emilia approach. The school has earned the U.S. Department of Education’s Blue-Ribbon School Award five times.

A recent transformation included a 17,000-square-foot modernization and a 33,000-square-foot expansion, earning the 2017 ENR MidAtlantic Best Project award. Led by Paola Moya at Marshall Moya Design, the project created fluid indoor-outdoor learning spaces, featuring green areas, a rooftop farm with photovoltaic cells, and versatile spaces like an art room, science gallery, and library that connect to outdoor gardens and play areas.

Focused on sustainability, the LEED Gold-certified building supports activities like language enrichment and nature clubs. This collaborative effort with DGS, DCPS, CFA, HPO, and Skanska showcases the school’s commitment to sustainability and sets a new standard for educational design.

Designed under Paola Moya’s leadership as CEO of Marshall Moya Design

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DCPS  

Size

56,500 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2015

project cost

$37.7M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

1-A/Concrete 

Awards

2017

ENR MidAtlantic | Best Project

More Projects

Naja Condominiums

Naja Condominiums 

2026   I   Ongoing

LOCATION

Alexandria, VA

Discipline

SECTOR

Residential

Project Type

3_Image 7
3_Image 3
3_Image 4
3_Image 7
3_Image 3
3_Image 4
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

Naja, the smaller yet integral counterpart to Sansé, is a reflection of the cultural and community values central to the Arlandria-Chirilagua neighborhood in Alexandria, VA. With a construction budget of $31 million, Naja offers a more intimate setting with 58 units spread across 114,908 square feet, designed to house approximately 100 residents. 

While more compact, Naja carries the same commitment to affordable housing, with a portion of its units targeting residents earning 40% of the Area Median Income (AMI). Moya Design Partners applied their expertise to the 8,200 square feet of interior amenities, complemented by 2,400 square feet of exterior spaces.

Key features include a welcoming lobby, meeting room, party room, mailroom, game room, and club room. Outdoor spaces feature well-designed furniture on both the ground and terrace levels, ensuring comfort and connectivity. Additionally, restrooms are thoughtfully included to accommodate residents and visitors. 

MOYA Creative handled the branding, ensuring that Naja aligns with the broader project’s vision while retaining its unique identity. Together, Sansé and Naja stand as symbols of sustainable urban growth, community collaboration, and a deep respect for cultural heritage in Alexandria’s ever-evolving landscape. 

Facts & Figures

Client

Housing Alexandria 

Size

Total Area 114,908 SF
Interior Amenities 8,200 SF
Exterior Amenities 2,400 SF

Status

Ongoing

Completion Year

2026

project cost

$31M

accreditations

Earth Craft V5 Gold Level 

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

1-A /LGSF, Concrete Deck
High-Rise
 

Awards

2024

Titan Business Awards | Category: Video – Documentary | Silver Winner

2023

LOOP Design Awards | Category: Video – Social Impact | Winner

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Whiting-Turner

PROJECT MANAGER

Advanced Project Management, Inc.

Architect of Record

Davis Carter Scott (DCS)

CIVIL

Walter L Phillips Inc.

STRUCTURAL

Cates Engineering

MEP

Engenium Group

LANDSCAPE

LandDesign

LIGHTING

Power Design, Inc.

ACOUSTICS

Polysonics

More Projects

Howard Theater

The Howard Theatre

2012   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

6
6
Audi Field
1
6
6
6
6
6
Howard Theater-1
Stage View
Howard Theater-5
11
12
13
15
15
662aafc1ed669fada2a2d35b_Exterior,_Side,_Evening-p-1600
outside
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The Howard Theatre, a cultural icon in Washington, DC, opened in 1910 and became a cornerstone for African American artists during segregation. Legends like Duke Ellington, Ella Fitzgerald, Marvin Gaye, and The Supremes graced its stage, shaping genres like jazz, R&B, and soul. 

After years of closure, the theater underwent a $29 million renovation completed in 2012. The restoration, funded by an $8 million grant and $4 million in Great Streets Tax Increment Financing (TIF) from the Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development, preserved its Beaux Arts, Italian Renaissance, and neoclassical Greek exterior while modernizing the interior. The renovation transformed the space into a cabaret-style venue, retaining historical elements like columns and balconies while adding a dome ceiling, seating for 1,100, and state-of-the-art acoustics. 

Led by Paola Moya during her period at Marshall Moya Design and partnered with Martinez and Johnson Architecture as the Architect of Record, the project earned awards such as the 2012 AIA | DC Award for Excellence in Historic Resources. This renovation honors the Howard Theatre’s legacy, ensuring it remains a vibrant part of Washington, DC’s cultural landscape. 

Designed under Paola Moya’s leadership as CEO of Marshall Moya Design

Facts & Figures

Client

Ellis Development 

Size

34,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2012

project cost

$29M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

Historic Renovation 

Awards

2013

Craftsmanship Award
District of Columbia Historic Preservation Office and Office of Planning  I  Award for Excellence in Historic Preservation  

2013

Washington Building Congress |
Craftsmanship Award
 

2012

AIA-Local Awards

2012

Historic Preservation Award-Local

Collaborators

general CONTRACTOR

Whiting-Turner

ARCHITECT OF RECORD

Martinez+Johnson Architecture

MEP

Metropolitan Engineering/
Shapiro-O’Brien

Theater Consultant

Schuler Shook

More Projects

MOXY Hotel

Moxy Hotel & Franklin D Reeves Center

2021   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Residential
Commercial
Hospitality

Project Type

Mixed-Use Development
Multi-Family Housing
Affordable Housing
Townhomes
Office Buildings
Retail Spaces
Hotels

Audi Field
1
Img 06_Moxy Hotel & New Franklin D Reeves Center
6
hotel-zoom
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The MOXY Hotel and Franklin D. Reeves Center project at the intersection of U Street NW and 14th Street NW in Washington, DC, is a major urban development led by Legacy Community Partners and the NAACP. MOYA Design Partners, in collaboration with Soto Architecture & Urban Design, has crafted the architectural design of this transformative project.

The 101,000-square-foot Franklin D. Reeves Center will serve as the NAACP’s National Headquarters, featuring an angled façade that enhances public space and transit flow. The building will include green walls and a green roof to promote sustainability. A café by DC Central Kitchen will function as a community hub, offering job training for local residents.

Adjacent to the Reeves Center, the MOXY Hotel will feature 180 guestrooms and a vibrant café by Songbyrd, showcasing live music that celebrates the area’s cultural heritage. This project revitalizes the U Street corridor, blending commercial, residential, and hospitality spaces while honoring its rich history and fostering economic growth.

Facts & Figures

Client

Legacy Community Partners
& NAACP

Size

Total Area 164,834 SF
Hotel 63,834 SF
Office 101,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2021 | Concept Design

accreditations

LEED Gold (Target)

Collaborators

associate architect

Soto Architecture & Urban Design

More Projects

Avonlea Senior Living

Avonlea Senior Living

2026   I   Ongoing

LOCATION

Virginia

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Reception
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-43-31
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-46-59
Enscape_2025-05-13-21-42-54
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-58-52
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-28-40
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-25-45
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-30-17
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-34-15
Enscape_2025-05-13-20-45-00
previous arrow
next arrow

Project Details

The Avonlea Senior Living Project in Chantilly, VA, is an innovative development led by MOYA Design Partners as the Interior Architect. In collaboration with the Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH) and Grimm and Parker as Architect of Record, this $41 million project is set to offer 130 residential units within a 130,500 square foot building, complemented by 9,400 square feet of amenities. Scheduled for completion in 2026, Avonlea aims to achieve EarthCraft V5 Gold Level certification, underlining its commitment to sustainability.

MOYA’s design approach emphasizes comfort and community, with a focus on creating vibrant, functional spaces for senior residents. The project’s design excellence has already been recognized with the MUSE Design Awards-Silver Winner in the Interior Design-Residential category, highlighting its commitment to quality and innovation.

Facts & Figures

Client

Arlington Partnership for Affordable Housing (APAH)

Size

Total Area 130,500 SF
Residential 130 Units
Amenity Space 9,400 SF

Status

Ongoing

Completion Year

2026

project cost

$41M

accreditations

Earth Craft V5 Gold Level

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

3-A/Wood

Awards

2023

MUSE Design Awards | Interior Design-Residential | Silver Winner 

Collaborators

ARCHITECT OF RECORD

Grimm + Parker Architecture

PROJECT MANAGER

Advanced Project Management, Inc.

CIVIL

Urban, Ltd.

STRUCTURAL

Cates Engineering

MEP

Allen & Shariff Engineering, LLC

SUSTAINABILITY

Viridiant

More Projects

Moya Design Partners, LLC. © 2025, All Rights Reserved

MOYA Design Partners, LLC. © 2025, All Rights Reserved