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Howard Theater

The Howard Theatre

2012   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

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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

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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

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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

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The Linden Senior Residences

The Linden Senior Residences

2026   I   Ongoing

LOCATION

Virginia

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

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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

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MGM National Harbor

MGM National Harbor

2016   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

MOYA’s boutique interiors for the National Market food hall at MGM’s $1.3 billion National Harbor Resort & Casino led to further work with MGM Resorts across the country. Our team worked closely with MGM to frame their food hall concept in Prince George’s County. Inspired by the experience of an outdoor urban market, here a variety of aromas, spices, and culinary arts combine in an authentic and casual setting.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

MGM Resorts International

Size

3,500 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016

accreditations

LEED Gold

Construction type

Concrete

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

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The Spa MGM

The Spa MGM

2021   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Moya Design Partners collaborated with MGM Resorts International to design The Spa at MGM Springfield, part of the $960 million MGM Springfield resort. The 5,500-square-foot spa offers a luxurious New England-inspired experience, combining old-world charm with contemporary warmth.

The spa features seven treatment rooms, two relaxation areas, steam rooms, and a fitness room, all designed to provide the ultimate tranquility. Floor-to-ceiling glass doors welcome guests into a serene space with warm blues and neutral tones, reflecting the natural beauty of New England.

Key design elements include reclaimed wood, woven fabrics, and a cascading rope installation inspired by the region’s maritime heritage. Custom furniture, rustic hardware, and original artwork enhance the ambiance, creating a perfect blend of elegance and modern comfort. The Spa at MGM Springfield offers a refined yet relaxing experience, embodying the MGM Resorts philosophy of creating immersive, luxurious environments for its guests.

Designed under Moya’s leadership as CEO of MMD and completed by Moya Design Partners. 

Facts & Figures

Client

MGM Resorts 

Size

12,500 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2018

Collaborators

General Contractor

Friedmutter Group (AOR) & AECOM Tishman Construction

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Payne Elementary School

Payne Elementary School

2016   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
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Project Details

Payne Elementary School, located at 1445 C Street SE in Washington, DC, underwent a major renovation to better support its role as the District’s flagship school for deaf, hearing-impaired, and special needs students. Completed in 2016 with a $28 million budget, the Design-Build project focused on creating an inclusive and accessible learning environment, earning LEED Gold certification.

Led by MOYA Design Partners, the renovation enhanced ADA compliance and included specialized spaces for diverse learning needs. The design integrated American Sign Language resources and advanced communication systems for hearing-impaired students. Curriculum-centered graphics and interactive elements were incorporated throughout the school, promoting learning in common areas.

Despite a tight timeline, the $15 million portion of the renovation was completed swiftly through close coordination with DGS and Coakley & Williams Construction. Today, Payne Elementary continues to serve as a modern, inclusive space that fosters growth and learning for all students.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DCPS

Size

70,348 SF 

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016

project cost

$28M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

Design-Build

Construction type

Interior Fit-Out

Awards

2017

USGBC Excellence in Construction, ABC

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Coakley & Williams Construction

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Events DC Virtual Studio

Events DC Virtual Studio

2021   I   Design Development

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
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Project Details

Events DC is the premier host of conventions, entertainment, sporting and cultural events in the nation’s capital. In need of more production studio space, Events DC engaged MOYA in the design to convert approximately 3,500 square feet of existing meeting room space into a state-of-art virtual production studio and support space including a green room, control room, reception area and flex space. The design includes a fit out of the space with a stage, LED green screens, acoustical attenuation, audio/visual equipment, selective upgrades to finishes and general lighting, IT infrastructure, furnishings, HVAC, and MEP elements. 

Facts & Figures

Client

Events DC

Size

3,500 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2021 | Design Development

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

Tenant Fit-Out

Collaborators

STRUCTURAL

Ehlert Bryan

MEP/FP

SETTY & Associates

AUDIO & VISUAL DESIGN

Stillman Kelly

FP & Code

Jensen Hughes

ACOUSTICS

Polysonics

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Downtown Day Services Center

Downtown Day Services Center

2019   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
1
6
6
6
6
6
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Project Details

The Downtown Day Services Center (DDSC) at 1313 New York Ave NW, Washington, DC, opened in February 2019 to support individuals experiencing homelessness. Designed by MOYA Design Partners and commissioned by the DowntownDC Business Improvement District, this 6,400-square-foot facility is part of Mayor Muriel Bowser’s initiative to make homelessness “rare, brief, and nonrecurring.”

MOYA’s design focused on creating a warm, inviting environment where comprehensive services are accessible in one location. The center features modern amenities, including shower facilities, kitchens, restrooms, a laundry room, a TV lounge, and a meeting hall. It also provides essential services such as housing assessment, health care, legal assistance, behavioral health support, and employment services.

Inspired by nature, the interior design incorporates natural light, greenery, and a garden-like ambiance. Using contemporary colors and eco-friendly finishes, along with thoughtful wayfinding and graphics, the DDSC creates a therapeutic atmosphere, reinforcing MOYA’s commitment to well-being and community support.

Facts & Figures

Client

DowntownDC Business Improvement District (BID)

Size

6,380 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2019

project cost

$1.7M

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

Tenant Fit-Out

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Blue Sky Construction

MEP

Engenium Group

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Thomas Jefferson Office

1050 Thomas Jefferson NW 

2020   I   Schematic Design

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

SECTOR

Commercial

Project Type

6
6
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6
6
Audi Field
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Project Details

The 1050 Thomas Jefferson NW office building in Georgetown, Washington, DC, is undergoing an interior renovation by MOYA Design Partners. This 28,222-square-foot project, commissioned by JBG & Potomac Investment, is currently in the schematic design phase, aiming to enhance tenant amenities and workspace functionality.

The renovation features a versatile WiFi Lounge on the first floor, which serves as a coffee space and can transform into a conference or lecture area. The second floor includes an open-concept co-working area with workstations, conference rooms, and a communal pantry, complemented by seating nooks and private phone booths.

MOYA’s design approach seamlessly blends aesthetics with functionality, creating dynamic spaces tailored to modern office needs. This project not only enhances the building’s appeal but also positions it as a premier office destination in Washington, DC, showcasing MOYA Design Partners’ expertise in corporate interior design.

Facts & Figures

Client

JBG & Potomac Investment 

Size

28,222 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2020 | Schematic Design

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

Interior Fit-out

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St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Site Plan

St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Site Plan

2023   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Residential
Institutional
Cultural & Civic
Commercial

Project Type

Audi Field
1
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Project Details

The St. Elizabeth’s East Campus Master Plan developed by the District of Columbia, created a framework for an important community hub within the Congress Heights neighborhood, while promoting the District’s emerging innovation economy through redevelopment. Its recommendations for residential, commercial, cultural, and institutional uses aimed to bring renewed vibrancy to the East Campus as well as to surrounding areas, Ward 8, and the city of Washington. MOYA was engaged by the Menkiti Group to develop a site plan for a portion of the Campus in response to a development RFP issued by the government of the District of Columbia.  

The site plan we developed proposed a mix of new development and historic preservation to create a welcoming gateway that connected and enriched the community. Parcels 6 and 7 reimagined new construction that harmonized with the existing landscape, to include retail, health, and housing. Parcels 8 and 9 were revitalized as hubs for arts, education, and community services, in collaboration with a team dedicated to workforce development, education, and outreach. 

Facts & Figures

Client

Office of the Deputy Mayor for Planning and Economic Development – DMPED 

Size

252,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2023 | Concept Design

accreditations

LEED Silver (Target)

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

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