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Rio World Cup Design Competition

Rio World Cup Design Competition

2016   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Rio de Janeiro, Brasil

Discipline

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

In 2014, [AC-CA] Architectural Competition challenged architects worldwide to design a temporary structure for Lapa Square during Rio de Janeiro’s FIFA World Cup. Among 146 global submissions, our proposal “Rhythm of Lapa” emerged as a transformative vision that reimagined the competition’s requirements as an immersive cultural destination.

The brief demanded a multifunctional social hub featuring a café, large viewing screen, information desk, and administrative spaces while respecting the historic Arcos da Lapa aqueduct. Rather than creating conventional separated functions, our design integrated these elements into sculptural architecture inspired by Brazilian music and street life—mimicking the flow of sound waves and dance movements.

The design strategically positioned the viewing screen as a performance stage accommodating both World Cup broadcasts and live cultural events.

Café spaces flowed seamlessly into shaded gathering areas around the historic aqueduct, while interactive installations celebrating Brazilian culture were woven throughout the information and retail zones, creating multiple engagement layers within Lapa Square’s compact footprint.

The project’s innovative approach resonated far beyond the competition. In 2016, the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) awarded Rhythm of Lapa the Honor Award in the Visionary Category, recognizing its bold cultural placemaking and international design excellence. This prestigious recognition validated our concept of treating competition constraints as catalysts for architectural innovation, demonstrating how temporary structures could achieve lasting cultural impact through thoughtful, community-centered design that celebrates local identity while serving global audiences.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

Lapa, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil

Size

100,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016 | Concept Design

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Reservation 13 Neighborhood Development

Reservation 13 Neighborhood Development

2020   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Reservation 13, located at Hill East near the Anacostia River, has been an underused historic site for over 200 years. Initially excluded from L’Enfant’s Plan, it was later included in the 2002 Anacostia Waterfront Target Areas. In December 2020, DMPED issued an RFP to develop the site, transforming it into a vibrant mixed-use community.

Argos Group and The NRP Group selected MOYA Design Partners to lead the design of six mixed-use buildings, adding over 1,000 homes, retail spaces, and childcare facilities. MOYA’s design embraces the Hill East Master Plan and the Anacostia Waterfront Initiative by integrating the street grid and respecting the site’s zoning and scale.

The project rehabilitates brownfield areas and creates green spaces and courtyards. The design capitalizes on the existing topography, creating a visually dynamic development that connects the city to the Anacostia River and reimagines the relationship between the urban environment and nature.

Facts & Figures

Client

Argos Group | The NRP Group

Size

Total Area 1,028,776 SF
Residential 973,839 SF
1055 Units
Health Care 12,000 SF
Retail 42,937 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2020 | Concept Design

Construction type

Wood/Podium
Mid-Rise

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Eastern Market Metro Park

Eastern Market Metro Park

2021   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

The Eastern Market Metro Park, located at Pennsylvania Ave & D St in Washington, DC, is a revitalized public space in Capitol Hill. This urban design project spans six parcels with various ownerships, transforming the area into a vibrant community hub. The park now features a modern playground, a community pavilion, and shaded areas that seamlessly connect with Pennsylvania Avenue and the neighborhood.

MOYA Design Partners, in collaboration with LandDesign and Keystone Plus Construction, worked alongside DC agencies to align the project with community needs. Based on a master plan from 2013-14, the park serves as an inclusive “Town Square” for Capitol Hill.

The design incorporates sustainable features such as stormwater management systems, rain gardens, and enhanced landscaping to promote biodiversity and reduce heat island effects. Targeting Envision certification, the project reflects Capitol Hill residents’ vision for a welcoming, sustainable public space.

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS/DPR

Size

6 parcels

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2021

project cost

$14M

accreditations

ENVISION (In process) 

Delivery Method

Design-Build 

Awards

2021

Titan Property Awards |
Architecture – Public Spaces
Gold Winner

Collaborators

CIVIL

A. Morton Thomas and Associates, Inc. (AMT)

STRUCTURAL

Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) 

MEP

SETTY & Associates 

LANDSCAPE

LandDesign 

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Modera H Street

Modera H Street

Ongoing

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Residential

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Modera H Street, located at 801 17th St NE in Washington, DC, is a luxury mid-rise apartment complex designed by the award-winning Moya Design Partners and developed by Mill Creek Residential Trust. This 342,200 square foot building will feature 325 units, including a mix of market-rate and affordable apartments, showcasing MOYA’s expertise in multifamily housing design.

Set to be completed in 2025, Modera H Street aims for LEED Silver certification, emphasizing sustainable architecture. The design combines a wood structure over a concrete podium, with large windows that fill the interiors with natural light and offer urban views.

Near the National Arboretum, the building provides residents with luxury amenities, including a rooftop deck, landscaped courtyard with a pool, and a fitness center with a yoga studio. Positioned close to the vibrant H Street Corridor, Modera H Street offers convenient access to shopping, dining, and the DC Streetcar line, reflecting Moya Design Partners’ innovative approach to modern urban living.

Facts & Figures

Client

Mill Creek Residential Trust 

Size

Total Area 342,200 SF
Residential 331,030 SF
325 Units – 291 MR; 34 AFF

Amenity Space 11,170 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

August 2025

project cost

$88.2M 

accreditations

LEED Silver (In process) 

Delivery Method

Self-Performed 

Construction type

3-A Wood, 1-A Concrete Podium
Mid-Rise
 

Collaborators

INTERIOR DESIGN

Edge Design, LA

CIVIL

Bowman Consulting Group Ltd.

STRUCTURAL

Cates Engineering

MEP

Lighthouse Engineering

LANDSCAPE

LandDesign

ACCESSIBILITY

Steven Winter Associates

SUSTAINABILITY

Meridian Consulting, LLC

ENVELOPE

Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc. (WJE)

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Martha Gudelsky Child Development Center

Martha Gudelsky Child Development Center

2020   I   Design Development

LOCATION

Silver Spring, MD

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

The Martha B. Gudelsky Child Development Center (MGCDC) and CentroNía in Silver Spring, MD, is a 31,000-square-foot facility dedicated to early childhood education. This $15 million project, completed in 2020, transformed the former Silver Spring Library into a state-of-the-art learning center, offering 16 classrooms designed for 180 children aged 0-5 years. Located at 11900 Tech Road, this center provides essential services for the local community, including a large community room and a commercial kitchen. Designed by MOYA, the project aims for LEED Silver certification, emphasizing sustainability and environmental responsibility. By integrating modern design with the site’s historical significance, MGCDC and CentroNía set a new standard for early childhood education in Montgomery County, making it a pivotal resource for families seeking high-quality, bilingual childcare.

Facts & Figures

Client

Martha B. Gudelsky Child
Development
Center & CentroNía

Size

31,000 SF
16 Classrooms

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2020 | Development Design

accreditations

LEED Silver (Target)

Delivery Method

DesignBidBuild 

Construction type

2-A/Steel 

Collaborators

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Whiting-Turner

STRUCTURAL

Ehlert Bryan

CIVIL

Bohler

MEP

Engineered Design Group (EDG) 

LANDSCAPE

ParkerRodriguez Inc

ACOUSTICS, IT/AV & SECurity

Polysonics

SUSTAINABILITY

EcoImpact Consulting

UTILITIES

Davis Utility Consulting

KITCHEN CONSULTANT

Nyikos Garcia Foodservice Design

FP/CODE

Jensen Hughes

ATTORNEY

Lerch, Early & Brewer 

ENVIRONMENTAL & GEOTECHNICAL

Engineering Consulting Services (ECS)

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Helsinki Central Library

Helsinki Central Library

2016   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Helsinki, Finland

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Helsinki Central Library, located in the Töölönlahti district, is a 140,000-square-foot architectural marvel designed to achieve Net Zero energy use. Developed through an international design competition, this civic project by the City of Helsinki blends sustainability with innovation. The library’s crescent shape and expansive glass façade invite natural light and offer panoramic city views, embodying openness and accessibility.

Inside, the library features floating staircases, collaborative spaces, and quiet study areas, fostering a community-focused environment. Energy-efficient materials like white granite enhance thermal performance, while rooftop photovoltaic panels and a solar hot water system underscore the building’s eco-conscious design. More than just a library, it’s a vibrant hub for learning, digital exploration, and community events, reflecting Helsinki’s vision for a sustainable and inclusive public space.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

City of Helsinki

Size

140,000 SF 

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2016 | Concept Design

Accreditations

Net Zero (Target)

Delivery Method

Design-Bid-Build

Construction type

Concrete

Collaborators

mep

SETTY & Associates 

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Fort DuPont Ice Arena

Fort DuPont Ice Arena

2014   I   Design Concept

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Our Fort DuPont Ice Arena proposal envisions a modern 100,000-square-foot facility on a $20 million budget. Designed to enhance community engagement and foster economic growth, the project emphasizes youth opportunities and future development.

The phased design maximizes shared amenities between the two ice rinks, allowing for efficient use of space and the inclusion of essential features such as shops, locker rooms, spectator seating, storage, and offices. This consolidation of amenities contributes to the arena’s functionality and community enrichment.

Located in Washington, DC, this proposal aims to provide a state-of-the-art skating facility that serves as a community hub while promoting neighborhood stability. The design was led by Paola Moya, CEO of Marshall Moya Design, with a focus on creating a vibrant, multi-purpose space for both recreational and professional use. The project reflects a commitment to sustainability, youth engagement, and urban development.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

DGS

Size

100,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2014 | Concept Design

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Forest Glen Apartments

Forest Glen Apartments

2022   I   Schematic Design

LOCATION

Silver Spring, MD

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Residential

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

The Forest Glen project at 9801 Georgia Avenue in Silver Spring, Maryland, a redevelopment venture by JLB Partners, is reshaping a former medical office building into a mixed-use community hub. Slated for completion in 2026, this $104 million project encompasses a total area of 425,000 SF, with 402,500 SF dedicated to residential space. It features 389 units, including 330 market-rate and 59 affordable housing options, 14,900 SF of amenities and 5,000 of retail.  

Aiming for LEED Silver certification, Forest Glen underscores sustainability, allocating 35% of its space to green areas and incorporating stormwater management solutions. The design includes a civic green open space and a plaza, positioned to enhance the community connection and situated at the footsteps of the future Metro Station entrance, thus integrating mass transit and the development. 

This mid-rise wood/concrete podium construction faces various urban challenges like long road frontages and slopes yet is meticulously planned to include environmental features and Metro user facilities. Forest Glen, with its sustainable design, community and transit-oriented approach, is set to invigorate the social and urban fabric of the area, offering a blend of residential comfort, commercial vitality, and green living. 

Facts & Figures

Client

JLB Partners 

Size

Total Area 425,000 SF
Residential 402,500 SF
3
89 Units – 330 MR; 59 AFF
Amenity Space 14,900 SF
Retail 5,000 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2022 | Schematic Design

accreditations

LEED Silver (Target)

Delivery Method

Design-Bid-Build 

Construction type

3-A Wood, 1-A Concrete Podium
Mid-Rise
 

Collaborators

civil

VIKA Maryland, LLC

LANDSCAPE

LandDesign

TRAFFIC

Lenhart Traffic Consulting, Inc.  

attorney

Milles & Stockbridge

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CareFirst Arena

CareFirst Arena

2018   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Project Type

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Project Details

The CareFirst Arena at 1100 Oak Drive SE, Washington, DC, is a cutting-edge 118,000-square-foot venue that has transformed the city’s sports and entertainment scene. Completed in 2018 for $55 million, it was designed by Paola Moya, then CEO of Marshall Moya Design, in partnership with ROSSETTI Architects.

The CareFirst Arena is home to the Washington Mystics (WNBA), Capital City Go-Go (NBA G League), and serves as the Washington Wizards’ practice facility. This LEED Gold Certified arena also hosts concerts, e-sports, and community events, showcasing versatility and community engagement.

Its design blends with the historic St. Elizabeths East campus, featuring a brick-toned exterior and innovative interior with split-level seating for seamless transitions between events. As part of St. Elizabeths East’s redevelopment, the CareFirst Arena has won awards like the DCBIA Community Impact Award and Washington Business Journal’s Game Changer Award, contributing to Ward 8’s economic growth by generating jobs and revenue.

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

Facts & Figures

Client

Events DC

Size

Total Area 118,000 SF
Seats 4,200 

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2018

project cost

$55M

accreditations

LEED Gold

Delivery Method

Design-Build 

Construction type

Concrete & Steel 

Collaborators

associate architect

ROSSETTI

GENERAL CONTRACTOR

Smoot & Gilbane

structural

Baker Ingram

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Diane’s House

Diane’s House 

2020   I   Completed

LOCATION

Washington, D.C.

Discipline

Architecture

SECTOR

Residential

Project Type

Audi Field
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Project Details

Diane’s House, located at 2619 Bladensburg Road NE in Washington, DC, is a 42-unit affordable housing project designed by Moya Design Partners and developed by Flaherty and Collins in partnership with Diane’s House Ministries. Completed in 2020, the 30,500-square-foot building provides crucial housing and support services for vulnerable women, including homeless veterans and survivors of domestic violence.

The $6.7 million project focuses on sustainability, achieving Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) certification. It includes a green roof for stormwater management and uses native plants to enhance environmental sustainability. Diane’s House offers 25,330 square feet of residential space and 3,200 square feet of amenity space, with areas for vocational training, recovery programs, and health services.

Despite zoning challenges, the project was completed quickly through the DCRA’s ‘Velocity’ program. Diane’s House is a testament to thoughtful design, fostering a safe, supportive community for at-risk women in Washington, DC.

Facts & Figures

Client

Flaherty & Collins and Diane’s House Ministries 

Size

Total Area 30,500 SF
Residential 25,330 SF
42 Units 100% Affordable

Amenity Space 3,200 SF

Status

Completed

Completion Year

2020

project cost

$6.7M

accreditations

Enterprise Green Communities (EGC) 

Delivery Method

Design-Bid-Build 

Construction type

5-A Wood
Mid-Rise
 

Awards

2023

MUSE Architectural Design   I  Architectural Design Low Cost Housing  I  Silver Winner

2021

Titan Property Award  I  Architecture – Low-cost Housing  I  Gold Winner

Collaborators

civil

Willes Mensch 

structural

Baker, Ingram & Associates Structural Engineering 

mep

Engineered Design Group (EDG) 

landscape

LandDesign

sustainability

EcoImpact Consulting

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

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