Business Details
31 Years
experience
Award-Winning Architectural Design Services in DC
KGD Architecture is a distinguished architectural firm with over 25 years of experience in creating resilient, innovative, and beautiful designs that enhance user wellness and productivity. Founded in 1995, our practice is rooted in a commitment to client-centric solutions, reflecting each client's unique mission while delivering dividends to individuals, communities, and the global environment. Our team of award-winning architects and designers specializes in corporate office design, urban planning, and adaptive reuse projects, combining technical expertise with artistic vision to address complex challenges. Recognized for leadership in sustainable design, we hold certifications such as LEED AP and have completed landmark projects for organizations like AstraZeneca, The Aerospace Corporation, and the Institute for Defense Analyses. Our approach integrates stakeholder collaboration, environmental responsibility, and cutting-edge technology to create spaces that inspire and endure.With offices in Washington, DC, Boston, Arlington, and Bangkok, we serve a diverse clientele across multifamily housing, hospitality, science & technology, and corporate sectors. Our accolades include AIA awards, LEED Platinum certifications, and recognition for excellence in affordable housing. We prioritize transparency, technical rigor, and community impact, ensuring every project meets the highest standards of design excellence and functional performance. Our leadership team brings decades of experience in navigating regulatory frameworks, optimizing real estate assets, and delivering complex projects on time and within budget. Backed by a multidisciplinary team of over 50 professionals, we remain dedicated to advancing architectural innovation while maintaining a client-focused ethos that has defined our practice for nearly three decades.
Services
Architecture
Interior Design
Urban Design
Renovation
Adaptive Reuse
Details
- Year established: 1995
Highlights and features
- We offer 25+ years of experience in resilient architectural design
- Our team holds LEED AP and AIA certifications for sustainable excellence
- We deliver complex projects across 4 international offices
- Proven expertise in adaptive reuse of historic buildings
- Recognized for award-winning multifamily and corporate campus designs
Associations and certifications
- LEED AP
- AIA
- NCARB
What people say
Exceeded expectations
Reliable partner
Award-worthy design
Creative problem-solving
Excellent communication
Services
Architecture
KGD creates resilient, innovative buildings that enhance user wellness and reflect client missions. Our architects combine technical expertise with artistic vision to deliver award-winning corporate campuses, multifamily housing, and science & technology facilities. With LEED-certified professionals and BIM technology, we optimize spatial efficiency while meeting sustainability goals for clients like AstraZeneca and Novavax.
Interior Design
Our interiors team develops customized workplace solutions that align with corporate branding and operational needs. Specializing in Fortune 500 companies and secure government facilities, we transform 800,000+ SF of commercial spaces while maintaining functional aesthetics. Recent projects include the Aerospace Corporation's headquarters and IDA's LEED-certified campus.
Urban Design
We craft future-ready urban environments through master plans that balance community needs with environmental responsibility. Our strategies for mixed-use developments and transit-oriented design have revitalized areas like Columbia Pike corridor, integrating affordable housing with commercial spaces while preserving cultural heritage.
Adaptive Reuse
Our experts maximize real estate value through modernization of existing structures. With jurisdictional expertise across multiple states, we've successfully transformed historic buildings into contemporary spaces like the 1900 Duke Street lobby and IDA headquarters, incorporating anti-terrorism standards while maintaining architectural integrity.
People
Christopher Lee Gordon
Principal | Co-President
Founding principal with 25+ years in housing design, specializing in urban communities. Served on Arlington's Form Based Code task force and speaks nationally on affordable housing. Combines sustainable principles with operational expertise to create high-performance buildings that transform lives.
Manoj Dalaya
Principal | Co-President
Award-winning architect with LEED AP certification, leading complex projects that connect people to environments. Recognized by AIA Virginia in 2018, he serves on urban design committees and advises on real estate development. Expertise spans corporate campuses, adaptive reuse, and mixed-use developments.
Tsutomu Ben Kishimoto
Principal
Founding principal with 40+ years of experience in mixed-use developments and academic buildings. Former president of KGD until 2016, he focuses on integrating cultural aspirations into architecture. Holds degrees from Harvard GSD and advises on global urban development initiatives.
Henry Mahns
Principal
Design principal with 30 years of experience, delivering award-winning projects like the National Rural Utilities Cooperative Finance Corporation headquarters. Combines artistic vision with technical knowledge, guiding projects from concept to completion while mentoring emerging architects in sustainable design practices.
Tom Donaghy
Principal
Shareholder and design leader specializing in complex urban mixed-use projects. Directed the Kimpton Claret Hotel development and Elizabeth Square senior living community. Focuses on creating spaces that enhance community interaction through thoughtful design of public areas and infrastructure.
Questions
What architectural services does KGD offer?
We provide full-service architecture, interior design, urban planning, and adaptive reuse solutions for corporate, multifamily, hospitality, and science & technology clients.
How experienced is KGD's team?
Our principals have over 25 years of experience with 4 AIA awards and leadership roles in sustainable design for Fortune 500 companies.
Do you handle international projects?
Yes, we operate from four offices across Washington DC, Boston, Arlington, and Bangkok with global project experience.
What sustainability certifications do you hold?
Our team includes LEED AP and WELL-certified professionals who have delivered multiple LEED Platinum buildings.
How do you manage complex renovations?
We employ BIM technology and have specialized expertise in building envelope systems and historic preservation standards.
