Recent Articles
LEO A DALY expertise on adaptive reuse featured in The Military Engineer
LEO A DALY Federal Account Lead Aaron Wilt and National Director of Engineering Kim Cowman coauthored an article in the March/April 2025 issue of The Military Engineer about the benefits of adaptive reuse of underutilized structures in creating efficiency and cost savings
OneWorld Community Health breaks ground on new Career and Training Center
OneWorld Community Health breaks ground on their new, sustainable Career and Training Center, a mixed-use development designed by LEO A DALY.
Mark Pratt of LEO A DALY featured in Hotel Business panel about 2025 trends
“Designers must continue to evolve using inspiration from fashion and product design to help the creative mind evolve from business as usual. I think pulling hyper-local arts and culture are more important now than ever. Authenticity is expected and the idea of a contrived composition no longer validates a sense of place. We strive to create something original and timeless in all we do that ultimately gives our owners a better ROI and NOI. We always think of their money like it’s our money. I also think sustainability and innovation with respect to the same is top of mind for most travelers. People want to protect Mother Earth and our value on projects and ownership that share these values.”
LEO A DALY’s Ritz-Carlton Dallas, Las Colinas design featured in Sleeper magazine
“Renovations have touched every corner of the property, with new villas designed to weave together the textures, colours and materials of the Texas landscape. Design elements inspired by indigenous Texas flora and fauna include cool, crisp blues that reflect the opulence of Texas Topaz and the bountiful surrounding lakes, and porcelain tile that nods to the earthy tones of sage and cactus. Touches of leather in warm brown and amber tones evoke the nostalgia of the property’s past as a ranch, with stitching details reminiscent of saddle craftsmanship.”
Luxury interior designer Joan Sizemore to lead LEO A DALY Dallas studio hospitality practice
Internationally accomplished designer Joan Sizemore has rejoined LEO A DALY to lead the firm’s hospitality work in its Dallas studio. She will be a senior associate, hospitality market sector leader and director of design for hospitality interiors.
International Hotel & Property Awards Shortlist 20 Mass Royal Sonesta
Prestigious International Award Recognizes Excellence in Hotel Design for LEO A DALY-designed Hospitality Project

Design et al has shortlisted LEO A DALY’s design of the Royal Sonesta at 20 Mass for the prestigious 2024 International Hotel & Property Awards, in the categories of “Hotel over 200 rooms” and “Hotel Design – Americas.”
The highly coveted award recognizes the best of hotel design worldwide annually. Only up to 10 projects are shortlisted per year and appearing on the short list is an honor in itself. LEO A DALY led the design work that reimagined 20 Massachusetts Ave NW, a former federal office building, as a vibrant mixed-use development anchored by a luxury hotel. The Royal Sonesta blends classical nuances of stature with the vibrancy and dynamic vibe of the city’s well-established art scene.
“Architectural masterpiece at 20 Massachusetts Avenue has been transformed into the distinguished Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill Hotel under the visionary guidance of acclaimed architect LEO A DALY,” judges said. “The hotel seamlessly amalgamates classical grandeur with the dynamic art scene of the Nation’s Capital, standing mere steps away from iconic landmarks such as the US Capitol and Union Station, thereby ensuring a prominent presence and capturing picturesque views along Massachusetts Avenue.”
With 274 rooms, the Royal Sonesta Capitol Hill hotel also embodies a highly sustainable low carbon design solution for urban renewal and required significant coordination beyond the standard reuse routines. It started with a thorough understanding of the as-built conditions, evolved through complex structural assessments, multiple agency approvals and included implementation of creative modular construction to ensure final delivery and grand opening on time and within budget. The vibrancy of the public spaces, the mix of guests and local community at the street level restaurant, the completely booked conference spaces and Grand Ballroom for the next 2+ years are a testament to a successfully implemented design vision.
“This award sets a benchmark for industry standards, fostering healthy competition, and encouraging continuous improvement. This shortlist highlights the creativity and innovation embedded in our project,” said Irena Savakova LEO A DALY vice president and global design principal. “The International Hotel & Property Awards play a crucial role in celebrating and promoting genuine achievements in the dynamic world of international hotel and property design.”