Congratulations to our 2026 appointees

The group represents leadership and LEO A DALY’s values across markets and geographies

LEO A DALY is proud to recognize its newly appointed 2026 associates, senior associates and vice presidents. These individuals represent a cross-section of disciplines and markets, each bringing a record of excellence, collaboration and leadership. Their appointments reflect their personal achievements and the firm’s continued commitment to nurturing talent that drives innovation in the built environment.

Each honoree has demonstrated dedication to LEO A DALY’s core values, from design excellence and technical rigor to client service and community impact. As they step into these expanded roles, they will help shape the firm’s strategic direction and strengthen its culture of creativity and integrity. We congratulate all of our 2026 appointees and look forward to the contributions they will make in the years ahead.

Associates

Alison Topp, AIA, senior medical planner, federal market, Omaha studio:

Alison brings more than 20 years of experience to her role as a healthcare planner, with special expertise in problem solving, operational efficiency, and patient experience. Her experience includes Nebraska Medicine Village Pointe Ambulatory Surgery Center, University of Nebraska Medical Center Munroe-Meyer Institute for Genetics & Rehabilitation, and the James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center. Alison a master’s degrees in architecture from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Alison is a technical leader at LEO A DALY, working on advancing forecasting and volume projections, as well as adept at navigated complex, sometimes competing stakeholder perspectives.

 

Becky Taylor, IIDA, senior interior designer, federal market, Omaha studio:

Becky’s decades of experience bring her a wealth of knowledge in healthcare interior design and medical equipment space planning, spanning a number of services within the federal government, including for Veterans Affairs and Department of Defense facilities. Her projects include SAMMC Hyperbaric Facility, USAF Academy Clinic, VA West Care Tower, James Mountain Inhofe VA Medical Center, USACE Portland VA Medical Center Ambulatory Care Clinic and the James A. Haley Veterans' Hospital in Tampa.  Becky holds a bachelor’s degree in interior design from Texas Tech University.

Becky is a key member of the federal healthcare team, trusted by clients to create spaces that are thoughtfully designed, incorporating patient-centered design principles, sustainability, evidence-based design and extensive government criteria.

 

Cody Largent, PE, technology practice lead, engineering market, Omaha studio:

Cody brings eight years of expertise to his leadership of LEO A DALY’s technology work, including telecommunications, security, wireless design and more. Notable projects include the Kimpton Cottonwood Hotel, the International Harvester Mississippi Valley Credit Union and CHI Health Good Samaritan Hospital Emergency Department addition/renovation. Cody holds a master’s degree in electrical engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Cody leads our technology design, a future-focused area that he’s passionate about growing for LEO A DALY. His ability to communicate and align expectations in a way that others can easily understand is key to successful project execution for both LEO A DALY and the client.

 

Jason Vavricek, senior marketing manager:

Jason is an experienced AEC marketer, bringing two decades of experience to his work leading education proposals for LEO A DALY, including large and small projects for Creighton University, University of Nebraska System, Nebraska State College System, Los Angeles Community College District, North Carolina Community College System, Minnesota State Colleges and Universities System, Georgia Institute of Technology and the Winnebago Tribe of Nebraska. He holds a bachelor’s degree in marketing from Hastings College.

Jason’s almost 20-year tenure at LEO A DALY is marked by an unyieldingly collaborative spirit and excellence in every aspect of his performance. He wears many hats and is known across the firm as a resource to his colleagues. His contributions to some of the company’s most high-profile pursuits have led to strategic wins that set a precedent of excellence for his team Jason is adept at building relationships and finds ways to connect with everyone that collaborates with him.

 
Jessica Thurman black & white headshot on blue background. Jessica has been elevated to Associate, Senior Architect.

Jessica Thurman, senior architect, health and wellness market, Omaha studio:

With over 25 years’ experience in the architecture industry, Jessica has played key roles on a variety of healthcare projects, from new facilities to complex, multi-phased renovations in active clinical environments. Known for her leadership and ability to coordinate multi-disciplinary teams, Jessica brings a comprehensive understanding of healthcare design. Her project experience includes OneWorld Community Health Workforce Development Center, OrthoNebraska’s West Maple Clinic and the Boone County Critical Access Hospital. Jessica holds an associate’s degree in architecture engineering technology from Southeast Community College.

Jesssica is a skilled problem solver who knows how to move projects along. Her attention to detail and high-quality work consistently impress clients. Jessica’s leadership fosters clear communication among stakeholders, keeping projects on track and aligned with client goals. She is passionate about designing spaces that not only meet clinical and functional requirements but also enhance the user experience for both staff and patients.

 

Karl Baker, project manager, commercial market, West Palm Beach studio:

With over 25 years of experience, Karl specializes in a variety of projects — senior living communities, hospitality and industrial — including new buildings and renovations. He currently serves as a team lead for the residential/hospitality group in our commercial market His project work includes Sinai Residences independent senior living community, Your Life Alton assisted living and memory care senior living community, Jonathan’s Landing and Old Marsh Golf Club renovations. Currently, Karl also supports our Industrial sub-market for large scale grocery distribution centers.  Karl holds a master’s degree in architecture from Boston Architectural College.Karl brings extensive experience across many typologies with an exceptional ability to implement strong design solutions, facilitating and coordinating the planning, programming, design and construction of projects. Clients ask for Karl by name due to his strong project delivery skills.

Karl brings extensive experience across many typologies with an exceptional ability to implement strong design solutions, facilitating and coordinating the planning, programming, design and construction of projects. He is known for his strong organizational and communication skills and the ability to implement design solutions and coordinate projects through all phases from planning through construction. Clients ask for Karl by name due to his strong project delivery skills.

 

Megan McAfee, IIDA, senior interior designer, commercial market, Omaha studio:

With 10 years of industry experience, Megan excels at focusing on design, details and project coordination while maintaining attention to overall requirements, budget and deadlines. Her notable projects include the Air Traffic Control Tower & TRACON Replacement in Tulsa, Josie Harper Hospice House in Omaha and the Keeline Building Renovation in Omaha. Megan holds a master’s degree of architecture and design from Drexel University.

In just a few years at LEO A DALY, Megan has jumped in and served as a client point of contact on multiple high-profile, complex projects. She’s engaged at LEO A DALY and in the broader industry, and her positive attitude is contagious.

 

Nick Wallin, AIA, design architect, institutional market, Minneapolis studio:

Nick brings nearly two decades to his work on lab and research facility projects. His project experience includes the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension Lab, City of Henderson Fire Station 84 and the Broward County Forensic Science Center. He holds a master’s degree in architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and he is an adjunct instructor at the University of Minnesota College of Design.

Nick delivers engaged and consistent work and is excellent at asking the right questions and considering multiple ways to solve a challenge. The invention skill comes into play as it relates to his confidence to try out ideas and generate solutions.

 

Phil Moessner, senior project manager, federal market, Minneapolis studio

Phil has more than 35 years of leadership and senior management experience with a background in facility management, where he directed teams of several hundred personnel providing engineering design and construction, facility management, emergency services and administrative support services worldwide. He’s led and worked on projects at many air force bases around the country including Hill, Offutt and Ellsworth. Phil holds a master’s degree in engineering management from Old Dominion University.

Phil is diligent, thorough, and not afraid of decision making. He has brought the rigor of the military to our approach to managing projects, and he leads by example.

 

Senior Associates

Jennifer Ankerson, IIDA, senior interior designer, health and wellness market, Omaha studio:

Jennifer has nearly 20 years of experience in healthcare design. She is an advocate for interior design that enhances quality of life and culture for occupants while meeting the needs of owners and end-users. Her project experience includes the Omaha VA Ambulatory Care Center, Nebraska Medicine primary care clinics, CHI Health Good Samaritan, Boys Town, and Nebraska Methodist Health System. Jennifer holds a bachelor’s degree of interior design from the University of Nebraska - Lincoln, where she also serves as an adjunct instructor, teaching Professional Practice and Contract Document courses to interior design students.

Jennifer is an award-winning interior designer who has demonstrated innovative thinking throughout her work. She uplifts those around her and represents LEO A DALY admirably through recruiting and in the industry.

 

Trevor Hollins, PE, lighting practice lead, engineering market, Omaha studio:

Trevor brings more than two decades of experience in architectural lighting design across academic, healthcare civic, and commercial projects. He leads the lighting design team, cost-effective lighting and control solutions. Key projects include VA West Los Angeles, Campus Operations and Research Excellence (CORE) Building and Saint Francis Bed Tower. Trevor holds a master’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.

Trevor has elevated every aspect of our lighting design services, as evidenced by the resulting award-winning projects. He takes an active role in projects and in mentorship of staff.

 

Vice President

Andrew Graham, AIA, technical director, federal market, Washington D.C studio:

With over 20 years of experience designing large, complex projects, Andrew leads projects from concept through construction, using technical expertise to solve complex design challenges and collaborating closely with clients and teams. Notable projects include the University of Maryland College Park School of Public Policy, The Heights and the George Washington University Corcoran School of the Arts & Design. Andrew holds a bachelor’s degree of architecture from Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University.

Andrew is a go-to technical expert in the firm, generously offering his mentorship across the federal market and the D.C. studio. He capably guides even the most complex projects and is highly trusted by clients and colleagues alike. He’s active in the industry, including recently presenting at the AIA National Convention, serving as an ENR awards judge, and is a member of the D.C. ULI Leadership Institute class of 2026.

 

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