LEO A DALY has promoted John Somerville to Executive Vice President, expanding his leadership role to drive long‑term growth across the firm’s federal defense, civilian, and health sectors.

Palm Beach Atlantic University celebrates the grand opening of its new 125,000-square-foot business school in West Palm Beach, Florida. Designed by LEO A DALY and based on a master plan by Foster + Partners, the Marshall and Vera Lea Rinker Business Hall offers modern learning spaces, state-of-the-art technology, and houses signature centers to prepare students for careers in business, finance, and public policy. The facility marks a significant milestone with AACSB accreditation, recognized globally for excellence in business education. 

Cynthia “Cyndi” Doolittle, P.E., Lt Col (Ret.), U.S. Air Force, has joined LEO A DALY as deputy director of federal healthcare. With over 30 years of expertise in federal healthcare infrastructure and military civil engineering, Cyndi strengthens our leadership in delivering innovative design and engineering solutions for the Department of Veterans Affairs. LEO A DALY, ranked No. 1 VA architecture firm by Building Design+Construction for several years, continues to serve Veterans nationwide with advanced, evidence-based healthcare environments. 

LEO A DALY delivers a seven-story expansion focused on patient experience and community health. 

The new, LEO A DALY-designed patient tower at the Saint Francis Health System’s Muskogee campus has opened all its new rooms to patients. 

The $280 million, 290,000-square-foot expansion touches more than 150 beds. The project introduced private acute care rooms, a new main entrance with an expansive lobby and a dedicated chapel. The design emphasizes visibility, efficiency and whole-person care, reflecting the health system’s commitment to improving healthcare access and wellness across northeastern Oklahoma. 

LEO A DALY is the No. 1 Veterans Affairs Facility Architecture Firm for 2025, according to Building Design+Construction. This is the seventh consecutive year the integrated design firm has earned the top spot on the list, once again reaffirming its leadership in designing and delivering world-class healthcare environments for America’s Veterans. With more than 75 years of continuous service to the VA and a portfolio spanning over 2,000 task orders, LEO A DALY’s expertise and commitment have made it the go-to partner for VA campuses across the country. 

OrthoNebraska’s West Maple facility, opened March 5, marking an additional LEO A DALY- designed facility in the orthopedic hospital system. The new two-story clinic offers diagnostic services, exam and clinic services, physical therapy and athletic performance training. 

LEO A DALY is proud to recognize its newly appointed 2026 associates, senior associates and vice presidents.

The Midlands Business Journal recently featured LEO A DALY’s Chris Johnson, senior director of the commercial market. Johnson reflected on the past five decades of architecture in Omaha.[Site Excerpt. Can duplicate for SEO Description]

Omaha’s ABC affiliate, KETV, is celebrating one decade in a former train station reimagined by LEO A DALY. Senior Architect Sheila Ireland recently sat down with NewsWatch 7 to discuss her connection to the project and the inspiration she drew from the building’s storied history.

The Wynwood Arts District has long been recognized for its creative energy and global reach. Now, that spirit is being translated into the built environment with the groundbreaking of 2000 Wynwood, a 12-story, 380,000-SF mixed-use development at 2000 North Miami Avenue designed by LEO A DALY.

The Omaha Section of the Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) has recognized LEO A DALY with a People’s Choice Award for outstanding lighting design. The honor was given to the McGrath North Tenant Improvement in the First National Bank Tower, where lighting plays a defining role in the workplace experience.

Forbes.com profiles “Taking Flight,” the sustainability-forward design concept from LEO A DALY that repurposes decommissioned aircraft fuselages as mobile, luxury hospitality suites. The design team explores the adaptive reuse approach and offers insights into future applications including remote retreats and disaster relief.

Drai’s Supper Club, the latest New York venture from Drai’s Management Group, has been featured in Hospitality Design for its immersive, theatrical interiors. Designed by LEO A DALY, the space draws inspiration from the golden age of New York supper clubs, blending deep red hues, velvet textures, and gilded accents into a layered, cinematic experience.

Paula Garcia has joined LEO A DALY as director of talent development, where she will lead efforts to support employee growth and enhance the overall career experience across the firm.

Brian Rippentrop joins LEO A DALY as national lead for fire protection, bringing more than 20 years of experience in design and construction. Brian is based in the Minneapolis studio.

Rey Funes, with a deep track record of major aviation projects, has joined LEO A DALY as an aviation project director, based in Los Angeles. A skilled professional with 25 years of experience in architecture/engineering, Rey has worked on aviation architecture of all types and sizes, including multi-billion dollar, terminal-wide projects.