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.

Larry Crane to lead LEO A DALY healthcare in Minneapolis

Crane brings more than 25 years of healthcare specialization throughout the Midwest, including more than 13 years of owning his own firm in South Dakota. Crane’s passion for design that delivers exemplary client service is part of his core values.

LEO A DALY-designed Goodwill earns American Concrete Institute award

The LEO A DALY site adapt design is Goodwill’s first ground-up, free-standing build in the Omaha metro in a decade. At 15,000-SF, the facility includes a retail sales floor, drive-through donation center, online pick up and a training room.

High-performance design lead Nick Lassek selected as top industry young professional

LEO A DALY’s Nick Lassek, PE, CBCP, has been selected for Building Design + Construction’s prestigious 40 Under 40 list. At 29, Lassek has ascended from an intern to the firm’s high-performance design lead, exemplifying innovation and leadership in sustainable architecture.

Since joining LEO A DALY in 2015, Lassek has pioneered the firm’s high-performance design initiatives, directly contributing to its pledge to achieve net zero emissions by 2030. His role involves tracking and analyzing design performance, leading net zero training, and integrating high-performance options early in projects. His expertise extends beyond the firm, making him a sought-after subject matter expert in the architectural engineering and construction industry.

“Nick exemplifies the best of our sustainability practice,” said Kim Cowman, LEO A DALY national director of engineering and sustainability. “He’s passionate about helping clients make data-driven decisions that increase sustainability and create efficiencies in their buildings.”

Lassek increased the firm’s modeled gross square footage from 10.13% in 2020 to 81.91% in 2023. His accomplishments include serving on a volunteer committee at the University of Nebraska Medical Center Sustainability Resiliency Task Force provided expertise for the regional medical center’s sustainability guidelines. In 2022, he earned an Emerging Leaders Scholarship from the Design Futures Council, and soon after, was promoted to associate. His technical expertise spans building envelope optimization, energy modeling, and more—skills he now shares with peers across the company.

Lassek contributes to sustainability-focused organizations, including serving on the board for Project StaSIO and participating in the Sustainable Design Leaders peer network.

Nebraska, Lassek embodies LEO A DALY’s commitment to elevating communities through thoughtful and innovative design. His recognition by BD+C reflects his ongoing contributions to sustainability and design excellence.

Read more about BD+C’s 2024 class of 40 Under 40 on the magazine’s website.