Irena Savakova

Biography: In my role of Global Design Principal for the Internationally renowned architecture, engineering, planning, and interiors firm LEO A DALY Washington office I have the unique opportunity to lead world-class design teams in completing complex architectural solutions by shaping inviting, vibrant, wellness promoting environments for a variety of clients both locally and internationally. In brief - the Washington, D.C., office of LEO A DALY is recognized for its 50-year history of design excellence, including important projects such as the National World War II Memorial, the Saint John Paul II National Shrine, and the North Terminal of Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport. Current projects include the Intelligence Community Campus – Bethesda, the new North Terminal at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport, the renovation of the Corcoran School of the Arts and Design for George Washington University, the new School of Public Policy for UMD, College Park and 20 Mass Ave, a key adaptive reuse of existing structure into a vibrant mixed-use development. I have practiced in the Washington DC metropolitan area for over 28 years and I have extensive experience in developing architectural and interiors projects for federal, commercial and educational clients in the US and internationally, and have gained knowledge in managing complex core and shell developments, interiors, and space-planning projects. Over the past seven years I have led or contributed to the architectural design of new signature facilities for the US Department of State, Social Security Administration, the National Guard Bureau, the Air National Guard, the Naval Facilities Engineering Command, and NASA. I started my design career in Bulgaria. In 1991 I graduated with a Master of Architecture degree and began practicing in the European Union, where I am still holding current licensure as a registered architect.