ELKUS MANFREDI - Key Persons
Job Titles:
- Vice President of Talent and Culture
Andy West has more than 35 years of experience on a range of sophisticated planning and design projects across the country and internationally. Since joining Elkus Manfredi in 1996, he has focused on large urban planning projects for mixed-use developments, as well as the design of buildings that contribute to the revitalization of urban environments. Andy has been responsible for managing some of the firm's most notable projects, including The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards, a one million-square-foot retail destination in New York City; CityPlace, the award-winning redevelopment of approximately 72 acres in the heart of West Palm Beach recognized by the Urban Land Institute; The Shops at Columbus Circle, the 544,000-square-foot retail/entertainment base of Manhattan's 2.8 million-square-foot Time Warner Center; and the master plan and design of Al Maryah Island in Abu Dhabi, which includes the award-winning Galleria shopping and entertainment destination, and Al Maryah Central, the 2.4‑million-square-foot mixed-use development to be completed in 2019.
Andy is a graduate of Columbia University, where he has received a Bachelor of Arts in architecture and a Master of Architecture. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Boston Society for Architecture.
Job Titles:
- CEO and Founding Principal
- Fellow of the American Institute of Architects
- Founding Principal
David Manfredi works with clients across the country on a diverse portfolio of planning and design projects. Deeply committed to the belief that the quality of our environment directly influences the quality of our lives, he effectively advocates for building and protecting vital, sustainable, durable urban places. At every scale, in every context, David's mission is to create common ground that brings people and communities together. He reinvents tired urban precincts into 21st-century mixed-use environments, the edges of universities from barriers into connective seams with adjacent neighborhoods, underutilized urban areas into diverse innovation districts that support the collaborative imperatives of today's science and technology, and obsolete manufacturing buildings into repurposed hubs of living and working that reinvigorate the urban core. From The Grove in Los Angeles, to Boston's revitalized Fenway neighborhood, to New Balance's health and performance district at Boston Landing, and The Broad Institute of MIT and Harvard, David's projects are inventive, inclusive and sustainable. A compelling, sought-after speaker and thought-leader and one of Boston Magazine's Most Influential People in 2018, David presents to business, civic, and professional organizations throughout the country about the value that mindful design brings to the quality of everyday life.
David is a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects and an active member of the Boston Preservation Alliance, International Council of Shopping Centers, NAIOP, and Urban Land Institute (ULI). He serves on the Boston Civic Design Commission, Northeastern University School of Architecture Advisory Council, the University of Notre Dame School of Architecture Advisory Council, and the ULI Boston Advisory Board. David is a graduate of the University of Notre Dame with Bachelor degrees in both English and Architecture, and the University of Chicago, where he received a Master of Arts.
"It has been my distinct honor to have worked closely with David Manfredi in guiding the University of Florida through its campus master planning efforts for the past two years. David is a breath of fresh air in what is often referred to as "the swamp!" He is the consummate mix - an artist, a soothsayer, an intellect, a sage, and a realist. In short, he has enabled us to rethink how we envision our campus, focusing our thoughts not only on the potential of the physical environment, but on the ways in which we deliver world-class education and research in the next half-century. That's what a visionary does."
CEO & Founding Principal David Manfredi is the 2023 recipient of the Druker Award Celebrating Design and Architecture. This award is presented annually to a leader who has made outstanding and important contributions to the world of design; each award recipient shares insights on the world of architecture and design at a corresponding lecture. David's lecture was held at Boston Public Library on November 4.
Job Titles:
- Principal
- Designer, Industry
Elizabeth Lowrey is a designer, industry leader, and mentor. A principal of Elkus Manfredi Architects, she has been responsible for Elkus Manfredi's interior architecture practice since the firm's founding. In addition, her role in mentoring the next generation of industry professionals, active involvement with charitable organizations, and participation in national review panels has garnered Elizabeth respect and recognition from colleagues and peers.
"Office spaces are no longer just about their size or location - they represent a strategic opportunity to create an inclusive culture in which business can innovate and thrive." Principal Elizabeth Lowrey discusses how inclusive design can make the modern office work better. Commercial Observer Go to Article
"My hope for the future is that we prioritize inclusivity throughout the design process rather than just in the final product." Principal Elizabeth Lowrey discusses her career to date and how she hopes the future of hospitality design is an inclusive environment. Hospitality Interiors Go to Article
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, Director of Graphic Design
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- Certified Passive House Consultant
Energized by the challenge of design, Emily Paparella joined Elkus Manfredi Architects in 2006 and was named a principal of the firm in 2023. An architect, planner, and project manager of exceptional talent, Emily is equally skilled in both planning and architecture, which allows her to bring an especially broad perspective and a wide range of creativity to every project.
Emily's work has included the master planning of projects in Baltimore, Detroit, Boston, and Cambridge, including MIT's Kendall Square Initiative Masterplan. A strong leader accomplished in managing complex projects with multiple stakeholders, she has led the planning and design of numerous mixed-use life science, residential, higher education, and renovation projects, most recently Simmons University's One Campus master plan and design of the Living and Learning Center, Lantera Residences at Boston Landing, and renovations to Harvard University's famed Peabody Terrace and Soldiers Field Park.
Emily has been a Certified Passive House Consultant since 2019 and is a passionate advocate for advancing architecture in response to climate change. She is sought after by project managers across the firm for her in-depth expertise in energy-saving technology, envelope performance, and energy-code compliance. Devoted to her clients and teams, she is dedicated to mentorship, always making time for mentees and colleagues.
Beyond the firm, Emily is committed to supporting women in the commercial real estate industry and puts that commitment into action in all her professional work. In 2017, she co-founded the CREW Boston Development Project Management Group, a networking group targeted at women professionals specifically involved in the design and construction of projects. Also in 2017, Emily co-founded the Boston Society for Architecture Mid-Career Mentorship Program to serve mid-career women, who often lack the mentorship opportunities that emerging professionals have. She remains active in these groups and also serves on the Board of AIA Massachusetts. Emily received her Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Florida in 2004 and her Master of Architecture from MIT in 2007.
"Emily makes working through challenging times an absolute pleasure. She has really stood out as an exceptional female leader in our industry. Her professionalism, flexibility, and adaptability as the needs change, her creative problem-solving, and her expertise in management and architecture make her stand out amongst her peers."
Vice President Emily Paparella has won the 2023 CREW Boston Professional Service Award! The Professional Service Award is designed to recognize a CREW Boston member who is a significant contributor in their company or field through consistent years of superior service and through specific notable accomplishments and success.
An internationally acclaimed architect and urban designer, Howard Elkus led the design of game-changing developments and destinations over his career, which spanned more than 50 years. His commitment to designing urban places that create community - he termed these "people places" - was unequaled, as was his dedication to revitalizing cities with a dynamic and authentic blend of old and new. A friend and mentor to many in the architectural community and beyond, Howard brought a sense of joy and rigor to all his work, an infectious exuberance and standard of excellence that inspired each project, each client, and each team he led.
Since co-founding Elkus Manfredi Architects in 1988, and previously as a principal of The Architects Collaborative, Howard's visionary work consistently broke new ground. As a pioneer of placemaking and sustainable design, he was a transformational figure not only in his adopted city of Boston, where his influence can be seen throughout the built environment, but also in cities and neighborhoods across the country and the globe.
His projects have included the design and planning for the million-square-foot Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards; master planning and design for Union Point, the comprehensive "Smart City" south of Boston; master planning and architectural design for Miami Worldcenter, a 27-acre downtown redevelopment that brings the heart of Miami into the 21st century; the Las Vegas City Hall, a signature design that pays homage to the past, present, and future of the city; two 47-story glass residential towers on the Hudson River in Fort Lee, New Jersey; Copley Place in Boston, the flagship prototype for mixed-use urban centers that Howard planned and designed 30 years ago.
Other large-scale mixed-use destinations are equally legendary - The Shops at Columbus Circle at the Time Warner Center in New York City and the world-famous paradigm of new urbanism, CityPlace in West Palm Beach. In addition, Howard created the next generation of transformational mixed-use destinations with the remaking of Boston's iconic Faneuil Hall Marketplace. His work also included master plans and building designs for major higher education institutions including Harvard, Stanford, and Boston University.
Internationally, Howard led design teams for major mixed-use projects including The Galleria and Al Maryah Central in Abu Dhabi; and major mixed-use planning and design projects in Toronto, Istanbul, and Mexico City.
Howard received a Master of Architecture with Distinction from Harvard University's Graduate School of Design and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from Stanford University. He was a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, having been the lead designer of the AIA Headquarters in Washington, D.C.; a member of the Royal Institute of British Architects and the Boston Society of Architects; and a LEED Accredited Professional.
Howard was an active member of the Urban Land Institute and the International Council of Shopping Centers; and served on the Board of Trustees of the Boston Architectural College, the National Advisory Board of Old North Foundation, Artists for Humanity, and the International Board of Advisors of HealthBridge Foundation.
Rahissa Melo Wang is an ASID Ones to Watch Award Winner! Honoring underrepresented members of the interior design community, the Ones to Watch initiative supports and provides opportunities to rising leaders.
Senior Associate Janaya Hart was recognized as one of Commercial Observer's Top 2023 Young Professionals. Read more about Janaya and her journey to architecture.
Job Titles:
- Chief Financial Officer
- Vice President
John H. Martin is an architect, industry leader and mentor. His involvement with the design direction and intent on projects, his shared stewardship of the firm and his role in mentoring the next generation of industry professionals has garnered John respect and recognition from colleagues and peers.
As a Principal at Elkus Manfredi Architects, John works at the forefront of design for science & technology and higher education projects across the country. Focused on high performance and sustainable design, his work is informed by a combination of technical precision, appreciation of context, and broad understanding of real estate issues. He emphasizes a holistic approach that synthesizes his training in both architecture and engineering.
A member of the American Institute of Architects' College of Fellows, John was an early adopter of LEED and sustainable building practices and is recognized for advancing the profession towards user-focused, environmentally responsible and socially just architecture.
John builds and facilitates strong design teams with experience, rigor, and approachability, and is committed to the idea that good planning and design can drive innovation and break down barriers to achieve inclusive environments.
John volunteers his time with industry organizations which focus on real estate and civic and community issues. In addition to being recently elected to the position of Treasurer, John was invited to participate in the Boston Society for Architecture's task force to address, recommend and help institute DE&I industry initiatives. He is an active member of the Society for College and University Planning, NAIOP, and the Urban Land Institute's Housing & Economic Development Council. Involvement with the Newtonville Historic District Commission and North Carolina State University's College of Design Leadership Council aligns John's career interests with his local community and with his alma mater.
John is a guest columnist for Fast Company, CoreNet's The Leader, Banker & Tradesman and University World News. He is often invited to moderate and speak at industry conferences on master planning, sustainable building, interdisciplinary scientific research, and public-private partnerships for higher education institutions. John received a Bachelor of Environmental Design in Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from North Carolina State University, and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University Graduate School of Design.
"John is unique among architects in that he combines excellent technical design knowledge and skills, but also an appreciation of the economic goals we as developers have for our projects. With this broad perspective, John is one of the best I have seen at helping deliver the highest quality and most efficient design within the budget parameters we establish. He never shies from a challenge and is never satisfied until he helps our team find the optimum design-development solution. Besides that, he is an absolute pleasure to work with!"
Principal John Martin discusses Passive House and why it may hold the key to the future of sustainable housing.
Principal John Martin was recently interviewed by the Boston Society for Architecture. Read about John's journey through the "first 30 years" of his career as well as what he's most excited about for the future!
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Vice President
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- IIDA NE Designer Monologues
Vice President and Senior Workplace Strategist Linda MacLeod Fannon discusses the story behind the design of Elkus Manfredi Project Mintz in IIDA NE Designer Monologues. "One of the best things about working at Elkus Manfredi is that individual talents are celebrated and everyone on the team has a seat at the table." Read the article to find out more about this project and how the design team worked together to achieve outstanding results!
For the fifth year in a row, Principal Elizabeth Lowrey is among Boston's most influential people - "The city's rapid growth and attempted return to new-normal office life have provided plenty of opportunity for Lowrey's sought-after interior design work."
Designer Oren Sherman has been profiled in the Jan/Feb issue of Boston Spirit Magazine! Oren is an accomplished artist, designer, color expert and visual storyteller, and at Elkus Manfredi an interior design specialist. He is an alumnus and professor at the acclaimed Rhode Island School of Design and is the 2022 Boston Design Week Lifetime Achievement Award winner! Read more about Oren's journey with art.
Job Titles:
- Building Design & Construction Reconstruction Awards, 2020
- Building Design & Construction Reconstruction Awards, 2021
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- IIDA NE Designer Monologues
"A co-creation process results in an award-winning workplace for one of the world's largest marketing & communication companies", says Vice President Tara Reilly.
Read more in IIDA NE's Designer Monologues where Tara Reilly discusses the story behind the design of Publicis Groupe Boston.
William (Rob) Halter joined Elkus Manfredi Architects in 2005 and was named a Principal in 2023. With over 30 years of experience in complex high-rise residential, mixed-use, and institutional projects, Rob has led the design and planning of numerous large-scale precincts, residential towers, and urban developments. Since joining the firm, he has worked on master planning projects in Detroit, Atlanta, and Santa Clara, and internationally in Istanbul, Montreal, and Sochi. His mixed-use projects include leading the planning, design, and entitlement for the Copley Place Retail Expansion and Residential Tower; The Shops and Restaurants at Hudson Yards; the flagship Neiman Marcus store at Roosevelt Field, Long Island; and most recently, The St. Regis Residences, Boston in Boston's Seaport District. Rob is also involved as a volunteer in the development of his community in Franklin, MA, serving on the Franklin School Building Committee overseeing the planning, design, and construction of the new Franklin High School and Athletic Complex. He is a graduate of Kent State University, College of Architecture & Environmental Design with a Bachelor of Architecture and Science.