About

Ameya Yawalkar

Ameya is an accomplished architectural designer with a global perspective and a passion for creating innovative, sustainable spaces. As a LEED Green Associate, Ameya integrates environmentally responsible practices into every project, utilizing advanced tools and methodologies to deliver forward-thinking designs that align with modern sustainability standards. With expertise in computational design and advanced visualization, Ameya contributes to complex, high-profile projects, bringing both technical precision and artistic vision to the table. His adaptability, commitment to excellence, and creative approach make him an integral part of the Walker team, consistently pushing the boundaries of what’s possible in the built environment.

Ana Arenas AIA

Ana Arenas is an architect with a passion for creating human-centric and community-focused spaces. Ana’s design philosophy is rooted in the belief that the most successful projects are those that prioritize the well-being of the people who inhabit them. She is dedicated to designing spaces that promote healthy living and contribute positively to the future of communities. She has a keen attention to detail and holds a special appreciation for the construction phase of a project, understanding that meticulous consideration of details and the assembly process is paramount to achieving successful design execution. She holds degrees in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) and the University of Florida, and her professional background includes a diverse range of projects both in Boston and in Florida, with a focus on higher education, healthcare, and residential design.

Andrea Cellini

Andrea is focused on connecting the dots and removing obstacles to achieve the firm’s objectives. As Director of Operations, Andrea completes quarterly “rocks” to move the needle on long term goals. She also directs the proposal and presentation process in pursuit of new projects to keep the studio focused on creating transformative space for our clients.

Andrew Mesa

Andrew’s passion lies in the details and how they come together to create impactful designs. He has worked on all stages of a project from schematic design to construction documents for religious and housing projects in the southeast. You will find him biking around or taking photos when he’s not at work. He holds a Professional Bachelors in Architecture from Kennesaw State University.

Angie Wynne

Angie drives the firm’s efforts to connect with clients and communities through compelling proposals, impactful presentations, and strategic marketing initiatives. She oversees Walker’s social media presence, email campaigns, and website, ensuring the firm’s messaging is consistent, engaging, and reflective of its values. With more than two decades of experience, Angela brings a versatile skill set that includes strategic planning, content creation, graphic design, website administration, media relations, and digital engagement. Her expertise supports Walker’s mission to craft meaningful architectural solutions by fostering strong client relationships and enhancing the firm’s visibility across industries. Angela’s innovative approach and attention to detail help ensure Walker’s marketing efforts stand out, positioning the firm for continued growth and success.

Anwar Sadat

Sadat is an Architectural Designer we’ve known and watched excel since he started with us as an intern. He holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. Since joining the Walker team in May of 2022, he has been involved in the Conceptual Design of several large-scale projects. Notably, Sadat took a detail-oriented approach to a student housing project for a higher education owner, providing optimized site plans to support student needs.

Emily Garnica

Emily carries a deep passion for the built environment, the people it’s built for, and how they experience it. This is what aligns her with the fundamentals of Walker Architects. Now an Architectural Designer, Emily started at Walker as an intern. She holds a Bachelor’s of Design in Architecture with a Minor in Religion from the University of Florida. Her minor was completed with intention fostering a deeper global perspective, understanding the philosophies of cultures and people around her. When applied to design, she is intent at determining the best solution to meet a client’s varying needs.

Gabrielle Boulanger

What drives Gabrielle is designing projects with a personalized and human-scale approach. She is especially dedicated to ensuring the quality of each project through to completion. Her background in architecture and experience as an interior designer shaped her as a resourceful and versatile designer. She specializes in optimizing various residential, corporate and industrial spaces. To her, the strength of a project lies in the translation of problems into creative vectors. Outside of the office, you’ll find Gabrielle paddleboarding the North Florida Springs or embroidering in a park.

Gaurav Lohiya PMP, LEED AP

Gaurav has over 15 years of international experience in project management for clients including Facebook, the University of Central Florida, and the San Francisco Municipal Transportation Agency. He brings specialized project management skills to the Walker Architects team, including RFP and bid preparation, tender and feasibility analysis, contract negotiations, financial monitoring, and client, consultant and contractor liaison.Principal

Jason O’Brian AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Jason brings over 2 decades of expertise in architectural design and project management across municipal, multifamily, K-12, higher education, health care, commercial and manufacturing sectors. His approach integrates innovative design with a focus on sustainability, functionality, and aesthetic appeal. As Senior Architect and Director of Design, Jason oversees and provides guidance through all aspects of project execution, from the earliest stages of predesign, programming and concept development, to construction administration, client relations and community engagement.

Receiving a Bachelor of Design and a Masters of Architecture at the University of Florida, Jason combines academic rigor with practical experience. Over the years, his design teams have garnered multiple accolades on a variety of project types, including the City Beautification Award for the UF Health Family Medicine building at Haile Plantation, AIA Chapter awards for the UF Health Facilities Administration Building, the Oak Hall School Media Center, and an IIDA award for the Chi University Animal Hospital. At Walker Architects, Jason plays a pivotal role in advancing our commitment to delivering exceptional design solutions that reflect our firm’s dedication to architectural excellence and client satisfaction.

Jayanti Watson

A Gainesville native with professional experience in the Atlanta interior design market, Jayanti brings insight and perspective from both regions to her work at Walker Architects. With a background in hospitality interiors and experience on large-scale hotel, restaurant, and multi-family projects, she brings a well-rounded, guest-centered approach to every design challenge. Jayanti finds joy in collaboration, believing that the best design outcomes emerge from open dialogue across the entire project team. Her strengths include concept development, careful material refinement, and crafting compelling presentations that bring design stories to life. She holds a Bachelor of Design in Interior Design from the University of Florida. Outside the office, you’ll likely find her spending time in the Florida springs, exploring vintage markets, or traveling with friends.

Jeff Morrison RA, LEED AP

As Principal in Walker’s Atlanta office, Jeff brings more than two decades of experience leading complex projects that shape communities and campuses across the Southeast. His work spans civic, educational, housing, and cultural environments—each defined by clarity of purpose, thoughtful design, and strong collaboration. Jeff is known for transforming complex challenges into clear, buildable solutions while keeping people at the center of every decision. A natural mentor and team builder, he fosters trust among clients, contractors, and colleagues, ensuring that every project moves forward with creativity, precision, and shared commitment to lasting impact.

Joe Fuentes AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Let’s be sure we’re asking all the right questions about sustainability and wellness. Joe has more than 20 years of architectural experience in all aspects of the discipline from Pre-Design to Construction Administration. Joe possesses exceptional skills in higher education and laboratory projects, combining technical expertise with creative design to meet owners’ requirements. His attention to detail and thorough knowledge of code requirements ensures that projects run smoothly and perform to the highest level possible.

Joe Walker AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Your project deserves a design that demonstrates a commitment to excellence through the pursuit of innovative ideas, dedication to craftsmanship, and unwavering focus on the client’s needs. As Principal-in-Charge, Joe oversees management of all personnel and client services. He participates directly in all project planning and design and ensures satisfaction of schedules and project budgets. Typical project types include renovations to municipal facilities, educational facilities, and community centers, as well as new construction. His experience in architectural acoustics makes him a valuable team member in designing spaces that are successful in both form and function.

Juli Mitchell ID, LEED AP

Juli’s expertise is transforming spaces into vibrant and purposeful environments. Her diverse portfolio encompasses interiors for student recreational spaces, educational facilities, hospitals, healthcare clinics and medical spas, workplace environments, resorts, and mixed-use developments. Juli’s career experience includes a pivotal role as Design Director at Vihara Collective in Yangon, Myanmar, where she contributed to sustainable architecture, agriculture, and hospitality projects across Southeast Asia. This experience shaped her holistic approach to interior design, emphasizing thoughtful, user-centric environments.

At Walker Architects, Juli inspires our team with her deep-seated passion for creating spaces that foster well-being and positivity. Her vision starts with attentive listening and a broad perspective, ensuring each project achieves a balance of functionality, aesthetics, and user experience. She continues to elevate our designs and further our mission of pushing boundaries to deliver environments that support the people in them, upholding our commitment to excellence in architectural innovation.

Ken Lutz RA

Ken is a seasoned Senior Architect with extensive experience spanning over 2 decades, specializing in design, construction administration, waterproofing, and cost estimating. His expertise encompasses a diverse portfolio that includes renovations, additions, and new constructions for higher education buildings, laboratories, and healthcare facilities. Ken approaches each project with a keen sense of curiosity and adaptability, ensuring that unique client needs are met with precision and innovation.

Receiving his a Bachelor of Design and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida, Ken’s academic background complements his practical experience in the field. His commitment to excellence is underscored by accolades such as the Design Build Award for Best Overall in Education, recognizing his contributions to projects like the College of Veterinary Medicine 2nd and 3rd Floor Addition. At Walker Architects, Ken’s talents are invaluable in delivering comprehensive architectural solutions integrating technical expertise with a deep understanding of client requirements, ensuring successful outcomes.

Kevin Lackey AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Kevin leads the Atlanta office with extensive experience serving as a team leader, project manager, architect, and technical problem solver. He has a strong track record of leading teams and managing projects for educational institutions, government entities, the automotive sector, workplace, manufacturing and IDIQ’s. Kevin excels in simplifying complex problems and coordinating efforts with stakeholders to ensure smooth project execution. His expertise includes detailed knowledge of building codes, technical proficiency, and construction planning. Kevin is committed to advancing client goals through collaborative efforts to determine the best uses of their assets and translating progress into successful projects.

Lisa Blake

As Project Coordinator, Lisa plays a crucial role in ensuring the smooth execution of each of our projects from start to completion. With a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills, Lisa expertly manages the intricate web of project communications and documentation.

Lisa brings a wealth of organizational expertise and attention to detail to her role as Project Coordinator at Walker. With a Master’s in Library and Information Science, Lisa applies her advanced research and information management skills to ensure smooth operations across all our projects, contributing to the successful delivery of innovative and sustainable projects.

Outside of work, Lisa enjoys exploring the outdoors and taking in live music with her family and friends.

Liz Carmody AIA, NCARB

Liz is a licensed architect with a deep appreciation for the stories buildings can tell. She brings a passion for adaptive reuse and hospitality design, blending respect for materiality, craft, and sustainability into every project. Her experience spans award-winning firms in Atlanta, Portland, and Florida, where she has contributed to food halls, student life spaces, historic renovations, and commercial interiors. Liz approaches design as a shared process—one that balances creativity with technical clarity and keeps client goals at the center. Her thoughtful coordination and commitment to detail ensure that each project moves smoothly from concept to completion, creating places that are both enduring and welcoming.

Maggie Mitchell IIDA

With over 15 years of experience in the design industry, Maggie brings a blend of creative vision, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to client-focused solutions. As Interior Design Principal in our Atlanta office, Maggie’s approach to design is client driven. She is known for her ability to foster strong client relationships, guide collaboration, and deliver high-quality spaces across a diverse portfolio—including corporate interiors, higher education, and institutional projects. Maggie believes that the most successful spaces are born from a deep understanding of user’s needs and a thoughtful integration of form, function, and inspiration. She understands that how people interact with their environment is key to designing spaces that are both functional and inspiring. Educated at Marymount University with a Bachelor of Arts in Interior Design, Maggie also holds a Bachelor of Science in Psychology from the University of Mary Washington. Her studies in Italy and Spain reflect a global perspective that subtly informs her work.

Manuel Marull

Manuel brings extensive international design experience, having launched his career in Buenos Aires, Argentina, before moving to Madrid, Spain, and then New York City. He now serves as a Senior Designer at Walker Architects in Gainesville, Florida. Manuel excels in creating Concept Designs for a wide range of projects, leveraging photorealistic 3D environments to present clients with alternative ideas. His expertise includes BIM modeling, producing high-quality renderings, animations, and virtual reality simulations, allowing clients to fully explore and visualize their spaces before construction begins.

Manuel holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Buenos Aires and a Master’s in 3D Computer Animation and Digital Post-Production. His blend of architectural expertise and advanced digital design capabilities enhances Walker Architects’ ability to deliver captivating visualizations, transforming architectural concepts into clear and creative realities.

Michael Buchanan

Michael is a seasoned Senior Designer at Walker Architects, bringing decades of architectural design and production experience to his role. He specializes in Building Information Modeling and the meticulous production of Construction Documents, leveraging his deep technical knowledge of architectural design and detailing to enhance project outcomes. Michael is a respected resource within our design studio, providing valuable guidance and expertise that enriches our team’s capabilities.

With extensive experience spanning multiple decades, Michael’s commitment to delivering high-quality architectural solutions is evident in every project he undertakes. His dedication to precision and innovation ensures that Walker Architects maintains its reputation for excellence and client satisfaction across all phases of architectural design and production. Michael plays a crucial role in shaping our firm’s continued success, contributing his comprehensive experience and knowledge to achieve outstanding results.

Mike Wilson

Mike brings a practical, field-focused perspective to every project. His background includes construction coordination, project management, electrical work, and public-sector facilities, giving him a strong understanding of how buildings come together in the field. At Walker Architects, he supports construction-phase coordination, helps solve issues as they arise, and keeps projects moving through clear communication, careful observation, and attention to detail.

Nancey Jones NCIDQ, WELL AP, PMP

With 13 years of experience in architecture, project management, and interior design, Nancey is a versatile professional known for a pragmatic approach to design challenges. She pairs a straightforward communication style with keen organizational skills to deliver a high level of service and empathy to her clients. A dedicated problem-solver driven by a passion for serving her clients and project teams, she is most fulfilled when transforming a complex problem into a successful outcome and helping others succeed along the way.

Renesshea Williams

Renesshea keeps Walker Architects running smoothly by connecting people, information, and priorities. She brings an analytical, process-driven mindset to every task—whether refining internal systems or coordinating high-impact meetings that align teams around shared goals. With a background in project coordination and continuous improvement, Renesshea is passionate about helping others succeed. She builds trust through clear communication, strong relationships, and a steady focus on efficiency and follow-through. Her work ensures that leaders and teams alike can stay focused on what matters most—delivering exceptional results together.

Sara Culpepper AIA

Sara. a registered Architect, holds a Master of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture from the University of Florida. As an instructor of Architectural Design courses at UF, she focused on the collaborative process needed to understand how others experience the built world. Her positivity and curiosity keep our team engaged and on task.

Shaun Goldman

Shaun is an architect with a deep respect for the power of the built environment to shape how people live, work, learn, and connect. His design approach is rooted in the relationship between architecture, nature, and people, with a focus on creating spaces that support physical health, mental well-being, and a stronger sense of place. With a diverse portfolio spanning projects from Oregon to Florida and across multiple market sectors, Shaun brings a broad perspective to each design challenge. He understands that every project presents a unique opportunity to improve the way organizations and individuals relate to their environments. Through thoughtful planning, natural materials, daylighting, and careful attention to context, Shaun creates environments that are functional, restorative, and meaningful. For him, architecture is more than creating buildings; it is creating places that nurture people, respect nature and culture, and inspire a deeper appreciation for the world around us.

Taylor Kitchens RA

As an architect with a background in Food Retail, Healthcare, and Residential work, Taylor enjoys engaging in the details of a project’s scope, from construction detailing to code analysis. His passion is for exciting and engaging projects that make a positive impact on people’s lives. Taylor holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology. He serves as a Project Architect in Walker’s Atlanta office.

Taylor Owens

Since 2015, Taylor’s experience in interior design has been driven by their desire to support the health and well-being of the people occupying the space. Their work has included high-profile corporate offices and restaurants, several of which are pursuing LEED and WELL certification. Taylor is passionate about sustainability and constantly strives to create environments that have an undeniable positive impact on people and place.

Tim Macy

Tim is a project manager, architectural designer, and construction administrator with 30 years of experience in a diverse range of project types: master planning, feasibility study, restoration, renovation, adaptive reuse, and new construction. Tim’s diverse project portfolio includes both private and public sector work for numerous cultural, educational, and institutional clients.

Tim manages all aspects of the architectural project process with an attentive sense for good design, client-focused functionality, and productive dialogue among stakeholders and consultants. Tim is known within the design and construction community for being a considerate listener, a generous collaborator and facilitator, and a rigorous adherent to accurate graphic and written communication.

Tim Williams AIA, LEED AP

Tim brings over two decades of architectural expertise, specializing in complex, technically demanding projects for institutional, corporate, and government clients. Known for his clear and direct communication style, Tim ensures that his designs seamlessly adapt to clients’ evolving needs, fostering functional and innovative spaces.

Tim is deeply engaged in every project phase, from initial master planning and concept development through to the meticulous oversight of construction documents and administration. His approach is driven by a genuine curiosity about the operational dynamics of each space, allowing him to skillfully integrate diverse objectives into cohesive design solutions.

At Walker Architects, Tim champions the firm’s Agile Design philosophy, leading our team in delivering exceptional service and unmatched attention to detail. His leadership ensures that our projects achieve successful, adaptable, and resource-efficient outcomes that exceed client expectations.

Zach Whiteman RA

As an architect with a background in sustainability and passive solar design, Zach brings an expertise in design that has a deep connection to its environment, its place, and the people it serves. Zach’s academic background includes degrees in both Architecture and Modern Language, which he brings to his practice as a highly attentive listener and collaborator, able to customize designs uniquely suited to the individual needs and characteristics of each client. Zach has seven years of experience with practice in a variety of regions and project scales. His design portfolio features work from large scale institutional projects in South Carolina, highly detailed custom residences in the Bay Area, California, and emerging EV charging infrastructure in New York City. As a Project Architect at Walker Architects, Zach brings a commitment to design that is accessible to everyone, and offers thoughtful problem-solving to create beautiful space for every client.

Zoe Wang LEED GA

Zoe’s attention to detail and passion for design makes her an integral part of the Walker Team. She began her time at the firm as a summer intern, and returned after graduating from the University of Florida with a Masters Degree in Architectural Studies. Zoe is energized by learning more about her craft, and is passionate about excellence.