Press Releases November 29, 2023

Perkins&Will Welcomes Dawne David-Pierre as Director of Operations for the Firm’s New York and Philadelphia Studios

Beyond architectural and business skills, David-Pierre brings a deeply rooted passion for community, collaboration, and equity in design to her new role.

Dawne David-Pierre, an architect and project manager with more than two decades of experience delivering complex projects in healthcare, education, and science and technology, has joined global design firm Perkins&Will as operations director for its New York and Philadelphia studios. She started October 23.

“Over the course of Dawne’s 25-year career, she has passionately brought to life projects that enhance communities and uplift the spirit of humanity—and this is exactly what we at Perkins&Will aspire to do every day. It’s why we believe she is such a great match for our firm,” says Robert Clemens, managing director. “Her creativity, analytical problem-solving skills, and nuanced understanding of the industry will serve our teams and clients well.”

David-Pierre’s portfolio demonstrates a responsiveness to the needs of historically underserved populations and includes projects such as the upgraded ambulatory surgery center at Interfaith Medical Center in Brooklyn; multiple clinical and public space renovations at Elmhurst Hospital Center in Queens; and the Michigan Street African American Heritage Corridor Strategic Action Plan in Buffalo. She has also worked with New York City Health+Hospitals, One Brooklyn Health System, New York City School Construction Authority, and UC Berkeley.

David-Pierre champions environmentally conscious design, embracing diversity and inclusion as a vital part of creating a sustainable future.

“I’ve always derived the greatest satisfaction from working on projects that positively impact communities in need,” says David-Pierre. “I’m excited to join Perkins&Will because it’s a firm that’s committed to designing healthy, sustainable, more equitable environments through a unique Living Design approach.”

As operations director, David-Pierre is a key member of the New York and Philadelphia leadership team, working closely with Clemens, design director Mike McElderry, interior design director Brent Capron, and health practice leader Laura Morris, among others, to set the studios’ strategy and support the firm’s culture of design excellence, innovation, and inclusion. Among other duties, she is responsible for ensuring project teams have the right resources at the right time to design and deliver projects that meet or exceed clients’ expectations.

“I believe collaboration, relationship-building, and a sense of belonging are the foundation of successful, impactful design,” says David-Pierre. “And I appreciate that Perkins&Will champions inclusivity and creativity across every aspect of its business—from design to management to operations. It’s one of the many reasons I chose to join the team.”

In alignment with Perkins&Will’s Social Purpose program, David-Pierre participates in pro-bono and volunteer work, as well. She recently led a feasibility study for CHiPS, a Brooklyn-based food pantry that provides housing for single expecting mothers and supported a partnership with the Bed-Stuy Gateway Business Improvement District to design solutions for an open-air holiday market of local vendors and small businesses.

David-Pierre is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA). She is also a Leadership Board Member of FIRST 500, an organization that provides support and builds community for Black women in architecture. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture from the University of Texas at Austin.

Perkins&Will Welcomes Dawne David-Pierre as Director of Operations for the Firm’s New York and Philadelphia Studios

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