Yanel de Angel

FAIA, LEED AP BD+C, LFA, REli, NOMA, NCARB

Principal, Chief Marketing Officer

Yanel is driven by the belief that we are all meant to do good in the world. For her, design is most powerful when it is inclusive, resilient, and purposeful, creating positive change for people, communities, and the planet. A member of the firm’s Board of Directors since 2021, she brings strategic leadership grounded in clarity, empathy, and care for the client experience.

Over the course of her career, Yanel has held many roles at the firm, including project architect, project manager, researcher, and client engagement leader. As Managing Director of our Boston studio, she helped shape a collaborative design culture that put clients at the heart of the work. Her experience across higher education, healthcare, mixed-use, and residential across New England and beyond gives her a rare ability to see the full arc of a project, from concept to delivery.

Born and raised in Puerto Rico, Yanel maintains strong ties to the Island and her Latina heritage—shaping her belief that diversity strengthens both design thinking and outcomes. She is a steadfast advocate and mentor committed to a more inclusive and equitable future for the design profession.

Yanel is known for her ability to simplify complex challenges and build consensus where it’s needed most. In 2017, she turned that skill into a movement. Following the devastation of Hurricanes Maria and Irma, she founded ResilientSEE, a global alliance of designers, planners, and academics dedicated to rebuilding her home island. This same spirit of service shows up in her work with the firm’s Project Delivery, Research, and J.E.D.I. councils.

As Chief Marketing Officer, Yanel leads the firm’s global marketing strategy with optimism, aligning brand, storytelling, and client engagement to define how we show up around the world. Curious and open-minded, she values partnership as a way to broaden perspectives and build trust.

First Name *

Last Name *
Email *

Organization
Country *
Message
I'd like to receive updates from Perkins&Will
This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google Privacy Policy and Terms of Service apply.

Say hello to Yanel

"Joy comes from purpose. From thoughtful strategy, meaningful storytelling, the right team, and caring for our clients with confidence and humility."

Yanel speaking at an awards ceremony, with a supportive colleague beside her.

A Deep Awakening

A few months after Hurricane Maria made landfall, Yanel visited some of the impacted communities in Puerto Rico. She described the visit as “a deep awakening,” igniting a desire to serve those in need. A few weeks later, she led the creation of ResilientSEE, a global multidisciplinary platform that provides pro-bono resilient planning and design to communities on the Island.

The Guánica Resilient Community Center & Emergency Shelter, developed as part of ResilientSEE, transforms into emergency shelter during events such as earthquakes, hurricanes and extreme heat, to serve the municipality and adjacent communities. This pro bono project secured $8.7M in FEMA funding.