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SK+I Architecture started 2020 with new faces and well-deserved promotions! As we continue to expand our portfolio in the D.C. Metro area and beyond, we continue to grow our workforce with talented architects. From eager recent grads to those with 30+ years of experience in the industry, we take pride in our ability to work collaboratively and bring life to our client’s visions and ideas.

Mark Drake has joined the SK+I Architecture team as a new Principal. He has over 30 years of experience—and 200 completed projects to his credit—in all aspects of project development for high, mid, and low-rise residential communities and mixed-use, commercial projects. In his role as Principal, the Texas Tech alum will concentrate his efforts on marketing, conceptual design, zoning entitlement, staff development, and client relations.

Toygun Mar was promoted to Associate Principal. His experience spans 20+ years of diverse, international planning and design of large-scale, mixed-use structures across a variety of sectors. As a sustainability advocate, he is integral in mentoring junior staff, particularly when it concerns project conceptualization, quality control, and sustainable design—a passion that he feels results in smarter, more diverse, and connected neighborhoods.

Andy Czajkowski was promoted to Associate Principal. He’s a collaborative designer, architect, and urbanist with 20+ years of experience in the planning of complex, urban infill, and suburban reinvention projects. Through careful observation, thoughtful analysis, and innovative thinking, Andy strives to understand each project within its context while seamlessly connecting it to and raising the bar of the community through design to surpass client goals and create great buildings and spaces.

Chris Huffer was promoted to Senior Associate. He’s a collaborative, architect with 10+ years of varied experience in the planning and design of mixed-use, commercial, hospitality, and ecclesiastical design. He possesses strong organizational skills, management, and construction experience, making him able to deliver project goals in a highly efficient manner. He enjoys the unique challenges of urban development and looks for every opportunity to positively impact communities and innovate design.

Lisa Newsome was promoted to Associate. During her 10 years of experience, Lisa has specialized in multifamily, mixed-use design. She has been integral on the completion of numerous projects throughout the Washington, DC area including the Lockwood, a 145-unit, boutique apartment community, in the heart of Capitol Hill. She actively participates in civic-oriented events focusing on resiliency and is cognizant of the overt, and subtle, impact the built environment has on its future inhabitants.

Ben Zoghbi was promoted to Associate. He uses his 15 years of experience managing design and construction professionals to meet client goals while completing creative and highly successful projects. Ben is an advocate for mentoring junior staff about design production, project procedures, as well as sharing experiences and lessons learned. He has a special interest in reclaiming abandoned and/or underutilized spaces to serve as centers for public use, social debate, and a catalyst for change.

Darwin Carré has joined SK+I Architecture as their new Project Architect and received his Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art and Design. Darwin has over 15 years of experience in architecture with a particular focus on mixed-use, multifamily and military housing. His in-depth knowledge coupled with his drive to exceeding client expectations has become instrumental in the successful design development and coordination of complex, urban in-fill projects.

Jay Nagasamy has joined SK+I Architecture as a Project Architect. He is a LEED Accredited, collaborative architect with over 15 years of experience across diverse sectors from early conceptual design phases to the preparation of construction drawings submissions. He is a strong team player—who provides innovative and creative design ideas—and possesses a unique combination of project managerial, technical expertise, leadership, and project delivery abilities

Joanna Pim started as an intern with SK+I Architecture for two summers. After recently graduating with her Masters of Architecture from The University of Maryland in December 2019, Joanna started full-time as a Staff Architect. Joanna brings passion to SK+I and possesses a strong interest in creating sustainable and inspiring communities in the urban environment.