Questions? We would love to hear from you.
Send us an email below.
Email: info@dfwnoma.org
Nixon Exantus, NOMA, AIA, NCARB
Nixon is currently a Vice President with RS&H, Inc., a multi-disciplinary design firm with a diverse group of in-house consulting practices, and his area of focus is Healthcare and Corporate Workplace design. A graduate of the University of Florida with a Bachelor of Design and Master of Architecture, he has over 20 years of professional experience as a licensed architect in several states. He leads a growing team of talented and motivated architects and designers with diverse skills and backgrounds who are always seeking innovative, cost-effective, and timeless design solutions for our clients. He is responsible for managing clients/accounts and coordinating efforts between architectural designs, production, and engineering teams. This level of management and collaboration (internal & external) allows for increased quality of deliverables while keeping projects within established budgets and schedules. His role also includes business development, strategic planning, and forecasting.
As an active member of DFW NOMA he plans to support and encourage more frequent and productive initiatives that keep the community engaged; Help promote chapter recognition and growth in DFW; Help promote membership as an opportunity for an open seat at the table and a hand that helps shape the course of the growing NOMA community through engagements, participation, service and volunteer initiatives as established by the chapter. He sees this membership as an opportunity to leverage our collective talents and diverse expertise to help empower each other and our community.
Wenguel Yohannes, NOMA, AIA
Wenguel Yohannes is a Senior Project Manager at KAI Enterprises. She is a licensed architect who oversees construction projects and ensures that they meet expectations on schedule, budget, and quality. She is also involved in the preconstruction process, verifying that construction documents are coordinated, comprehensive, and complete. Wenguel earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Architecture from the University of Texas at Arlington. Before KAI, she worked at Alamo Manhattan as a Construction Manager, and at Page Southerland Page, Inc. as a Senior Project Architect and thought leader. She has over 14 years of experience working on diverse and high-end projects, including multi-family, healthcare, and higher education. Outside of work, Wenguel most recently served as Project Pipeline Chair of DFW NOMA.
Brien Graham, NOMA, AIA, NCARB
Brien Graham is a licensed architect and the Civic, Municipal, and Cultural Market Leader for KAI Enterprises in the Dallas office. Day to day, Brien oversees strategic decision-making, problem-solving, and collaboration across multiple teams at all levels. In addition to his architectural background, Brien has served in facilities management, which has helped to inform his ability to keep the end-user in mind to ensure spaces are well-designed and functional. Additionally, Brien is giving generously of his time, currently serving the profession as the 2023-2025 AIA Strategic Council Texas representative and TxA Board member, and 2023-2024 Treasurer for DFW NOMA. Most recently, he was elected as the 2024-2025 NOMA South Region Vice President. Previously, he served as the 2021-2022 Chapter President of DFW NOMA, 2022 At-Large Board member for AIA Dallas, chair of the TxA EDI Committee, and AIA Dallas Education Outreach Committee member.
Toluwalope Olayinka, NOMA, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA, WELL AP, FITWELL AMB
Tolu, a recently licensed architect, was born and raised in Lagos, Nigeria. She came to the United States in 2010 to attend UT Arlington, where she obtained her Bachelor's and Master's degrees. Tolu has been involved for a number of years with DFW NOMA and most recently has served as Planning/Programming Chair. She currently works at OMNIPLAN. Tolu really enjoys team sports, and her favorite pastimes include soccer, music, and travel.
Montoya Coleman, NOMA
Montoya Coleman is a Kansas City, MO native and moved to Dallas, TX in 2015. She has 8 years of experience as an Interior Design/Technical Lead in the DFW Metroplex. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design & a secondary major in Gerontology from Kansas State University. Outside of work Montoya enjoys crafting with her son, watching documentaries, creating content for her Motherhood & Lifestyle Blog, and photography.
Lorenzo Jones, NOMA
Lorenzo Jones is a project manager at PGAL, Inc focusing on K-12 projects of which he is involved in developing construction documents and coordinating with consultants and clients. He has 6 years of experience in architecture and construction in the Texas area. Lorenzo acquired a dual bachelors degree in architecture & construction science and a masters in architecture from Prairie View A&M University. Outside of work, Lorenzo enjoys networking, traveling internationally, mentoring students and young professionals.
Raine Jackson, NOMA, AIA, RID, NCARB
Raine Jackson is a licensed architect and registered interior designer at KAI Enterprises, where she has a focus on K-12 projects, working with clients and consultants to shape educational environments. Raine is an AIA Dallas 2021 Emerging Leaders Program graduate.
Jasmine Martin, NOMA, IIDA Assoc.
Jasmine Martin is a Dallas native and has 7 years of experience as an interior designer in the DFW Metroplex. She holds a Bachelor of Science, Interior Design degree from Stephen F. Austin State University. Jasmine has worked on a variety of projects - from designing schools, government centers, libraries to tenant development and corporate projects. Outside of work, Jasmine is driven by giving back to her local community, playing tennis, reading at local coffee shops and exploring Dallas with her friends and family.
Mia Ovcina, NOMA, RA, RID, LEED AP
Mia is a project architect/manager and team leader at 720 design, with specialized experience in programming, planning and design of public and academic libraries. A graduate of Cornell University's College of Architecture, Art and Planning, her career has gravitated towards community-oriented projects, utilizing public engagement and industry specific research to inform thoughtful design solutions. Mia is passionate about mentoring and equity in the profession and in addition to her involvement with DFW NOMA, currently serves on a City of Dallas Landmark Commission Task Force.
Erika Cooper, NOMA
Erika Cooper is a Dallas native with 10 years of experience in the architecture industry. Her professional experience ranges from retail, restaurant, commercial, residential, and multi-family projects. She received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2013 and a Master of Architecture in 2014 from Prairie View A&M University. She currently works at Moody Nolan as a project coordinator with goals of becoming a project manager. For leisure, Erika loves fashion design and works to build her clientele as a stylist daily. She also enjoys painting, time with family and friends, and giving back to the community.
Corrin Breeding, NOMA
Corrin Breeding is an independent consultant with a focus on landscape architecture, land & property development and project management. Corrin has a passion for holistic design and construction practices that blend the natural and built environment. His knowledge of architecture, landscape architecture, construction and property development practices allow him to drive professional teams to create spaces that are aesthetically pleasing and financially feasible.
DeQualès Thompson, NOMA, AIA, EDAC
DeQualès Thompson is a licensed architect and an Associate Managing Principal at IDG+ Architects, Inc., a full-service design firm that specializes in educational, civic, and commercial architecture. Education is at the core of his personal ethos, as he is an alumnus and former professor at Prairie View A&M University. His ultimate goal is to become the next CEO of IDG+ Architects and to create an organization that produces thoughtful, sustainable, and socially responsible architecture worldwide. He has won competitions in places such as Malawi and Switzerland, and his curiosity towards travel and culture has led him to explore how architecture can support, connect, and inspire people. As a Fort Worth native, DeQualès has returned to the DFW area to contribute to the community he grew up in. He is also a graduate of the AIA Dallas 2023 Emerging Leaders Program. His lovely wife, Addisalem, is his inspiration and support. Outside of work, DeQualès enjoys art, reading, woodworking, politics, and taking care of his plants.
Ariana Hallenbeck, NOMA, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Ariana Hallenbeck is a Project Architect and Associate in the Dallas studio of Perkins&Will. She joined Perkins&Will in 2016 upon graduating from the University of Texas at Austin with her Bachelor of Architecture. She is currently a part of the firm's corporate, commercial, cultural, and civic practice, and has a range of project experience including healthcare, transportation, and K-12. In 2019, she was a recipient of Healthcare Design Magazine's Rising Star Award.Additionally, Ariana is a member of Perkins&Will's firmwide Justice, Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion (J.E.D.I.) Council and serves as local J.E.D.I. Co-Champion for the Dallas Studio. As part of her work locally with the group, and alongside her Project Pipeline Co-Chair Aarti, she helped develop an architecture and design outreach program for a local middle school in South Dallas that has been ongoing since 2017. She is excited to bring her passion for mentoring youth and empowering the next generation of architects to her role as Project Pipeline Co-Chair.
Aarti Khatter, NOMA, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Aarti Khatter is a licensed architect with over 7 years of experience in the industry. Her professional experience ranges from healthcare, commercial and sports and entertainment projects. She earned her degree in architecture from the University of Texas at Austin. Currently, she works at Overland Partners as a project architect. She is also a graduate of the AIA Dallas 2023 Emerging Leaders Program. Outside of work, Aarti enjoys sketching, traveling, and spending time with her dog Wilson.
Charyl McAfee-Duncan, NOMA, FAIA
Charyl McAfee-Duncan, FAIA is a licensed architect, and is the President of McAfee3 Architecture and Design and is Principal of the Dallas office. Since opening the Dallas office in 1994, Charyl has developed a diverse design and planning portfolio with clients in the public and private sector for higher education, institutional, transportation, aviation, sports and recreational facilities.
After pre-design studies at Kansas State University, Charyl graduated from the University of Nebraska at Lincoln with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture Studies and went on to achieve her Master of Architecture degree from the University of Texas at Austin. In 2013, Charyl, was recognized for her achievements as an architect, and her significant contribution to the profession and society by being elevated to the College of Fellows in the American Institute of Architects. Charyl is the first African American woman Fellow of the AIA in Dallas and the second in the State of Texas.
She is currently serving as the Historian for the Dallas Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, where she served as President from 2014 to 2017 and won the Most Improved Chapter of the Year in 2017. Previously, she has served as the Advocacy Director and Membership Commissioner for AIA Dallas and served on the Multi-Cultural Conference planning committee held in September 2012 in Dallas. As a member of the Girl Scouts of Northeast Texas and she served on their Property Committee, Cookie Box Creations committee where she developed a creative and engaging program that introduces young girls to careers in architecture, which has continued since 2004. With the City of Dallas, she has served on the Historic Task Force for Park Row/South Dallas a Historic African American District and on several Artist Selection committees for various Public Art projects within the City of Dallas.
She enjoys speaking to students about architecture and recent engagements include Prairie View A&M School of Architecture, University of Texas at Arlington, Bridging the Gap: Women in Architecture, Dallas AIA What’s Next: Women in Architecture panel discussion and You’ve got 5 Minutes Lady!, and Building a Dream: Art + Science, STEM Academy for DISD girls, sponsored by the Dallas Chapter of the LINKS, Inc. and Erickson Middle School. She also serves on the CityLab High School Advisory Board.Questions? We would love to hear from you.
Send us an email below.
Email: info@dfwnoma.org