Eric Colbert leads an award-winning architectural practice focused on urban revitalization, multi-family residential design, and historic preservation. After earning his professional degree in architecture in 1975 from Cornell University, where his studies included coursework in fine art and industrial design, he moved to Washington, DC, to join the prominent firm of Arthur Cotton Moore Associates. While there, he worked on the groundbreaking renovation of the Old Post Office, as well as various historic buildings in Georgetown. He went on to work for two other local firms, one specializing in inner-city housing rehabilitations and the other in museum and lighting design.

Eric founded ECA in 1982. While growing the firm, he has placed an emphasis on hiring and retaining talented professionals with strong design abilities and technical knowledge. Eric remains directly involved in all of the firm’s major projects, and personally attends the majority of project-related public hearings and community meetings. He has been an active participant in the Mayor’s Building Code Advisory Committee, several real estate associations, and the American Institute of Architects. Eric has made presentations to, and acted as a guest critic at the University of Maryland and The Catholic University of America.

Since relocating from Chicago and joining ECA in 2001, Brian has maintained a leadership role in the office. He has functioned as the senior managing principal for many of the firm’s notable projects. Brian’s advanced communication and management skills are responsible for establishing a high level of trust between the firm and our clients. These same talents serve to maintain an effective, productive, and healthy working environment, both in the office and with our consultants and contractors. Brian’s wealth of architectural knowledge and attention to detail enable the firm to produce well-designed, high quality work.

Brian’s 30 years of experience includes numerous commercial, institutional and residential projects. During the last 20 years of practice, his work has been focused on multi-family projects, which usually include ground floor retail and underground parking. As second in charge at the firm, he is responsible for providing guidance to all of our employees, overseeing all of the project teams, and managing resources and workflow. Brian graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture from the University at Buffalo, and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and is licensed in Illinois, Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Matthew Bender joined ECA in 2022 with a diverse collection of multifamily experience, having worked on new construction & renovation projects across the country ranging from single family homes & graduate student developments to affordable housing and neighborhood planning projects. His passion for architecture developed early when he spent time with his family, who were carpenters, working on post-war bungalow style homes in the Detroit metro area. Matt graduated from the University of Maryland with a Master of Architecture and a Minor in Philosophy. He is passionate about design and how our experiences are impacted by the things we create.

Matt is a registered Architect in Washington, D.C. & has spent some time teaching & guest lecturing at local Universities. When not in the professional realm he is typically found working on design competitions with colleagues, playing recreational sports, or trying to watch the next great film.

Gabriela Borowiec joined ECA in 2022 upon graduation from Virginia Tech, where she obtained a dual master’s degree in Architecture, Building Construction, and Management. Originally from Krakow, Poland, she developed an interest in architecture due to its complexity and vast range of possibilities that impact communities. Her previous interdisciplinary experience includes projects focusing on design, digital fabrication, and graphics representation. Throughout her work in architecture and building construction, Gabriela gained a well-rounded knowledge and better understanding of the two fields.

Ebony Branch joined ECA with 17 years of Accounting and Administrative experience in the Architectural Industry. She studied Accounting and Business administration at Morgan State University and the University of Maryland University College. She is a native of Maryland and resides with in the DMV area. She has a passion for business processes and automation. In her spare time, Ebony likes to hike, teach yoga and meditate.

Ola Brejnak joined ECA in 2019. Her previous experience includes multi-family projects in Warsaw, Poland, mixed-use, retail, and a stadium in Moscow, Russia. She has also worked on multi-family  residential projects in the Washington DC Metropolitan area. Ola excels at combining logic and aesthetics to create spaces that are both functional and beautiful. She strongly believes that design can have a direct, positive impact on people’s lives. Ola’s previous experience working on projects with demanding schedules has taught her to be organized, detailed oriented and proactive. Originally from Warsaw, Poland, she received her Bachelor and Master of Science in Architecture and Urban Planning degree from the Warsaw University of Technology. Ola spent a semester at the Norwegian Technical University in Trondheim which greatly influenced her attention to the sustainability aspects of design. Outside of work, Ola can be often found exploring DC by bike, appreciating local restaurants or cheering for her favorite rugby team.

Jordan joined ECA in 2021 with experience working on a variety of projects ranging from small residential renovations in the DC area to international office and healthcare projects. He is a Maryland native and a graduate of the Tulane University School of Architecture, with a Master’s degree in Architecture and a minor in Urban Studies. Playing city building games as a child sparked a lifelong interest in cities and urban planning, which he looks forward to applying in his work at ECA. In his spare time, Jordan likes to cook, take care of his plants, and walk around his neighborhood.

Steven Dickens joined ECA in 2001. In his role as a Senior Associate at ECA, Steve serves as designer, project architect, project manager, draftsman, detailer, contracts negotiator, and everything in between. Having worked in Washington D.C. for over 30 years, he has developed expertise in the District’s Zoning regulations and Historic Preservation review guidelines and procedures, as well as the Building Code and Accessibility Standards. Steve lives in an ECA-designed building, the Rainbow Lofts Condominiums of 2004, for which he was the project architect. He received his Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Tulane University, and has been a licensed architect in Washington D.C. since 1991. In addition to practicing architecture, Steve enjoys writing about the City’s built environment, and has authored numerous articles in ArchitectureDC magazine, a publication of the Washington D.C. AIA.

Alicia Dolabaille joined ECA in 2016, and works within the realms of architecture and digital media design. Throughout her career, Alicia has contributed to projects ranging from architectural art installations, digital fabrication projects, luxury apartments and interior architecture for restaurants and retail spaces. Alicia’s excellent design and related graphic skills have enabled her to achieve a prominent role in ECA’s design department. Alicia is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design’s Digital + Media, Master of Fine Arts program, and received a Bachelor of Architecture from Howard University.

Loay Elmagri joined ECA in 2022 after years working on multi-family and mixed-use developments of market rate and affordable housing across Washington, DC.  During that time, he developed broad experience in design phases and documentation, coordination, management, and construction administration. Loay was born in Libya and lived in Turkey and Egypt, where he got his Bachelor’s degree in Architectural Engineering. After working at a boutique design studio in Tripoli, Libya, he moved to the U.S. in 2015 to earn his Master’s degree in Architecture from Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center. Loay understands the significant role of Architecture in reflecting and shaping communities and individuals. In his practice, he is mindful of the impact of design on cityscape, neighborhoods and communities, and approaches design with the intention of enhancing individuals’ daily experiences within those spaces. Outside of work, Loay can be found taking in the city, hiking national parks, floating on any body of water, and cooking and enjoying other people’s cooking.

Sydney joined ECA in 2022 with experience working on high-end single family residential projects in DC and Maryland, as well as commercial work in Virginia. She is a graduate of Cornell University with a Bachelor of Architecture and is currently pursuing licensure. Sydney has a passion for affordable and low-income housing which she hopes to employ in her work at ECA. In her downtime, she likes to watch movies, box at her local gym, and patron many bookstores around the city.

Kristan Jadwick joined Eric Colbert & Associates in 2016. She has been involved in the city’s vibrant multifamily design community in the Washington D.C. metropolitan region for over 14 years. She enjoys creating healthy and exciting urban homes, and believes that all projects, regardless of budget or schedule, deserve consideration for thoughtful materiality, detailing and sustainability. Kristan is particularly passionate about interior design, and the unique place making opportunities that every project brings. Throughout her career, she has contributed to projects ranging from luxury rentals, affordable housing, public libraries, community centers and educational facilities. Prior to joining ECA, Kristan managed several affordable housing and market-rate projects from conception through construction, including furniture, fixture and art installations. Kristan received a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Clemson University.

As the firm’s Senior Design Director, JB Lallement has held a dominant role in the design, development and execution of a substantial number of the firms more well-known projects. Since joining the firm in 2005, he has been responsible for the design and detailing of the Louis, the Harper, 5333 Connecticut and the Highline at Union Market. JB has led the design of many award winning projects such as the Allegro and the Whitman Walker Clinic building on 14th Street. JB strongly believes that each project requires its own unique architectural solution. He takes pride in developing innovative building designs that respect the surrounding fabric, while presenting a fresh vision that is respectful of our client’s mission. JB was born and raised in France where he received his Master of Architecture and Planning from l’Ecole d ’Architecture de Lille.

Ilari Lehtonen joined ECA in 2021 after relocating to Washington, D.C. from Melbourne, Australia.
Prior to moving to the US, Ilari spent time at both established and emerging design firms working in Melbourne’s exciting residential architecture scene. With a keen interest in housing and community development projects, Ilari is experienced in multi-family residential developments and bespoke single family homes, while also having worked on the delivery of community projects in Bangladesh and Papua New Guinea. Born in Helsinki, Finland, Ilari graduated with a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Melbourne in 2013.
In his spare time, Ilari is slowly getting to know Washington, D.C. by exploring the city’s various neighborhoods and its restaurants and cafes.

Christena McCabe joined ECA in 2012, and her primary role at the firm is Project Manager in Construction. Chris strives to ensure that the design intent and detail expression for our projects are fully executed in the built work. Completed ECA projects include 5333 Connecticut Avenue Apartments and 1221 Van Street Apartments. As an advanced architect, Chris’ technical knowledge and excellent organizational skills enable her to effectively manage the construction phase, minimizing issues for Clients. Chris brings over 25 years of experience to the firm as Project Architect for award winning buildings with Weinstein Associates and Torti Gallas and Partners. Notable projects include office buildings in Capitol Hill, Clarendon Center Development, and the exterior skin design and detailing for the Georgetown Safeway. Chris received her Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science in Architecture, from the University of Maryland and is a licensed Architect Washington, D.C. Her previous experience as adjunct Professor of Design Studio has greatly enriched her professional practice. In her spare time, Chris enjoys travel near and far, hiking & backpacking, and is a passionate photographer.

Hannah Michaelson joined ECA in 2021 as a recent graduate of Syracuse University with a Bachelor of Architecture. Her previous experience includes historic preservation, healthcare, and community design. Originally from Western New York, Hannah attended high school in Shanghai, sparking a passion for travel. While exploring Asia, Europe and Australia, she has refined her photography portfolio while also enhancing her eye for design compositions. With an English minor and interest in sustainable and socially just design, she spends her free time as a volunteer on the Marketing and Communications team with the Social Justice in Engineering Initiative.

Megan Mitchell joined ECA in 2017 with a career dedicated to housing design. Since 1998, she has played a primary role in the design of projects ranging from single family houses, townhouse flats and pocket communities, to larger apartment buildings. Prior to joining ECA, she was a senior architect for ten years with Suzane Reatig Architecture where she lead the design of several award-winning projects. Currently she is focused on implementing creative ways to design affordable apartments where city dwellers can be inspired by and connected to the natural world. Megan received a Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland and a Bachelor of Art from Lebanon Valley College in conjunction with The Pennsylvania School of Art & Design, and is a licensed architect in Maryland. Megan finds inspiration through flower gardening, exploring cities, and adoring big ear-tipped cats.

Michael Minnis joined the firm in 2001, and has risen through the ranks, formerly as Project Manager prior to transitioning to managing the firm’s technology. He has worked on all phases of projects, from Schematic Design to Construction Administration, and has worked on numerous projects including Rainbow Lofts, 2 M Street, The Louis on 14th, Channing Place, and West Half. Mike implements BIM and other technologies to assure that our office is functioning efficiently with the latest tools. He is also one of the firm’s experts in the technical sides of architecture, including detailing, code compliance, and accessibility guidelines. Mike is a graduate of the Bachelor of Science in Architecture Program at the University of Virginia. In his free time, Mike enjoys riding and racing his bicycles, cooking, and exploring new restaurants in town.

Originally from Pittsburgh, PA, Ed Patrick joined Eric Colbert & Associates in 2006, and has worked on an array of multi-family residential projects. His expertise in detailing complex building enclosures continues to provide a solid foundation for his work in production and construction administration. Ed enjoys spending time on construction sites when he can observe his detailing work materialize, and help resolve unforeseen conditions. This focus on details and material expression carries through in his art work with ceramics. Ed graduated from Virginia Polytechnic institute with a Master of Architecture and a Minor in Industrial Design. Ed spent two years studying architecture and working in Switzerland, taking part an exchange program at the Accademia di Architettura in Mendrisio under the tutelage of Peter Zumthor. Outside of the office, bike racing, skiing, camping and spending time with his wife and twin sons, ensure that Ed’s free time is never dull.

Inna Schwartz joined the firm in 2012 with over 12 years of experience. She currently works as a project manager. Inna’s experience includes hospitals, religious and academic structures. At ECA, she is focusing on multi-family housing; her recent projects include Channing Place and Lamont Street, renovations and adaptive re-use of industrial buildings resulting in high-end residential apartments. She has contributed to the design, coordination and construction documents for Atlantic Plumbing, the Louis, the Drake, and 1800 Columbia Road NW. Inna’s interests are sustainability and maximizing the functionality of floor plans. She is always careful to assure that as her projects advance, the detailing achieves maximum compatibility within its historic content. Inna received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Kent State University, where she studied abroad in Florence, and her Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. She is a licensed architect in Washington D.C. Inna loves gardening, and spending her free time with her daughter.

Rod joined ECA in 2019 and has worked for more than 25 years managing teams in the design, documentation and contract administration of Multi Family, Commercial, Mixed Use, Institutional, Single Family, Interior, Medical, Retail, Hospitality and Adaptive Reuse projects. Rod has worked in the District of Columbia and surrounding area since 2002. Prior to that, he worked in other parts of the US, England, New Zealand and Thailand.

Rod works closely with clients and collaborates with the design team to resolve critical issues early, establish and maintain schedules, regulatory compliance and budget. He brings to the table many years of realizing ambitious design goals through the construction process.

Nicole Shaw joined ECA in 2021 as the Administrative Assistant. With over 8 years of office experience, she has a background working in government, non-profit, and corporate environments. She is a team player and ensures that the office operations are running smoothly and efficiently. Nicole enjoys smiling, laughing, and brightening up her team members day. She is a Washington, DC native and a Graduate of Trinity Washington University, receiving her Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communication. In her spare time, Nicole loves traveling, going to the movies, spending time with her family and friends, and being creative.

Parima Sukosi joined ECA in 2014, is a Washington D.C. native and resident. She previously worked in design offices in New York City and Bangkok, where she contributed to commercial, hospitality, and residential projects. A large part of Parima’s recent responsibilities include design and documentation work on Eckington Yards, a four-building mixed-use project with 681 residential units. The office routinely incorporates Parima’s advanced design and graphic skills as she participates in a range of commissions. Parima received a of Bachelor of Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, and a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from the University of Pennsylvania.

Samantha Zuber joined ECA in 2020 upon obtaining her Master of Architecture from the University of Maryland.  In addition to her M.Arch degree, Samantha received her Bachelor of Mathematics from North Carolina State University.  Her previous experience includes working in community planning and multi-family design. Having grown up in traditional suburban communities throughout the United States, she witnessed planning and building design that drew her to seek adaptive approaches that could address changing needs, while still maintaining traditional values.  While at ECA, Samantha has quickly immersed herself in a wide range of roles as part of the design, modeling, and production phases for large-scale multi-family and mixed-use projects.  Samantha is also very passionate about sustainable design and adaptive reuse. In her spare time, Samantha enjoys gardening, crafting, visiting her family in North Carolina, and exploring the best places to eat and drink in DC.