People

Robert J. DiLeonardo

Founder, Chairman

Visionary. Educator. Patriarch.

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In the hospitality and design worlds, Bob DiLeonardo is a legend with global recognition. From attending Providence College, Boston Architecture Center and Harvard Graduate School of Design to his teaching at Brown and RISD, his Honorary Doctrine from Johnson & Wales University to his consulting and charitable activities with the most prestigious organizations in architecture and design, Bob's influence has left an indelible mark on hospitality and architectural professionals in dozens of countries where his work is featured in the premiere properties. 40 years on, his insistence on imbuing every project with passion and creativity continues to inspire the studio that bears his name.

James Lehouiller

Managing Partner, CEO

Strategist. Catalyst. Pathfinder.

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"What can we do better?" is James Lehouiller's battle cry as he travels the globe overseeing the DiLeonardo team's work on six continents. During a career that has taken him from Vermont to Visakhapatnam (India), James' passion for learning about other cultures has provided a deep knowledge base that serves our clients well. His unflagging interest in the practical mechanics of achieving excellence has earned him academic and professional accolades (including an Honorary Doctorate from Johnson & Wales University) along with invitations to address diverse professional organizations on topics around international hospitality and design. James is a member of the Urban Land Institute, Historic New England, a founding board member for the US Green Building Council (RI) and is a registered LEED Accredited Professional. He is a frequent contributor to trade publications and is a regular guest speaker at industry conferences.

Giana DiLeonardo

Partner

Curator. Storyteller. Seeker.

LinkedIn

Harnessing the creative power of a "true studio environment," is among the passions of Giana DiLeonardo—whose international designs won her early-career recognition as an inspired talent. At DiLeonardo, Giana leads a global team of designers and professionals who provide unique "round the clock" service to our clients—via a co-location strategy that leverages offices in multiple time zones and a diverse team of imaginative contributors. Giana is an active member of the Network of Executive Women in Hospitality and is a LEED Green Associate—committed to sustainable design and construction practices.

Lia DiLeonardo

Partner

Whirlwind. Band Mom. Cultivator.

LinkedIn

Lia is a champion of design collaboration and has created nurturing and vibrant studio environments across DiLeonardo's global offices. She has a proven ability to foster and elicit creative excellence from diverse teams while mentoring young designers. As a second-generation leader, she is dedicated to protecting and evolving the firm's legacy of delivering superb—and successful—interiors solutions to the most demanding hospitality brands. Lia oversees design initiatives, client development and global marketing and branding as well as DiLeonardo's philanthropic and social initiatives. She earned a Masters of Architecture from RISD as well as degrees in Fine Arts and Literature from The University of Vermont. Lia is an associate member of AIA, NEWH and USGBC, the Alpha Ro Chi Society of Architects and RISD Department of Architecture Advisory Board for Publications and the Hotel Design Editorial Advisory Board.

Medhat Maher

Studio Director / Senior Associate

Leader. Anchor. Supporter.

LinkedIn

Medhat strongly believes that teamwork, along with positive energy, is the key to any successful project. Delivering a successful project is one’s target; aligning great designers and technicians is important, however the passion of loving what we do has an impact on the world and brings joy to every step of the journey. Medhat graduated from Cairo University with a BSC in Architecture Engineering in 1999. He has worked in the UAE for over 12 years. He is an associate of AIA and LEED GA accredited. He is currently pursuing a Master's of Interior Architecture and Design from Heriot Watt University.

George N. Cucitrone Jr.

Project Director / Senior Associate

Committed. Curious. Conscientious.

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In an age where technology and media can deliver anyone’s wants and desires to them at any time, George strives to deliver design which gives people what they need- value and enrichment to their existence. After 10 years with DiLeonardo, George is fortunate enough to do several different things in the office. His primary role is that of Project Director where he is responsible for guiding projects to successful completion through all design phases. He also travels frequently to coordinate with clients and consultants and is becoming more involved with project design. George holds a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Roger Williams University. George is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is NCARB Certified. He is a Registered Architect in the States of Rhode Island and Nevada. He has lived on both coasts of the US and overseas in Italy and has worked and travelled in many places around the world.

Tim Rogers

Project Director / Senior Associate

Meticulous. Steadfast. Innovator.

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Tim has total commitment to seeing a project through from its initial design concepts straight into the full documentation, construction and ultimately the success of another great project. This profession can often create many challenges during the design process and ultimately finding ways to overcome these challenges then ending up with a truly great product for our clients is very satisfying. As a Project Manager in the firm, he oversees all client and operator relations as well as directing the design team to provide excellence in every aspect of the design process. Tim holds degrees in both Architecture and Interior Design from Hall Institute of Technology.

Christopher Henderson

Project Director / Senior Associate

Diligent. Mentor.

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Chris strives to maintain fluidity throughout the design process. As Principal of DiArchitecture and Senior Project Director for DiLeonardo, Chris uses his extensive knowledge of Architecture to ensure that the design aesthetic and goals of each project are well developed and integrated in the overall building design. Chris holds a Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from the Rhode Island School of Design. He has carried architectural licenses in 17 states. Chris is a former Vice President of the American Institute of Architects’ Rhode Island Chapter and served 12 years on the Board of Directors.

Jordan Batty

Senior Designer / Senior Associate

Medic. Observer. Anchor.

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Jordan believes sustainability is achieved with timeless design. She is a team player and enjoys the collaborative process at DiLeonardo. “I love good lighting.” As Senior Designer, Jordan leads the design process with a keen attention to detail. She is responsible for managing the drawing production and further developing the design through design development and construction documents in close coordination with the Project Director. Jordan received her Masters degree in Interior Architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design and her Bachelor of Arts degree in the History of Art and Architecture from Brown University. Jordan started her professional life in theatre and film production. She believes this experience provides rich resources for inspiration in her current role at DiLeonardo.

Kris Pienschke

Senior Designer / Senior Associate

Strong. Adventurous. Dreamer.

Kris believes that design is more than creating, it’s a feeling. It’s messy yet clean, it’s complicated yet simplistic, it’s exciting yet calming; it’s that first step into a new space and the internal butterflies, it’s that soft wow feeling that you have when you experience something special. As a Senior Designer she brings the knowledge from years of designing, the motivation to bring the team together, and the spirit to transform a project.