Culture and Diversity Strengthen Architecture and the Workplace

Wingate Hughes embraces culture and diversity in our workplace because we believe people strengthen our firm and enhance our perspective on architecture. Our team ranges from US-rooted staff to employees from, or with family in, Laos, Guatemala, Mexico, Philippines, Puerto Rico, India, and Honduras. Every day, Wingate Hughes buzzes with different ideas, world views, architectural influences, languages, music, and food. Our designers and architects are hired for their skills and what they can contribute, not background. Our office is fun, the vibe is electric, and a Wingate Hughes design speaks to an entire workforce, not one type of person.

Alejandra smiles for the Wingate Hughes 2018 staff photo shoot

Alejandra Castillo hails from Tegucigalpa, Honduras, and her unique skill set, Honduran influence, and artistic eye continually advance Wingate Hughes design portfolio. She came to the United States after winning a prestigious Honduran award for her contributions in bolstering her country’s culture through artwork. A seasoned painter, her notoriety garnered her a scholarship to the Savannah College of Art and Design (SCAD) and her current position at Wingate Hughes.

Standout Wingate Hughes projects for Alejandra include the spec suites and rooftop amenity space at 4040 North Fairfax in Arlington, VA; the One Thomas Circle building repositioning; and her current work on Everfi’s new office design.

lobby design_culture diversity architecture
The One Thomas Circle redesign positions the building as the gateway between Shaw and Downtown DC

After two impressive years at Wingate Hughes, Alejandra faced her visa expiration date. We weren’t ready to say goodbye, and Alejandra knew she had so much more to give to Wingate Hughes. Thanks to Maggio + Kattar, a renowned boutique immigration law firm in DC, Alejandra was able to deftly navigate through the immigration process and secure a visa extension.

maggio + kattar immigration lawfirm design
The entryway at Maggio + Kattar features a custom latticework ceiling inspired from a compilation of international patterns

Reflecting on her journey to stay in the US, a special shout out is needed for Ben Plaisted, Savills Studley EVP and Co-Regional Manager. He originally introduced Wingate Hughes to Maggio + Kattar. This relationship led to an outstanding office design for Maggio + Kattar, and now to Alejandra flourishing at Wingate Hughes for years to come.

We can’t wait to see what Alejandra accomplishes next.

culture diversity architecture workplace
Alejandra represented Wingate Hughes at the most recent DC 50 on Fire competition

To learn more about working at Wingate Hughes and our designs, contact info@wingatehughes.com.