THE PEOPLE ISSUE | 2025
2025 has been a very busy year here at MV+A and it’s been a long while since we shared any staff updates—so without further ado…
ELEANOR KRAUSE | A Decade of Leadership and Lasting Impact
After more than four decades in practice—including over ten years with MV+A—Senior Associate Eleanor Krause has officially retired!
Eleanor joined MV+A in 2014 following two decades as founding principal of The RKtects Studio in Alexandria, VA, a firm recognized for its work in commercial historic preservation, adaptive reuse, and small-scale civic and residential projects. Her arrival at MV+A marked the beginning of what would become the firm’s commercial projects studio—an effort that extended MV+A’s capacity to deliver the same care and design quality to neighborhood-scale retail and commercial clients that defines the firm’s larger mixed-use work. “My experience in renovations and smaller commercial projects dovetailed nicely with the kinds of retail and repositioning efforts that were emerging at MV+A,” Eleanor recalls.
Under her leadership, the studio delivered a wide range of projects across the region—from re-imagined shopping destinations such as West Springfield Center and Broaddale Village to the creative transformation of Cascades Marketplace, where an innovative color palette and strategic placemaking installations brought new life to a familiar suburban landscape. Recent work has included Liberty Place in Fredericksburg, VA—an office, retail, and parking development adjacent to the city’s historic core—reflecting Eleanor’s deep knowledge of historic architecture.
The studio also provided Eleanor with the opportunity to add a diverse group of projects to MV+A’s portfolio—often for existing clients who had acquired buildings or sites that were outside their norm. These include the design of 717 H Street NW an (unbuilt) mixed use project combining three historic buildings in DC’s Chinatown, the reconstruction of a fire-damaged warehouse in a small industrial corner of the city and its transformation into an urban, cannabis farming facility, and the planning for the installation of a former DC Trolley Car to be installed and used as rest room and snack bar facilities for a park at MV+A’s Riverdale Park Station.
Reflecting on her time with MV+A, Eleanor notes, “Having had the opportunity to spend the last decade or so of my career at MV+A has given me the chance to work on a wonderful range of projects, but more importantly, to work with and mentor a remarkable group of younger professionals who will make their mark on this industry for years to come. The team that Jim Voelzke has assembled, and the quality of the work that they produce, is truly something that I’m proud to have played a small part in steering. It has been an honor to be a part of the MV+A team.”
From Eleanor’s Favorites: Liberty Place in Fredericksburg, VA.
From Eleanor’s Favorites: Broaddale Village in Falls Church, VA. Below: Before; Above: After.
From Eleanor’s Favorites: Kenwood Station in Bethesda, MD. Below Left: Before; Above Right and Left: After.
From Eleanor’s Favorites: Cascades Marketplace in Sterling, VA. Below: Before; Above: After.
From Eleanor’s Favorites | Clockwise from upper left: Travilah Square in Rockville, MD. 717 H Street NW in Washington, DC. The Little Tavern in Washington, DC. Chapman Stables in Washington, DC.
Principal Send-Offs
“Eleanor has been a friend and coworker for almost forty years, I knew when she came on board at MV+A in 2014 she’d be a great addition to the firm. Looking back over the last decade, Eleanor has been a key contributor to the firm and our built environment. She’s handled the most complex renovations and new projects with the same can-do attitude and seasoned wisdom. Eleanor has been an excellent mentor to so many at MV+A, both the firm and everyone at MV+A have benefited tremendously by Eleanor’s professionalism, expertise, generosity and dedication to the craft. I know she’ll bring that same energy to retirement and wish her all the best! Thank you Eleanor, for everything.”
—Jim Voelzke, MV+A Principal
“Working alongside Eleanor has been a privilege. Her warmth, integrity, and creative spirit have set the tone in our office every day. Whether solving a tough challenge or lending a thoughtful ear, she has inspired us not only as an architect but as an incredible colleague and friend. Her dedication and perspective have shaped our work in ways that will endure for years to come. While it will be difficult not to see her in the office, we’re excited for her to enjoy everything retirement brings.”
—Russell Zung, MV+A Principal
“Eleanor has had an incredible career that we can all aspire to. I have learned so much from Eleanor not only as an architect, but as a leader, professional, and friend. Her impact on the built environment and to this firm will continue as she enjoys her well-deserved retirement, and her presence in the office and profession will be greatly missed. Thank you for all you have done Eleanor. You have much to be proud of!”
—Brian Szymanski, MV+A Principal
“I joined MV+A at about the same time as Eleanor. For me, MV+A without her is going to feel like a different place. I am thankful for someone who cared, ABOUT US ALL. We will miss her leadership and her mentorship and the decades of wisdom she generously shared with us. We are better because of her. I am sure she will bring the same level of enthusiasm and care to all that she will touch in her retirement. I wish her all the best in her future adventures.”
—Neville Fernandes, MV+A Principal
Eleanor’s legacy at MV+A cuts a wide swath, but her reputation as the ‘Hostess with the Mostest’ will most likely never be eclipsed! And then there’s Rocco, whose regular attendance on our Monday AM coordination calls will be genuinely missed. Theses photos are from Eleanor and Rocco’s annual Howl-O-Ween party.
NEW HIRES
This year, we had the great fortune of welcoming nine new colleagues to our team. They join us from diverse backgrounds and bring an impressive range of skills—strengthening our ability to deliver the exceptional service our clients and project partners expect and value.
Clockwise from upper left: Project Architect Ryan Banger, AIA | Architectural Designer Maria Hernandez | Architectural Designer Hernan Velez | Senior Architectural Designer Allen Chhav, AIA | Senior Architectural Designer Fausto Cisneros | Architectural Designer Azadeh Seyedaskari | Senior Project Architect Leonardo Colón, AIA, NCARB | Architectural Designer Cara Tinson | Senior Architectural Designer Golnar Ahmadi
