Meet Felicia Lewis, our Chief Operating Officer. Felicia received a degree in Civil Engineering from Johns Hopkins University and considers this background an asset in her current role.

“Engineering is more of a thought process than a vocation in my experience,” she says. “My job as COO involves a lot of problem-solving, just more on the human scale than the technical.”

DS Architecture employs the Entrepreneurial Operating System model of management, which defines Felicia’s role as “Integrator.” The Integrator breaks down barriers between business functions and implements processes, thereby “integrating” various departments of the firm for smoother operations.

“Our motto at DS Architecture is ‘Listen. Lead. Innovate’,” Felicia says. “While this pertains to client relationships and designing architecture, it describes my position within the firm pretty accurately as well. I listen to the needs of our team and search for solutions.”

The leadership component to the Integrator role was new for Felicia, but she embraced it with an eagerness to learn.

“The biggest challenge for any leader is developing their team to become leaders themselves,” she says. “Coaching, if you will.”

As a woman, she recognizes the unique perspective she provides and the opportunity to utilize her leadership for purposes greater than the firm.

“DS Architecture is very committed to making diversity a priority,” she says. “This includes encouraging leadership regardless of age or gender, providing fair compensation, and also understanding and caring where people are at in their lives.”

Felicia’s hopes for the future of DS Architecture involve systematic growth and creating “vacuums” for current team members to grow into.

“I look forward to helping grow the firm through thoughtful consideration and planning,” she says. “Recruiting in a way that reflects our inclusive and creative culture, and fostering the potential we already have.”