Skip to content

Culture

Celebrating Leadership, Creativity, and Impact: International Women’s Day 2026

Tags Culture

International Women’s Day is a moment to recognize the people who shape our industry and our communities through leadership, creativity, and dedication. Women across HLW’s global studios are advancing architecture and design while strengthening the culture of mentorship, collaboration, and engagement that defines our firm.

This year, we celebrate just a few of the many women whose accomplishments inspire us every day. From design innovation and community leadership to industry recognition and personal achievement, their stories reflect the many ways impact can take shape.

Women Shaping the Future of Architecture and Design

A person in a navy blue coat with the initials 'hlw' raised their arms, expressing joy against a backdrop of a clear blue sky and calm turquoise waters. The scene captures a moment of freedom, with sunlight reflecting off the water, creating a serene and lively atmosphere.

Interior Designer Savannah Watts recently took on an extraordinary challenge: a relay swim across the English Channel alongside industry peers Steve Henigan, Ryan Powell, and Paul Harris. Braving cold water, nighttime conditions, and unpredictable tides, the team completed the crossing in 13 hours and 17 minutes, raising £7,446.68 for Carers Trust, Ataxia UK, and The Peel. Their effort demonstrates more than physical endurance—it reflects a deep personal commitment to supporting caregivers, advancing neurological research, and strengthening local communities. We couldn’t be prouder of Savannah and her team for turning determination into meaningful impact.

Allison Bernett, Senior Sustainability Specialist at BEYOND, recently delivered a TEDx talk about how “Net Positive Architecture Will Build Us a Climate-Friendly Future.” In her talk at TEDxHCCS Youth, Allison challenges the industry to move beyond simply “doing less harm” and instead focus on creating buildings that do more good than harm. From mass timber and circular design strategies to urban pollinator habitats, her work demonstrates how architecture can actively regenerate natural systems.

A celebration event showcasing award recipients in interior design. The scene features three individuals on stage: two men in suits flanking a smiling woman holding a certificate. The background highlights a presentation screen with the names of scholarship recipients and acknowledgments, creating an atmosphere of achievement and recognition.

Belinda Silverne, Job Captain at HLW, demonstrates the power of professional engagement through her work with nycoba | NOMA (New York Coalition of Black Architects | National Organization of Minority Architects). The organization supports a vibrant network of professionals, students, and committees dedicated to advancing equity in the profession. Belinda was honored with an ARE Recognition Award for her service and contributions, reflecting her commitment to supporting emerging professionals and strengthening the architectural community.

Three professionals stand together in a studio setting, smiling warmly. The first, wearing glasses and a black suit, exudes authority. The second, dressed casually in a dark sweater and shorts, showcases a contemporary, youthful aesthetic. The third, in a chic black dress, radiates sophistication, contributing to a collaborative atmosphere.

On the West Coast, Sarah Geske has been recognized as an IIDA Southern California Emerging Leader, an honor awarded to designers making meaningful contributions early in their careers. Sarah’s work is rooted in storytelling and empathy. Beyond the studio, she serves on the IIDA LA City Center Board and works with Flip4Good, applying trauma-informed design strategies to reimagine transitional housing. Her work reminds us that great design is as much about compassion as it is about craft.

Interior designer Rhea Roy Thomas stands confidently beside a vibrant display at a design conference. The backdrop features bold graphics announcing the event, highlighting innovation in sustainable design. Her professional attire complements the creative atmosphere, showcasing a commitment to contemporary trends and environmental responsibility in interior design.

Rhea Roy Thomas is one of HLW’s most celebrated emerging designers. She was recognized nationally as part of Interior Design Magazine’s National 30 Under 30 and received the Interior Design NEXT Award. Rhea’s design philosophy centers on creating spaces that are flexible yet full of character—environments with soul and longevity. Influenced by her Indian heritage, her personal style is bold and eclectic. Whether upcycling vintage pieces, documenting architectural details, or mentoring younger designers, Rhea brings curiosity, confidence, and creativity to everything she does.

A young woman stands confidently in front of a modern presentation backdrop showcasing the "Interior Design 30/30" event. She holds a colorful booklet, dressed in a stylish brown blazer and white skirt. The venue features sleek industrial elements, combining contemporary aesthetics with a professional ambiance, enhancing the event's focus on innovative design.

Thwisha Shah was recognized as part of Interior Design Magazine’s San Francisco 30 Under 30, highlighting her talent, vision, and growing leadership within the industry. Her recognition reflects HLW’s culture of curiosity—questioning conventions, designing with passion, and imagining what’s next for the built environment.

Manushi Sheth, Architectural Designer, was named one of Metropolis Magazine’s Arch30 Emerging Architects, an honor that recognizes the next generation of leaders shaping the profession. Manushi’s thoughtful, people-centered approach to design demonstrates the impact emerging architects can have both within the studio and across the broader industry.

Xinru Liu, HLW Design Technology Specialist, brings curiosity and technical expertise to exploring what’s next for the profession. At HLW, she supports teams in creating design experiences that spark joy across both physical and virtual environments. Beyond the firm, Xinru contributes to broader industry dialogue through AIA New York’s Future of Practice Committee, where she helps lead salons on Artificial Intelligence in Architecture (AI+A). Through these conversations and her ongoing research, Xinru encourages the industry to look beyond AI as simply a tool—examining instead how emerging technologies are reshaping professional roles, methods of production, and the future of architectural practice.

A professional portrait of Dana Gamliel, showcasing her as a Senior Associate, Project Manager, and Project Architect. She is dressed in a sleek black top against a modern blue background. The design emphasizes her professionalism and commitment to advancement within the commercial real estate sector, highlighted by the award recognition at the top.

Dana Gamliel, Project Manager and Project Architect at HLW, has quickly emerged as a leader within the firm. Recognized as one of Commercial Observer’s Top Young Professionals of 2025, Dana balances technical design expertise with strong client leadership across her multifamily and adaptive reuse portfolio. For Dana, the most rewarding part of architecture is the collaboration it demands. Seeing clients, architects, engineers, and consultants come together to shape the built environment is what makes the work meaningful.

Senior Associate and Project Architect Samantha Kane is featured prominently, exhibiting a warm smile and flowing hair. She stands against a vibrant blue background, highlighted by elegant typography that outlines her recognition as one of the Top Young Professionals in the Commercial Real Estate sector for 2025.

Samantha Kane, also named one of Commercial Observer’s Top Young Professionals of 2025, knew she wanted to be an architect since childhood. Even after hearing about the long hours often associated with the profession, she remained determined—while also promising herself she would pursue the career on her own terms. Today, Samantha carries that philosophy forward through mentorship. In addition to guiding colleagues within HLW’s New Jersey studio, she volunteers with the ACE Mentor Program, supporting students and communities traditionally underrepresented in architecture. Her motto—“Do everything at your own pace”—continues to inspire the next generation of designers.

Since joining HLW in 2012, Sejal Sonani has played a pivotal role in expanding the firm’s West Coast presence while strengthening HLW’s adaptive reuse and building repositioning practice. Now one of HLW’s Managing Partners, Sejal continues to guide the firm into a new era of design leadership. Her recognition as a GlobeSt. 2025 Woman of Influence – Architect/Design Professional reflects both her professional excellence and her commitment to creating a more equitable and sustainable built environment.

For more than two decades, Cristen Colantoni has helped shape HLW’s reputation as an industry leader while championing initiatives that prioritize diversity, equity, and inclusion. Recently named a GlobeSt. Woman of Influence – Diversity Champion and one of New York Real Estate Journal’s 2025 Women in Construction, Cristen continues to lead by example. As Senior Principal and a member of HLW’s Global Leadership Team, she mentors the next generation of leaders while advancing thoughtful design solutions and holistic climate action.

Inspiring the Future

These accomplishments represent only a small glimpse of the extraordinary women across HLW who lead through design excellence, collaboration, mentorship, and community engagement.

This International Women’s Day, we celebrate their achievements and the collective impact they make every day—shaping not only the future of our firm, but the future of architecture and design.