Mission

Delivering transformational projects that move cities forward

Danielle DiLeo Kim, AIA, is a social-impact leader who delivers complex urban projects bringing vision, strategy and collaboration—from idea to implementation—to create lasting impact.

Photo by Blinck Photography

 
 
 

About Danielle

Danielle believes cities thrives when bold ideas, diverse voices and clear plans come together. As the founder and CEO of DDK Consulting, Danielle draws on over 25 years of experience in architecture, planning, and nonprofit leadership to help cities and communities move forward.

Danielle’s work spans civic, cultural, and community spaces, with clients ranging from city agencies to universities and nonprofits. She’s led major urban initiatives, built cross-sector coalitions, managed million-dollar budgets, and delivered high-profile architectural projects and master plans for organizations like the Philadelphia City Planning Commission, Temple University, The Salvation Army, Mann Center and the Fairmount Park Conservancy.

Danielle is the 2025 President of AIA Philadelphia and an award-winning advocate for women and social impact. A dynamic speaker, Danielle has championed community development and impact through keynotes, panels, podcasts, and thought-leadership pieces.

From 2018 to 2024, Danielle served as President and CEO of PHILADELPHIA250, leading the city’s planning for America’s 250th anniversary. Under her leadership, the organization substantially grew its board, raised $3 million, and united Philadelphia’s diverse communities with civic pride.

Outside of work, she’s a daily bike commuter, squash enthusiast, and creative spirit who enjoys painting and sketching. Danielle lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Photo by Blinck Photography

Photo by Blinck Photography

 
 

Delivering Impact

With a 20-year record of accomplishment leading projects ranging from campus master plans to city-wide initiatives, Danielle specializes in managing large-scale capital and planning projects. She strives to produce more fully considered, inclusive, and aspirational community revitalization projects.

 

25+

Years Serving Philadelphia

Having worked in multiple capacities from CEO to board member and founder to client, Danielle has sat on all sides of the community development table, always striving to innovate and collaborate for the good of the community and organization she is serving.

250+

Women Leaders Connected

Danielle has launched multiple initiatives celebrating women leaders dedicated to doing good in the community. She co-founded Philly Girls Do Good in 2013 and the Women’s Committee for the 250th in 2024.

 

Community-Centered Vision

Community is at the core of Danielle’s work. Whether it is leading a project that will impact the entire city of Philadelphia, serving as an advocate in her local civic association, or founding the first Montessori school in 35 years, she strives to effect change that is for the better, and takes the time to truly get to know the people, context, and forces at work in each community. She has worked with key stakeholders across the city and has a deep understanding of the circumstances that impact neighborhoods and communities. She strives to effect change that is for the better and takes the time to truly get to know the underlying forces at work.

“Danielle’s visionary approach has ensured that the 2026 celebrations will reach every corner of Philadelphia, fostering a renewed sense of community and civic pride among all residents. Her commitment to urban development and community engagement has left an indelible mark on our city. I have no doubt that her visionary leadership will continue to inspire and elevate the architectural profession.”

—The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, former Governor and Mayor

“Danielle brings her passion for Philadelphia, and in particular, her expertise and experience to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s board of directors. Willing to roll up her sleeves and do the work, as well as, strategically ask and help answer the big questions like how to scale and drive impact so that everyone has a decent place to live, Danielle is an asset to Habitat and the Philadelphia region.”

—Corinne O'Connell; CEO Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia 

Projects

Danielle has led the realization of institutional and cultural buildings, citywide and campus master plans, and engagement processes for community and high-level stakeholders in and around the Philadelphia region for over twenty years.

Citywide Vision Plans

Leading long-range, citywide plans with aspirational yet achievable goals and inclusive prosperity as a core value are central to Danielle's work.

USA250 Convening Campus in Philadelphia in 2026 >
Philadelphia2035 >
Philadelphia 2024 Olympic Proposal >

Image: Philadelphia in 2026, Rendering by KieranTimberlake

Development Master Plans

Multi-phased, and community-informed master plans that take a comprehensive understanding of the area and people impacted with a vision to create lasting, sustainable destinations.

Bridesburg Riverfront Park Master Plan >
Lower Schuylkill Master Plan >
Temple University 20/20 Master Plan >
Fairmount Park Centennial District Master Plan >
Schuylkill Banks Trail Master Plan >
Residential Site Planning for Somerton >

Image: Lower Schuylkill Master Plan, Rendering by NBBJ

Community Places

Urban Design & Planning Analysis

Community Service

Philly Girls Do Good 2017 Cohort

Philly Girls Do Good 2017 Cohort

AIA Philadelphia
President, 2025
Board of Director; 2019-current, 2006-09
Co-chair of Urban Design Committee; 2012-2018

The Carpenters Company
Elected member, 2024-current

Urban Land Institute
Member, 2105-current
Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee Chair, 2017-19
NEXT Cohort 2018

Women’s Committee for the 250th
Founding Member, 2024-current

Economy League
Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange Selected Participant; 2023, 2019, 2017

Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Board of Director, 2016-22

Clementine Montessori School
Founder and Board President
2010-2015

Philly Girls Do Good
Co-Founder, 2014

Awards & Licenses
Social Impact Award, AIA PA, 2024

Impact Award, City & State, 2024

Power 100, Philadelphia Business Award 2024, 2023

Young Architect Award, AIA Philadelphia 2012 > 

Sunshine Alumni Fellowship, Virginia Tech 2002 

Registered Architect, Pennsylvania, 2000-current 

Speaking Engagements 2022-25
AIA Philadelphia, American Planning Association, America250-PA, The Athenaeum, British American Business Association, Center City Business Association, Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, PHL Convention and Visitors Bureau, Preservation Alliance, Philadelphia City Council, Special Olympics of PA, Urban Land Institute Philadelphia

Education
Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Harvard University, 2002

Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech, 1996