Delivering transformational projects that move cities forward
As the founder of DDK Urban Consulting, Danielle delivers complex urban projects bringing vision, strategy, and collaboration—from idea to implementation—to create lasting community impact
Photo by: Julia Lehman Photography
Leadership by Design
Danielle comes to leadership, by design.
As an architect and urban designer, she’s touched Philadelphia’s skyline, waterfronts, and neighborhoods.
Beyond design, Danielle’s taken on leadership roles from Executive Director to CEO, Board Member to Board President, and Founder to Client. She knows the ins and outs of capital projects, organizational operations, and community development.
From these many perspectives, Danielle has the expertise to guide organizations to transformational outcomes because she knows what works and what doesn’t.
As a seasoned speaker and thought leader in the built environment, Danielle brings purpose, integrity, and passion to every endeavor.
Have a project that needs a leader? Learn more.
Photo By: Julia Lehman Photography
What We Do
DDK Urban Consulting leads and manages urban and community development projects, city and campus master plans, and civic initiatives. By getting deeply embedded in the project, we effortlessly liaise between client and design team, sometimes serving as the design lead ourselves. Our clients include city agencies, community groups, nonprofits, institutions, foundations, and developers.
If you’ve got a project that’s within or about the built environment, we’re in!
From the initial idea through implementation, we lead with vision, deploy design expertise and strategy, and build authentic collaboration.
We always aim for lasting community impact.
Need a strong partner to shape your work plan, assemble the right team, manage relationships and resources and keep things moving?
We’re here to help.
Our sweet spot is working collaboratively with focus and intention—turning big ideas into real progress and meaningful results.
Vision
We partner with you starting at project inception to push beyond expectations using design thinking to position your project for meaningful lasting change.
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Frame and scope the inquiry or project
Assemble resources, set work plan
Assess whether a project should scale up, prototype, pivot, or stay the course
Multiply possibilities by asking what if?
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Set shared values and define goals to maximize impact
Listen deeply and agree to shared plan
Build genuine buy-in and enthusiasm among key stakeholders
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Scenario planning and support decision-making
Facilitate visioning and creative workshops
Pick up a pencil and draw it out!
Design & Strategy
We bring a strategic design lens to every stage of your project, lending technical expertise while coordinating teams and workflows to turn your ideas into action.
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Master planning
Public realm analysis
Urban planning and design
Zoning and land use guidance
Creative placemaking strategies
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Lead interdisciplinary teams to deliver high-quality plans and outcomes
Develop and implement work plans with clear milestones, timelines and roles
Measure results and iterate for improvement as needed
Collaboration
We nurture partner relationships and align stakeholders through inclusive design processes while creating compelling presentations for supporters and partners.
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Facilitate engaging public meetings, design charrettes, and workshops
Leverage existing networks and cultivate new community relationships
Build trust and accountability across diverse stakeholders
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Communicate through writing, speaking or reports for executives, funders and partners
Public speaking or keynote engagements
Develop compelling project narratives and reports
Cultivate donor relationships to support project visions
Let’s Get Started
Have a vision, challenge, or opportunity you’d like to discuss? Let’s talk about how we can move it forward—together.
Projects
Danielle has led the realization of institutional and cultural buildings, citywide and campus master plans, and civic engagement initiatives around the Philadelphia region for over twenty-five years.
Vision
Design & Strategy
Collaboration
Development Master Plans
Multi-phased and community-informed master plans that synthesize social, economic, and environmental factors to create vibrant, sustainable destinations.
Image: Lower Schuylkill Master Plan, Rendering by NBBJ
Lower Schuylkill Master Plan - A blueprint for high-quality, sustainable development of 2,000 acres of industrial land currently under development
Project Impacts:
Bellwether District decommissioning and developing land
Schuylkill Banks Trail extensions to Grays Ferry and Bartram’s
Pennovation development
Assembling of private land for public access
Citywide Vision Plans
Projects that are about imagining a better future where diverse communities thrive, sustainable infrastructure connects us, and cultural and natural resources are preserved and celebrated.
PHILADELPHIA250 - A plan to activate, celebrate and transform neighborhoods for the 250th anniversary of American independence in 2026
Project Intent:
Civic engagement, neighborhood celebrations and legacy projects
Cultural and business corridors to receive targeted public-private investment
Service opportunities to support and highlight diverse communities
Community Places
These projects are small enough to directly touch community and at the same time have big impact.
Founding of Clementine Montessori School - The first Montessori school in Center City in 35 years went from idea to implementation in 10 months
Project Impacts:
15 years of education and community building
100+ young families who’ve stayed in Philadelphia
25 jobs and leadership opportunities created
Urban Design & Planning Analysis
Best in practice urban design guidelines and plans that explore development opportunities through massing studies, scenario planning and site analysis.
Urban Design for South Broad Street Student Village - Conceived as a hub for the 300,000+ students enrolled in the Philadelphia region
Project Vision:
Accommodations for 1,100 students from nearby universities
Bring arts, entertainment, educational and a thriving through-block pedestrian plaza
Create 24/7 live/play activity along South and Broad Streets
Delivering Impact
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"Danielle has been one of the most strategic leaders to serve on the AIA Philadelphia Board. Her development of a Strategic Engagement Plan laid the foundation for our programming and content strategy—leading to a significant increase in member engagement. As President, she continues to champion the value of architects as problem solvers and strategic thinkers, while also dedicating her expertise to strengthening our governance and internal operations. Her leadership has made a lasting impact on our organization."
-Rebecca Johnson, Hon. AIA; AIA Philadelphia Executive Director
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“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
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“Over the years, I've been inspired by Danielle's impressive career path. Danielle encompasses the attention to detail of an architect, the big picture dreams of an urban designer, and as a civic leader—the desire to build flourishing communities.”
—Sophia Lee, AIA, CHPC, LEED AP BD+C; Sustainability Strategist and Architect
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“As recipient of the 2024 Social Impact Award, Danielle has dedicated her career to inclusive and aspirational community development projects which exemplify her profound social impact.”
—AIA Pennsylvania Award Jury
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“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
1000’s
People engaged in community initiatives for the 250th
25+
Years joyfully serving communities and clients
250+
Women Leaders connected through initiatives Danielle co-founded
2
Statewide Impact Awards received
100+
Young families who stayed in Philadelphia because Danielle founded Clementine Montessori School
1
City beloved and transformed. Stay tuned for more to come.
About Danielle
Danielle believes cities thrive when bold ideas, diverse voices, and clear plans come together. Danielle draws on over 25 years of experience in architecture, planning, and nonprofit leadership to help cities and communities move forward.
Danielle has served as designer, client, and civic leader. 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 professional 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 PHILADELPHIA 250, 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 – and a great pair of shoes! Danielle lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two teenage daughters.
Curious about what I’m writing? Read my blog.
Photo By: Julia Lehman Photography
Leadership Service
2025 AIA Philadelphia Board of Directors
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
Technical Assistance Panel, 2025, 2017
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 Co-Chair, 2025
Selected Participant, 2023, 2019, 2017
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Board of Director, 2016-22
Clementine Montessori School
Founder and Board President
2010-15
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
Let’s Get Started
Have a vision, challenge, or opportunity you’d like to discuss? Let’s talk about how we can move it forward—together.