Delivering transformational projects that move cities forward

DDK Urban Consulting leads and manages complex urban projects bringing vision, strategy and collaboration—from idea to implementation—to create lasting impact for communities and clients.

Photo by Blinck 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.

What We Do

DDK Urban Consulting provides design-led urban strategy and civic leadership services for cities and institutions.

We lead and manage urban and community development projects, master plans, and civic initiatives—bringing vision, strategy, and collaboration from idea to implementation, always aiming for lasting 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.

    • 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?

    • 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

    • Scenario planning and support decision-making 

    • Facilitate visioning and creative workshops

    • Pick up a pencil and draw it out!

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.

    • Master planning 

    • Public realm analysis

    • Urban planning and design 

    • Zoning and land use guidance

    • Creative placemaking strategies

    • 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.

    • Facilitate engaging public meetings, design charrettes, and workshops

    • Leverage existing networks and cultivate new community relationships

    • Build trust and accountability across diverse stakeholders

    • 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.

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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

Strategy

Collaboration

Development Master Plans

Multi-phased and community-informed master plans that synthesize social, economic, and environmental factors to create vibrant, 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

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

Community Places

Urban Design & Planning Analysis

Delivering Impact

  • "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

  • “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

  • “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 

  • “As recipient of the 2023 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

  • “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+

Supporters engaged consisting of donors, advisors, volunteers for the 250th

25+

Years Serving Philadelphia

250+

Women Leaders connected through initiatives Danielle co-founded

2

Statewide Impact Awards received in 2024

100+

Young families who stayed in Philadelphia because Danielle founded Clementine Montessori School

1

Entire City will be impacted and celebrated in 2026 because of thoughtful planning and community engagement

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. Danielle lives in Philadelphia with her husband and two teenage daughters.

Curious about what I’m writing? Read my blog.

Photo by Blinck Photography

Photo by Blinck 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
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
2010-15

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