2025 Architecture + Design Portfolio by Daniel Castellano

Daniel Castellano

I am passionate about designing spaces that enhance the quality of life, the environment, and the community - designing spaces that go beyond aesthetics.

My goal with every project I undertake is to seamlessly blend functionality with creativity, ensuring that each project I undertake is not only visually appealing but also thoughtful and meaningful.

Daniel Castellano is a design professional based in the Washington DC region. He has skills and experience in architectural design, interior design, construction documentation and administration fostered by other leading design professionals in the Architecture and Interior Design industry. He is highly skilled with design-focused software tools to bring innovative and sustainable design to life across various projects.

His journey in the architecture field began with partnerships with diverse architects and clients, where he applied his core competencies in creativity, problem-solving, communication, and collaboration. Over time, he expanded his expertise into the interior design field, gaining hands-on experience in space planning, material selection, furniture coordination, and crafting environments that balance aesthetics, wellness, and functionality. His interdisciplinary background allows him to approach projects with a holistic perspective, ensuring both architectural integrity and interior harmony.

CHILDREN’S HOSPITAL ASSOCIATION

INTERIOR WORKPLACE RENO / WASHINGTON, DC

During my time with OTJ, I contributed to the interior renovation of the Children’s Hospital Association (CHA) office, a 9,800 SF workplace located just two blocks from the White House. The design concept embraces a playful and uplifting atmosphere, incorporating bright colors, flying birds, and kites to evoke a sense of movement throughout the space.

My primary contributions were in the construction documentation and administration phases, where I played an active role in ensuring design intent was maintained. I conducted regular site visits to monitor progress, verify quality, and support coordination efforts, helping to ensure the project met both standards and client expectations.

MEETING WORKSTATIONS

950 L’ENFANT PLAZA

INTERIOR LOBBY RENO / WASHINGTON, DC

During my time with OTJ, I contributed to the redesign of the interior lobby for the 950 Building at L’Enfant Plaza, a renovation project encompassing approximately 10,000 square feet. The scope included upgrades to the front entry façade, main lobby, elevator lobby, corridors, and restrooms. The design vision pays homage to the building’s original Brutalist architecture, incorporating a neutral and sophisticated color palette for a refined, contemporary refresh. A key design strategy involved retaining the original brass finishes on the elevators and escalators, offering a costeffective solution that also enriched the new material palette. The brass elements were thoughtfully integrated to complement the updated aesthetic, aligning with the overall design intent.

My contributions were particularly impactful during the schematic design and design development phases. I initiated the building model and produced 3D renderings to effectively communicate the design concept to the client. I collaborated closely with the interior designer on material selection and client presentations, providing multiple design options that explored alternatives to the existing brass. Through these efforts, I successfully advocated for incorporating the original brass, which the client ultimately chose to retain. My modeling and design work played a critical role in achieving client buy-in and securing design approval.

CONCIERGE

RESTROOMS

LOBBY

RESTON GATEWAY BLOCK-C

MARRIOTT AC HOTELS & RESIDENCE INN / RESTON VA

During my time with Cooper Carry, I played a pivotal role in a significant project centered around a dual-brand hotel in Reston, Virginia, featuring both Marriott AC Hotels and Residence Inn. The expansive project spanned 250,000 square feet, encompassing 267 rooms, 11,000 square feet of meeting space, and an impressive 18,000 square feet dedicated to the lobby and amenity areas.

My contributions were particularly notable in the design of the hotel’s facade, where I played a key role in conceptualizing and refining its visual identity. Additionally, my involvement extended into critical aspects of the project lifecycle, including substantial contributions to construction documentation, 3D rendering, and the coordination of various consultants. This multifaceted engagement allowed me to contribute significantly to the successful realization of this dual-brand hotel, showcasing my skills in both design and project coordination within the architectural realm.

Description

“Reston Town Center NXT is a LEED-ND Gold certified new development that extends the original 1990’s Reston Town Center to the new WMATA Metro Silver Line Reston station. The new neighborhood will enlarge the existing walkable, mixed-use community to the Metro station and replace an existing suburban office park and park-and-ride facility.”

GUIDING PRINCIPLES

FIVE-SIDED BUILDING

• CENTERPOINT OF DEVELOPMENT

• PROMINENT VISIBILITY FROM ALL STREET FRONTAGES AND FROM ABOVE IN ADJACENT TALLER BUILDINGS

THE “POPCORN” EFFECT FIVE-SIDED BUILDING

• Contained on three sides by taller larger development with relief toward east

• Emphasize the southeast corner facing the public park and metro station

• Center point of development

• Prominent visibility from all street frontages and from above in adjacent taller buildings

INTEGRATION OF PUBLIC SPACE/GREENSPACE FIVE-SIDED BUILDING

Reston, Virginia

• Extension of park from ground floor up the building with Outdoor terraces facing east and west

• Incorporate horizontal expression to contrast with massing and articulation of adjacent buildings

RESTON GATEWAY BLOCK C HOTEL

CONSTRUCTION DOCUMENTATION

MONTGOMERY CENTER

MIXED - USE RESIDENTIAL / ALEXANDRIA, VA

During my time with Cooper Carry, I contributed to a mixed-use residential project in Old Town Alexandria, Virginia. The project boasted a diverse program, featuring 15,425 square feet of art gallery space, 9,600 square feet dedicated to retail, and a substantial 375,775 square feet allocated for residential use.

My primary focus was on the rendering aspect of the project, where I leveraged my expertise in 3D modeling and rendering to bring the design to life visually. Additionally, I played a role in the landscape and entourage design, enhancing the overall aesthetic and functionality of the spaces. Notably, I extended my capabilities into the realm of virtual reality, integrating my renderings to create an immersive experience for the client. This comprehensive involvement showcased my skills in design visualization and technology integration.

Description

“The Montgomery Center site is positioned at the heart of the blossoming art district in Old Town Alexandria. With this prominent position, the project is perfectly set to become the premier mixed-use destination in the neighborhood. With an art walk weaving through the site, both residents and visitors will enjoy an activated streetscape and adjacent green spaces. The Montgomery Center project is the next piece of this ever-expanding puzzle.”

ARTS PASEO

MACHANICS PLAZA

MONTGOMERY PLAZA

SYMPHONY PARK

MARRIOTT AC HOTELS & WESTIN ELEMENT HOTEL / LAS VEGAS, NV

During my time with Cooper Carry, a notable project I contributed to was a dualbrand hotel in Las Vegas, Nevada, featuring Marriott AC Hotels and Marriott Residence Inn. My primary role centered around the exterior facade, where I played a significant part in elevation construction drawing documentation.

Specifically, I focused on documenting the pattern and construction elements related to the exterior facade of the hotel.

Description

“Symphony Park is an exciting and transformative development in Las Vegas, aimed at creating a mixeduse urban environment that blends culture, green spaces, residential living and economic opportunities to enhance the city’s downtown district”

NORTERRA

MARRIOTT AC HOTELS & WESTIN ELEMENT HOTEL / PHOENIX, AZ

During my time with Cooper Carry, a significant project I was involved in was a dual-brand hotel in Phoenix, Arizona, featuring Marriott AC Hotels and Westin Element. My primary contributions were in the realm of exterior facade design, and I played a substantial role in the construction documentation process.

A notable aspect of my involvement in this project was the focus on drawing architectural details. From foundational details to window plan details, I dedicated significant effort to ensuring the precision and clarity of the architectural drawings. This marked a pivotal point in my career, as it was the first project where I took a lead role in detailing architectural elements, contributing to the overall success of the dual-brand hotel project.

Description

“A unique dual-branded hotel, part of the overall USAA campus and Norterra master-planned community in north Phoenix. The approximately 160,000-square-foot building will feature a 179-key AC by Marriott and a 95-key Element by Westin. The building features an oasis inspired central pool, a pickleball court and a variety of generous meeting spaces with an event lawn overlook.”

NORTERRA

NAVFAC / CAMP LEJEUNE

MARINE CORPS BASE CAMP PROJECTS / CAMP LEJEUNE, NC

During my time with Cooper Carry, a substantial portion of my work was dedicated to NAVFAC (Naval Facilities Engineering Command) government projects at Camp Lejeune, North Carolina. I was involved in diverse projects across the military base, with a significant focus on the MCES engineering school (below) and LSSS cour thouse (right). Notably, I saw these projects through the construction phase, gaining valuable experience in construction administration.

HEADQUARTERS

My responsibilities included implementing various drawing and documentation standards mandated by the government. I played a crucial role in project documentation and consultant coordination, ensuring seamless communication and collaboration throughout the design and construction processes. A key highlight of my time was navigating the challenges posed by the COVID-19 pandemic, transitioning effectively to remote work while maintaining project momentum and success.

Through my involvement in these NAVFAC projects, especially during the construction phase, I honed my skills in construction administration, demonstrating adaptability, effective communication, and a commitment to delivering quality outcomes within the constraints of government standards and pandemic-related challenges.

SECURITY

LA HERRA

MIXED - USE / CHORRILLOS, PERU / THESIS 2019

This project began with the goal of discovering a successful personal strategy of creation, built upon the understanding of the responsibility of architecture as a practical art. A project designed without function is just art and a project designed without form is just a raw building. Therefore, the primary question of this investigation is straightforward: How does an architect design a building that successfully balances formal expressionism and utility?

Analysis and research of the site suggested a sustainable form. Natural elements such as sunlight, vegetation, ventilation and site specifics are considerable elements for sustainable design minimizing environmental impact while establishing a strong relationship to the site.

FORCES & FORM

PUBLICPLAZA PEDESTRIAN TERRACE VEHICLE

One of the most critical aspects in the form making of this project was to integrate the context of the site through visual cues and its given topography. Through digital analyzation, six specific locations were clearly visible from the beachfront that made its presence unique. All these points were heavily considered in the form making process as they represent the immediate context of the site. The placement of program followed.

The topography of the site was indeed considered in the form making process, but not by framing specific views, rather suggesting movement through space. Topography lines towards the beachfront naturally descend towards the ocean and wrap around the edge of the mountains. This was an opportunity to work with the topography lines and continue movement of the coastline up and through the southern mountains; something that is currently avoided due to traffic being reversed up and towards the western mountains. Considering both the visual forces and the geometry of the topography, a form naturally presented itself that responded to both these elements. Because entry to the site is enforced by car, the form responded to both pedestrian and vehicle movement, while the endpoints of the form framed a view-port directly toward the specific landmarks of the site. This seemingly abstract illustration of this contextual study directed the form making of the building.

BREWERS’ SCHOOL

MIXED - USE / ROANOKE, VA / 4TH YEAR STUDIO

The central concept revolved around utilizing visual cues to establish connections between two seemingly disparate areas: learning and consuming alcohol. This innovative approach aimed to create a unique and engaging environment that challenged conventional associations.

A noteworthy aspect of this project was my introduction to Revit as a design tool. It marked one of the first instances where I incorporated Revit into my design process. This transition to using advanced design software added a new dimension to my skills, allowing for more efficient and integrated architectural modeling and documentation. This project not only showcased my ability to think creatively in merging unconventional concepts but also marked a pivotal point in my adoption of advanced design technologies, enhancing my capabilities as an aspiring architect.

Located in the valley of the Appalachian Mountains, rests an independent new brewing school among urban places in the Southeastern region of the United States. Roanoke, Virginia – a thriving city and an excellent depiction of the future of the urban South. This project features a basement brewing hall and taproom with residences on the upper floors for students.

Focus is on the intersection of physical forces associated with life and motion in a rotating environment and the geometric architectural response to those forces.

DESIGN CONCEPT

PRODUCTION

Goal is to create a visual and directional dialog between production space and consumption space through educational space, a space not associated with drinking alcohol.

Goal is to create a visual and directional dialog between production space and consumption space through educational space - a space not associated with drinking alcohol.