MdeAS Architects elevates Perez, Johnson and Spinello on operations team

Manhattan, NY MdeAS Architects has promoted several professionals on its operations team. 

Kate Perez is now director - strategy & operations; Carmen Johnson has risen to manager - strategy, marketing and communications; and Danielle Spinello has been promoted to manager - human resources. 

MdeAS is the design team behind several high-profile office, residential and hospitality projects, including PENN 1 and PENN 2 for Vornado Realty Trust; the Black Rock building at 51 W. 52^nd St.; 1 and 2 Clinton Park for RXR, One Wall St. for Macklowe Properties; Park 53; and Santi, chef Michael White’s newest restaurant. 

“We are pleased to announce the promotions of Kate, Carmen, and Danielle, each dynamic and thoughtful leaders whose passion for the studio and practice of architecture shines through their work,” said Dan Shannon, principal, MdeAS Architects. 

“Their collective efforts in strategy, marketing and human resources ensure that MdeAS Architects keeps its finger on the pulse of the industry, allowing for future growth, top talent, and new opportunities.” 

Perez’s career at MdeAS spans 15 years, most recently as director of strategy & marketing communications. Now, as director - strategy & operations, Perez will navigate between business development, marketing communications, human resources, and financial management, leading an operational team that supports the architects and designers while aligning with the firm’s goals. Perez will work closely with the leadership team to assess new opportunities, both internally and externally, fostering a business model that propels the firm’s success and helping it to remain agile and competitive in the evolving AEC industry. 

Perez holds a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Miami. Perez is a USGBC LEED Green Associate and a member of the Urban Land Institute. 

Johnson has been with MdeAS for seven years, joining as an architectural designer and most recently serving as communications strategist. As manager - strategy, marketing & communications, she is committed to expanding architecture’s impact through effective messaging and community engagement and works closely with architects and designers to ensure that the MdeAS brand and identity are consistent and threaded across different channels. 

Johnson holds an M. Arch II from Cornell University, and an M.Arch and B.Arch from North Dakota State University. She is a member of AIGA NY, U.S Architects Declare, and Façade Tectonics Institute of New York. 

As manager- human resources, Spinello fosters a studio culture of trust, growth, and belonging. She has been with MdeAS for four years, most recently as human resources specialist. Spinello has created a people-focused environment at MdeAS where every employee feels empowered to contribute authentically and meaningfully, an approach reflected in the development of HR programming from employee onboarding to performance and career management. 

She holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts from Syracuse University. Spinello values the power of community as a driver of growth and collective success. She is a founding member of Safe Space, HR’s leading strategic community, and an inaugural cohort member and peer coaching facilitator of PeakHR.