MANAGING PARTNER & PRINCIPAL

Daniel Mayer founded Development | Architecture Collaborative in 2020 and serves as the Managing Partner, drawing on his 20+ years in architectural practice and project leadership. Dan is the driving force behind bringing a client’s vision to life, a skill refined through his career working on commercial, residential, and institutional projects throughout the Midwest.  His work in the classroom as an Adjunct Faculty Instructor at Columbus College of Art & Design has kept him connected to emerging talent and evolving design approaches. Dan's architectural philosophy centers on creating spaces that solve practical problems while strengthening community connections—an approach that guides every project the firm undertakes.

PARTNER & PRINCIPAL, RA, NCARB, NOMA

Morgan Embt began as an Associate with our firm and was named Partner in July 2024, now leading our Chicago office. A licensed architect in multiple states with degrees from the University of Michigan (Master of Architecture) and The Ohio State University (Bachelor of Science in Architecture), Morgan combines practical technical knowledge with creative design solutions. She currently heads our expansion efforts in both the Chicago and Michigan markets, leveraging her professional network and market knowledge to build our client relationships and project portfolio throughout the Midwest. Her professional credentials include NCARB certification and membership in the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).

MANAGING DIRECTOR

Jill Schmall joined Development | Architecture Collaborative in early 2025 as Managing Director. Drawing on 14 years in the legal field, she oversees business operations and brings fresh perspective to strategic planning while enhancing the client experience. Her financial management background complements our design team's creative vision, ensuring projects remain both viable and efficiently managed. With Jill's leadership, we've strengthened our operational foundation as we continue expanding throughout the Midwest.

SENIOR PROJECT ARCHITECT

Adam Corwin brings nearly 20 years of experience in the architecture and planning industry, with a background spanning both large multidisciplinary firms and mid-sized design studios. His expertise in project design and management supports the successful delivery of complex projects. At Development | Architecture Collaborative, Adam strengthens the firm’s architectural workflows by implementing efficient systems and modern tools, enabling the team to deliver innovative, cost-effective, and highly functional projects from concept through completion.

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE, NOMA

Elizabeth Sill is an Associate at Development | Architecture Collaborative who joined the firm in late 2022, bringing both efficiency and creative problem-solving to every project she undertakes. A graduate of The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture, Elizabeth combines technical knowledge with a keen eye for design that elevates the firm's work. As a dedicated member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA), Elizabeth is committed to promoting diversity and inclusion within the field.

ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE

Noah Nicolette is an Architectural Associate at Development | Architecture Collaborative, contributing thoughtful design support and technical rigor across a range of project types. He holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University and brings a strong foundation in architectural design and documentation to each phase of the firm’s work. With a collaborative mindset and detail-oriented approach, Noah supports projects from concept through realization while advancing the firm’s mission to create purposeful, community-focused spaces.

JUNIOR ARCHITECTURAL ASSOCIATE

Kortney Geiger joined the firm in January 2024 as a Junior Associate after graduating from Miami University with a Bachelor of Architecture. Currently pursuing her Master’s Degree in Architecture at The Ohio State University, she brings a fresh and contemporary perspective to the firm's design and visualization work. Her deep passion for architecture is evident in each project she undertakes, consistently enhancing the quality of our work.

ARCHITECTURAL INTERN

Mason Cessna joined the firm in early 2025 as an Architectural Intern while pursuing a Master’s Degree in Architecture from The Ohio State University. His education and prior background in construction has led him to become an invaluable member of our team. This summer, Mason is dedicating his efforts to developing a new construction multi-family building in Columbus.  

MARKETING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT COORDINATOR

Emily Oldenquist brings over four years of experience in community-building and storytelling for nationally recognized media brands to her role as Business Development & Marketing Coordinator at Development | Architecture Collaborative. With a strong focus on narrative and clarity, Emily supports the firm’s growth by ensuring project goals, expectations, and feedback remain aligned across clients, partners, and internal teams. Her work helps translate complex design processes into cohesive, accessible communication that strengthens relationships and supports successful project delivery.