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, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP

Andrew Johnson brings over 25 years of architectural experience to his role as Partner and Principal at Development | Architecture Collaborative. His career has focused on connecting development planning, architecture, and construction—a philosophy that became central to the founding of the firm. Andy oversees projects throughout Ohio, West Virginia, and New York, where he maintains architectural licenses. His professional credentials include LEED AP accreditation, an NCARB Certificate, and previously, an ICC Accessibility Inspector / Plans Examiner certification, reflecting his focus on creating sustainable, accessible buildings that meet client needs and regulatory requirements.  

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 while bringing 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 organized. With Jill's leadership, we've strengthened our operational foundation as we continue expanding throughout the Midwest.

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

Kate Ervin joined Development | Architecture Collaborative as an Associate in 2024, bringing valuable expertise in design and community planning. Holding a Master of Architecture from Miami University, she combines her academic knowledge with practical experience to create thoughtful architectural solutions. Kate’s passion for designing places the bring people together and her background in community planning boosts the firm's ability to develop projects that meaningfully connect with their surroundings while meeting client goals.

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.  

ARCHITECTURAL INTERN

Diya Patel joined Development | Architecture Collaborative in early 2025 as an Architectural Intern. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from The Ohio State University and will be pursuing a Master of Architecture at Virginia Tech’s Washington-Alexandria Architecture Center this fall.