As NBBJ’s Firmwide Design Leader and Design Partner, Jonathan Ward, FAIA, champions design excellence through an integrated, collaborative approach. Over three decades, he has led award-winning projects worldwide—from BlackRock, Tencent, and Samsung headquarters to health care, science, civic, and sports facilities. His work blends visionary design with human experience, creating healthy, sustainable environments that engage people and place. Widely published and honored by the AIA, RIBA, and others, Jonathan is also a frequent lecturer, juror, and critic internationally.
Ghazal Khezri is an Architect, Educator, and Director at LOHA, based in Los Angeles, California. She has been practicing for over 15 years and led the design team on award-winning projects such as Sandi Simon Center for Dance, Esri Campus Center, La Cienega 23, MLK Supportive Housing and Wesley 3434. She has contributed to a diverse project typology, including cultural institutions, housing, and mixed-use to installations and objects. Beyond project leadership, she plays a key role in shaping the firm’s strategic vision. Ghazal's design approach leans heavily on finding adventurous solutions responsive to the context, culture, and ecology of the place to bring joy and welcome transformation. Her ongoing interest includes unlocking new possibilities by questioning when to use an existing building instead of building a new one.