DALLAS, TX — LPA Design Studios hires veteran Dallas design leader D. Alex John, Jr. as an Associate Principal and Design Director of the firm's growing Dallas commercial studio. In his new role, John will lead design teams on a wide range of projects, including commercial, science and technology, civic and cultural, residential, and mixed-use developments.

John joins LPA after 18 years with HKS Architects, most recently as Vice President and Senior Designer. In his previous role, John was part of the team that designed the Conrad Washington, D.C., at CityCenterDC, the City of Dallas Police Academy at the UNT Dallas campus, the Legacy Commons renovation and future expansion, and the development of several corporate campuses in Texas.

In Dallas, John is an active leader in the community and serves on the Board of Directors of The Real Estate Council (TREC), the local commercial real estate industry association. He has been involved in the redevelopment of downtown Dallas, as well as a wide range of community projects in South Dallas in the Pleasant Grove and Joppa communities. John also continues to work with mentoring organization Mercy Street in West Dallas through relationships that span most of the past decade.

"Alex is a talented designer with a deep knowledge of the community," said LPA CEO Wendy Rogers. "He works to understand and listen to clients, which is a special skill set and something we value in this leadership role."

John joins a Dallas studio that is actively expanding a portfolio of commercial, education, workplace, and life science projects. John will work on a wide range of project types, helping to lead a collaborative design process that prioritizes measurable results in performance, healthier environments, and facilities that work better for the users.

"My aim is to grow a design studio that is focused on creating inspiring architecture that energizes people and makes them want to be there," John said. "We want to create memorable experiences in architecture for our clients, designing projects that are more successful than anybody dreamed they could be. Our team is a collection of personable designers who are experienced, talented, and sustainably minded. We want our clients to 'win' and will do everything we can to make that happen."

John brings a wide range of experience to his new role, including transformative work on hospitality destinations, health science facilities, corporate campuses, and education centers.

"Alex understands about good design and welcoming voices to the table," said LPA Dallas Studio Director Craig Drone. "He has built strong relationships in Texas and understands how to bring value to clients."

John said he was attracted to LPA by the leadership team and their focus on collaboration across disciplines and practices. At LPA, John will develop design teams and mentor younger architects, leveraging his experience working across sectors. His focus will be on developing long-term client relationships, working to develop projects that can be built in the current environment.

"I want to help build a studio that everybody wants to work with," John said. "I want our reputation to be, they have done great work. They are fun to work with. I look forward to engaging with that group."

John earned a Master of Architecture and Bachelor of Science from Prairie View A&M.