Staff

Melanie Hartwig-Davis

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD + C
Founder / President

Melanie Hartwig-Davis is often described as an “Architect Activist.” With over 25 years of experience, her passion for resilient, sustainable design guides every project she undertakes. Melanie’s philosophy that nurturing environments should be accessible to all, not just a privileged few, drives her creative, inclusive approach. She is not only an effective leader and team builder but also uniquely skilled at bridging diverse perspectives, effortlessly connecting corporate executives, grassroots organizers, government officials, and community advocates. Beyond her award-winning practice at HD Squared Architects, Melanie actively contributes her expertise by serving on influential planning and visionary committees across the county and state. Her designs don’t just shelter; they prepare communities to adapt, evolve, and flourish for generations.

Lance Davis

FAIA, LEED Fellow, MSU Fellow
VICE PRESIDENT, SUSTAINABLE DESIGN AND STRATEGIC INITIATIVES

Lance brings an unparalleled three decades of high-performance architectural leadership directly to HD Squared. His expertise is leveraged both internally to provide strategic alignment for growth and of work processes for the firm and externally to ensure stringent quality control for all client projects. As the author of Sustainability Matters and P100: Facilities Standards, the nation’s most comprehensive sustainable building policy, Lance has foundational knowledge that empowers projects with design that is inherently resilient and sets a new standard for performance. His experience, honed through chairing the LEED Steering Committee and integrating design excellence with award winning high performance, means clients receive sophisticated architectural solutions that not only fulfill their dreams but are also positioned for a climate-resilient future.

John Richards

ASSOC. AIA

Senior Architectural Designer

John C Richards is our senior designer at HD Squared Architects, commenced his architectural career in 1998, garnering rich expertise in diverse fields such as residential, commercial, institutional, and religious architecture, alongside commercial interiors, historic renovations, adaptive reuse, and local government projects. Notably, his contributions have graced award-winning projects like the Unitarian Universalist Church of Rockville, Wyoming Avenue Condominiums, and a DC-based Design Studio, which secured the AIA|DC Chapter Award of Merit in Architecture. With a strong belief in collaborative design, Mr. Richards focuses on fostering client relationships to deliver high-quality, aesthetically pleasing, and functional designs. Passionate about sustainability, he actively integrates building design with the natural landscape, striving for a harmonious coexistence between the constructed and natural environments. Beyond his architectural pursuits, he finds joy in travel and cycling, frequently participating in charity fundraising events supporting various causes.

Sasha Willis

Operations Manager

Sasha is the Operations Manager at HD Squared Architects, bringing nearly two decades of experience in government HR, business strategy, and creative operations. She plays a pivotal role in shaping the policies, systems, and culture that keep the firm resilient and collaborative, allowing the design team to focus on creating spaces that inspire and serve communities. Believing that strong operations are the backbone of creative success, Sasha is passionate about building environments where both people and projects can thrive. Outside of work, she is a dedicated community builder and educator, and finds joy in long-distance running, traveling with her family, and carving out time for a good book.

Kevin Vecchio

LEED Green Associate
Intern

Kevin is an Architectural Intern at HD Squared Architects and a student in the Architecture program at the University of Maryland. He supports the design team through document organization, scanning, filing, and assisting with daily studio operations that keep projects running smoothly. Motivated by a strong interest in sustainable design and environmental responsibility, Kevin is developing his architectural skills with a focus on how thoughtful design can positively impact both people and place.

Carter Davis

IT Consultant, Executive assistant

Carter is currently a student at UMBC pursuing his degree in Networking.  He has worked at HD Squared since 2019 in a variety of capacities emphasizing his work ethic. Supporting both management and staff to prioritize business and information needs.

Hunter Davis and Buckshot

Executive Assistant, Marketing Assistant, and Photography (including Aerial)

Hunter has brought diverse skillsets to our team since 2013, supporting management and staff across numerous departments over the years.  He brings a unique perspective to interior design.  He has managed independently and worked along side other professional photographers to stage and document completed work.  With previous culinary experience, he is a vital part of social and business development events at HD Squared.  He recently received his Bachelor’s of Fine Art in Industrial Design and we are making the most of his talents before he determines his next chapter of life.