Our Team
Daniel Deceder, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Founder & President
Dan relocated to Arlington, VA in 2007 after graduating from the University of Pittsburgh. With more than 16 years of commercial architecture experience in the DC Metro area, Dan guides Deceder Group with a cohesive, strategic & considerate vision. Dan is committed to helping clients shape their vision and be there every step of the way from initial proposal to final inspection.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Spending time with my wife, son & yellow lab, exploring DC by water or smoking a brisket & a few racks of ribs.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Wu-Tang Clan 👐
Thorne Ransom, Assoc. AIA, Director
Thorne is an enthusiastic architectural professional who specializes in Project Management, Technical production and being a firm-wide resource. Thorne graduated with a BFA in Architecture from the University of Memphis in 2005 and a Master of Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture (SCI_Arc) in 2008. He has worked on a wide range of project types in Commercial Architecture, Workplace and Retail. Thorne leads workshops on Project Management, Quality Assurance/Quality Control and Design Technology.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Card-Carrying Nerd with memberships to 3 local Astronomy clubs, I regularly travel to dark sites where I Camp & Image the night sky.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Bluetech
Rachel Pavlak, Senior Interior Designer
Rachel is from Fairfax, VA and graduated from Marymount University in 2015. Her love for design stemmed from photography, playing the Sims and watching Trading Spaces. She enjoys the daily challenge of working to solve client’s problems and bringing their designs to life.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Exploring the area with my husband and our rambunctious boxer mix, kayaking, disc golfing, cooking, and reorganizing every part of the house.
What’s your favorite food?
All Mexican food, especially margaritas!
Julia Sakowitz, NCIDQ, Senior Interior Designer
Julia grew up in Chantilly, Virginia and attended college at Virginia Tech, where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Interior Design and a minor in Leadership and Social Change. Her minor has translated into a passion for mentoring newer designers and advocating for accessibility in design. Her primary focus is in commercial design, and she also has experience in hospitality, healthcare, and education.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I love to visit museums and see musicals with friends. At home you’ll usually find me knitting, baking macarons, or working on projects around the house.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
“Original Broadway Cast” 😉
Maedeh Navid, Project Designer
Maedeh graduated from Marymount University Magna Cum Laude in B.A. in Interior Design. She was always passionate about interior design because of the creativity aspect of it. However, her real passion for interior design started right after graduation when she started working full time. Working in the industry taught her that Interior design is an endless world and can teach so much. She also like to stay up to date with the latest technology, and always looking out for new ways of doing things.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Exploring new cafes, outdoor activities (walking, biking, roller skating), and embroidery
What’s my favorite meal?
Indian Curries and chai latte because I like strong spices.
Andrea Uquillas, Project Designer
Andrea moved from Ecuador to Arlington, VA to study Interior Design at Marymount University. She enjoys all the creative liberties that come with design, and loves that every day she gets to learn something new.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I enjoy going on long walks and hikes, and taking pictures of everything. I also love spending my free time with my family and friends.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Simon Grossmann
Brandon Roach, LEED Green Associate, Architectural Designer
Brandon graduated Magna Cum Laude with his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Fairmont State University in 2019 where he continued his education working as the program’s Graduate Assistant and received his Master of Architecture in 2020. He is from Charleston, WV and relocated from Fairmont, WV to Arlington, VA to peruse personal and professional interests.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Exploring this new place I call home through museums, restaurants, and the outdoors. I enjoy taking pictures of the built environment and recognizing the nuances of the city.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Sam Smith
D'Wayne Seals, Designer
D’Wayne is a Hampton roads native who graduated from Radford University in 2021 with a B.F.A in Interior Design where he received the “Outstanding Graduating Senior Award” for the Department of Design. His love for interior design stemmed from solving design problems in his family home, as well as early morning crafting, inventing and ideating as a young child which granted him the name “Midnight Crafter”. D’Wayne is excited about design, helping people connect with their spaces, and eager to learn as much as he can from his experiences in the design world.
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
Outside of work, D’Wayne spends his time gardening, working out, exploring the DMV, traveling, hanging out with friends and family, outdoor activities, thrift shopping and his favorite… dancing.
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Arianna Grande
Emmi Pejo, WELL AP, LEED Green Associate, Architectural Designer
Emmi grew up in Bethesda, MD and earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture with a minor in Sustainability Studies from the University of Maryland in 2023. Her interest in architecture and design came from traveling abroad!
What do you enjoy doing when you're not working?
I like doing hot yoga, reading, going to art museums, listening to music, and spending time outside with friends and family!
If you could only listen to one artist for the rest of your life, who would it be?
Lana Del Rey