Springing Forward: Celebrating Our 2025 Promotions
The clocks aren’t the only things leaping ahead this week—we’re proud to recognize our team’s continued growth with spring promotions.
Rebecca Kelly — Experiential Design Director
Rebecca has been at Hickok Cole since 2016, beginning in the Washington, DC office and later joining our growing Richmond, VA studio. Passionate about storytelling that leaves a lasting impression, she specializes in branded environments, signage and wayfinding, exhibit design, and placemaking. Rebecca constantly intersects with several different practice areas and has led experiential design for National Geographic’s Museum of Exploration and the National Association of Broadcasters‘ new headquarters. She has also worked on multifamily projects, such as Wellsmith Apartments at Libbie Mill – Midtown in Richmond and the Magnolia in Bethesda, MD. Internally, she participates in our mentorship program and business development cohort. Externally, she serves as the co-chair of SEGD’s Richmond Chapter and is on the membership committee for CREW RVA.
“Rebecca has displayed leadership, mentorship, and collaboration in Creative’s brand identity projects and strategic focus to expand our portfolio and pursue more experiential design opportunities,” said Sarah Barr, Principal and Director of Hickok Cole Creative.
Guilherme (Gui) Almeida, AIA, NCARB, LEED Green Associate, Fitwel Amb. — Design Director
Having celebrated his 15th anniversary with the firm this past fall, Gui continues to pave the way for creative design solutions. He is an instrumental leader of design for some of our most prominent, award-winning projects. Gui designed the first net-zero energy renovation in the Mid-Atlantic—the American Geophysical Union—that was later published on the cover of Interior Design magazine. He currently leads the design of One Rosslyn in Arlington, VA, and Seraph in Salt Lake City, UT. A few of his notable projects within the District include J•Linea, a mixed-use development, and the Corcoran. Gui has been involved in the American Institute of Architects (AIA), both locally and nationally, including serving on the national AIA Strategic Council from 2021 to 2023. In December 2023, he was awarded the AIA Louise Blanchard Bethune Fellowship award, which honors retiring AIA Strategic Council members and celebrates their contributions to the profession.
“I have personally worked with Gui on several paramount projects over the years,” said Yolanda Cole, Co-Founder and Senior Principal. “He has incredible talent identifying and implementing the most important design features in every project he champions.”
We also celebrate the promotion of Susan Sweazen to Senior Associate.
“Great design happens because of great people,” said Mark Ramirez, Principal and Managing Director. “Their talent, drive, and creativity push us forward every day. These promotions are a well-deserved celebration of their hard work—we can’t wait to see what they do next.”