HED proudly announces the appointment of Roberto Vazquez, AIA, as Sector Leader for Housing and Mixed Use. Based in Los Angeles, Vazquez brings over two decades of adaptive reuse expertise, technical leadership, and advocacy-driven design to one of HED's fastest-growing practice areas.

"Roberto is a passionate advocate," said Otis Odell, AIA, LEED AP, Business Leader for Housing and Mixed Use. "He's a proven technical leader, and a creative thinker who understands how to turn underutilized buildings into dynamic places for living, working, and community."

Vazquez's career has been defined by a definitive approach to adaptive reuse projects. From high-rise conversions in downtown LA to boutique hospitality and cultural centers, his work has consistently revitalized city cores while expanding access to housing and opportunity. His portfolio includes nationally recognized projects such as the Garfield Hotel, the Singer Building, and the Sears Landmark redevelopment.

Vazquez is helping drive a renewed focus on housing resiliency and urban transformation nationwide. "Adaptive reuse offers a real path forward," said Vazquez. "The convergence of a housing crisis, an office market collapse, and the urgency of climate action demands bold ideas. It's not just about buildings. It's about advocating for policy change, financial innovation, and design that serves people."

Vazquez has built a reputation as a trusted voice in the field. He has served as a consultant and working group member for adaptive reuse ordinances and planning efforts in Los Angeles, Santa Monica, San Jose, and at the county and state level, helping shape frameworks that lower barriers and accelerate impact.

"Architects have a responsibility to lead, not just on drawings, but on ideas," he said. "I'm here to help cities see what's possible, to support clients with clarity and vision, and to make sure the design process leads to outcomes that are thoughtful, inclusive, and transformative."

With Vazquez's addition, HED strengthens its national positioning as a leader in Housing and Mixed-Use design and its commitment to Integrated Design, a practice model that harnesses the collective insight of architecture and engineering to produce sustainable, resilient, and human-centered environments.

HED is proud to announce the appointment of Ralph Mocerino AIA, as Corporate Sector Leader. With more than 35 years of experience leading multidisciplinary firms around the globe, Mocerino's role with HED is intended to drive visionary leadership in client relationships and design thinking as new technologies advance and markets grow increasingly complex.

Mocerino's appointment signals a momentous chapter for HED, one focused on deepening partnerships and positioning design intelligence across every facet of the firm. His philosophy aligns with HED's vision for integrated design where architecture, engineering, and emerging technologies as inherently interconnected. This is a marked industry differentiator ushering stronger collaboration, innovation, and project delivery.

"Ralph brings a design-forward mindset to our leadership, integral to who we are as a firm," said Enrique Suarez, Co-CEO of HED. "His work will be a driving force behind future development and client relationships, bringing enhanced business to the forefront of every market we serve."

Throughout his career, Mocerino has driven global growth initiatives, led billion-dollar project pursuits, and pioneered growth strategies for healthcare, advanced manufacturing, mission critical, and workplace practices. His passion lies in cultivating high-performing teams, challenging conventional thinking, and pulling clients into a three-dimensional conversation.

"Design is our shared language, across disciplines, across sectors," said Mocerino. "At HED, we're embracing the opportunity to build something bigger, uniting strategy, creativity, and technical excellence to create meaningful impact."

As HED continues to grow nationwide, Mocerino will play a critical role in shaping the firm's business strategy, client engagement, and cultural cohesion, advocating for a unified voice and forward-looking vision to redefine the way architecture is delivered. His appointment marks a pivotal step in advancing the firm's evolution as a bold and imaginative force in integrated design.

We’re excited to share that the H-STEM Engineering and Health Technologies Complex at Michigan Technological University has received a prestigious Construction and Design Award from the Engineering Society of Detroit (ESD).

Presented annually, the ESD Construction & Design Awards recognize outstanding achievement in architecture, engineering, and construction in Michigan. The H-STEM Complex was honored for its innovative design, interdisciplinary purpose, and transformative impact on research and education.

HED collaborated closely with Michigan Tech to bring this future-focused vision to life—creating a facility that blends engineering, health sciences, and advanced technologies into one dynamic learning and research hub. Designed for adaptability, collaboration, and wellness, the H-STEM Complex reflects Michigan Tech’s leadership in STEM and health education and its commitment to improving lives through science and innovation.