BR Design Associates, a New York City-based architecture, interior design, and planning firm widely recognized for transforming commercial spaces, celebrates the promotion of two senior leaders and the addition of a new Director of Design. Now in its 40th year, these leadership updates reinforce the firm’s commitment to cultivating talent, fostering collaboration, and delivering innovative, client-focused design excellence.

Promotions:

• Lauren Wilson — Director of Operations
   Promoted from Design Director, Lauren now oversees firm-wide operations, guiding the seamless integration of design and execution of high-profile commercial projects. She continues to champion design quality across the firm’s portfolio and plays a key role in mentoring staff and developing design systems. Her approach blends aesthetics with performance, ensuring that client spaces meet branding goals, lease strategies, and evolving workforce needs. Lauren’s recent work includes Publicis, Ocean West Capital, DCAS, and Marx Realty. 

• Silvana Ramirez — Director of Production, Architect
   Silvana advances from Senior Project Architect to Director of Production, where she leads the technical delivery of projects with precision and constructability. Silvana partners closely with design leads to ensure every detail aligns with the project's intent, schedule, and budget. Her efficient coordination and drafting skills have been instrumental in large-scale commercial interiors for clients including Verizon, Harbor, and Pfizer.

New Hire:

• Raul Garcia-Moncada, IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP — Director of Design
   Raul joins BR Design Associates as Director of Design, bringing a research-driven, narrative-based approach that emphasizes conceptual storytelling, collective ownership, and clarity of purpose. With 20 years of experience spanning diverse project types and scales, he brings a design-agnostic mindset—one that embraces flexibility and problem-solving across disciplines—while fostering an environment where bold ideas and wild speculation are encouraged and technology is embraced as a design tool rather than feared.

“Celebrating 40 years in business is an opportunity to reflect on our legacy and look ahead to the future,” said Michael Rait, Founder and President of BR Design Associates. “Promoting Lauren and Silvana, and welcoming Raul, reflects our commitment to investing in our people and ensuring that BR Design continues to deliver thoughtful, functional, and beautiful interiors for our clients.”

These appointments come at a time of growth for BR Design Associates, as the firm expands its reach and explores new technologies to advance design excellence. The firm is currently developing its AI Design Initiative, aimed at optimizing workflows and enhancing creative exploration through tools such as scenario testing and realistic renderings. 

Now in its 40th year, the firm remains guided by Michael Rait’s enduring vision, continuing to shape environments that reflect purpose, creativity, and human connection.