Meet the 2026 AIA Central Pennsylvania Design Awards Jury
We are pleased to introduce the distinguished jury for the 2026 AIA Central Pennsylvania Design Awards. This year’s jury is comprised of accomplished architects and design professionals from AIA Queens, New York, bringing a fresh perspective and a wealth of professional experience to the awards program.
With diverse backgrounds, areas of expertise, and approaches to design, our jurors will thoughtfully evaluate this year’s submissions, considering the creativity, innovation, design excellence, and impact demonstrated by each project.
We are grateful for the time, insight, and expertise they are bringing to this important process and look forward to sharing their observations, perspectives, and—of course—the 2026 Design Award recipients.
Please join us in welcoming our 2026 Design Awards Jury!
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB | Zambrano Architectural design LLC
2024 AIA NYS President | 2019-2021 Strategic Council Representative NY Region | 2017-2018 AIA NYS Vice President Education | 2015-2016 AIA Queens Chapter President
Willy Zambrano, FAIA, LEED AP, NCARB, founded Zambrano Architectural Design in 2005, a small multidisciplinary design studio focused on resilient and sustainable building design strategies to benefit communities and promote wellness in a variety of building types. Garnishing over 30 years of experience, his award-winning work has led him to international projects like the Lima 2019 Pan American Games.
A dedicated ambassador to the profession and a Fellow of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects, Mr. Zambrano actively contributes at the local, state, and national levels to promote and improve architecture’s public perception and empower the next generation of professionals. He is the 2024 AIA New York State Chapter President and has taught at NYIT as well.
As a citizen architect, Mr. Zambrano actively shares his expertise with his local community in Baldwin and the Village of Freeport. He Chairs the Economic Development Committee of the Baldwin Civic Association and is a commissioner of the Landmark Preservation Commission of the Village of Freeport.
Deeply rooted in the power of design, he believes that architecture elevates human experience in spaces where we live, work and play through a holistic environmental design approach. It plays a huge part in creating better communities, being resilient and just. Fostering these qualities is what has empowered Mr. Zambrano to create architecture that defines human experience.
Harriet C Nikakis RA, AIA, NCARB | HCN Architects-HCN design
2025-2026 AIA Queens Chapter Treasurer
Harriet C. Nikakis is the founder of HCN Architects, a New York-based firm with over 20 years of experience guiding projects from inception to completion. Her diverse international background, with experience across both Europe and the Americas, allows her to bring innovative global perspectives to every project. Harriet’s practice spans a wide range of services, including conceptual and schematic design, construction documentation, and site analysis, with specialized expertise in residential, hospitality, commercial, and interior design. Her holistic approach to project development reflects a commitment to bringing ideas to life, creating meaningful and artistic results that serve clients throughout New York City and beyond.
Harriet currently serves as Treasurer of the AIA Queens Chapter for the 2025–2026 term, contributing her professional expertise and organizational acumen to the leadership of the local architecture community. Her involvement with the Chapter reflects her broader dedication to advancing the profession and strengthening connections among architects serving Queens and the greater NYC region. Through her work at HCN Architects and her leadership role within AIA Queens, Harriet continues to champion thoughtful, sustainable design solutions that address the evolving needs of the built environment.
Jacqueline Velez, AIA, NCARB | JMV Architect, PLLC
2026 AIANYS Vice President Education | 2023 – 2024 AIA Queens chapter President
Inspired by architecture from an early age, Jacqueline Velez pursued her passion and graduated from the New York Institute of Technology, later becoming a registered Architect in both New York and New Jersey. She began her career at an architectural studio before founding her own consulting firm, JMV Associates, LLC, in 1992, building a strong track record with agencies including NYEDC, DASNY, NYCHA, NYCSCA, and NYCDOT. In 2016, she expanded her practice by establishing JMV Architect, PLLC, focused on public and private sector projects spanning schools, office buildings, retail, residential, and community facilities, with a particular strength in adaptive reuse. Across both firms, Jacqueline has built a reputation as a prominent architect serving the immediate NYC community and beyond, applying a holistic and sustainable approach to solving complex challenges in the built environment while maintaining rigorous quality control and personalized service for every client.
As Past President of the AIA Queens Chapter, Jacqueline brought visionary leadership that revitalized the organization and deepened its connection to the community it serves. She launched the Chapter’s first-ever AEC Industry Showcase and inaugural Women in Architecture event, revived the Design Awards after a five-year hiatus, and strengthened cultural engagement through a Chinese Lunar New Year celebration, while also hosting members and sponsors at her home to build lasting relationships. Her tenure introduced lasting structural improvements, including a presidential succession plan, an organized system for chapter events, and a board-led sponsorship initiative that bolstered financial stability. Through this thoughtful, individualized outreach, Jacqueline left a legacy of connection, inclusion, and excellence—reflecting her broader commitment to advancing architecture as a force for community well-being throughout NYC and beyond.
Jorge Cherres, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB | Carusone & Cherres Architects. LLC
2025-2026 AIA Queens Chapter President-Elect
Jorge Cherres, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB, is a registered professional architect with over 14 years of experience specializing in residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. An active member of the American Institute of Architects, Jorge brings meticulous attention to detail, strong organizational skills, and proven leadership to every project he undertakes. He is a Principal at Carusone & Cherres Architects, LLC, a small, diversified, design-oriented firm originally established by John Carusone in 1985, with Jorge joining as partner in 2013. The firm proudly serves the community in the heart of Astoria and Long Island City, and has participated in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s yearly Building Design Awards since 1993, earning recognition across categories including Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Alterations.
Jorge’s dedication to his craft and his community extends into leadership within the architectural profession. He currently serves as Incoming President of the AIA Queens Chapter for the 2027–2028 term, a role that reflects his commitment to advancing the profession and strengthening ties among architects serving NYC and beyond. As he prepares to step into this leadership position, Jorge brings the same attention to detail, collaborative spirit, and dedication to design excellence that have defined his career—continuing a legacy of service to the local architecture community in Queens and the broader NYC region.
Gianmarco Carusone, RA, AIA, NCARB | Carusone & Cherres Architects. LLC
2025-2026 AIA Queens Chapter Board Director
Gianmarco Carusone is a Registered Professional Architect in New York State and an active member of the American Institute of Architects and NCARB. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology in 2017 and brings a versatile portfolio spanning residential, commercial, industrial, and institutional projects. He currently serves as a Board Director for the AIA Queens Chapter.
Alongside his partner, Jorge Cherres, Gianmarco is a Principal at Carusone & Cherres Architects, LLC, a small, diversified, design-driven firm originally founded by his father, John Carusone, in 1985. Rooted in the heart of Astoria and Long Island City, the firm has proudly served the local community for decades and has participated in the Queens Chamber of Commerce’s annual Building Design Awards since 1993, earning recognition for the firm across categories including Residential, Commercial, Mixed Use, Industrial, and Alterations.
Ozmar Martinez Suarez , AIA | OAMS Architectural Design, PLLC
2025-2026 AIA Queens Chapter Secretary
Ozmar Alexander Martinez Suarez is a native of Roslyn Heights, Long Island, New York. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the New York Institute of Technology in 2012 and began his architectural career in 2013 with firms across Long Island and Queens. That early experience gave him a working command of the New York City Department of Buildings and laid the foundation for his development as a licensed NYC filing representative (expediter). Over the course of his career, Ozmar has refined his expertise in drafting, design, NYC expediting, and client communication.
In 2023, Ozmar founded OAMS Architectural Design PLLC. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects, Queens Chapter, where he serves as Secretary, as well as the Long Island Builders Institute and the Queens Chamber of Commerce. He is registered with the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards and holds architectural licenses in New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey, in addition to a recently attained license recognition in Ecuador, his country of origin. Ozmar is driven by a belief that architecture carries responsibility beyond the drafting studio, to design spaces that strengthen communities and leave the built environment better than he found it. That conviction is matched by an unwavering commitment to his clients: he advocates fully for their vision at every stage of a project and ensures that same standard of care and dedication is upheld throughout his firm.
Patrick Hammond, AIA | Hammond Architecture
2025-2026 AIA Queens Chapter President
Patrick Hammond is honored to serve as the current President of the Queens Chapter of the American Institute of Architects, bringing with him decades of professional experience, community involvement, and a deep-rooted passion for architecture that began at the age of 10.
The son of a structural engineer, Patrick was introduced early on to the built environment and the beauty of design and construction. That early fascination developed into a lifelong vocation, culminating in his licensure as an architect in the State of New York in 1988.
A resident of Queens since 1980, Patrick chose to raise his family here, drawn to the borough’s rich diversity, cultural vibrancy, and welcoming spirit. He has been a dedicated member of the AIA Queens Chapter since 2001, previously serving as Secretary, Treasurer, and President-Elect before assuming the presidency in 2025.
Throughout his career, Patrick has collaborated with fellow architects on a wide range of projects across New York City’s five boroughs, Long Island, and Westchester. He brings both technical expertise and a strong sense of community impact to every endeavor.
A passionate advocate for inspiring the next generation, Patrick has made it his mission to promote architecture and design education, especially among K–12 students. He has received multiple honors for his outreach efforts, including recognition from the National Academy of Junior Tennis and Youth Development.
Patrick has been married to his wife Elena for 45 years. They are proud parents of four adult children and grandparents to three granddaughters.
