OUR STUDIO
DAO Architecture was founded on the belief that successful built spaces derive from a rigorous integration of architectural, interior, landscape, and urban design. Through deliberate application of technical and design knowledge, research, and innovative thinking—and with the active involvement of clients, consultants, contractors, and fabricators—we create built forms and spatial concepts that are beautiful, functional, and timeless. This integrative vision reflects the broad-based expertise and commitment to creativity of principals Joann Le and David Horsley, whose 60 years of combined experience includes working with some of the West Coast's most notable and accomplished architecture firms, prior to DAO's founding in 2004.
DAO Architecture LLC is a member of the United States Green Building Council [USGBC]. The office is also certified by the State of Oregon in all three categories of Minority Business Enterprise, Women Business Enterprise, and Disadvantaged Business Enterprise [M/W/DBE].
OUR TEAM
Vietnam born, raised a cheesehead
Value shopper, movie snob, above average arc welder
Requires phở & coffee to survive
Ran a marathon in 5 hours
Likes the road less traveled
Fan of poetic architecture
Joann Dao Le, AIA
Founding Principal
BS | Arch, UW Milwaukee
M.Arch, UC Berkeley
Licensed in OR, CA, AZ
Born in the mile-high city
Veteran of cello (for six weeks)
Hitchhiked across the Sahara
Has broken many bones
Pines for 16 Division Spec format
Prefab on the mind
David Horsley, AIA
Principal
B.ENVD, CU Boulder
M.Arch, UC Berkeley
Licensed in OR, WA, CA
Colorado kid
Probably outside hiking
Wannabe children’s book illustrator
Creator of pottery and whimsical greeting cards
Will play almost any sport
Values intentional, sustainable, and modest design
Joanna Catley
Designer
B.Arch, UO
Vietnam to US at 14
Studied abroad in Barcelona
Avid collector of Starbucks gift cards
Creative outlet thru dancing & crafting
Flair for fashion design
Transformative and responsive design at heart
Nguyen Duong, Assoc. AIA
Designer
BS | Arch, UVA
Portland native, before freeways
Classic 60s & 70s rocker
Missed bus to Vortex concert
20 yrs behind on 5 yr plan
Tech lover & weekend tinkerer
Is all into the details
Dan Foeller, AIA
Architect, LEED AP
B.Arch, UO
Licensed in OR
West Coast native
Probably watching cat videos
Escape hatch through cinema
Limping from Muay Thai training
Chai tea & sketchbook in hand
Encouraging curiosity
Douglas Veliz Salinas
Designer
B.Arch, PSU
Oregon-born
One of six
Likely found weightlifting, painting, journey planning
Dog lover, foodie with garden dreams
Seeking a healthy lifestyle
Passion for thoughtful, people-centered spaces
Melanie Franco Zavala
Designer
B.Arch, UO
Locally grown
Reader of Caro and Pynchon
Collector of Maylines
Margin doodler
Muesli for breakfast
”Long life, loose fit, low energy”
Daniel Stone
Designer
BFA, RISD
B.Arch, RISD
Arizona born, California raised
Rome student, Venice beach bum
Noir, Chandler, Coen brothers fan
Cat wrangler, vegetable farmer, dad
Snow skier, trail walker, aspiring silversmith
Seeker of great space between buildings
Steve Karolyi, RA
Architect
Univ. of Southern California
Licensed in CA
Rural North Carolina youth
A weekend outdoorsman
Always sore from soccer
Prog rock & hip hop listener
Reasonably distracted writer
Contemplator of public spaces
Logan Winstead
Designer
BEDA, NC State
B.Arch, NC State
From sunny Southern California
A past life in NYC
Loves his old dog
Listens to too much music
Spends time outdoors
Architecture for everyone
Thad Nobuhara, RA
Architect
B.Arch, USC
MS | AAD Columbia Univ.
Licensed in OR