Ivan O’Garro, AIA joins LEO A DALY as a vice president

Integrated design firm LEO A DALY welcomes Ivan O’Garro, AIA, as a vice president and managing principal of its Atlanta studio. O’Garro has extensive experience leading teams to successfully deliver major projects across markets including museums, federal buildings, and housing. In higher education, he has led teams on major projects at the University of California, Irvine, and University of Texas at Austin.

He was responsible for establishing the SmithGroup office in Atlanta in 2021. As design principal at SmithGroup, he managed project teams, staffing and billing for $100 million in projects. Among many major roles, he is the lead designer of the Gilcrease Museum, a 90,000-sf fine art museum, and project manager for the master plan for the Andy Warhol Museum, leading the visioning process and developing the plan.

BD+C 40 Under 40 Winner Leads LEO A DALY

An industry leader, O’Garro is a Building Design + Construction Magazine 40 Under 40 honoree, and he’s been a frequent presenter at industry conferences. In 2015, he founded a nonprofit, SamanHaus, to provide pro bono architecture services in Haiti.

O’Garro holds a bachelor’s in architecture from Louisiana State University, and during his studies he completed a yearlong fellowship at the Washington Alexandria Architecture Consortium. A native of Trinidad and Tobago, he has held a passion for design since his mother bought him a copy of AutoCAD at age nine.

He joined LEO A DALY on May 6. The award-winning Atlanta studio’s portfolio includes projects for major institutions in Georgia and beyond, including on the medical clinic at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, the Reid-Cofer Library and the Georgia Gwinnett College Daniel J. Kaufman Library and Learning Center.

“I’m excited to join the incredible team at LEO A DALY in Atlanta,” O’Garro said. “I believe in the power of design to change communities and to change lives. LEO A DALY has been doing that for more than 100 years, and I look forward to spearheading the success of this important studio.”

“Ivan brings a passion for architecture and a track record of leadership and innovation,” said LEO A DALY President Steven A. Lichtenberger. “I’m thrilled to welcome him to the LEO A DALY leadership team and to the Atlanta studio.” 

About LEO A DALY
Founded in 1915, LEO A DALY is a global leader in architecture, engineering, planning and interior design. With a portfolio spanning more than 91 countries, all 50 US states, and the District of Columbia, the firm employs more than 400 design and engineering professionals in nine studios worldwide. LEO A DALY’s Midtown Atlanta studio specializes in healthcare, higher education, active military, veterans, reservists, local government and aviation clients.