Celebrating Hiro Isogai: A Legacy of Leadership & Design Excellence

After nearly two decades of leadership and innovation, WDG announces the retirement of Hiro Isogai, Managing Principal and leader of WDG’s interior design studio.

Since joining WDG in 2005, Hiro has been a driving force behind the most inventive and inspiring interior spaces WDG has designed for corporations, associations, multifamily developers, and government agencies. His thoughtful and original approach to design has earned him a reputation as one of the industry's foremost leaders, leaving an indelible mark on WDG and the broader architectural community.

Over his 19-year tenure at WDG, Hiro has overseen the design of more than 150 projects, encompassing millions of square feet of interior space. His work has garnered numerous awards and recognitions, further cementing his status as a pioneer in the field. These impressive statistics reflect Hiro’s relentless pursuit of excellence and his ability to consistently deliver exceptional results.

Hiro’s portfolio is a testament to his creative vision, and a number of projects stand out as a defining moments in his career. Tompkins Builders’ relocation provided Hiro his first opportunity with WDG for a complete tenant fit-out. Their new office received NAIOP DC|MD’s Award of Excellence for Best Interiors. The Army Test and Evaluation Command Headquarters (U.S. Army Corps of Engineers) in Aberdeen, MD, showcased Hiro’s skill in balancing security requirements with a grand, welcoming, and productive workspace, and was named Best Office Project by ENR MidAtlantic. Hiro’s favorite endeavor in the hospitality sector was his design for Suzuki, a critically acclaimed, authentic Japanese restaurant in Midtown Manhattan.

In recent years, Hiro has continued to push the boundaries of interior design. His work on Tysons, VA, corporate projects 1900 Gallows Road (Foulger-Pratt) and 1800 Tysons Boulevard (Lerner) exemplifies his ability to stay ahead of trends while remaining deeply attuned to the unique needs of his clients. The 1900 Gallows Road renovation—winner of NAIOP Northern Virginia’s Amenity Space Award of Excellence—completely revitalized a 1989 suburban office building, while the new 1800 Tysons Boulevard amenity floor—Honorable Mention in the James M. Scott Exceptional Design Awards—creatively repurposed a former restaurant space, and was lauded for its innovative use of space, light, and texture to create an environment that not only met the client’s functional needs but also inspired and uplifted its occupants. In the multifamily sector, Hiro’s designs for The Upton (Roseland Residential Trust, now Veris Residential) apartments in Short Hills, NJ, displayed his elegant and modern sense of style, targeting the refined needs of the client’s key demographic with communal spaces that provide beautiful and luxurious amenities with carefully articulated detailing.

Hiro’s influence extends beyond his design work. He has been a friend, mentor, and inspiration to many within WDG. Fellow Managing Principal Siti Abdul-Rahman, AIA, remarked, “After years of dedication, hard work, and inspiring everyone around him, Hiro is finally ready to embrace this exciting new chapter. He’s been an incredible colleague and friend, leaving a positive impact that will be felt for years to come. We’ll all miss his creativity, unique sense of style, sharp wisdom, and great sense of humor.”

WDG Principal Eric Schlegel, AIA, LEED AP, recalled a number of memorable collaborations. “My favorite recent projects together include Cielo, for its extensive amenities and the thrill of being surprised every time I turned a corner seeing a range of elements and finishes from sophisticated to whimsical; 2100 L for its novel use of materials and client interface in ways that I could have never imagined; the new GW Bookstore for recognizing how to have remarkably enlivening ceiling features when the design task is primarily a background to showcase merchandise; and the Clarendon 1021 rooftop amenity, which is transformative in its sophistication of material selections while also doubling the size of the community gathering spaces and entertainment features. My favorite times together with Hiro certainly were enjoying his design presentations—always delightful, enchanting, and intriguing, like pulling a rabbit out of a hat—entertainingly engaging while showcasing his creativity and insight. I’ll miss those magical moments.”

The next chapter...

As we bid farewell to Hiro, we are excited to announce the new leadership team for WDG’s interior design studio. Manuel Lauzurique-Abiega and Keith Worley, AIA, have helped Hiro lead WDG’s interiors group for 19 and 11 years, respectively. Manuel Lauzurique-Abiega will be promoted to Associate Principal and will take the helm of the studio. Manuel brings 26 years of experience in the field, with a focus on innovative design solutions that enhance user experience. Manuel reflected, “Hiro has been instrumental in my professional development for the past two decades. It has been an interesting ride, and the impact he has had on my career will not be forgotten. His sense of humor and unusual questions made you think. He will certainly be missed around the office!”

Keith Worley, AIA, will be promoted to Director. Keith’s expertise in creating cohesive and functional environments has been a cornerstone of many successful projects at WDG. Keith Worley noted, “From my first project with Hiro (the Jewish Federation of Greater Washington Headquarters in 2014) to the last (the 20 M Street NW Amenity Space in Southeast DC in 2024), Hiro has shared so much of his knowledge and experience with me. I will forever remember our time together at WDG and will strive to carry on his legacy.” Additionally, Neha Pathare, WELL AP, will step into the role of Senior Associate. Neha’s background in sustainable design and her commitment to client-centered solutions make her a perfect fit for this new role.

Hiro’s retirement marks the end of an era for WDG’s interior design studio, but his legacy of creativity, collaboration, and excellence will continue to shape our work for years to come. We wish him all the best in his well-deserved retirement and look forward to seeing where his journey takes him next.