Leila Kamal Joins HDR as Director of Education for Architecture

Leila Kamal, AIA, LEED AP, has joined HDR as director of education for the architecture practice. In this role she will lead the education practice, assuring that HDR’s brand is elevated and maintained through university, college and K-12 projects. Based in Boston, Kamal will collaborate with colleagues around the globe to provide leadership through quality design, innovative planning, client service and thought leadership.

“We are thrilled Leila has joined HDR to direct our education practice,” said Steve Riojas, HDR’s education, science and advanced technologies global director. “Her depth of knowledge, insight and experience from working alongside education institutions will be a great asset as we help our education clients fulfill their unique missions, address complex challenges and respond to the unprecedented change brought about by COVID-19.”

Over the course of two decades as a practicing architect, Kamal has been primarily focused on education clients and projects. Most recently, she served in leadership roles at HGA, DSK Architects + Planners, and EYP. She is regarded for her ability to get results — leading multiple successful firmwide research, design and sustainability programs for multi-office firms that have resulted in improved brand recognition and industry rankings as well as an increased number of business development opportunities and LEED accredited projects.

Kamal earned her Bachelor of Science degree in architecture and Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan. She has been a guest speaker at Society for College and University Planning and Tradeline conferences, presented research at the Association of American Colleges & Universities conference, and has been featured in numerous publications for her work and research, including the Harvard Business Review, Tradeline, Real Estate Bisnow Boston and more.

Committed to giving back to the industry and her community, Kamal mentors students in the MIT School of Architecture and Planning through the MIT DesignX program, is on the President’s Council of the Boston Children’s Museum and is a member of the team that conceived and created the AIA Women’s Leadership Summit Program.