Daphne Arko-Dadzie, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA

Daphne Arko-Dadzie, LEED AP BD+C, NOMA, is a sustainability consultant and architect based in Washington, D.C., dedicated to advancing green building practices and resilient urban design. Currently a Project Consultant with Sustainable Design Consulting, LLC, she supports clients across new construction, major renovations, and commercial interior projects, helping teams achieve LEED certification while integrating sustainability strategies into every stage of design and development. Her work reflects a commitment to leveraging architecture and urban planning as tools to address climate change and promote environmentally responsible communities.

Daphne’s professional journey combines rigorous academic training with hands-on experience in architecture and sustainability. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Design Studies and a Master of Architecture from Howard University, where she was actively involved in student leadership, design competitions, and community engagement initiatives. Complementing her architectural expertise, she earned her LEED Green Associate and subsequently her LEED Accredited Professional (BD+C) credentials from the U.S. Green Building Council. Her early career included a fellowship with the District of Columbia Department of Energy & Environment, as well as sustainability-focused internships at Hickok Cole and SmithGroup, where she contributed to resilience assessments, municipal sustainability tracking, and firm sustainability planning.

A recognized leader among emerging sustainability professionals, Daphne has received multiple awards for her design and environmental work, including the Director’s Award from the U.S. Department of Energy Solar Decathlon and third place in the AIA Inter-School Student Design Competition. She is an active member of the National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) and continues to advocate for equity, diversity, and inclusion within the fields of architecture and sustainable urban design. Through her work, she seeks to shape a built environment that is both innovative and environmentally responsible, inspiring the next generation of architects and sustainability professionals.

• LEED AP Building Design + Construction
• LEED Green Associate
• Solar Decathlon Building Science Education Series
• Duke of Edinburgh bronze level

• Howard University - MArch

• The Director's Award
• Third Place - The AIA Interschool Student Design Competition
• Special Mention
• Best in Studio - Third Year
• C40 Students Reinventing Cities Challenge (2021)

• National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA)