FIRM SPOTLIGHT | moya design partners/ forma by moya
Paola Moya, Founder and CEO at Moya Design Partners and FORMA
Moya Design Partners, is celebrated for its interdisciplinary approach, integrating urban design, architecture, and interior design across diverse projects, including residential, commercial, civic, educational, and cultural spaces. Under Moya's leadership, the firm is renowned for its commitment to sustainability, community impact, and social responsibility, with a focus on fostering diversity, equity, and inclusion. The firm designs spaces that are both functional and reflective of their clients' values and the needs of underserved communities.
FORMA by MOYA complements this mission as a multidisciplinary brand studio emphasizing storytelling, community, and experiential design. With expertise in visual design, experiential graphic design, digital media, and communication design, FORMA creates immersive brand experiences that connect people to places and ideas. Moya believes in the transformative power of design to improve lives and create opportunities, stating, "Each project we undertake in MOYA or FORMA is an opportunity to foster inclusivity, social engagement, and positive change."
Paola Moya: Redefining Architecture with Community-Centered Design
DC NOMA is proud to shine a spotlight on Paola Moya, a visionary designer, entrepreneur, and CEO who is redefining the architectural landscape in Washington, D.C. Paola Moya, born in Bogotá, Colombia, is the driving force behind MOYA Design Partners and FORMA by MOYA—two innovative design studios that seamlessly blend urban design, architecture, interior design, and brand design to create inclusive, impactful environments.
Paola’s journey from Bogotá to the nation’s capital is a testament to her determination, vision, and unwavering commitment to community-centered design. After earning her Master of Architecture from the Catholic University of America, Paola recognized the need for socially responsible design in the industry. This led her to establish MOYA Design Partners in 2017, where she quickly earned respect and recognition for her firm’s interdisciplinary approach to design and its focus on sustainability, community impact, and social responsibility.
As a woman and minority-owned business, MOYA Design Partners stands as a beacon of diversity and inclusion in the architectural community. Paola Moya is deeply committed to creating opportunities for women and minorities, both within her firm and in the communities they serve. Her dedication is evident in her hiring practices, mentorship efforts, and advocacy work, as she actively participates in panels, conferences, and mentorship programs to support and inspire the next generation of architects, particularly those from underrepresented backgrounds.
MOYA Design Partners has been recognized for its innovative and sustainable design solutions, with notable projects including the transformation of public spaces in Washington, D.C., such as the Day Services Center, Eastern Market Metro Park, and affordable housing developments like Diane’s House, The Bridge, and The Iris. These projects exemplify Paola’s belief in design as a tool for positive change.
This Hispanic Heritage Month, we honor Paola Moya and MOYA Design Partners for their outstanding contributions to the architectural community and their unwavering commitment to creating positive change through design. Paola’s work not only enriches our built environment but also serves as an inspiration for future generations of architects.e
