Architect · Interior Designer · Urban Planner

Juliana
O'Brien

AIA CID LEED Green Associate

Experienced and energetic architect with a passion for thoughtful design—bridging analytical precision with creative vision to shape spaces that endure.

View My Work

Greater Richmond, Virginia

About Me

Designing with purpose and precision

Accomplished Architect, Interior Designer, and Urban Planner with extensive experience creating functional, aesthetic, and sustainable environments. Recognized for blending creativity with practical design strategies to deliver high-quality results across diverse sectors, including hospitality, education, state, and retail.

Born and trained in Brazil—earning a Bachelor of Architecture from UNIT – Tiradentes University and a degree in Construction & Civil Engineering from the University of Technology & Science—I founded my own architectural practice before relocating to the United States. Now based in Greater Richmond, I bring professional certifications, a deep commitment to sustainable design, and a proven ability to lead projects from concept through completion.

Skilled in managing complex, multidisciplinary design challenges while supporting innovative solutions tailored to client needs. I thrive at the intersection of client vision, technical rigor, and creative problem-solving.

5+
Years Practice
3
Certifications
BArch
Architecture Degree
AIA
Member
Juliana O'Brien — Architect & Interior Designer

Career

Professional Experience

Oct 2025 — Present · 8 months

THA Design + Architecture

Junior Project Manager · Richmond, VA · Full-time, On-site

Current Role Architecture Project Management

Leading junior project management responsibilities within a dynamic design and architecture firm, coordinating project delivery across multiple active engagements.

Nov 2023 — Aug 2025 · 1 yr 10 mos

nbj Architecture

Project Manager Assistant · Richmond, VA · On-site

Architecture Hospitality Civic & Institutional Project Coordination
  • Contributed to projects across hospitality, education, state, and retail sectors, supporting design solutions from concept to completion
  • Led schematic design in compliance with codes, producing CAD drawings and 3D models to communicate design concepts
  • Selected materials and finishes balancing durability, technical performance, and guest experience
  • Coordinated with clients and consultants across all phases, preparing regulatory submittals and managing scope modifications

Apr 2023 — Oct 2023 · 7 months

Best Tile

Outside Sales Representative · Full-time

Sales Materials Interior Design

Applied deep knowledge of architectural materials and interior finishes to advise clients on tile selections—bridging design expertise with client relationship management.

Apr 2005 — Jun 2007 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Juliana Bernardes Architectural & Interior Design

Founder & Chief Architect · Vitória da Conquista, Bahia, Brazil · Self-employed

Founder Residential Commercial AutoCAD
  • Developed and executed residential and commercial projects end-to-end
  • Planned architectural projects in direct collaboration with clients
  • Produced technical drawings and layouts using AutoCAD
  • Created comprehensive specification documentation
  • Analyzed cost and benefits of proposed projects
  • Represented clients with contractors and engineers to ensure on-time delivery
  • Conducted on-site inspections throughout the construction phase

Selected Works

Portfolio & Projects

DBVI Library Resource Center renovation, Richmond VA — interior circulation and public spaces 01
2024 Institutional Public Facility

Library Resource Center

Virginia Dept. for the Blind & Vision Impaired — Richmond, VA

Interior renovation modernizing an aging facility to enhance accessibility, workflow, and environment. Scope encompassed circulation, production, staff areas, and administrative offices. Universal design principles, ADA-compliant layouts, and assistive technologies were integrated throughout; exterior updates added three new outdoor patio spaces.

Marriott Residence Inn extended-stay hotel, Chippenham and Suffolk VA — exterior facade 02
2023 Hospitality ~120 Keys

Marriott Residence Inn

Chippenham & Suffolk, VA

Extended-stay hotel delivering warm, modern spaces consistent with Marriott brand standards. Design prioritizes flexible guest experiences with open-concept public spaces and efficient circulation. Guest suites feature neutral palettes with wood and metallic accents, balancing relaxation and productivity for short- and long-term stays.

Marriott StudioRes extended-stay hotel, Fayetteville NC — building exterior 03
2023 Hospitality 4 Stories · 124 Keys

Marriott StudioRes

Fayetteville, NC

New Marriott prototype redefining the extended-stay model with efficient layouts, modern amenities, and a residential character. Suites integrate open-plan living with fully equipped kitchens and flexible workspaces. Public areas — lobby, market, fitness — employ a neutral material palette that achieves brand cohesion within a repeatable, budget-conscious form.

Marriott TownePlace Suites extended-stay hotel, Douglasville GA — exterior view 04
2023 Hospitality 4 Stories · 95 Keys

Marriott TownePlace Suites

Douglasville, GA & Lehighton, PA

Extended-stay hotel balancing brand consistency with localized design sensibility. Each unit integrates efficient layouts with kitchenettes, workstations, and living areas. Millwork scope covered front desk, lobby market, breakfast area, gym, and bar — with warm neutrals and layered lighting reinforcing a sense of familiarity for long-term guests.

Thistle Medical Skin Care Studio interior, Stafford VA — reception and waiting area with warm wood finishes 05
2024 Healthcare Tenant Fit-Up

Thistle Medical Skin Care Studio

Stafford, VA

Boutique skincare studio tenant fit-up with a "soft glam" concept — herringbone LVP flooring, architectural arches, and a curated mix of natural White Oak and walnut, quartz, and brass. Shaker cabinetry, fluted wood details, and Sherwin-Williams Mega Greige/Downy walls balance clinical functionality with spa-like warmth, reinforcing the client's brand identity throughout.

Full Project Record

Hospitality

  • Residence Inn — Chippenham, Richmond VA
  • Residence Inn — Suffolk VA
  • TownePlace Suites — Lehighton PA
  • TownePlace Suites — Douglasville GA
  • StudioRes — Fayetteville NC
  • Fairfield Inn — St. Ignace MI
  • Home2/Tru — Charleston SC
  • Hilton H3 — Chesapeake VA
  • Hyatt Place — Cassady OH

Civic & Public

  • DBVI Library Resource Center — Richmond VA
  • COR Fire Station 19 — Richmond VA
  • COR Fire Station 24 — Richmond VA
  • COR Inspector's Office Renovation — Richmond VA
  • Henrico Social Services Lobby — Richmond VA

Education

  • Baker's Elementary Bathrooms — Richmond VA
  • Montrose Bathrooms — Henrico VA

Medical & Office

  • Thistle Medical Skincare Studio — Stafford VA
  • Jupiter Medical Office
  • The Gallery CT — Charlottesville VA

Credentials

Licenses & Certifications

🏛

AIA Member

American Institute of Architects

Professional Architecture Membership

Active
🌿

LEED Green Associate

USGBC · U.S. Green Building Council

📅 Issued Oct 2025 · Expires Oct 2027 🔑 Credential ID: 0011694943

Active
🎨

Certified Interior Decorator

Certified Interior Decorators International (C.I.D.)

📅 Issued Aug 2025

Active

Academic Background

Education & Training

Bachelor of Architecture

UNIT — Tiradentes University

BArch, Architecture

Aug 1998 — May 2003

Architectural Design Urban Planning Presentations Decision-Making Technical Drawing

Associate's Degree

College of Technology & Science

Construction & Civil Engineering

Jun 2003 — Jun 2005

Civil Engineering Construction Presentations Decision-Making

Expertise

Skills & Capabilities

Core Competencies

Architectural Design
Project Management
Interior Design
AutoCAD
Sustainable Design (LEED)
Urban Planning
BIM (Revit)
Visualization (SketchUp)

Additional Skills

Problem Solving Communication Architectural Education Client Relations Technical Specifications Construction Documentation Cost Analysis Site Inspection Team Collaboration Deadline Management Residential Projects Commercial Projects Hospitality Design Material Selection Adobe Creative Suite

Languages

Portuguese — Native English — Bilingual Spanish — Working Proficiency

Get In Touch

Let's create something remarkable

Open to architectural staff, project architect, and architectural designer roles in the Greater Richmond area and surroundings.

LinkedIn Profile juliana.b.obrien@gmail.com 804-627-1966 Greater Richmond, VA
Juliana O'Brien — CID, AIA, LEED Green Associate © 2026 · Architecture & Interior Design