Team

Our Team

PHILIP M. COLWELL, AIA, NCARB, RID

Architect, Design Principal

Philip is a Licensed Architect in the State of Texas with over 15 years of experience as well as a Registered Interior Designer. An NCARB certificate holder, he has completed more than $500 million dollars of construction in 18 states, ranging from multifamily, senior living, office/commercial, mixed-use and high-end residential projects.

As Architect and Design Principal at DC Texas, Philip practices in all phases of the architectural process from Schematic Design to Construction Administration. He received a Bachelor of Science in Urban and Regional Planning from Texas A&M University and a Master of Architecture degree from The University of Texas at Arlington. Philip sees architecture as service first and looks forward to serving all DC Texas Architecture clients.

Philip is a native Texan and native Texas Rangers, Dallas Stars, Mavericks and Cowboys fan as well. He and his wife Stephanie have 3 girls, Evaline, Emersyn, and Ellington. They share a passion for architecture and love to travel and study other places and buildings. Together they are involved in their church and enjoy spending lots of time with extended family.

When not at work or spending time with his family, Philip loves to play his guitar and other musical instruments, enjoys playing pick-up basketball and time playing with his Jack Russell terrier named Sadie.

CODY N. SKODA

Senior Project Coordinator

Cody has over 15 years of design and construction experience, ranging from high end residential to commercial office buildings. He is dedicated to resolving design issues and meeting the goals of the client, following projects from concepts through construction documents and construction administration.

Outside the office, Cody enjoys traveling, being outdoors, seeing movies and attending sporting events (especially Dallas Stars hockey). He and his wife Robin also enjoy life with their two Yorkies, Teddy and Hazel.

DON MERCHANT

Senior Project Manager

Don has over 30 years of project management experience, with an emphasis on the construction administration phase by providing overall project management services, scheduling and accounting to ensure projects are delivered on time and on budget. Before joining the design and construction industry, Don spent time working in healthcare administration as well as the financial sector. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Texas at Arlington in 1990.

Don is a loyal Dallas Stars hockey fan who enjoys spending time with family, traveling (especially on cruise ships), visiting Frank Lloyd Wright designs, cooking, and Jazz music. He also enjoys spoiling his 80 lb Australian Shepherd mix, Babe.

Sara Reh, M.Arch

Senior Project Coordinator

Sara joined DC Texas Architecture in May of 2021 and has quickly become a valuable member of the design team. She is a graduate of Southern Illinois University at Carbondale and The University of Texas at Arlington where she received her Master of Architecture degree. Sara is currently pursuing the path to licensure.

Sara is an avid movie watcher, loves to work puzzles, and a recently discovered Dallas Stars fan. She also has a new puppy named Lukka.

LUIS LEIJA

Project Coordinator

Luis joined DC Texas Architecture in December, 2021, while still working on this undergraduate degree. He has since graduated from The University of Texas at Arlington in May, 2022, receiving a Bachelor in Architecture degree. Luis will be pursuing his Master in Architecture degree from UTA starting the fall of 2022.

When not working or studying, Luis follows the Dallas Cowboys and Mavericks. We are currently working on converting him to a Stars fan.

ATTALLA JOUDEH, M.ARCH

Project Coordinator

AJ joined DC Texas Architecture design team in April, 2022. He is a graduate of Clemson University and The University of Texas at Arlington where he received his Master of Architecture degree. AJ is currently pursuing the path to licensure.

Outside of DC Texas, AJ has business ventures to keep him busy and of course, loves to keep up with all things Tigers.

Sandra Johnson

Administrative Support Services

Sandra joined DC Texas in 2019 and is the backbone of the organization for all things administrative. In addition to accounts payables and receivables, Sandra writes all RFP/RFQ’s and most marketing materials for DC Texas Architecture.

Sandra is married with two grown children and three grandsons, which occupy most of her off time. When not with her extended family, she and her husband spend time working with their nonprofit T&S Ministries to aid the homeless. She also reads and loves to work jigsaw puzzles.

Kayla MacDowell Gibbs

Summer Intern

Kayla joined DC Texas Architecture as a summer intern for 2022. She is currently working on a Bachelor of Interior Design degree at The University of Texas at Arlington. Her plans are to pursue a Master Degree in Architecture and ultimately, licensure.

In her off time, Kayla enjoys landscape painting, home gardening, and learning to make latte art.