Laura Cella-Mowatt, AIA

Employee info

Laura Cella-Mowatt, Vice President and Principal, is a graduate of Virginia Tech’s School of Architecture + Design and joined Davis Square Architects in 2006. Her professional expertise ranges from complex scattered-site renovations to highly sustainable new construction projects. Laura enjoys the excitement of a collaborative design process, excels at problem solving, and welcomes the challenges associated with construction administration’s fast-paced nature. She believes that architecture plays an important role in advancing social justice and that design should be inclusive and reflective of the people who live in each community.

Laura’s wide variety of project experience includes the recently completed Dudley Crossing, a mixed-use development in Boston that includes both new construction and historic renovation. The new building is Zero-Emissions, Passive House-certified, and meets LEED Gold standards while bringing 24 affordable family apartments and retail to Roxbury’s Nubian Square neighborhood. She is working with The Neighborhood Developers on Cottage Street Apartments in Chelsea. Currently under construction, the project will be Passive House-certified and include 66 affordable family apartments with expansive common spaces and parking within a podium structure. The building design features a bright and dynamic façade, giving the building a look that is as unique and vibrant as Chelsea. Laura is also working with Just A Start on the design of a new 3-building, 10-unit affordable homeownership project in Cambridge. This project’s design will meet the City’s stringent resiliency and sustainability requirements. Laura led the design during the proposal phase and has played an integral role in the community outreach and city approvals process.

As part of DSA’s leadership team, Laura is proactive in cultivating firm culture and mentorship. Her dedication as well as leadership within the firm contribute to making Davis Square Architects a great firm to work with as well as a great place to work. Outside of the office, Laura has taught design studios and been a visiting design critic for both the Boston Architectural College and Massachusetts College of Art and Design. She has also served as a design mentor for the FHLB Greater Boston Affordable Housing Development Competition and is an active member of Housing Medford and Abundant Housing Massachusetts.