Mission
Delivering transformational projects to move cities forward
Danielle DiLeo Kim is a social-impact leader who uses big-picture strategic thinking and collaborative engagement to deliver complex projects for public, private, and nonprofit sector clients.
Photo by Blinck Photography
About Danielle
As an architect and urban designer, Danielle is uniquely able to translate the skills she uses in capital and planning projects to any strategic challenge. She seeks out challenging initiatives and opportunities that will strengthen urban communities.
As an innovative leader, Danielle excels at coordinating multidisciplinary teams and engaging diverse stakeholders. Through her vision and leadership, she consistently identifies opportunities to leverage existing resources and relationships to exceed a project’s potential.
Danielle strives to create a more equitable and sustainable urban environment. She is a consummate community advocate and passionately puts her whole self into every endeavor.
Most recently Danielle served as the President & CEO of PHILADELPHIA250 planning a community-centered celebration of the 250th anniversary of the United States.
Photo by Blinck Photography
Delivering Impact
With a 20-year record of accomplishment leading projects ranging from campus master plans to city-wide initiatives, Danielle specializes in managing large-scale capital and planning projects. She strives to produce more fully considered, inclusive, and aspirational community revitalization projects.
25+
Years Serving Philadelphia
Having worked in multiple capacities from CEO to board member and founder to client, Danielle has sat on all sides of the community development table, always striving to innovate and collaborate for the good of the community and organization she is serving.
250+
Women Leaders Connected
Danielle has launched multiple initiatives celebrating women leaders dedicated to doing good in the community. She co-founded Philly Girls Do Good in 2013 and the Women’s Committee for the 250th in 2024.
Community-Centered Vision
Community is at the core of Danielle’s work. Whether it is leading a project that will impact the entire city of Philadelphia, serving as an advocate in her local civic association, or founding the first Montessori school in 35 years, she strives to effect change that is for the better, and takes the time to truly get to know the people, context, and forces at work in each community. She has worked with key stakeholders across the city and has a deep understanding of the circumstances that impact neighborhoods and communities. She strives to effect change that is for the better and takes the time to truly get to know the underlying forces at work.
“Danielle’s visionary approach has ensured that the 2026 celebrations will reach every corner of Philadelphia, fostering a renewed sense of community and civic pride among all residents. Her commitment to urban development and community engagement has left an indelible mark on our city. I have no doubt that her visionary leadership will continue to inspire and elevate the architectural profession.”
—The Honorable Edward G. Rendell, former Governor and Mayor
“Danielle brings her passion for Philadelphia, and in particular, her expertise and experience to Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia’s board of directors. Willing to roll up her sleeves and do the work, as well as, strategically ask and help answer the big questions like how to scale and drive impact so that everyone has a decent place to live, Danielle is an asset to Habitat and the Philadelphia region.”
—Corinne O'Connell; CEO Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Projects
Danielle has led the realization of institutional and cultural buildings, citywide and campus master plans, and engagement processes for community and high-level stakeholders in and around the Philadelphia region for over twenty years.
Citywide Vision Plans
Leading long-range, citywide plans with aspirational yet achievable goals and inclusive prosperity as a core value are central to Danielle's work.
USA250 Convening Campus in Philadelphia in 2026 >
Philadelphia2035 >
Philadelphia 2024 Olympic Proposal >
Image: Philadelphia in 2026, Rendering by KieranTimberlake
Development Master Plans
Multi-phased, and community-informed master plans that take a comprehensive understanding of the area and people impacted with a vision to create lasting, sustainable destinations.
Bridesburg Riverfront Park Master Plan >
Lower Schuylkill Master Plan >
Temple University 20/20 Master Plan >
Fairmount Park Centennial District Master Plan >
Schuylkill Banks Trail Master Plan >
Residential Site Planning for Somerton >
Image: Lower Schuylkill Master Plan, Rendering by NBBJ
Community Places
These projects are small enough to directly touch community and at the same time have big impact.
Centennial District Regional Rail Station Planning Charrette >
Clementine Montessori School >
The Salvation Army, Ray and Joan Kroc Community Center >
Mann Center Master Plan and Park Pavilions >
Greening Stanton >
Image: Clementine Montessori School
Urban Design & Planning Analysis
Best in practice urban design guidelines and plans that consider and explore development opportunities and identify potential issues.
University City District Streetscape Visions >
South and Broad Streets Mixed-Use Student Village >
Divine Lorraine Hotel and Land Development Proposal >
Study for Eastwick Vision and Implementation Plan >
Study for Society Hill Neighborhood Plan >
Study for City of Chester’s Open Space Master Plan >
Image: Proposal for South Broad with MGA Partners
Community Service
Philly Girls Do Good 2017 Cohort
AIA Philadelphia
President, 2025
Board of Director; 2019-current, 2006-09
Co-chair of Urban Design Committee; 2012-2018
The Carpenters Company
Elected member, 2024-current
Urban Land Institute
Member, 2105-current
Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee Chair, 2017-19
NEXT Cohort 2018
Women’s Committee for the 250th
Founding Member, 2024-current
Economy League
Greater Philadelphia Leadership Exchange Selected Participant; 2023, 2019, 2017
Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia
Board of Director, 2016-22
Clementine Montessori School
Founder and Board President
2010-2015
Philly Girls Do Good
Co-Founder, 2014
Awards & Licenses
Social Impact Award, AIA PA, 2024
Impact Award, City & State, 2024
Power 100, Philadelphia Business Award 2024, 2023
Young Architect Award, AIA Philadelphia 2012 >
Sunshine Alumni Fellowship, Virginia Tech 2002
Registered Architect, Pennsylvania, 2000-current
Speaking Engagements 2022-25
AIA Philadelphia, American Planning Association, America250-PA, The Athenaeum, British American Business Association, Center City Business Association, Lower Bucks County Chamber of Commerce, PHL Convention and Visitors Bureau, Preservation Alliance, Philadelphia City Council, Special Olympics of PA, Urban Land Institute Philadelphia
Education
Master of Architecture in Urban Design, Harvard University, 2002
Bachelor of Architecture, Virginia Tech, 1996