Courtesy Perkins+Will

On Thursday, Perkins+Will announced two changes in their North Carolina offices. Phil Freelon, FAIA, the former managing director and design director, stepped down from his role as managing director and Zena Howard, AIA, formerly the civic + cultural co-market leader, stepped into his place. “I’m honored to take on this exciting opportunity to lead a motivated, talented team here in North Carolina, and continue engaging with our clients on inspirational projects both locally and nationally,” Howard said in the press release. Created in 1935, Perkins+Will today has 23 offices stateside and internationally, and maintains two offices in North Carolina: one in Charlotte and another in Durham.

Howard and Freelon worked together on the National Museum of African American History and Culture in Washington, D.C., which opened in September. "Having worked with Zena for nearly 14 years, including our close collaboration on the Smithsonian’s National Museum of African American History and Culture (NMAAHC), I can attest to her leadership ability, commitment to client satisfaction, and professionalism,” Freelon said in the press release. He will remain in his position as design director and as a member of the firm's board of directors.