In the News

We are thrilled to announce the promotion of Cindy Villarreal, AIA, RID, WELL AP, LEED AP, CDT to Principal at O’Connell Robertson. As Director of our Houston office, Cindy has been a driving force behind its growth, culture, and success, exemplifying leadership aligned with O’Connell Robertson’s mission-driven values.

Over the past five years, her leadership has helped shape our Houston team into a vibrant, collaborative hub of innovation, delivering exceptional design solutions to clients across the higher education, healthcare, and laboratory sectors. Her efforts have positioned the Houston office as a trusted partner to clients across Texas, delivering innovative design solutions that support community impact and long-term success.

Leading with Expertise and Vision

Cindy brings more than 15 years of experience in sustainable, resilient, and occupant-focused design. Her guidance has been pivotal on projects ranging from state-of-the-art laboratory facilities supporting cutting-edge research to healthcare environments that prioritize patient and staff well-being. She consistently balances design excellence with practical, long-term solutions that serve our clients and their communities.

“Cindy exemplifies the leadership, collaboration, and client focus that drive our success,” said Amy Jones, President & CEO of O’Connell Robertson. “Her commitment to people and purpose continues to elevate our Houston office and our Firm as a whole. Cindy’s strategic vision, design expertise, and dedication to our teams and clients make her an invaluable part of our Firm’s leadership.”

Building Teams and Client Partnerships

Under Cindy’s leadership, our Houston office has grown in both size and capability. She has cultivated a collaborative culture that prioritizes mentorship, professional development, and innovation—helping our team thrive while delivering projects that make a real impact.

Her work has strengthened relationships with key clients across Texas and has been integral to our Gulf Coast expansion efforts, ensuring every project meets their unique needs while reflecting our commitment to excellence and community impact.

Driving Growth and Innovation as Principal

As a Principal, Cindy will continue to shape the future of O’Connell Robertson. She will guide strategic growth and innovation across the firm, lead initiatives that enhance project delivery, and mentor emerging leaders to strengthen the next generation of talent. In addition, she will play an instrumental role in business development, expand client partnerships, and position the firm for continued success in a competitive market.

Cindy’s promotion reflects her remarkable contributions to the firm and her unwavering commitment to excellence, people, and purpose. The leadership team and her colleagues across O’Connell Robertson are excited to see the continued impact she will have in driving the firm’s mission forward, delivering outstanding projects, fostering exceptional teams, and supporting our clients in creating resilient, sustainable, and inspiring spaces that positively impact communities across Texas and beyond.