Leadership Overview
Nelson Worldwide has 5 executives leading key functions including strategy, operations, sales, and design leadership.
Driven by a commitment to human-centric design, Nelson Worldwide delivers architecture, interior design, and brand strategy services that transform environments where people work, serve, and thrive across the globe.
Driven by a commitment to human-centric design, Nelson Worldwide delivers architecture, interior design, and brand strategy services that transform environments where people work, serve, and thrive across the globe.
Leadership Roles at Nelson Worldwide
Antwane Nelson - Chief Executive Officer
Antwane Nelson, the Chief Executive Officer at Nelson Worldwide, directs the overarching strategic vision for the firm. By aligning architecture and interior design services with evolving market demands, the Chief Executive Officer ensures the organization maintains a competitive edge in the construction and design industry. Antwane Nelson oversees the integration of brand strategy across all 18 offices, fostering a culture of innovation that impacts the human experience in diverse environments. This leadership role involves constant collaboration with the board to refine long-term growth objectives and operational efficiency. Through the management of a 700-person team, the Chief Executive Officer drives the delivery of complex projects across North American and international markets. Nelson prioritizes the expansion of service expertise to meet the needs of clients who work, serve, and play within the spaces designed by the firm. Ultimately, the Chief Executive Officer secures the firm's position as an industry leader.

VanDusen Chris - Chief Executive Officer & President
VanDusen Chris, the Chief Executive Officer & President at Nelson Worldwide, manages the daily operational execution and corporate governance of the firm. By focusing on the intersection of architecture and graphic design, the Chief Executive Officer & President optimizes service delivery to ensure high-quality outcomes for every client project. VanDusen Chris architects the internal processes that allow the firm to scale effectively across its vast geographic footprint. This leadership role requires constant coordination with department heads to maintain alignment with the company's mission of transforming the human experience. By leveraging deep industry experience, the Chief Executive Officer & President drives operational excellence and financial stability. VanDusen Chris monitors performance metrics across all regional offices to ensure consistent quality standards. Through this rigorous oversight, the Chief Executive Officer & President supports the firm's ability to thrive in competitive markets while delivering creative solutions that positively impact the environments where people live and work.
John Beasley - President
John Beasley, the President at Nelson Worldwide, manages the internal design operations and creative output of the firm. By focusing on the architecture and interior design divisions, the President ensures that every project reflects the firm's commitment to excellence and innovation. John Beasley oversees the creative teams to maintain high standards of design quality across all 18 offices. This leadership role involves mentoring design talent and fostering a collaborative environment that encourages creative problem-solving. By integrating brand strategy into the design process, the President ensures that the firm delivers cohesive and impactful solutions for clients. Beasley drives the implementation of new design technologies and methodologies to improve efficiency and project outcomes. Through the management of design resources, the President supports the firm's ability to deliver complex projects that transform the environments where people work, serve, and play. Ultimately, Beasley secures the firm's reputation for design excellence.
Karen Daroff - President
Karen Daroff, the President at Nelson Worldwide, directs the strategic development of interior design and brand strategy initiatives. By focusing on the aesthetic and functional aspects of the firm's projects, the President ensures that every space designed by the firm enhances the human experience. Karen Daroff oversees the integration of interior design services with broader architectural goals to create unified environments. This leadership role involves collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver creative solutions that meet the unique needs of clients. By leveraging extensive industry experience, the President drives the firm's design philosophy and maintains its status as an award-winning organization. Daroff monitors design trends and market shifts to ensure that the firm remains at the forefront of the industry. Through the management of design projects, the President supports the firm's mission to transform the environments where people thrive. Ultimately, Daroff secures the firm's creative vision and long-term design impact.
Kevin Spellacy - Chief Sales Officer
Kevin Spellacy, the Chief Sales Officer at Nelson Worldwide, directs all business development initiatives and client acquisition strategies. By identifying new market opportunities in the architecture and design sectors, the Chief Sales Officer expands the firm's reach across the country and around the world. Kevin Spellacy oversees the sales team to ensure that the value proposition of the firm resonates with potential clients in the corporate, retail, and hospitality industries. This leadership role involves building long-term relationships with key stakeholders and partners to secure high-impact projects. By analyzing market trends and client needs, the Chief Sales Officer aligns service offerings with the specific requirements of diverse environments. Spellacy drives revenue growth through strategic outreach and the promotion of the firm's award-winning design capabilities. Through consistent engagement with the market, the Chief Sales Officer ensures a robust pipeline of work that supports the firm's mission to transform the human experience.
Explore Leadership Teams in Architecture, Engineering & Design
VTG is a defense and national security solutions provider specializing in modernization, digital transformation, and engineering services. The company delivers software, analytics, and C5ISR sustainment solutions for mission-critical defense and intelligence programs. Combining advanced technology, domain expertise, and agile execution, VTG helps clients enhance performance, reduce costs, and maintain a strategic edge while supporting warfighters and decision-makers in complex operational environments.
Company Leadership EV
JH
AT
TL
Founded in 1966, DLR Group offers architectural and design services to clients, including planning, engineering, interiors, building optimization for new construction and architecture. Their headquarters is in Omaha, Nebraska.
Company Leadership SM


DR
Founded in 1984, DRA is a global engineering, project delivery and operations management group that offers mining, mineral processing, energy, water treatment and infrastructure services . DRA is located in Australia.
Company Leadership JS
WJ

PJ
Stratus is a network of multi-disciplinary engineering, architecture, and consulting platform firms. Formed through the alliance of Prime Engineering, Austin Brockenbrough & Associates, Ascent Engineering Group, and Zyscovich, Stratus provides innovative and differentiated design services and solutions to both public and private sector clients globally, but with a strategic focus on serving the high-growth economies of the Southeastern United States. Stratus was formed with a vision to build a diversified engineering, architecture, and consulting platform of scale by partnering with the incumbent management of a family of businesses focused individually and collectively on delivering innovative solutions across the full project lifecycle from initial planning, design, and feasibility studies to final construction management oversight. Stratus will continue to seek out like-minded engineering, architecture, and consulting firms aligned with the company's core values and geographic focus to help further accelerate growth through investment in world-class talent, technology, and targeted acquisitions. Stratus key markets include Commercial, Industrial, Transportation, Education, Federal, State, and Local Government infrastructure.
Company Leadership BZ
DM
PD