OUR FIRM
A PRINCIPAL-LED PRACTICE BUILT TO KEEP COMMERCIAL PROJECTS MOVING.
DRS is an Austin-based commercial architecture and interior design firm that combines direct principal involvement, disciplined research, coordinated documentation, and practical delivery.
OUR STORY
CONTINUITY, COLLABORATION AND A PRACTICAL APPROACH TO DESIGN.
Founded in Austin in 1986 by Donald R. Small, DRS has grown through continuity, collaboration, and a practical approach to design. Neyda Emmanuelli and Shary Loaiza—both longtime members of the firm—became the second generation of ownership in 2017. Donald remains an owner, leader, and advisor.
Today, DRS carries that foundation forward through Design. Research. Solutions. A method captured in Defined by Research. Shaped by Design.
WHAT CLIENTS CAN EXPECT FROM DRS
a disciplined process. better outcomes
We bring clarity, coordination, and accountability to every project.
Direct principal involvement
A principal manages the work, performs the work, or completes the quality review at each milestone.
Research before design
DRS studies the program, site or space, constraints, standards, and decision requirements before advancing a solution.
Coordinated decisions
DRS helps organize client, landlord, consultant, permitting, and project information so avoidable delays are reduced.
Quality assurance
Each deliverable receives principal review before it is sent to the client for review or approval.
Continuity Across Projects
Repeat programs and multi-location work demonstrate consistency and trust.
LONG-TERM RELATIONSHIPS
BUILT ON TRUST, PROJECT AFTER PROJECT
DRS has grown through client relationships that continue across years, locations, and changing project needs.
“Working with DRS for more than 10 years has been a very rewarding relationship. Their sense of urgency—without sacrificing quality or attention to detail—is unmatched. They are my go-to for architectural and design needs, and I know every request will be met with excellent customer service and genuine care.”
Joe Acker
Director of Facility Operations
10+ years working with DRS
LEADERSHIP
PARTNERS AND FIRM LEADERSHIP
DRS brings firm strategy, architectural leadership, operations, design, and quality assurance together within one hands-on team. Each leader has a distinct area of responsibility, while the principal remains involved in every engagement through project management, production, or quality review. This structure gives clients clear accountability, coordinated decisions, and direct access to experienced leadership throughout the work.
Neyda M. Emmanuelli, M.Ed., NCIDQ, RID-TX
Partner | Chief Executive Officer
Leads firm strategy, client planning, interior design, and quality assurance.
Shary Loaiza, M.Arch., Assoc. AIA
Partner | Chief Operating Officer
Leads operations, project coordination, workflow, and day-to-day execution.
SENIOR LEADERSHIP
Peter Wilson, AIA
Senior Architect
Provides senior architectural expertise, technical coordination, and direct project support.
Donald R. Small, AIA, NCARB
Founder | Partner | Head of Architecture
Provides architectural leadership, principal review, and continuity with the firm’s founding vision.
OUR CREDENTIALS
CREDENTIALS, LICENSURE & REACH
Professional credentials and business certification supporting commercial projects across the markets we serve.
ARCHITECTURE LICENSES
ARIZONA
KANSAS
LOUISIANA
MISSOURI
NEW YORK
OKLAHOMA
PENNSYLVANIA
GEOGRAPHIC REACH
LICENSED IN 8 STATES
TEXAS
INTERIOR DESIGN LICENSE
BUSINESS CERTIFICATIONS
TEXAS BOARD OF ARCHITECTURAL EXAMINERS
Registered Business
Austin-based. Serving commercial clients in the markets where our team is licensed.
TEXAS
MEET THE TEAM
Neyda M. Emmanuelli
Neyda Emmanuelli leads DRS’s firm strategy, client planning, interior design, and quality-assurance standards. She helps translate business goals into clear project priorities, coordinated scopes, and practical design decisions.
Her experience bridges commercial architecture, interior design, and construction across corporate, retail, healthcare, senior-living, and hospitality environments. Neyda remains directly involved in early strategy, client decisions, scope and delivery planning, and principal-level review, helping projects stay aligned with the client’s vision, schedule, and operational needs.
Partner | Chief Executive Officer
Shary Loaiza
Shary Loaiza leads DRS’s day-to-day operations and helps translate project strategy into organized workflows, coordinated assignments, and clear follow-through.
As Chief Operating Officer, she supports business operations, project coordination, team accountability, and client communication. Her architectural background includes commercial interiors, retail, healthcare, and hospitality work, giving her a practical understanding of how design decisions move through documentation and implementation. Shary’s focus on coordination and execution helps the team maintain consistency, track decisions, and keep responsibilities moving from planning through delivery.
Partner | Chief Operating Officer
Donald R. Small
Donald R. Small founded DRS in 1986 and continues to provide architectural leadership, project oversight, and advisory guidance. As Head of Architecture, he brings broad experience in ground-up commercial buildings, mixed-use work, site planning, and master planning.
Donald remains involved in architectural direction and principal-level review, helping the team evaluate design decisions, technical requirements, and long-term project implications. His practical, client-centered approach established the foundation DRS continues to carry forward through disciplined research, thoughtful design, and coordinated solutions.
Founder | Partner | Head of Architecture
Peter Wilson
Peter Wilson provides senior architectural leadership and direct project support across design, documentation, coordination, and client communication.
His experience includes corporate workplaces, production and processing facilities, retail, food service, healthcare, financial, performing-arts, and residential projects. Having served in principal and senior-management roles, Peter brings a broad perspective on technical decision-making and project delivery.
At DRS, he works with clients and the project team to evaluate requirements, resolve design and documentation questions, and support projects from early planning through completion.
Senior Architect
LET'S MOVE YOUR NEXT PROJECT FORWARD.
Tell us about your project, your goals, and where you need support. We'll help define the right next step.