Jonathan Cakert Joins BKV Group as Hospitality Practice Leader

Strengthening the Firm’s National Commitment to Hospitality Design Excellence

BKV Group is proud to announce that Jonathan Cakert has joined the firm as Hospitality Practice Leader and Associate Partner, bringing with him a strategic vision, deep design experience, and a passion for crafting memorable guest experiences across the country. With a background that spans high-end hotel, residential, and lifestyle-driven mixed-use projects, Jonathan’s addition marks a pivotal step in expanding BKV’s hospitality presence — both in the D.C. region and nationally.

Jonathan brings nearly two decades of experience leading award-winning hospitality and residential projects in the D.C. metro area and beyond. He is known for blending elevated design with development realities, working closely with developers, operators, and brands to deliver sophisticated, story-driven spaces. His portfolio includes the acclaimed Hilton Columbus Downtown Expansion, as well as a wide range of soft-branded and lifestyle hotels, including Autograph, Curio, and Tapestry Collection properties.

“I’m excited to join a firm with such a strong foundation in placemaking and a shared commitment to hospitality as a driver of community and connection,” said Cakert. “There’s incredible momentum here — both regionally and nationally — and I’m looking forward to building upon it with a team that’s as creative as it is collaborative.”

Strategic Vision for Growth

At BKV, Jonathan will focus on growing the firm’s hospitality portfolio — both ground-up and adaptive reuse — while advancing a fully integrated, client-focused delivery model that unites the firm’s architecture, interiors, branding, and in-house engineering services. His approach emphasizes agility, cohesion, and design excellence throughout every phase of the project.

Establishing a Strong DC Market Presence

Jon’s extensive network in the Washington, DC Metro Area will be instrumental in strengthening BKV Group’s foothold in the region. Alongside his hospitality thought leader counterpart in DC, Kobita Mukherjee, they will make proactive and strategic introductions to elevate the firm’s visibility and highlight its long-term goals. Additionally, BKV Group’s expertise in Housing, Civic, and Institutional design will create cross-selling opportunities, positioning the firm as a leader in a mixed-use ecosystem of design talent.

Cross-Regional Collaboration & Business Development

As part of a broader growth strategy, Jon will also collaborate with Dallas-based Hospitality Sector Leaders, Shaney Mullen and Melanie Hanna, plus Minneapolis-based Hospitality Sector Leader, Trace Jacques, to create new opportunities and expand the firm’s national presence. This partnership will facilitate knowledge-sharing, strengthen BKV Group’s story, and establish a seamless mechanism for collaboration across practice sites.

Over the past two years, this collaboration has resulted in multiple hospitality projects across the D.C. region, including the full renovation of Morris Lapidus’s iconic Washington Plaza Hotel. Nationally, it has also driven significant renovation and repositioning efforts, as well as development entitlements for both new-build and historic preservation/adaptive reuse projects.

Further propelling this momentum, BKV’s Georgetown office — housed on the top floor of the historic Canal Plaza building — is wrapping up a significant build-out that increases staff seating capacity by 60%. The newly expanded space, with sweeping views of the C&O Canal and Potomac River, underscores the firm’s long-term investment in the D.C. region as both a cultural and creative hub.

With a strategic vision, a commitment to design excellence, and a passion for creating meaningful hospitality experiences, Jonathan Cakert’s leadership will play a critical role in driving BKV Group’s continued success in the hospitality sector — one experience at a time.