Pope Design Group Announces New President and Vice President
Tuesday, February 17th, 2026
Pope Design Group is pleased to share that Erica Larson is now President, and Gonzalo Villares is now Vice President of the firm.
“After having the distinct honor of serving as President of Pope Design Group since 2014, I’m thrilled to announce the promotions of Erica Larson as President and Gonzalo Villares as Vice President. The transition of these two leaders is a significant step in our company’s growth and evolution,” said Ward Isaacson, CEO of Pope Design Group.
“Erica and Gonzalo have both dedicated their careers to Pope Design Group and have been instrumental in our success. Over the last two decades, they have established themselves as natural leaders in business and respected experts in the profession. In their elevated roles, they will continue to exemplify Pope’s core values, culture, and support our mission in working together to create environments that enhance lives.”
Ward Isaacson will continue to serve as the firm’s Chief Executive Officer in supporting company operations, project planning, and fostering new and existing client relationships.
Pope Design Group’s new President, Erica Larson has been with the firm for over 24 years, starting as the first interior design intern in 2001, and then the company’s first female and youngest owner in 2014. She was promoted to Vice President in 2020. Erica oversees the firm’s Healthcare studio and Business Development and Marketing departments. She received her B.S. in Interior Design from the University of Minnesota. She is a Certified Interior Designer, a Certified Healthcare Interior Designer (AAHID), Evidence-Based Design Accredited and Certified, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a licensed Architect in the State of Wisconsin.
Pope Design Group’s new Vice President, Gonzalo Villares started at Pope Design Group in 2004, and his career path as an architect and leader at Pope has included becoming a Team Manager and Director of Operations, Principal, Chief Operating Officer and Managing Principal. Gonzalo has over 27 years of experience and has worked on a variety of building types throughout his career, with a focus on education, nonprofit/community, mission critical and specialized manufacturing environments. He received his B.A. and Masters in Architecture from the University of Minnesota, and he is a licensed Architect in 30 states, including Minnesota and North Dakota.
Pope Design Group’s leadership team incudes Principals and Shareholders Ward Isaacson, CEO; Erica Larson, President; Gonzalo Villares, Vice President; Sandra Buehler, CFO; Brock Martinson, Christine Soma, Rebecca Frenning and Raphael Lister.
