Maya Zatezalo

Production Associate
Maya Zatezalo is a Production Associate at Worrell Design Group, where she brings over five years of diverse experience in planning and design, food service consulting, and expertise in AutoCAD and Revit. With a strong foundation in architectural software, and client assurance, Maya has played a key role in a wide range of projects, including those in education, retail, and healthcare.

Maya is deeply valued for the strong relationships she builds with clients and her collaborative approach to project management. Her work is guided by a thoughtful understanding of how space, functionality, and aesthetics come together to shape meaningful dining and working environments.

Since joining Worrell Design Group, Maya has contributed to notable projects such as Rice University’s McNair Business School, Houston Methodist the Woodlands Hospital, The Kinkaid School, and the University of Texas at Austin—each reflecting her dedication to quality and innovation.

Outside the studio, Maya draws inspiration from many of her personal passions, including drawing, painting, playing piano, gardening, and hiking. These creative outlets often inform her approach to design, bringing fresh perspective and energy to every project.

Education: Currently pursuing a degree in Engineering Management at Arizona State University

Tyler Shaulis

Production Associate
Tyler Shaulis serves as a Production Associate at Worrell Design Group, bringing in over half a decade of experience in foodservice design consulting. With a background in CAD and 3D modeling, he has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects ranging from correctional facilities to law firms to multiple levels of educational buildings across the state of Texas.

Tyler is known for his foresight, attention to detail and creative mindset. He is grounded in a holistic approach and strategic vision of each unique project to provide the best possible outcome for the client.

Throughout his tenure at Worrell Design Group, Tyler has worked on a mix of corporate, specialty, education, and healthcare projects including Chambers County Correctional Facility, Harris Health LBJ Hospital, and Texas Instruments.

Outside of the studio, Tyler finds inspiration in playing golf, leather & metal work and exploring nature, which often inform his creative and strategic thinking.


Education: Associates of Applied Science and Technology – San Jacinto College

Professional Affiliations and Awards: 4 year military service, USMC, Team Leader

Oscar Ortega

Project Manager
Oscar Ortega serves as Project Manager at Worrell Design Group, bringing in over 25 years of experience in Foodservice Design and Manufacturing. With a background in manufacturing and engineering for Millwork and Kitchen equipment, He has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects ranging from Hospitality, Healthcare, Education and Industrial design in the Foodservice. He is an expert in Revit and digital prototyping in the creation and execution of Architectural Foodservice Design and Construction.

Oscar is known for his knowledge in Fabrication, Foodservice design & Workflow optimization, MEP coordination, knowledge of Building codes/Health and Safety regulations, Project Management and Efficient Client Communication. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding in translating operational needs into efficient, code-compliant layouts that optimize workflow, safety, and aesthetics that has helped clients to the completeness of their projects. Experienced in collaborating with architects, engineers, and culinary professionals to deliver functional, sustainable, and cost-effective foodservice spaces.

Throughout his tenure at Worrell Design Group, Oscar has worked on a mix of corporate, specialty, education, hospitality, healthcare, projects including American Airlines, UT Austin, Liberty Mutual, Shell, Houston Methodist, Memorial Herman, and many others.Outside of the studio, Oscar finds inspiration in Bike riding, wood working, 3D printing and enjoy History & Science documentaries about the world of Architecture and Engineering.

Professional Affiliations:

- Associate member of the American Institute of Architects.
- AXP – National Council of Architectural Registration Boards.

Ben De Leon

Production Associate
Ben De Leon serves as Production Associate at Worrell Design Group, bringing over 27 years of experience in general Foodservice Consulting with a specialized focus on developing MEP Coordination Sets, detailed Elevations, Sections, and Construction Details, along with writing Specifications and generating Project Cost Estimates — spanning from Schematic Design through Construction Documentation to final Observation Reports. In addition to his design-side responsibilities, Ben has hands-on experience as a Project Manager in the Construction Industry, providing him with a practical understanding of Foodservice Equipment Installation, on-site Construction sequencing, and coordination with Contractors and other Trades. This dual perspective enhances his ability to anticipate construction challenges and streamline the transition from drawings to real-world execution.

Ben has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects across Corporate, Education, Hospitality, and Healthcare sectors, including major Foodservice Renovations for University Campuses, Large-scale Hospital Kitchens, Casinos and specialized Culinary Training Facilities.

He is known for his Precision, Technical Expertise, and Strong Eye for Detail. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how infrastructure, particularly MEP Systems, must align seamlessly with Foodservice Workflow, Operational Requirements, and Architectural Intent. Ben excels at identifying potential conflicts early in the design process, coordinating closely with Engineers, Architects, and Contractors to develop integrated, functional, and efficient solutions.

Outside of his professional responsibilities, Ben draws inspiration from his loving and amazing Blended Family and his active participation in professional BBQ Cook-off Competitions, Culinary Exploration, Woodworking, and Home Cooking. These pursuits reflect his deep appreciation for Food Culture, Craftsmanship, and Creativity, which in turn inform his balanced, thoughtful, and authentic approach to design and project delivery.

Education: Bachelors in Applied Sciences - ITT University

Johnny De La Rosa

Project Manager
Johnny De La Rosa serves as Project Manager at Worrell Design Group, bringing over 16 years of experience in kitchen planning and design. With a background in architectural design, he has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects ranging from corporate, education, hospitality, and healthcare.

Johnny is known for strategic foresight during construction and design leadership. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how workspace/workflow, and aesthetics intersect to shape the dining experience, from laying out a plan from back of house to servery area.

Throughout his tenure at Worrell Design Group, Johnny has worked to ensure the development and execution of design for our clients, including Keurig Dr. Pepper, Bowie House Hotel, Irving Convention Center, UNT, UTSA, Parkland Hospital, and MD Anderson CSC, among others.

Outside of the studio, Johnny finds inspiration in playing golf, spending time with family, and traveling which often informs his creative and strategic thinking.

Education: Bachelor of Arts, Organizational Leadership – The University of Oklahoma, Associates of Applied Science, Drafting Design – ITT Technical Institute

Henry Edwards

Project Manager

Ed Wong

Senior Planner
Edward Wong serves as Senior Planner at Worrell Design Group, bringing over 40 years of experience in food service consulting. Edward is a registered Architect in State of Texas. He has led and contributed to a broad spectrum of projects such as Shell Oil in Woodcreek. Edward is known for his strategic foresight and design leadership. His approach is grounded in a deep understanding of how workspace and aesthetics intersect to shape the dining experience.

Outside of the studio, he finds inspiration in culinary exploration, travel, pottery, and gardening, which often inform his creative and strategic thinking.

Member of AIA

Education: Bachelors in Architecture – University of Houston

May Boitel

Space Programmer / Project Manager; Marketing & Business Development Director
May Boitel provides master planning, programming, and foodservice management advisory services for Worrell Design Group’s corporate and institutional clients. Her responsibilities include the development of comprehensive foodservice programs, master plans, mapping and documenting existing and proposed operations to meet evolving customer demands across complex campus environments.

May plays a key role in conducting market analyses, customer surveys, and operational assessments, as well as supporting clients in the development and evaluation of third-party foodservices operator proposals. She brings strategic insight into menu concepts, participation levels, and staffing models to support the programming and design of highly functional dining environments.

Since joining the firm in 1982, May has contributed to a wide range of high-profile projects including the Eagle Landing Dining Hall at the University of North Texas, the corporate dining amenities for Liberty Mutual and Toyota North America headquarters in Plano and the American Airlines One Campus in Fort Worth. She also participated in the Texas Medical Center MD Anderson Cancer Center Foodservices Multi-Campus Study. Her longstanding tenure and deep expertise make her an essential member of WDG’s planning and design team. Outside of work, May enjoys traveling, reading, and spending time with her family. Whether exploring new places or relaxing with a good book, she values opportunities that foster connection, curiosity, and balance in life.

Years with Firm: 38

Time Involvement:

- 100% Programming and Master Plan
- 100% Foodservices Management Advisory Services
- 80% Design

Education: Master of Science, Hospitality Management, University of Houston - Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel & Restaurant Management, 2013

Bachelor of Arts, Economics, Houston Baptist University, 1984

Michelle Guidry

Accounting Manager
Michelle Guidry has been an integral part of the Worrell Design Group family for over 34 years. As Accounting Manager, she oversees the firm’s financial operations and records keeping. Michelle also supports many of the firm's day-to-day functions as well as long-term planning. Her industry knowledge, attention to detail, and leadership contribute greatly to the success and smooth operation of WDG.

Katy Worrell Grizzle

President
Katy Worrell Grizzle serves as President at Worrell Design Group, bringing over 9 years of experience with the firm. With a background in management and communications, Katy predominantly oversees project coordination and assignments within Worrell Design Group and developing marketing and proposal packages for prospective work.

Throughout her tenure at Worrell Design Group, Katy has contributed to projects including American Airlines, the Bush Pavilion at TAMU, and Houston Food Bank.

Outside of the studio, Katy finds inspiration in traveling with her husband and two children, cooking, baking, and trying to learn film photography.

Education: B.A., Communication, Baylor University, 2014

Rodney Worrell

President Emeritus & Principal
Rodney Worrell is the President Emeritus and Principal-in-Charge of Worrell Design Group and has been responsible for the firm’s direction and leadership since 1994. His role includes project programming, operational and design concept development.

His concepts have been showcased in multiple Foodservice publications including Texas Architects and Foodservice Equipment & Supplies magazine for the foodservice planning and design of Rice University’s expansion of McMurtry/Duncan Residential Colleges Servery, located in Houston, Texas.  Rodney has also been featured in Foodservice Consultant magazine for the planning and design of the organic Café within the Perot Museum of Nature in Science in Dallas.

Prominent clients include Conoco Philips, BBVA Compass Bank, UT MD Anderson, Shell Oil, Charles Schwab and USAA.

Rod has nearly 40 years of experience in foodservice planning and design and holds a BS in Environmental Design from the University of Colorado. He is an Affiliate Member of the American Institute of Architects and has been a Member of the Les Amis d’Escoffier Society for 5 years. Rodney was also involved in the fund raising and founding of the Erik J. Worscheh Endowment, which honors hospitality icon Eric Worscheh, who was a great supporter of the Conrad N. Hilton College of Hotel and Restaurant Management, by a series of visiting lectures for students within the program.

Since joining the firm’s predecessor in 1978, Rod has directed a variety of foodservice programs, ranging in size from compact food facilities to complex multi-unit foodservice operations.  He has managed projects for a variety of clients throughout the nation and abroad.  Rod has a thorough understanding of the relationship between functional design, menu development, meal merchandising/ presentation trends and costs.

Education: Bachelors of Science - Environmental Design, University of Colorado, 1975

HISTORY

Worrell Design Group, Inc. traces our roots back 60 years with the founding of Mulhauser, Holmes, and Riggs in 1953 as specialists in foodservice planning and design (later known as Mulhauser/McCleary Associates). In 1994, Rodney Worrell, after 16+ years with the firm, re-established the practice as Worrell Design Group, Inc. ​Throughout our long history, a major contributor to the quality of our projects remains the longevity of our employees. Today, employees average over 18 years with the firm, having worked together on hundreds of foodservice planning and design projects. Our team of professionals have successfully completed over 3,000 projects both nationally and internationally. Clients consist of prominent national firms, including owners, design and construction professionals, developers, foodservice management organizations, and end-users.

Behind every great project

IS AN EVEN GREATER

TEAM

OUR TEAM

Rodney Worrell

Katy Worrell grizzle

michelle guidry

may boitel

edward wong

henry edwards

johnny de la rosa

ben de leon

maya zatezalo

tyler shaulis

Oscar Ortega