FUTURE OF NOW

by alfa8™

Strategic Design drawn From Source

The Why...

STRATEGIC DESIGN

We envision a world shaped by designs that resonate deeply with the human spirit and the evolving needs of our planet. A world where Strategic Design is not merely about aesthetics or function, but a holistic approach to solving complex challenges—bridging technology and tradition, insight and impact, source and structure.

Through our work, we aim to create luminous pathways for generations to come, grounded in wisdom, empowered by intelligence, and driven by purpose.

SOURCE

SOURCEAt alfa8, we are passionate about creating designs that empower humans, advance systems, and illuminate futures. We harness the principles of Source—the universal intelligence that underlies nature, consciousness, and innovation—to craft integrated, resilient, and impactful solutions. Through strategic design based on source, we unite human, machine, and cultural intelligence to serve diverse markets and elevate communities across the globe.

We are committed to activating American innovation and leadership as a positive global force—shaping, stewarding, and sustaining a shared world through visionary design and transformative action.

VISION

STRATEGY

TACTICS

Committed Leadership that Delivers Dynamic Results

Iliad Terra, AIA

CEO + Design Principal, alfa8

Mr. Terra is an award-winning architect, developer, and innovator who has worked internationally toward advancing technology integration and the stewardship of the built environment with a strong focus on safeguarding our shared natural resources while leveraging advances in technology to ultimately create a better today and tomorrow.

Linton Wells, Ph.D

Managing Partner, Wells Analytics

Dr. Linton Wells II has more than thirty years of leadership experience at the interface of policy and technology. He served as a naval officer and as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for NII and DoD CIO.  He brings significant strategic leadership and resilience response to alfa8. Dr. Wells is currently leading on the resilience front through his work at STAR-TIDES and the C-RASC in collaboration with GMU. 

Myra Chung

Director of Operations, alfa8

Ms. Chung spearheads the operations for alfa8, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of projects from conception to delivery. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to efficiency and passion for fostering innovation. She focuses on streamlining processes and optimizing resource utilization to deliver high quality solutions to clients.

Iliad Terra, AIA

CEO + Design Principal,
alfa8

Mr. Terra is an award-winning architect, developer, and innovator who has worked internationally toward advancing technology integration and the stewardship of the built environment with a strong focus on safeguarding our shared natural resources while leveraging advances in technology to ultimately create a better today and tomorrow.

Linton Wells, Ph.D

Managing Partner,
Wells Analytics

Dr. Linton Wells II has more than thirty years of leadership experience at the interface of policy and technology. He served as a naval officer and as Acting Assistant Secretary of Defense for NII and DoD CIO.  He brings significant strategic leadership and resilience response to alfa8. Dr. Wells is currently leading on the resilience front through his work at STAR-TIDES and the C-RASC in collaboration with GMU. 

Myra Chung

Director of Operations,
alfa8

Ms. Chung spearheads the operations for alfa8, playing a pivotal role in ensuring the seamless execution of projects from conception to delivery. Her leadership is marked by a commitment to efficiency and passion for fostering innovation. She focuses on streamlining processes and optimizing resource utilization to deliver high quality solutions to clients.

Rick Donnally, RA

Senior Architect, alfa8

Mr. Donnally is a seasoned architect with a wealth of experience in his approach to design. He specializes in sustainable and innovative designs and leads cross-functional teams through various phases of architectural projects, from concept development to construction oversight. He is passionate about shaping environments that inspire and push the boundaries of design.

Lara Ashton

Investment Analyst, alfa8

Ms. Ashton is a seasoned investment analyst and international market veteran with over 20 years of experience. She leads Alfa8’s investment strategies and brings to our team a unique set of expertise in sourcing high-performing real estate opportunities. Her results-driven approach in finance has established Lara as one of alfa8’s core team members and an indispensable asset for our clients worldwide.

Eugene Sullivan

Partner, Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan

The Honorable Judge Eugene Sullivan brings a stellar legacy of leadership to our team.  He is currently a senior partner in the D.C. law firm where he works with Director Freeh.  Judge Sullivan served under a number of US Presidents as a Federal Judge on Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.  He brings to our team keen legal counsel and support in a complex operation. 

Rick Donnally, RA

Senior Architect,
alfa8

Mr. Donnally is a seasoned architect with a wealth of experience in his approach to design. He specializes in sustainable and innovative designs and leads cross-functional teams through various phases of architectural projects, from concept development to construction oversight. He is passionate about shaping environments that inspire and push the boundaries of design.

Lara Ashton

Investment Analyst,
alfa8

Ms. Ashton is a seasoned investment analyst and international market veteran with over 20 years of experience. She leads Alfa8’s investment strategies and brings to our team a unique set of expertise in sourcing high-performing real estate opportunities. Her results-driven approach in finance has established Lara as one of alfa8’s core team members and an indispensable asset for our clients worldwide.

Eugene Sullivan

Partner,
Freeh Sporkin & Sullivan

The Honorable Judge Eugene Sullivan brings a stellar legacy of leadership to our team.  He is currently a senior partner in the D.C. law firm where he works with Director Freeh.  Judge Sullivan served under a number of US Presidents as a Federal Judge on Court of Appeals for the Armed Forces.  He brings to our team keen legal counsel and support in a complex operation. 

Mary Petrino, ASID

Senior Interior Designer, alfa8

Ms. Petrino brings over forty years of commercial interior design experience to the alfa8 team.  She has been responsible for the design of more than 20 million sq ft of public and private sector space.  Her past professional endeavors include local, national, and international projects. As a Dame of Malta, she is active in leadership roles throughout the world.

Sharron McPherson

CFO, Resource Lab

A former Wall Street attorney and banker, Sharron McPherson is the Co-Founder of one of Africa’s largest women’s infrastructure investment groups. With extensive Non-Executive Director experience across Africa, she was a founding board member of Graca Machel’s “New Faces New Voices. She is an expert at the intersection of climate, infrastructure, and national security, with a focus on economic development. 

Peter Samton, FAIA

Senior Adviser, alfa8

Peter Samton graduated from M.I.T. and a Fullbright scholarship to France. He brings to our team a deep legacy of experience through is a noteworthy collaboration with Hugh Stubbins in Cambridge and Marcel Breuer in NYC, where he became a Partner in 1967. Peter continues his work in NYC, serving on Community Planning Board, and on the Board of numerous nonprofits, including the National Institute for Social Services, A.I.A., and others.

Mary Petrino, ASID

Senior Interior Designer,
alfa8
Ms. Petrino, ASID, CID, NCIDQ, LEED AP, brings over forty years of commercial interior design experience to the alfa8 team.  She has been responsible for the design of more than 20 million sq ft of public and private sector space.  Her past professional endeavors include local, national, and international projects. As a Dame of Malta, she is active in leadership roles throughout the world.

Sharron McPherson

CFO,
Resource Lab

A former Wall Street attorney and banker, Sharron McPherson is the Co-Founder of one of Africa’s largest women’s infrastructure investment groups. With extensive Non-Executive Director experience across Africa, she was a founding board member of Graca Machel’s “New Faces New Voices. She is an expert at the intersection of climate, infrastructure, and national security, with a focus on economic development. 

Peter Samton, FAIA

Senior Adviser,
alfa8
Peter Samton graduated from M.I.T. and a Fullbright scholarship to France. He brings to our team a deep legacy of experience through is a noteworthy collaboration with Hugh Stubbins in Cambridge and Marcel Breuer in NYC, where he became a Partner in 1967. Peter continues his work in NYC, serving on Community Planning Board, and on the Board of numerous nonprofits, including the National Institute for Social Services, A.I.A., and others.

Vinay Gupta

CTO, Resource Lab

Vinay Gupta is a technology strategist, visionary thinker, and expert in the field of blockchain technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Mattereum, a blockchain-based platform that aims to create a system of digital twin contracts for physical assets. Gupta has over 20 years of experience working in the field of technology, specifically in software development, strategy and consultancy.

Austin Branch

Managing Partner, Crescent Bridge

Austin Branch is Managing Partner of Crescent Bridge, specializing in information, cyber, and cognitive security. A retired Army officer, he held key roles across the DoD, National Security Staff, and Joint Special Operations, later leading national efforts in information warfare, counterterrorism, and strategic influence. He also co-founded the Information Professionals Association.

Dave Pitts

Cybersecurity, alfa8

Dave Pitts is a national security leader and former CIA executive with over 40 years of experience in intelligence, strategic communications, and global operations. He has led major initiatives across South and Central Asia, the National Resources Division, the Counterterrorism Center, and CIA’s largest field stations. A veteran of elite Special Operations units, Dave brings deep expertise in great power competition, gray zone conflict, and cognitive warfare. 

Vinay Gupta

CTO,
Resource Lab

Vinay Gupta is a technology strategist, visionary thinker, and expert in the field of blockchain technology. He is the Founder and CEO of Mattereum, a blockchain-based platform that aims to create a system of digital twin contracts for physical assets. Gupta has over 20 years of experience working in the field of technology, specifically in software development, strategy and consultancy.

Austin Branch

Strategic Advisor,
alfa8 MindCube

Austin Branch is Managing Partner of Crescent Bridge, specializing in information, cyber, and cognitive security. A retired Army officer, he held key roles across the DoD, National Security Staff, and Joint Special Operations, later leading national efforts in information warfare, counterterrorism, and strategic influence. He also co-founded the Information Professionals Association.

Dave Pitts

Strategic Advisor,
alfa8

Dave Pitts is a national security leader and former CIA executive with over 40 years of experience in intelligence, strategic communications, and global operations. He has led major initiatives across South and Central Asia, the National Resources Division, the Counterterrorism Center, and CIA’s largest field stations. A veteran of elite Special Operations units, Dave brings deep expertise in great power competition, gray zone conflict, and cognitive warfare. 

 

Founder

IliadTerra, AIA
CEO, alfa8

Mr. Terra is an award-winning visionary, design strategist, and executive leader with a proven track record of developing transformative projects that empower human experience, drive sustainable innovation, and position organizations at the forefront of global progress. As the CEO of Alfa8®, he leverages his expertise in architecture, technology integration, and strategic development to create forward-thinking solutions that redefine industries and elevate market potential.

A master of convergence, Mr. Terra seamlessly integrates next-generation technologies, environmental stewardship, and human-centered design into dynamic ecosystems that foster long-term resilience and growth. His leadership extends across luxury developments, resort master planning, and the establishment of an Innovation Lab in Washington, DC, where cutting-edge solutions in sustainability, generative design, and advanced AI-driven models are shaping the future.

Beyond his work in architecture and urban planning, Mr. Terra is an accomplished artist

whose works explore the intersection of consciousness, matter, and ether. 

His multi-dimensional approach fuses fine art with emerging digital mediums, from intricate mixed-media canvases to boundary-pushing NFTs, reflecting his deep understanding of both tangible and virtual realms. His work is featured in private collections worldwide, further demonstrating the universal resonance of his artistic vision.

A global operator, Mr. Terra’s expertise spans branding, operations, strategic consultancy, technology integration, and storytelling, making him a sought-after partner in high-level governmental, enterprise, and investment initiatives. His vast international experience includes work across China, Korea, Japan, the UK, the EU, Afghanistan, Haiti, Kenya, Turkey, the UAE, and the United States, where he has played a pivotal role in shaping projects that merge innovation with real-world impact. 

For Iliad’s Art Practice visit iliadterra.com

Strategic Relationships

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