Background
For the past two decades my focus has been on business development, marketing, and organizational planning for firms in the AEC industry. As a consultant, I consider both the strategic and the tactical – from the big picture need for proactive planning, to the client management and other infrastructure necessary to conduct business day-to-day. My resulting action plans consist of overarching goals, short- and long-term priorities, and manageable tasks.
The privilege of working with architecture and engineering firms has provided me with a depth of knowledge about their ecosystems and synergy. I place high value on collaboration – my clients know what their best work consists of, and their areas of vulnerability in growing their business. We work hand-in-hand to establish business and practice goals, as well as communication standards that convey their experience with clarity and authenticity.
My current commitment as Board President of the Architecture + Design Museum (A+D) means I am continually immersed in strategic planning, community relations, and professional stewardship. It also affords me the privilege of partnering with architects, designers, contractors, engineers, and other professionals about issues that are critical to AEC Industry.
Upon completion of my MBA, I was part of a team who crafted business plans that were used to facilitate acquisitions between technology and entertainment companies. I also worked at UCLA Extension (Program Manager, Architecture & Interior Design Programs), and The Museum of Contemporary Art Los Angeles.
Affiliations & Leadership
Associate. American Institute of Architects
Chair. A+D Architecture + Design Museum Los Angeles, CA
Founder & (Past) Chair. Westside Branch USGBC Los Angeles
Education
MBA. University of Southern California
BS. University of California, Los Angeles
Select Experience
Consultant
VARIOUS (ongoing)
Provide business development and marketing strategic planning and consultation to synergistic companies in the A/E/C industry with a goal to cultivate opportunities and improve company business practices. In addition to proposal packaging including fees, responsibilities include reinforcing and developing Client Relationships, creating the look and content of firm web sites and collateral materials, expanding visibility through Community Outreach & Awareness plans, submitting projects for awards recognition and media exposure, and providing guidance with company professional practices. Clients include Kilograph, Zakian Woo Architects, Giving Design and West Edge Architects, and as a member of the A3K consulting team, IBI Group, Harris Associates, IEI Infrastructure, and more.
PRESIDENT
LONE MEADOW, Sustainability Lab of JLF Collections (Compton, CA)
As President, I formalized the functions of a sustainability lab within a $54M domestic hospitality furnishings company committed to environmental advocacy in manufacturing. The focus of ‘lone meadow’ was the proprietary development of a bio-based alternative to polyurethane foam; as Project Director for ‘The Cushioning Plan’ (TCuP), I was responsible for fostering progress between the disciplines of biomimicry and green chemistry, while at the same time integrating the contributions of a diverse set of venture partners representing sustainability, logistics, and finance. Based upon my experience within the architecture and interior design professions, I also implemented a JLF Collections’ Business Development program involving systematic analysis and strategy with the company’s nationwide sales staff.
Director of Business Development
VENEKLASEN ASSOCIATES (Santa Monica, CA)
As Director of Business Development, I played a critical role in achieving the company’s goals for revenue and growth, including the analysis of new business performance considering win/loss ratios, client activity, and market sectors. I was involved with all aspects of client development and new business transactions including: firm-to-firm development, one-one one professional relationships, strategies for qualification packages, proposals and interviews, and fee and contract negotiations.
Marketing manager
CANNON DESIGN
My role at Cannon Design involved new business initiatives for the firm’s Public Sector, Higher Education/Sports & Recreation, and Design Studio market segments, with responsibilities that included the strategic direction and supervision of proposal production, team preparation for interviews and presentations, creation of target action plans, facilitation of regular business development meetings for regional officers, and composition of key narrative for submittals and fee proposals.