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FERNANDO ZABALA

FERNANDO ZABALA

Naples, FL, US

 
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About 

Accomplished Licensed Architect with demonstrated ability to deliver mission-critical results. Passionate
and well-seasoned designer with 26 years of broad experience in Architecture. Versatile creative
mind with a solid technical background that aims to deliver fresh true custom products.
Personable leader that understands the nuances and ever changing complexity of true custom design.
Fernando has worked with different types of clients, design themes and design teams. He has successfully led teams of up to 18 people including staff members and specialty consultants. He is very resourceful and knowledgeable working with teams and clients that are not physically in the same location utilizing technology effectively catering meticulously each of the different audiences.
His analytical point of view, pragmatism and quick response to design solutions is the result of
many years of training and experience in the field, and his teaching and researching career in
Morphology at the FAUD-UNMDP (School of Architecture, Urbanism and Design-National
University of Mar del Plata, Argentina). He can quickly adapt and implement innovative ideas and
solutions and communicate with great people skills to the team members as well as report to
superiors and clients. 

Employment 

Studio+, Fort Myers, FL, US, Project Manager

Responsible for design and management of projects utilizing multi-location teams. Implemented successfully
remote location operations. Responsible for Client contact. Contributes actively to Business development and
marketing efforts including participating in STEM programs and LEED and STEM activities, as well as social media
posts and event participation.
Revitalized the Lunch and Learn program and the product library.
Responsible for a six month contract managing Ahrens Companies design team and implemented selection of
new appointed Director of Design.
Project highlights: 3 story 60k SF bank headquarters building (under construction)
2 story multi-phase 35K SF clinic additions and renovations (under construction)
Road signs Special project for RSW Airport
3 story 55K SF48 unit apartment building (CDs phase)
20K SF work Flex custom upscale Tenant Improvement
Skills gained: Revit, Bluebeam Hubspot, Ajera, Procore (from the Design phase) Work Plan (on company’s
system) GoToMeeting, ZOOM and TEAMS extensive use.

Oct 2018 - May 2020
 

Ahrens Companies, Lake Park, FL, US, Lead Architect- Director of design

Managed the design team and restructured the department of this Design Build firm.
Fast pace public service and industrial buildings.
The task ended in a collaboration agreement with Studio+ of Fort Myers. Fernando remained overseeing the projects through Studio+ until January of 2019 when the transition to a new design director was implemented by Fernando.

May 2018 - Oct 2018
 

Zabala Erickson, LLC, Naples, FL, US, Principal/ Owner

Managed team of 15 professionals staff and specialty consultants from schematic design through completion of
construction observation services.
Client satisfaction achiever. Setting, meeting and exceeding the Owner's expectations at all phases.
Implemented the design concept effectively and within project budget working closely with suppliers and GC to
verify cost of proposed systems.
Administrated and performed general office tasks, billing and CPA coordination, as well as developed and
implemented extensive marketing efforts including business functions and social media.

Jan 2010 - May 2018
 

Erickson Associates, Naples, FL, US, Project Designer/ Manager

Led design teams of up to 18 people including staff members, interior designers and specialty consultants in
multiple jobs simultaneously, from schematic design through construction administration within budget and
timeframe.
Spearheaded training and mentoring interns and young architects in the field of Luxury Custom State Homes
reinforcing the collaboration and studio environment which resulted in more efficient and accurate results.
Led, oversaw and approved detailing in traditional architecture styles for states average 12,000 to 21,000 s.f. of
living space often in oceanfront settings complying with the specific code regulations and construction complexity
of such type of building.

Nov 2004 - Nov 2008
 

Education 

FAUD UNMDP, Mar del Plata, AR, MArch, Architecture

Degree equivalent to Bachelors and Master of Architecture and Master of Urbanism

Mar 1987 - Nov 1994
 

Areas of Specialization