Archinect
Melanie Gifford

Melanie Gifford

Los Angeles, CA, US

 

About 

I am an ambitious, hard working person seeking to expand my skills and creativity by exploring the opportunities out there for me. Throughout my work history, I have acquired knowledge, experience, and leadership qualities that will allow me to be an asset to you.

In the past year I have opened the Los Angeles office for Sargenti Architects and acted as their West Coast Director of Business Development. I have brought new clients on and grown the companies West Coast presence. I managed retail clients such as Zadig et Voltaire, Skechers, UGG and Kitson. My architectural knowledge as well as my extensive list of industry contacts has helped me create lasting relationships throughout the retail and construction world.

Prior to this I spent almost 7 years working as a Senior Project Manager at Kenneth Park Architects, a retail Architectural firm based in New York City. In the fall of 2009 I relocated to Los Angeles to assist in opening and running a new branch of their office. I have up-to-date knowledge in the field, having completed numerous projects throughout the United States and Canada. I have maintained a high intensity of work throughout my career and am constantly seeking the next challenge.

I have almost ten years of experience in the field of architecture, in which I have formed incomparable business skills and relationships. Over eight of these years have been in retail. I have experienced the day-to-day operations of an architectural and design firm, and have accrued skills that have prepared me for the challenges of being a designer. I have worked with retailers such as Zadig et Voltaire, Coach, Michael Kors, Halston Heritage, Lesportsac, Ermenegildo Zegna, BCBG, Skechers and Splendid. I am currently taking the Architectural Registration Exams in hope of seeking licensure. I have also demonstrated my managerial skills by supervising and training other employees in my past and current positions.

Employment 

Sargenti Architects, Los Angeles, CA, US, Business Development Project Manager

Identify trendsetter ideas by researching industry and related events, publications, and announcements.
Locate and propose potential business deals by contacting potential partners, discovering and exploring opportunities. Close new business deals by coordinating requirements, developing and negotiating contracts. Participate in educational opportunities, reading professional publications, maintaining personal networks and participating in professional organizations. Manage retail accounts with project managers, manage office.

Oct 2013 - current
 

Kenneth Park Architects, Los Angeles, CA, US, Senior Project Manager

Managed roll out of numerous retail locations per year, including clients such as Michael Kors, Splendid, SYLK, Halston, Coach, James Perse, Skechers and BCBG.
Took projects from design phase thru construction. Represented the firm through on-site meetings and facilitated communication between client, contractor, consultant and building departments. Managed team of Junior Architects. Assisted in opening and running West Coast Los Angeles Office.

Nov 2009 - Oct 2013
 

Kenneth Park Architects, New York, NY, US, Project Manager

Managed roll out of numerous retail locations per year, including clients such as Michael Kors, Splendid, SYLK, Halston, Coach, James Perse, Skechers and BCBG.
Took projects from design phase thru construction. Represented the firm through on-site meetings and facilitated communication between client, contractor, consultant and building departments.

Jan 2007 - Nov 2009
 

Education 

Syracuse University, Syracuse, NY, US, BArch, Architecture

I spent 5 years as an architectural student at Syracuse University. I spent a semester abroad in Florence, Italy. I also have a minor in Psychology.

Aug 2001 - May 2006
 

Areas of Specialization 

Skills