PGAV, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, is continuing the strategic growth of its design studios located in St. Louis and Orlando. With the addition of a skilled group of new team members, PGAV will advance its collaborative efforts in creating remarkable destinations in the travel, tourism, and entertainment sectors, both locally and globally.
PGAV Destinations is dedicated to fostering innovation in project planning and design, positioning it as a leader in the industry. The increasing demand for themed entertainment, zoos, aquariums, museums, brand destinations, and hospitality projects worldwide is reflected in the entry of these talented individuals from a variety of design backgrounds.
“Strategic investments in talent development continue to be a core success strategy for us.
2023 represented the most robust recruitment year in our company’s history,” says Mike Konzen, PGAV CEO. “Based on a strong backlog and an ongoing plan for growth, we foresee continuing to build our team into 2024. We are delighted to welcome these talented individuals to our team.”
Introducing the new team members
Architectural designer Pranali Bhilare completed her undergraduate studies at the University of Mumbai before attending the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign for her master’s programme in architecture. Her prior experience includes internships at an architectural company in Mumbai and at the PGAV Kansas City office.
Jessyka Colon, an architectural designer from Puerto Rico, graduated with a bachelor’s degree in architecture from Iowa State University and a master’s degree in themed entertainment design from Savannah College of Art & Design. Her prior experience includes an internship at BRPH, an architectural associate position at Steven L. Cohen & Associates, and architectural design at RM + Design & Development.
Project architect Erica Hertz hails from O’Fallon, Missouri, and completed her undergraduate and graduate studies in architecture at Kansas State University. She has previously worked at Vestal Corporation, Schaefer Architecture, and Chiodini Architects.
Holden Knudsen, an architectural designer from Kirkwood, Missouri, graduated from the University of Kansas with a master’s degree in architecture and a certificate in design-build. He has worked as a graduate student in studio 804 at the University of Kansas for Space Architects and as an intern at Killeen Studio Architects.
Paige Lefkowitz, an executive assistant and hospitality specialist from Brooklyn, New York, graduated from Flagler College with a bachelor’s degree in communications and minors in business administration and pre-law. She also graduated from Full Sail University with a Master of Arts in public relations. Her prior experience includes an internship with Dateline NBC and a position as Director of Internal Operations for a real estate investment company.
Welcome back, project architect Blake Sneed from St. Louis, MO, who received his master’s degree in architecture from Kansas State University Kansas City Design Center. His prior experience includes Rosemann and Associates and Burns and McDonnell.
Ron Vance, a designer and illustrator from Huntington, West Virginia, graduated from Savannah College of Art and Design with a Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer art and architecture studies and also holds a Bachelor of Science in entertainment design from Art Center College of Design. He has worked with Thinkwell, Walt Disney Imagineering, and The Hettema Group in the past.
Drew Williams, a project accountant from St. Louis, Missouri, graduated from Harris-Stowe State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting. He has worked as a senior grant accountant at Saint Louis University, an accountant and auditor for the Productive Living Board, an accountant for the St. Patrick Centre, and a Next Generation Talent with Wells Fargo Advisors. He also owns Princeton Accounting & Consulting Services.
PGAV recently announced the release of a new report, Creating Family Memories: Making Attractions Visits Unforgettable which explores the connection between attractions and the formation of enduring family memories.
