PGAV Destinations, a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations, has announced a new office to be located in Florida, US.
The expansion will allow the firm to focus on new growth opportunities and further develop its capabilities for major theme park clients in the area as it continues its transformation into what the company calls a “global industry centre of excellence”.
PGAV Destinations chairman and principal Mike Konzen says: “With the attractions industry expecting a strong rebound as pandemic concerns ease, now is the perfect time for PGAV Destinations to establish a permanent presence in Orlando, which has emerged as a critical hub for theme park design and development.
“Our new studio will strengthen PGAV Destinations’ position as one of the world’s premier planners and creators of unique destination experiences, and will provide excellent career opportunities for talented architects, designers, planners and producers throughout the region.”
Theme park capital
The new studio will be headed by PGAV Destinations VP Ned Diestelkamp, an industry veteran with over 35 years of experience. He has worked on a vast array of innovative, world-class projects across the globe including park attractions, cultural institutions and resorts throughout his career to date.
Diestelkamp says: “PGAV Destinations has a long history of success supporting clients with major projects in Orlando, the theme park capital of the world. In recent years, Orlando has also become the theme park design capital of the world, with many major operators headquartering design and development work there as well.
“I’m excited for the opportunity to establish and build PGAV’s presence in Orlando, which will play an important role in continued success for our firm and our clients.”
Power of three
PGAV Destinations’ Orlando studio will become the company’s third office, joining its existing locations in St. Louis and a studio in Kansas City, both in the US. Since it was established in 1965, the firm has transformed from its architectural design roots to become a comprehensive solution provider in the attraction and destination sector for strategy, design and implementation.
Its clients comprise a wide range of attractions and destinations, including water parks, zoos, aquariums, museums, cultural institutions, and landmark destinations.
Konzen concludes: “While the Orlando studio will enhance our offerings for major theme park operators and other regional attractions, our foundation in the Midwest remains ideal for supporting our full range of clients.
“We are excited to be an active part of the Orlando community, as we are in St. Louis and Kansas City, and we have invested in technology to ensure that teams can continue to seamlessly collaborate on a wide range of client projects across our studios.”
PGAV Destinations recently announced eight new additions to the firm, which will bolster capacity in a number of design teams.
