Leading Attraction Design Firm Celebrates Year of Significant Talent Growth
PGAV Destinations Signals a 12% Growth in Staffing
(St. Louis, MO – November 28, 2017) – St. Louis-based design firm PGAV Destinations announces the hiring of 16 new team members. The new talent additions are supporting billions of dollars in master planning and design projects currently underway at the firm.
“It’s a very exciting time for PGAV Destinations, during a period when we’ve seen a significant growth in great new projects and clients,” says PGAV principal and chair, Mike Konzen. “We’re excited to be expanding our team with this new creative talent.”
Designer Sarah Aman, from Sparta, Michigan,
holds her Bachelor of Fine Arts in Graphic Design
from Grand Valley State (‘14), and her Masters of
Fine Arts in Museum Exhibition Planning and Design
from the University of the Arts in Philadelphia, PA (‘17).
A returning PGAV intern, Sarah has previously worked
as a facilitator at the John Ball Zoo and design/illustration
for Discovery Communications.
Landscape Architect Brian Bage, from Ballwin,
Missouri, received his Bachelor’s Degree in
Agriculture from the University of Missouri (‘08),
focusing on plant science and natural resources, and
his Master of Landscape Architecture at Washington
University (‘15). An ISA Certified Arborist, Brian has
worked on a wide variety of landscape projects with
Loomis Associated Landscape Architects/Planners.
Interior Designer Tyson Baker, from British Columbia,
Canada, holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design
from Maryville University (‘17) and an Associate of Science
in Interior design from Saint Louis Community College –
Meramec (‘15). Tyson has previously interned at HOK in
Saint Louis and Forum Studios in Chicago.
Architectural Designer Dexter Hansen, from Chappell,
Nebraska, received his Bachelors in Business and Sports
Administration from the University of Nebraska (‘13),
where he also graduated with his Masters of Architecture
(‘17). Dexter has previously worked with the Kansas City
Chiefs in stadium operations, as a teaching assistant, and
with the DLR Group.
Architectural Designer Jack Huang, from Taipei, Taiwan,
is a graduate of the University of Michigan (‘17) with a
Masters of Architecture, as well as having received his Bachelor
of Science in Electrical Engineering from Dong Hua University
(‘12). Throughout school, Jack participated in the Venice
Biennale project, the Detroit Reassembly Plant, with T+E+A+M,
as well as the ‘Concrete[i]land’ project with Francois Roche.
Designer Mark Jarman, from St. Louis, received is Associate
degree in Arts, Entertainment, and Media Management from
Utah Valley University (‘90). He then went on to earn his Bachelor
of Fine Arts in Illustration from Brigham Young University (‘95)
and his MEAE in Game and Interactive Media Design from the
University of Utah (‘15). Mark has previously been an instructor
at the University of Wisconsin, University of Utah, Brigham Young
University, and an Illustrator for On The Ball.
Architectural Designer Aaron Jarrett, from Corpus Christi, Texas,
is an alumnus of the University of Texas at San Antonio, where he
earned both his Bachelor of Science in Architecture (‘11) as well as
his Master of Architecture (‘16). Aaron has previously interned with
The Alamo, Turner, Ramirez, & Associates Inc., and Solka Nava
Torno Architects.
Originally from Sao Paulo, Brazil, Lydia Kasanezky returned to
PGAV Destinations as a Project Coordination Assistant. She is an
alumna of the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill (’99),
where she earned her Bachelor of Science from the Nutrition School
of Public Health. Lydia has previously served as an executive assistant
at the St. Louis Science Center, Laboratory Services Coordinator at the
Washington University School of Medicine Dept. of Neurology,
and served as administrative support in both the US Embassy in Brazil and O’Connor & Hannan Attorneys at Law.
Landscape Architect Laura Kloosterman, from Kalamazoo,
Michigan, received her Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from
the University of Florida (‘10). Laura has previously worked for
Context Design in Indianapolis, IN on parks, campuses, and
multifamily homes.
Accounting Manager Jennifer Marecek, from Fenton, Missouri
and a licensed CPA within the State, received her Bachelor of
Science in Accounting from Maryville University (’07) and her MBA
from Webster University (’08). Jennifer has previously served as a
Business Services Supervisor at Mueller Prost and an Audit Senior
for RSM US LLP, both in St. Louis.
Architectural Designer Rebecca Ridderhoff, from Woodridge,
Illinois, received her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and her
Bachelor of Arts in English Literature, with a concentration in
Fictional Creative Writing, from Washington University (‘17).
Visualization Designer Brian Roash, from Watsonville, CA,
studied Animation at the Academy of Art University and
received a certificate in 3D modeling and animation from the
Art Institute of Colorado. Brian has spent much of his career
as a freelance animator and digital artist, specializing in VFX
and 3D modeling and rendering. He has previously worked as
a lead animator, sculptor, and video editor for AniMagic Productions.
Graphic Designer Andrea Rodriguez, from Santiago, Chile,
holds her Bachelor of Arts in Graphic Design from the Kansas
City Art Institute (‘08). Andrea has previously worked with
Build-A-Bear, the Saint Louis Science Center, Emerson Electric,
Great Rivers Greenway, and Graphic World.
Architectural Designer Devon Seery, from Detroit, Michigan,
earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of
Cincinnati (‘15), while also having studied at Detroit Country Day
and the International School of Beijing. Devon has previously
interned with Hamilton Anderson Associates and Kann Partners,
and completed the year-long Challenge Detroit fellowship.
Landscape Designer Veronica Skok, from Cleveland, Ohio,
received her Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture from
Ohio State University (‘17). Veronica has previously interned with
the BrightView Design Group in Orange County and as a horticulturist
at the Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.
Visualization Designer Chris Valleroy, from Hillsboro, Missouri,
received his Bachelor of Fine Arts in Computer Animation and
Graphics from Missouri State University (‘04). Since graduation,
Chris has served as a 3D artist for The Korte Company, an instructor
at the ITT Technical Institute, and as a freelance 3D artist for a wide
variety of clients and projects.
PGAV is currently undergoing a $3.2m renovation to accommodate its growing team and the exciting needs of its clients. The expanding design firm is currently hiring Designers, Illustrators, Intern Architects, Architects, Project Architects, and a Front Desk Hospitality Specialist. Visit https://pgavdestinations.com/about/careers/ to learn more.
About PGAV Destinations
PGAV Destinations is a global leader in the planning and design of unique destinations. Now entering its sixth decade, the practice has evolved to become the ideal destination-consulting partner, skilled at developing growth-oriented master plans and translating those plans into successful projects. No other firm offers such an integrated approach to destination planning.
PGAV Destinations’ key clients include industry leaders such as Delaware North Companies, SeaWorld Parks and Entertainment, the Biltmore Companies, Bass Pro Shops, Ameristar Casinos, Universal Studios, The Gettysburg Foundation, the Saint Louis Zoo, and many others. Recent assignments include planning and design at many of the world’s “must see” destinations, including the Grand Canyon, Biltmore Estate, Space Shuttle Atlantis, Chimelong Ocean Kingdom, the Georgia Aquarium, the Hoover Dam, and SeaWorld Adventure Parks. www.PGAVDestinations.com
