PGAV Celebrates Completion of a Robust Recruiting Year with a Strong Group of New, Talented Professionals
PGAV Destinations is thrilled to continue the strategic expansion of its design studios in St. Louis and Orlando. With the addition of a talented group of new team members, PGAV is poised to take their collaborative efforts to the next level in delivering extraordinary destinations in the travel, tourism, and entertainment industries, both locally and internationally.
As a leader in the field, PGAV Destinations is committed to driving innovation in planning and designing projects that leave a lasting impression. The arrival of these skilled professionals from various design backgrounds reflects the growing demand for themed entertainment, zoos, aquariums, museums, brand destinations, and hospitality projects worldwide.
“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. 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,” said Mike Konzen, PGAV CEO.
Introducing PGAV Destinations’ new team members:
Pranali Bhilare
Architectural Designer Pranali Bhilare of Mumbai, India, received her bachelor’s degree in architecture from the University of Mumbai and her master’s degree in architecture from the University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign. She has previous experience as an architectural intern at the PGAV Kansas City office and at an architectural firm in Mumbai.
Jessyka Colon
Architectural Designer Jessica Colon, from Puerto Rico, received her bachelor’s degree in architecture from Iowa State University and a Master of Fine Arts in themed entertainment design from Savannah College of Art and Design. Her prior experience includes architectural design at RM + Design & Development, an architectural associate at Steven L. Cohen & Associates, and an internship at BRPH.
Erica Hertz
Project Architect Erica Hertz of O’Fallon, Missouri, received her bachelor’s and master’s degrees in architecture from Kansas State University. Her prior experience includes Schaefer Architecture, Chiodini Architects, and Vestal Corporation.
Holden Knudsen
Architectural Designer Holden Knudsen from Kirkwood, Missouri, received his master’s degree in architecture with a certificate in design-build from the University of Kansas. His previous experience includes an internship at Killeen Studio Architects and a Space Architects Graduate Student in Studio 804 at the University of Kansas.
Paige Lefkowitz
Executive Assistant and Hospitality Specialist Paige Lefkowitz of Brooklyn, New York, received her Bachelor of Arts in communications with minors in business administration and pre-law from Flagler College. She also holds a Master of Arts in public relations from Full Sail University. Her previous experience includes being the Director of Internal Operations for a real estate investment firm and an internship with Dateline NBC.
Blake Sneed
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
Designer/Illustrator Ron Vance of Huntington, WV, received his Bachelor of Science in entertainment design from Art Center College of Design and his Bachelor of Fine Arts in computer art + architecture studies from Savannah College of Art and Design. His previous experience includes work with The Hettema Group, Walt Disney Imagineering, and Thinkwell.
Drew Williams
Project Accountant Drew Williams of St. Louis, Missouri, received his bachelor’s degree in accounting from Harris-Stowe State University. His experience includes owning Princeton Accounting & Consulting Services, senior grant accountant at Saint Louis University, accountant/auditor for the Productive Living Board, accountant for the St. Patrick Center, and Next Generation Talent with Wells Fargo Advisors.
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 The Smithsonian, Chimelong Group, National Geographic, SeaWorld Parks & Entertainment, Port Aventura, Bass Pro Shops, Kennedy Space Center, the Georgia Aquarium, and many others.
