California—Behind every successful firm is a core group of talented, hardworking, energetic and well-rounded individuals that lead their firm’s endeavors and employees by providing direction and guiding others in becoming top tier professionals. At this time, we are recognizing all six of Studio W’s leaders as they take on more responsibility for our firm and devote more of their lives to the careers in which they are so passionate about and dedicated to.
Congratulations to Brie Gargano, Chelsea Pozar, Michele Gargano and Tony Pacheco-Taylor for being promoted to the level of Associate Principal!
Brie Gargano, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, Associate Principal & Client Leader, has more than 22 years of architectural experience. Brie’s career has been largely dedicated to educational design and facilities planning in Northern & Central California. Her expertise lies in aiding in State funding, creation of facilities master plans, estimating construction costs, project management, convening with stakeholders to identify client needs and coordinating project teams.
Chelsea Pozar, CPSM, Associate Principal & Director of Marketing and Business Development, has 20 years of experience in the marketing and business development profession specific to architecture and engineering firms. Under her leadership over the past seven years, Studio W Architects has increased both our average shortlist and win rates. Chelsea is exceptional at creating and maintaining sincere relationships with industry partners, as well as at strategizing the best pursuits for Studio W’s current portfolio, staffing and forecasted economy.
Michele Gargano, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CDT, Associate Principal & Client Leader, has 23 years of public facilities architectural experience, and her expertise includes facilities planning, project and team collaboration, code compliance and aiding clients in obtaining State funding. Michele’s career has included a deep portfolio of civic, healthcare and education clients largely in the Bay Area and Northern California.
Tony Pacheco-Taylor, AIA, LEED AP, Associate Principal & Client Leader, has 18 years of experience serving as project manager/architect for public facilities. His hands-on approach to projects results in proficiency in all stages of project development, including management of schedules and budgets, understanding of the California Building Code, agency coordination, quality control oversight and conflict resolution. Tony leads the Southern California Region efforts from our Newport Beach Studio.
And congratulations to Christopher Garcia and Rachel Clemente being promoted to Senior Associates!
Christopher Garcia, AIA, Senior Associate & Client Leader, has focused his 20-year career nearly exclusively on K-12 education architecture. Chris is skilled at managing all aspects of public school projects of all sizes and scopes, and has been essential to both our Sacramento and Southern California projects, showing his versatility and flexibility as an asset within our firm.
Rachel Clemente, AIA, LEED AP, CDT, has more than 23 years of experience and offers both leadership and influence to the design of several of Studio W’s projects. She establishes the design parameters, architectural vocabulary and direction for all of the firm’s projects, and brings a broad background in educational, commercial and institutional facilities of all sizes and is able to offer a well-rounded perspective to projects.
We are proud to continue to recognize our leadership on their efforts and provide the support commensurate with the value they bring to Studio W. It is our hope that this reinforces the path to continued success with the firm for many years to come!
