Lourdes H Gavilanes
Brooklyn,NY
Summary
Innovative Head of Design with a strong background in leading design teams, overseeing projects from inception to completion, and driving creative strategies. Notable strengths include a keen understanding of current design trends, an ability to leverage technology for innovative solutions, and a knack for fostering collaborative environments that encourage creativity. Have consistently delivered high impact results through effective team leadership and implementation of efficient design processes.
Overview
29
29
years of professional experience
Work History
Head of Design & Construction
ASH Hotels
New York, NY
01.2019 - Current
- Lead preconstruction efforts with the ASHNYC development team.
- Work with complex financing structures including historic and new market tax credits, and interface with both local and national tax credit entities.
- Implement land use strategies, scheduling, and coordination with local consultants in secondary markets.
- Optimize room layouts and F&B concepts aligned with proforma and ROI project goals.
- High-level customization of textiles, furniture, and specialty fabrication.
- Create and manage detailed project schedules and deliverables.
- Resolve complex planning and cost-related issues across national portfolio.
- Execute and manage Capital Expenditures, ensuring alignment with brand and cost efficiency.
- Direct internal team and consultants nationwide; interface with CFO on realignment of P&L budgets.
- Manage project transition and hand-over to operations team, ensuring a smooth launch and alignment with long-term operational goals.
- Selected Projects:
- Shenandoah Mansions, Richmond – HTC Hotel Renovation – 35,000sf / 73 keys
- Hotel Ulysses, Baltimore – HTC Hotel Renovation – 50,000sf / 116 keys
- 170 Freeman Street, Brooklyn – Market Rate Residential – 57,000sf
Independent Consultant
Studio 19c Consulting
New York, NY
01.2017 - 01.2019
- Delivered comprehensive development advisory throughout pre-planning and construction phases.
- Led consultant selection, project scheduling, and issue resolution for optimal outcomes.
- Managed notable projects including The Public Hotel & Residences, NYC, a 250,000 sf hotel and condominium.
- Oversaw renovation of Long Island Marriott, NY, featuring 633 keys and a 30,000 sq. ft. lobby.
Vice President, Design & Construction
Related Companies
New York, NY
01.2009 - 01.2017
- Managed design & construction for major new development projects.
- Directed teams through feasibility, entitlement, RFP, design coordination, bidding, and construction oversight.
- Ensured quality design documentation aligned with construction execution.
- Monitored budgets, CM/GC coordination, cost reports, and closeout.
- Key Projects:
- 520 W 28th St – 150,000sf – 38 luxury condos
- One Hudson Yards – 300,000sf – 178 luxury rentals
- 456 Washington St – 200,000sf – 100 luxury rentals
- Abington House – 400,000sf – Luxury Rentals
- MIMA (450 W 42) – 650,000sf – Including Yotel, 700 keys
- One Hill South, DC – 400,000sf – 383 luxury rentals
- 35 Hudson Yards – 1.1M sf – Mixed Use – Predevelopment
Founding Partner
RGA Architecture
New York, NY
01.2003 - 01.2009
- Design & Documentation for High-end residential interiors range from 1,000 to 10,000 SF.
- Planning, permitting, coordination of drawings with equipment, selection of GC, and construction administration.
- FFE selection, customization, and procurement, specialty millwork, equipment, textile design, and fabrication.
- Styling & photography
Associate
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
New York, NY
01.1998 - 01.2003
- Dulles Airport Tier 2 – 1M sf – Schematic Design
- N1 Tower, Tokyo – 450,000sf – Completed
- CBX Tower, Paris – 650,000sf – Completed
- 745 7th Ave, NYC – 250,000sf – Construction Docs
Junior Designer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
New York, NY
01.1996 - 01.1998
- JFK Airport T4 – 1M sf – Construction Admin
- Facade studies, model building, schematic design support
Education
Bachelor of Architecture -
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY06-1996
Bachelor of Science - History of Architecture
Cornell University
Ithaca, NY06-1994
Skills
- Microsoft Office
- Project management
- Construction oversight
- Design coordination
- Budget management
- Capital expenditures
- Regulatory compliance
- Feasibility analysis
- Consultant management
- Scheduling techniques
- Team leadership
- Effective communication
- Problem solving
- Strategic planning
- Client relationship management
- Risk assessment
- Storyboard preparation
- Visual communication
- Professionalism
- Multitasking capacity
- Organizational skills
- Graphics development
- Project leadership
- Goal setting
- InDesign proficiency
- 2D design
- Design software proficiency
- Global design trends awareness
- Design process improvement
- Critical thinking
- Creative asset control
- Active listening
- Adobe creative suite
- Microsoft Visio
- Sketch proficiency
- Problem-solving abilities
- Visual communication expertise
- Task prioritization
- Teamwork
- Analytical skills
- Teamwork and collaboration
- Relationship building
- Design mentoring
- Strategic thinking
- User experience design
- AutoCAD
- Revit
- Adobe Creative Suite
- Smartsheet
- Primavera P6
- ProCore
- Sage
- Northspyre
Additional Information
Dual Citizenship: U.S. & EU, Available upon request.
Awards Distinctions
- Panelist, Financial Times Future of Construction Summit, 2018
- Panelist, Buro Happold 'Building Construction of the Future', 2018
- Guest Critic, NY Institute of Technology, 2007–2014
- Published, Cornell Journal of Architecture, 1997
Languages
Spanish
Native/ Bilingual
Italian
Professional
French
Professional
References
References available upon request.
Timeline
Head of Design & Construction
ASH Hotels
01.2019 - Current
Independent Consultant
Studio 19c Consulting
01.2017 - 01.2019
Vice President, Design & Construction
Related Companies
01.2009 - 01.2017
Founding Partner
RGA Architecture
01.2003 - 01.2009
Associate
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
01.1998 - 01.2003
Junior Designer
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill
01.1996 - 01.1998
Bachelor of Architecture -
Cornell University
Bachelor of Science - History of Architecture
Cornell University
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