Meg Sveiven
San Francisco Bay Area,CA
Summary
Nothing excites me more than a blank page and a design challenge with an urgent timeline. Over 15 years, I've had the privilege of designing across every scale imaginable, from interior design of large-scale workplace headquarters to architecturally significant and historic flagship retail spaces, to high visibility experiential marketing events like SXSW. What ties this range of experience together is a belief that great design starts with a strong, thoughtful narrative. The best work happens when that story is built in close collaboration with cross-functional experts; not handed down, but shaped together. I bring the same energy to every project: curiosity for the challenge, clarity of concept, and a genuine love of the process, however impossible the ambition or tight the clock.
Overview
1
1
Language
16
16
years of professional experience
Work History
Principal Creative Director
Rivian
10.2019 - Current
- Flexing between a wide range of project scales and programs, my role has shifted over the years alongside business needs. I thrive in the conceptual storytelling which becomes the north star of a project, and also relish in the details that bring the narrative to life through millwork, finishes, spatial moves, furniture etc. I've enjoyed leading projects from initial design concepts, space planning, internal cross-functional collaboration through external construction documentation, permitting and construction.
- Workplace Headquarters - Includes flagship headquarters in Irvine (including R&D space), Palo Alto, and Atlanta. Aided in developing and evolving workplace standards, including finishes, details, acoustics, lighting, culinary.
- Flagship Retail - Developed unique concepts for many flagship retail sites, all aiming to feel uniquely Rivian while responding to historic architecture and cultural context. Includes spaces in Meatpacking NYC, Laguna Beach Theater, Groveland Charging Outpost, Washington DC Flagship, Austin and Nashville. As all of these sites are atypical, they required close internal collaboration and alignment throughout project duration.
- Experiential Marketing - Led creative direction for SXSW '26, which celebrated the public launch of R2. Includes the physical design for the Electric Roadhouse and stage, internal and external project management, and event planning for the 7-day event. Included weekly executive reporting, budget collaboration and a high degree of communication and cross-collaboration.
Senior Design Manager
CloudKitchens
10.2018 - 10.2019
- Developed site-specific building and front of house designs for many historic and landmark buildings in US, including Manhattan, San Jose, Denver, and Los Angeles. Refined prototypical standards for back of house layouts and requirements.
- Led project teams of designers and architects from concept through execution, including historic research, one-off concept designs and detailing, structural feasibility, permitting and FFE/graphics scope.
Project Designer
Assembly Design Studio
08.2016 - 09.2018
- Formulated concepts and spaceplans to align with client expectations and program requirements. Led the design of crafted workplace interiors with a hospitality twist. Coordinated functional needs through a design lens to ensure that all details aligned with initial conceptualization and design story. Developed image boards, material palettes, FFE selections, 3D visualizations for design consistency and storytelling. Managed internal teams of 2-7 to generate client presentations alongside formal design documentation. Oversaw projects from concept development through construction administration and final completion. Led client and team coordination meetings.
- Projects: Uber EMEA HQ (Amsterdam), Uber Mission Bay HQ (SF), Zillow HQ (SF), Samsara HQ (SF), Kilroy Realty HQ (Del Mar)
Freelance Designer
Freelance
03.2013 - 01.2017
- Produced marketing materials and branding for a handful of clients, including Eighteen Trucking, Casa Fernandez Cigars, and Simple Green Smoothies.
Project Professional (Architecture & Interiors)
Woods Bagot
06.2013 - 07.2016
- Interior Design (Workplace) Worked through programmatic needs of clients to develop workplaces and campuses that balance health and productivity. Led the design and coordination efforts from conceptualization through permitting and construction documentation for the campus food service program, designing and developing multiple cafes to create a restaurant experience. Led multiple test-fit studies to densify workspace and create the most effective and thoughtful layout. Developed conceptual stories that reflect the company and their goals, and that inform design decisions to keep everything true to client and brand. Compiled reference imagery, material finishes, furniture, as well as rendered proposed designs and format into presentations for clients. Focused on crafting experiences surrounding these conceptual narratives. Diagrammed suggested construction methods to offer best solution for price and durability. Clients: Google, Twitter, Fluidigm, Tencent, Tradewinds, One Mint
- Architecture Involved on multiple highrise and supertall tower projects globally, through all phases of projects throughout firm. Responsibilities included 3D modeling and graphic representation for client presentations (including renders, diagrams), managing client facing documents to ensure graphic standards are consistent and impressive. Managing/producing 2D drawing sets through Concept, Schematic, and Design Development phases. Primary responsibility in concept development of interiors for confidential tall tower project; including test-fits and fixed interiors (sky lobby levels as well as elevator lift lobby). Was a contributer on multiple small project teams for competitions that have been won by the firm internationally as well as locally.
- Projects: Tradewinds, Auckland Downtown, Anbang, Sunshine CBD, Telkom, Mega Kuningan, BFS, Wenling
Designer
Mauk Design
05.2011 - 06.2015
- Assisted in small, fast paced design firm, designing exhibitions and trade shows, company branding, graphics and signage. Managed all projects from initial design conceptualization to fabrication of exhibit. Prepared client presentations, as well as newsletters and the company's brochure.
- Clients: NASA, McDonalds, AT&T, Masimo, Texas Instruments, 101 SurfSports, Heidelberg Engineering, Milan Furniture Fair
- Skills: conceptual design, 3D modeling, rendering, physical models, design process, Adobe Creative Suite, AutoCAD, SketchUp, Rhinoceros, public relations, contact with fabricators and clients, as well as on-site supervision.
- Awards: Communication Arts, IDSA Finalist, Exhibitor Magazine - Gold, Spark Awards
Writer
ArchDaily
09.2010 - 09.2012
- Wrote articles and selected photographs of classic architecture to promote discourse while making precedent research readily available for architects and students for the most visited architecture website. Diversified architectural sources, extending my technical knowledge and architectural vocabulary.
- Skills: writing, research, blogging, communication, layouts, working on tight deadlines.
Junior Technician
CED Fabrication Shop, UC Berkeley
02.2011 - 12.2011
- Assisted faculty and students with projects of wood, metal, and plastic while maintaining a safe facility.
Education
B.A. - Architecture
University of California, Berkeley
01-2011
Skills
- Creative Direction
- Design Strategy
- Cross Functional Collaboration
- Project Vision through Execution
- Budget and Schedule Alignment
Languages
Spanish
Timeline
Principal Creative Director
Rivian
10.2019 - Current
Senior Design Manager
CloudKitchens
10.2018 - 10.2019
Project Designer
Assembly Design Studio
08.2016 - 09.2018
Project Professional (Architecture & Interiors)
Woods Bagot
06.2013 - 07.2016
Freelance Designer
Freelance
03.2013 - 01.2017
Designer
Mauk Design
05.2011 - 06.2015
Junior Technician
CED Fabrication Shop, UC Berkeley
02.2011 - 12.2011
Writer
ArchDaily
09.2010 - 09.2012
B.A. - Architecture
University of California, Berkeley