BRANKA KNEZEVIC

AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, ARCHD

BRANKA@PLANAARCHITECTS.COM | 323.646.0404

Broad experience in the design, development and management of a diverse range of construction projects and building types. Proven success in developing best practices and office standards as well as delivering high quality and award‐ winning projects. Manages project teams to achieve and exceed goals and objectives. Develops and implements company policies and employee training programs. Professional qualities and strengths include:

Design Excellence

Productivity and Time Utilization

Team Building and Staff Leadership

Relationship Building

Strategic Vision and Project Planning

Technical Expertise

Excellent Communicator

Project Management

Budget and Cost Control

Collaboration

PROFESSIONAL HIGHLIGHTS

Project Manager | Architect, Frederick Fisher and Partners, May 2014 - OCTOBER 2016

Leads a team of designers and consultants in delivering complex, large‐scale cultural projectsfor a discerning clientele. Recognized problem solver, team builder and project planner with a keen sense for project strategy and delivery optimization. Participates in the development of high level competitions, carries out client presentations and works directly with clients at achieving their organizational goals through innovative design. Currently serves as project manager, project architect and technical lead on for an elite private school 18,000 sf 450‐seat theater project in Los Angeles. Also, leads a major renovation project for a Los Angeles non‐profit organization and a study for a confidential campus revisioning. Participates in the creation of the next generation of architecture licensing exams as California Architects Board Subject Matter Expert. Operates a broad network of peers in promoting office work.  IDP supervisor. Office wellness steward.

Project Manager, Wolcott Architecture Interiors, August 2013 - May 2014

Directed RFP/RFQ responses, proposal and fee development, project planning and financial analysis of potential, new and existing projects. Successfully applied innovative production models for competitions, fast paced projects and projects with limited budget allocations including outsourcing, highly efficient team structures and design excellence standards. Managed and performed technical coordination and analysis on complex ground−up and core−and−shell projects, as well as due diligence and regulatory agency approval coordination. Instilled quality control protocols as well as detailed task management tools for advanced project efficiency. Day‐to‐day project management and production coordination.   Acted as Revit implementation leader responsible for planning, budgeting and coordinating time, money and resources toward the three stage transition to Autodesk Revit company wide including organizing and personally conducting educational sessions and seminars. PMP project management credential candidate and Axium project management software point person.

Project Architect, Unispace, July 2012 - August 2013

Responsible for full project delivery, including consultant coordination and team and served as the architect of record on all current projects. Selected building systems consultants and assisted in fee negotiations, overseeing the general development and scheduling of contract documents, and assured the client’s design intent was satisfied. Worked closely with in‐house design‐build team and the client to produce the best possible outcomesthus enhancing the overall reputation of the office. Managed and performed proposal preparation, project planning, budgeting and controlling time spent on design tasks. Reviewed all design services billings; assisted in the preparation of Owner‐Architect and Architect‐Consultant agreements. Established additional service arrangements with client. Developed, maintained, nurtured and expanded client relationships. Assisted owner and construction department with the bidding and negotiation phase, including sub−contractor selection and preparing bid documents. Acted as BIM manager also responsible training and evaluation of design staff.

Architect & Owner, Branka Studio, September 2010 – July 2012

Performed and led space planning, building design, and feasibility studies. Reviewed and resolved zoning and code compliance issues. Developed client presentation materials including graphics and construction documents for several commercial TI's, retail and residential projects. Developed and reviewed interior design packages, furniture design, and conceptual layouts. Selected, specified and acquired finishes, furniture and equipment. Consulted on real estate ventures and sustainable developments including LEED registration, documentation and certification. Provided green building expertise when LEED was used either as a general framework or to achieve certification.  

Architect & LEED Specialist, Group 70 International, April 2006 – September 2010

Led development and oversight of construction documents, and consultant coordination as well as coordination of internal team of designers and drafting personnel, construction administration. Assured efficient processing of RFPs, Submittals, ASIs, Change Orders, etc. Other duties included technical detailing, specification research, code compliance and obtaining agency approvals, interior space planning and selection of finishes, preparing client   presentations and interfacing with clients on high profile projects. As LEED specialist involved in the LEED certification process for a number of LEED NC, CI, EB O&M, and LEED for Schools projects (i.e. development, oversight and processing of LEED submittal documents, consultant coordination, etc.) Led the internal sustainability program. Solely responsible for the development of an internal LEED AP Exam Prep course program that broughtthe number of LEED APs in the office from only few to 31, making the firm a true leader in sustainable development in the region. Assisted in creating master planning studies, and developed property condition assessments and site improvement packages. Performed Revit data management for large and complex project types and assisted with a number of design charrettes and value engineering exercises.

PROFESSIONAL QUALIFICATIONS & SELECTED COMMUNITY SERVICE

Licensed Architect | California, Hawaii, Washington State

NCARB Certified | National Council of Architecture Registration Boards

LEED Accredited Professional (LEED AP BD+C) | Green Building Certification Institute, 2006 - Present

Architecture Doctorate (ArchD) | University of Hawaii at Manoa School of Architecture, 2005

California Architects Board Subject Matter Expert | California State Department of Consumer Affairs, Current

Founding Director | EOS Art Foundation, Current

Active AIA & PMI Member | American Institute of Architects & Project Management Institute, Los Angeles Chapter, Current

Executive Board Director, Committee Chair & Pacific Regional Council Rep | U.S. Green Building Council Hawaii Chapter, 2008−2010

Group 70 Foundation Environmental Committee Chair & LEED Seminar Lecturer | Group 70 International, 2006−2010

SOFTWARE

Microsoft Project; Microsoft Office Suite; Autodesk Revit | AutoCAD; Adobe Suite