Megan Nielsen Hegstad is an architect, exhibit designer, and project manager based on Bainbridge Island, WA and available to work locally or remotely.

mnhegstad@gmail.com
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As an architect registered in Washington state and Florida with national and international experience designing and managing natural and cultural projects ranging in construction cost from under $1 million to over $150 million, Megan brings passion, professional experience, and personal connection to each project. Her firm management and operations experience enrich her process and organizational abilities.

Megan’s design and management perspective is informed by diverse education and experience in architecture, art, anthropology, environmental and museum education, and exhibit planning and installation.

While Megan is passionate about all aspects of design, the ability to improve the lives of animals and children through the environments we help create is particularly close to her heart. That moment when you see an animal basking in its element or a child experiencing wonder, both forever changed, is unforgettable. She is enthusiastic about the full spectrum of the design process that allows that moment to exist, from concept design through construction observation, with a commitment to high quality communication and documentation throughout. Megan believes that for an exhibit to become an experience, built and natural aspects must be considered holistically.

Professional Experience

Senior Associate, Architect Jones and Jones: 04.2021 - present

Founding Principal, Architect, Designer Maristella Studio: 06.2020 - present

Associate Principal, Architect, Exhibit Designer Zoo Design Inc.: 06.2020 - 04.2021

Senior Associate, Architect Studio Hanson Roberts: 06.2016 - 04.2020

Associate Principal, Assistant Director of Operations, Architect The Portico Group: 09.2010 - 06.2016

Senior Associate, Architect The Portico Group: 02.2009 - 02.2010

Associate, Architectural Designer The Portico Group: 06.2006 - 02.2009

Intern Architect R2R Studio: 05.2005 - 06.2006

Intern Architect Johnson Architecture, Inc.: 05.2003 - 04.2005

Education

ACEC Core Competencies for Principals 2014

PSMJ A/E/C Principals Bootcamp 2012

PSMJ Project Management Bootcamp 2010

B.ARCH Architecture with Minor in Anthropology, Summa Cum Laude University of Tennessee, Knoxville: 2003

National Student Exchange Program University of Oregon and Kyoto, Japan Landscape Architecture Summer Program: 2001-2002

Skills

Computer -AutoCAD 2020; SketchUp; Form.Z; Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint; Adobe Acobat, InDesign, Photoshop, Aconex

Architectural -project management, construction administration, design, hand and computer drafting, model building, rendering, digital photography, watercolor, pastel, graphic design

Museum -grant writing, research, matting/framing, exhibit planning and installation, catalog, label, and signage design

Management - project manager coordination, staffing, event planning, client relations, accounts payable/receivable, database management, office and project organization, contract negotiation, marketing proposals, specification review, set planning