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Personal History

As an artist, architect, and citizen, I have experienced the erosion of various systems that we design to protect and nurture us.   My work explores the inevitable breakdown of these systems by confronting viewers and asking them to realign their assumptions with current realities.

 

Born in New Orleans and raised in Texas, my foundations in social and community ethics come from a pointedly Catholic background.  Texas was predominantly Baptist and the overt religious overtones resulted in a 'do unto others who are like you' mentality.  The inequality of these social practices, along with the constant development and overturning of forested lands that I would explore as a child, led me to the themes that I explore today. 

 

At Boston University, I was exposed to a flood of cultural exposure and opportunities.   Studying under greats like John Walker and attending lectures from renowned creators was critical to my development.   From Boston, I returned to Texas for a Masters in Architecture where I focused on community development and sustainable design.   Architecture is on the back-end of the social decisions made to develop and, in the professional realm, opportunities for improvements on broader issues are incremental and completely dependent on the owners tolerance for change.  Architecture combined my interests in light, color and space but limited my ability to influence and lead issues in community development.   

 

During my heavy involvement in 'Themed Architecture', working with Universal, Disney & SeaWorld, I was reminded of the transformative influence of the narrative. I recalled the narratives that we create for comfort, security, and success in my early suburban life and how they are misaligned with the reality of our social experience.   My work seeks to realign our social narratives to initiate a transformative change.  

RESUME

Education and Training

CHAD.FORSYTH

https://www.linkedin.com/in/chad-forsyth | 407.756.2458

chad.p.forsyth@outlook.com |Orlando, Florida 32801

 

 

Customer-centric, PMP trained, Senior Project Manager and Senior Architect with 20+ years of experience leading large-scale, multi-million-dollar projects from concept to delivery for customers including NASA, Disney, and Universal Studios. Adept at leading teams to organize and understand user needs, in guiding iterative solutions through Design Thinking, and shaping the design of environments, which inspire memories, provide meaningful experiences, and entertain families.  

 

Flexible and effective in designing workflows for cross-functional teams and delivering on time and within budget. Inclusive management style with a focus on collaboration, empowerment, and team growth.

Core Competencies

  • Design Thinking

  • Storytelling/narrative

  • Technical and design integration

  • Stakeholder management

  • Financial reporting & resource management

  • Complex problem solving

  • Program management

  • Strategic marketing

  • Contract negotiations, proposals, presentations

 

                                                                                

Senior Project Manager

Rhodes + Brito Architects, 2020-Present

Increased shared resources to improve documentation productivity by 15%, initiated Design Thinking discussions to improve the effectiveness of Project Managers towards mentorship and project profitability, created a marketing relationship matrix to better align BD strategies with individual office leaders, streamlined QC by 10% and created a more intuitive QC process to increase engagement by over 50%, initiated a redesign of the R+B website based on UX and stakeholder input.

 

Senior Project Manager for multiple large scale design projects involving: identifying needs of customers/users, road-mapping, equipment integration, multiple stakeholders, budget/estimate resolutions, managing and mentoring internal staff, presenting to leadership, and managing contracts. 

  • Kennedy Space Center; Interior renovation of three large Kennedy Space Center & Northrup Grumman buildings on NASA’s campus.

  • JDC Office & Maintenance Facility; Design of corporate campus office building and large construction vehicle maintenance facility requiring heavy technical coordination. 

  • Camping World Stadium; Partnership with a multi-national architecture & engineering firm for renovations to Camping World Stadium to increase stadium capacity by 60,000 visitors. 

 

Senior Architect, Design and Program Manager

BRPH Architects & Engineers, 2017-2020

Led projects using human-centered design processes including user research and user profiles, Scrum teams, Agile workflow, testing layouts according to facility metrics, iterative virtual making, and user journey mapping for theme park lands, rides, and hospitality. Established and maintained clients from themed entertainment and resort sectors.

 

Created “Themed Workflow Best Practices” which became a foundational resource for Themed Entertainment "Design and Documentation" class at the University of Florida. Company champion: presenter, recruiter, panel moderator, and participant in Themed Entertainment panels.

 

Program Manager for Creative, Engineering and Architectural groups supporting complex themed projects, spanning across a common narrative, to produce memorable experiences for visitors. Required contract management, resource management, ideating solutions, constant updates for Executive Producers and Art Directors, multiple contract renewals, and workflow design.

  • Universal Studios, Minions Realm; Creative, Architectural, and Engineering projects contributing to the completion of themed rides, restaurants, sculptures, and facades across one themed land. 

  • Universal Studios, Jurassic World; Themed Meet and Greet building redesign and Portal engineering & design for feature experiences within one themed land. 

 

Senior Architect and Project Manager, leading multiple architects, and engineers on complex projects for entertainment and resort clients. Projects required frequent financial reporting, user research, iterative making, the consensus of multiple stakeholders, and technical integration of interactives.  

  • SeaWorld, Sesame Street Neighborhood; New large-scale entertainment realm consisting of new themed structures, technology coordination & retheming of several existing rides, games, and retail. 

  • Disney Grand Floridian Resort and Polynesian Resort; Complete remodel of 1600+ rooms and associated corridors for multiple buildings.

  • Universal Studios and City Walk; Condition Assessments for various rides, restaurants, and theaters to analyze the whole building health, code compliance, accessibility, and the mechanical, structural, electrical, and plumbing systems.

 

Project Manager/Architect

HHCP Architects, 2012-2017

Interfaced with multiple client group needs, managed 3-5 project coordinators, established long-term client relationships, and designed alternate solutions to complex program issues.  

  • Buena Vista Palace Resort & Spa Renovation; Mid-size Architectural team and 16 consultants collaborating on a 1000+ room remodel, new ‘feature pool’, lazy river, new lobbies, and restaurants.

  • Disney’s Polynesian Resort Renovation/ Bungalow & Boardwalk; Mid-size architectural team and 10 consultants, 12 stakeholders, multiple pools, water bungalows, boardwalk, multiple lobbies, entry icons, a 900+ room conversion, multiple restaurants, retail, and landscape modifications for a themed resort project spanning 2 ½ years.  

 

Team Lead/Project Coordinator

RLF Architects & Engineers, 2009-2012

Led initiative to enhance common parametric user-oriented solutions and resources. Improved design production efficiencies. Supported senior staff in project development, coordinated details, and planned building layouts. Focused on planning, designing, and detailing large healthcare facilities.

 

Project Coordinator; HuntonBrady Architects, 2006-2009

Project Engineer/Assistant PM; White Construction, 2004-2006

Building Designer & Planner; Page Southerland Page Architects, 2002- 2004

 

Education

University of Texas at Austin                                                                                                      

            Master’s Degree in Architecture | Sustainable Design                                          Austin, TX 1998-2001

Boston University                                                                                             

            Bachelor’s Degree in Fine Art | Painting & Sculpture                             Boston, MA 1995-1998

 

Awards & Accomplishments

Advisor for the University of Florida - “Design & Documentation” Class (2022)

AIA Chairman of Themed Entertainment/ Hospitality Committee (2018-2019)

AIA Chairman of Events Committee (2020)

Themed Entertainment Association (TEA) & Association of Builders and Contractors (3 years)

Leadership in Energy Efficient Design (LEED) AP BD+C Accredited (2006-present)

USA Today Top 2019 Attractions:  #1 Sesame Street at SeaWorld Orlando (2020)

Panel speaker for Sesame Street SeaWorld opening (2019)

Boys & Girls Clubs of America Regional Board Committee for Facility Projects & Safety (2022)

Project Management/Visualization software: Excel, Microsoft Project, Deltek Vision, Revit, AutoCAD, Lumion, Sketchup, Virtual Reality (Oculus/HTC Vive) Familiar with: Figma, Jira, 3dsMax, Maya.

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