The prestigious board position not only recognizes Konefal’s professional accomplishment and leadership in the architecture and design professions, but it also highlights her dedication to building connected communities through informed communications between design professionals and community stakeholders, says the firm.
“Alana Konefal is a skilled architect who can be counted on for her expertise in bringing people of diverse backgrounds and interests together to facilitate breakthrough design ideas and the advancement of shared goals through productive meetings and world-class project delivery,” says Jay Brotman, AIA, managing partner, Svigals + Partners. “Her enthusiasm and talents benefit our clients, the design profession and our communities at-large.”
Konefal, who began her tenure with Svigals + Associates as an intern in 2006 and now is an associate, most recently oversaw extensive renovations of Barnard Hall at Central Connecticut State University and the regional expansion of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals in Yardley, PA. Prior to that, she headed the design team from programming through construction administration for major projects, including the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn., and the Goodwin University Elementary School and the University’s Early Childhood Magnet School, both in East Hartford, Conn.
Konefal continues to lead design teams and consultants on various education, science, and technology projects, including managing day-to-day operations and maintaining a focus on client missions and goals. Through her work on K-12 design, Konefal has been involved in Svigals + Partner’s unique KidsBuild program, which engages students in learning about the design, construction, and operations of their own school buildings.
Her new role with the Connecticut Building Congress also reflects Konefal’s recognized ability to work beyond traditionally defined roles in the architecture field and to build bridges between project team members and also the communities they serve. At Svigals + Partners, Konefal is also relied on for her professional design and technical expertise, a key role in the firm.
“I have been gratified to be able to contribute not only to firmwide leadership initiatives, but also as a mentor to young architects and involved community members,” says Konefal, a graduate of Roger Williams University’s School of Architecture. “I am excited to have the opportunity to cultivate our clients’ ideals and our aspirational design solutions to create prosperous, compassionate communities – our primary mission and goal at Svigals + Partners.”
