erin leigh mckenna

Managed team of architects and consultants through Design Development of 200,000 square foot research center which will study new technologies for cooling data centers. The process submerges computers into a special liquid that doesn’t conduct electricity but absorbs heat generated by the machines, resulting in heat reduction and lower energy loads of data centers. Internal partners comprised of Core & Shell team and Interior Architecture team. External consultants included Civil, MEP, Structural, Sound, and Environmental engineers.

As Business Development Manager with ACME, I worked with various clients to evaluate prospective custom fabrication projects for scope and budget. This often entailed numerous revisions to align cost with client’s expectations and revise to appropriate materials and specifications. As the projects progressed, I partnered with internal teams including estimating, drafting, project management, procurement and fabrication throughout project execution to exceed client expectations.

As Business Development Manager with ACME, I worked with various clients to evaluate prospective custom fabrication projects for scope and budget. This often entailed numerous revisions to align cost with client’s expectations and revise to appropriate materials and specifications. As the projects progressed, I partnered with internal teams including estimating, drafting, project management, procurement and fabrication throughout project execution to exceed client expectations.

This well built 1946 Cape Cod style home was in need of cosmetic and infrastructure updates. The design intent was to infuse a modern, minimalist aesthetic while keeping with the traditional details of the home. This was achieved using a monochromatic palette and varying textures to create a simple and warm look. Pops of color highlighted in artwork, books and greenery. The gorgeous hard wood floors were restored after hiding under carpet for years. A new furnace allowed for the baseboard heaters to be removed. Plaster walls were repaired and painted ‘Heron’s Plume’ by Sherwin Williams. New baseboards and existing windows and trim painted ‘Pure White’ by Sherwin Williams. Dining Room Light Fixtures by West Elm.

This kitchen remodel was a mission to make this small space feel and live bigger than the actual space. Due to the floor plan of the house, it didn’t make sense to open the walls to the living spaces. To make the space feel bigger, I went all white but added texture with the backsplash tile and warmth with the wood floors. The floor matches the original red oak floors throughout the house and allows the eye to flow uninterrupted through the divided spaces. Use of a hood adds a gourmet feel and heightens the space, while the microwave hides in the pantry. The oak floating shelves by the door in lieu of another cabinet keep sight lines open and connect with the floor finish. The backsplash tile was the hardest decision, but ultimately I liked the scale of the herringbone pattern and light gray to connect with the veining in the quartz countertops. Still to come in this room: wallpaper and an exterior dutch door with glazing! Cabinets: Vixon Custom Cabinets in ‘Pure White’ by Sherwin Williams. Walls: ‘Heron’s Plume’ by Sherwin Williams. Edgecliff pulls: Schoolhouse Electric. GE appliances. Faucet: Delta. Tile: MSI Retro Bianco.

This 1980s era remodeled bathroom was in need of everything. Carpet in a bathroom? Mirrored shower doors? Ew. The previous remodel had expanded its footprint by taking over a hall closet. In order to gain back some of that lost storage, I integrated the vanity tower into the design. The mirror is a medicine cabinet which allows for even more storage. The design intent was for the floor to take center stage while the rest of the space remains monochromatic with a mix of metals. The floor tile is traditional in scale and color but the hexagon pattern gives it a modern touch. Utilizing feet on the vanity design allows the floor tile to continue throughout the floor. I’m obsessed with inset cabinetry doors and love this simple shaker style. Vanity, trim and walls: ‘Pure White’ by Sherwin Williams. Vanity: Vixon Custom Cabinetry. Calacatta Quartz by Sequel. All fixtures: Delta. Tub and sink: Kohler. Medicine Cabinet: Restoration Hardware. Edgecliff Pulls: Schoolhouse Electric - they feel amazing!

Bamboo Sushi is a popular fine dining restaurant focused on providing sustainable seafood and conscious hospitality. This includes a strong focus on the environmental impact of the its locations from the construction and finish materials selected to the products used in daily service. The Lake Oswego site was the sixth location for the restaurant group, and marked a new design aesthetic and prototype meant to inform future rollouts. Initial bids were 50% over the targeted budget, further complicated by union labor requirements per the lease due to the development’s financing. I strategized with our Creative Director on alternate material and finish selections, while also seeking out vendors for lighting and millwork that could help us achieve our financial targets. By drilling down to set budgets on every line item, I was able to help partners achieve the design intent while reducing spend.

QuickFish is a fast casual restaurant concept with a menu featuring sustainably sourced seafood and wellness minded options. The first location for the new prototype is in the Pearl District of Portland, Oregon and opened in August of 2018. The prototype design required extensive value engineering to meet targeted build out budget. Initial budgets exceeded the $1 million mark, but were reduced to $750,000 through bid negotiation, alternate material selections and modifications of design details. I partnered with local vendors and design firms provided the ability to quickly collaborate, develop and confirm key decisions. The project was delivered on schedule and within budget.

Nike Central Kansas City was the first North America location for a hybrid strategy blending a Nike Factory Store footprint with hyper local product and consumer experiences. I led the Store Design process which included concept design and layout, and budget and schedule alignment. This project demanded carefully coordinated deliverables between Real Estate, Construction, Architecture, Global Design and Visual Presentation teams. In addition, I managed the design development and execution of fixtures and environmental graphics, which required continually adapting to budget and schedule changes, while presenting regular updates to Executive Leadership stakeholders. This location opened in July 2017.

Nike Factory Store Detroit was a predecessor to the Nike Central concept. It is located in the downtown core of the city and opened in May of 2016 during the early stages of the city’s revitalization. The store design was the first North America execution of NFS 3.0 design elements, an evolution of previous factory store designs focused on hyper local graphics and product selections. Having led the NFS 3.0 design standards development as part of the Global Design team, I then transitioned over to the North America Factory Store team to lead the store design and execution of this high profile project. I had the fun opportunity to research and select a local typography artist for the “Detroit Never Stops” identity logo, which became a popular Instagram backdrop. Another key responsibility was managing the fixture program and environmental graphic execution including design development and prototyping.

NEW ORLEANS & SOUTH CHICAGO

As part of the Nike Factory Store Family, Community doors offer a localized business outreach to support the local community. These existing store designs were adapted to represent the vibrancy of the community, and the remodels were completed in 2016.

I developed the scope of work for each location to convert to newest store design standards and elevate the hyperlocal connection in the store environment. This involved coordinating Architectural, Graphics Vendor and Construction teams on budget, schedule, and execution. The scope included inputs from field and internal teams to create a community connection in the store environment with a limited budget and without negatively impacting store operations or product capacity. I also managed an outsourced creative agency on store identity development including assets for environmental graphics, window displays, and hyperlocal t-shirt designs.

Directed Store Design, Space Planning and Visual Operations teams through store development phases including due diligence, feasibility studies, schematic design, design development, category mapping, construction documents and construction administration.

Led Store Development team at Embree Group for client’s national rollout of four brands: Ann Taylor, LOFT, Ann Taylor Outlet and LOFT Outlet totaling 120 stores in 2012. Managed team of 12 designers in implementing design standards for each location. Responsibilities included feasibility studies, design development, construction documents, permitting and construction administration support. Supervised design and execution of high profile locations selected based on historic and premium locations. Provided design detailing expertise for client’s prototype construction documents. Customized elements for multi-story layouts including stair and handrail design.

Led design team on evolution of the Brand's iconic design from dark, residential feel to a lighter, more contemporary palette while maintaining warmth and texture of the brand heritage. Introduced Fit Salon concept designed to draw customer in to fittng room area with a merchandised ante room. Researched and presented material selections to Executive team and CEO/Founder. Partnered with cross‐functional teams to coordinate fixture design and merchandising opportunites.

Created and implemented a green building program which led to 22 LEED Certified stores, including Gold and Silver certfications. Maintained iconic store design by specifying low‐emiting and sustainable materials, utilizing green building practices, and working with existing vendors to improve product composition. Integrated several sustainable best practices into the overall store development program.

Participated in value engineering process for Forth & Towne, a recently developed concept focused on serving the female consumer based on a 1950s department store service and product ideal. Managed design standards for Gap Outlet, Banana Republic Factory Stores, and Old Navy Outlets by collaborating with internal construction, estimating, facilities and procurement teams for cohesion on program goals. Directed external architects on budget, schedule and quality control of template drawing sets.

During a trip down the Carolina coast, I discovered a Southern inspired culinary treat known as pickled mustard seeds. I couldn’t believe how delicious they are, especially because I don’t normally care for pickled anything. When I returned home, I found one single vendor online who sold them. After my first jar I was hooked, only to find out the company had gone out of business. So, I went through 12 recipe variations before finding the perfect taste. Unfortunately, I forgot to write that down! So, after several more attempts, I landed my final recipe and gave them out as Christmas gifts to friends and family. Now everyone loves them and the brand was born.

The soft seeds give a textural pop in your mouth while the flavor is complementary without overwhelming your food. They are delicious with a cheese plate, in salad dressings, tossed in a salad, or spread on a burger. The possibilities are endless!