After 25 years with SGPA Architecture and Planning, Principal and Design Director David Janes is transitioning to a new role with the firm. David will now be working on a consulting basis for special projects and spending more time at his new home in Sonoma. David started his career with SGPA in San Diego in 1986 before moving to the San Francisco office. After a period of designing international hospitality and resort projects, David rejoined SGPA as a Senior Associate and Senior Designer in 1993 and was later promoted to Principal and Design Director in 1996. David is a well-recognized leader in design and has been creating vibrant retail, hospitality, and mixed-use environments for over three decades.

“I have worked with David since my first day at SGPA. He has been one of my mentors and a great friend for over 30 years,” said Stuart Lyle, President. “David’s seemingly limitless energy and enthusiasm has been an inspiration to me, countless others at SGPA, and everyone that has worked with him throughout his career.”

Over his three decades of professional experience, David has designed projects throughout the U.S., Bosnia, Guam, Japan, Mexico, New Caledonia, and Thailand. From retail and mixed-use to hospitality and high-density residential, his work has encompassed both the public and private sectors. One of his passions has been using his experience and knowledge to mentor and advise SGPA’s design teams.

“I owe much of my success to the supporting partnership here at SGPA. It is the primary reason I have maintained my home here. The supportive atmosphere, strong leadership in management, and skill in communications has allowed me to do what I love most! Planning and Design has been my lifeblood, and I get excited each day to challenge old rules, and look to new solutions to solve this complex world we live in.” 
– David Janes

David graduated from California State Polytechnic University in San Luis Obispo with Honors. As a registered Architect in California, David has been a member of the American Institute of Architects, the Urban Land Institute, the International Council of Shopping Centers, and the Design Review Board in Richmond, California.

Associate Principal, Glenn Wood has been working closely with David Janes for the last six years and will be taking over his role as the Director of Design for SGPA. He is looking forward to continuing the mission for great design and the mentorship of our design team to maintain the high standards and quality work that David has championed for so many years.

A look back at some of David’s projects over the last 25 years include the following:

Rivermark Village in Santa Clara was one of the last large development sites in Silicon Valley. This award-winning mixed-use project combined a traditional neighborhood retail center with a main street promenade. This pedestrian-friendly retail center features boutique and traditional retailers, restaurants, and a hotel.

The first modern retail complex to be built in Sarajevo, Bosnia since the end of the Bosnian War was the Alta Shopping Center. This center brings a whole new experience to the community. Alta is situated in the heart of Saravejo’s Central Business District and presents six levels of retail shopping, a lower level market, fitness club, and rooftop restaurant terraces and cafes.

Cityline in downtown Sunnyvale is a current project that features a specialty market and luxury multiscreen theater. The bold architecture forms at the corner display a more contemporary recall of historic theater marquees. It also features a varied palette of exterior materials including metal panels and grills, wood soffits and walls, and accent colored stained glass windows all accented by varying lighting concepts.

As David concludes his full-time position in the San Francisco office, he leaves us with a few words of guidance:

“Everyone has their strengths in certain areas, but when you work and contribute together it makes a better whole. Take the time to delegate and inspire others to prepare work and watch them develop better solutions than you though possible…you will know in your heart that you have helped someone else grow, and they may be able to lead the next generation.”

For any inquiries, please contact Glenn Wood.

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