Architecture, art, and advisory firm, Svigals + Partners has announced the advancement of team leader, Alana Konefal, AIA, to Associate Principal.

A skilled architect with an expertise in uniting people of diverse backgrounds to advance large-scale projects, Konefal leads design teams and consultants on various complex projects in education, science/technology, workplace, and healthcare. Noted for her strengths managing day-to-day operations and focusing on client missions and goals, she currently heads the revitalization of the Elm City Bioscience Center from an underutilized office building into one of New Haven’s most vital biotech hubs. In 2020, Konefal oversaw the completion of extensive renovations at Central Connecticut State University’s Barnard Hall and the regional expansion of Biohaven Pharmaceuticals in Yardley, Penn. She has led design teams from programming through construction administration for major projects, including the Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn. along with Goodwin University Elementary School and the University’s Early Childhood Magnet School, both in East Hartford, Conn.

“Alana is a highly talented, technically savvy architect with a holistic, organized approach to complex project’s goals and challenges,” says Jay Brotman, AIA, managing partner. “She has a facility for collaboration and the ability to focus on details that strengthen professional and community relationships, ensuring each project’s successful outcome. We’re delighted to elevate Alana to this well-deserved position.”

A skilled project manager across various sectors, Konefal is an active leader at Svigals + Partners collaborating on the firm’s overall strategic objectives and managing staff and project workflow. In service to the advancement of the AEC industry, in 2017, Konefal joined the Connecticut Building Congress (CBC) whose mission is to foster collaboration among building professionals in Connecticut. Having served on the CBC board and in various administrative roles over the last five years, Konefal now serves as CBC President. In 2018, Konefal was honored to receive AIA CT’s Emerging Architect Award.

Konefal earned her Bachelor of Architecture from Roger Williams University with minors in Architectural History & Art and Business Management. She also completed a study abroad at the Institute at Palazzo Rucellai in Florence, Italy.

She started her tenure with Svigals + Associates as an intern in 2006, joining the firm full-time in 2007. Konefal began her Svigals career immersed in K12 and higher education projects, as well as workplace, and was promoted to Associate in 2018.

“I am honored to take on this important leadership role with Svigals + Partners,” says Konefal. “It is my privilege to advance strong relationships, project successes, and thriving communities with our immensely talented team.”