With over 20 years of experience, Gianna Pigford has provided a wealth of project leadership, managing the construction documentation and administration of several projects throughout the United States. Gianna received a Bachelor of Architecture Degree from Mississippi State University, is a registered architect in multiple states, a LEED Accredited Professional, and a NCARB certified architect. Currently a Principal and Program Manager at Stantec in its architectural practice, Gianna brings her retail, industrial, and workplace experience to the Plano, Texas and Phoenix, Arizona offices to foster new client relationships and project opportunities while managing existing project development programs. Pigford has built a reputation for strong project delivery, design integration, sustainable design and innovative initiatives.
Pigford previously served as a Design Program Manager at Starbucks Coffee Company in the Dallas Corporate Design Studio, where she led retail store design and development in Starbucks’ South-Central Region. Prior to Starbucks, Gianna spent 13 years at Gensler Dallas working on several projects of note including: the adaptive reuse of the Dallas County Record Building; renovation of the iconic Reunion Tower in Dallas and the renovation of the US Bank Tower in Los Angeles. In addition to a strong portfolio of work, Gianna champions mentorship and advocates for architecture licensure and the advancement of women and other minorities in architecture, design, and construction professions.
Gianna is an active member of the Dallas community as well as committed to professional and community improvement on the state, national, and international levels. She redefines the essence of community outreach. She seeks out organizations that share her personal mantra “to educate, empower, and embrace”. She actively engages in these organizations’ missions and uses her strength in professional leadership to help others excel. Most recently, at the national level, Gianna has been elected to the AIA Strategic Council as a 2021-2022 At-Large Representative and appointed to the ULI national Diversity, Equity, & Inclusion Council and the Women’s Leadership Initiative’s Executive Committee. Locally, Gianna serves as a chair of the Urban Land Institute DFW Women’s Leadership Initiative Committee, Chair Elect of CoreNet North Texas, serves as advisor to CoreNet North Texas’ EMPOWER committee, and sits on the AIA Dallas Board of Directors as an Ex-officio Officer. Additionally, Gianna has been involved in several community and professional organizations throughout her career: DFW NOMA, Texas Society of Architects, NCARB, International Council of Shopping Centers, NAIOP Commercial Real Estate Development Association North Texas, CREW Dallas, Dallas Chamber Young Professionals, Make-a-Wish Foundation, Girl Scouts of America North Texas, and ACE Mentors.
Gianna’s commitment to excellence, strength in professional leadership, and passion for mentorship all contributed to her being named one of Dallas Business Journal’s 40 under 40 in 2015. And in 2022, Gianna received the Texas Society of Architect’s award for Equitable Practice in Architecture in honor of John S. Chase, Jr. FAIA