Small Giants Expands Visual Media Team to Meet Demand for Video and Animation Services
Small Giants, LLC., a full-service marketing and business development agency in Phoenix and Denver, has hired Kaden Buchanan as the team’s visual media specialist to serve commercial real estate, architecture, construction and engineering clients.
“Kaden is extremely talented in animation and motion graphics. We are thrilled to have him join our growing team, which will allow us to expand video initiatives and pursuits, as well as diversify our motion graphic and animation offerings for clients,” said Danielle Feroleto, founder and president of Small Giants.
As visual media specialist, Buchanan will work to uncover each client’s vision and breathe life into their ideas through visual storytelling. Kaden brings seven years of video production, motion graphics and animation experience to the team through his previous work in the auto remarketing, oil and gas industries. In addition to production, he has been responsible for script development, video editing, and graphics creation. He is currently working to become UAS certified and an Adobe Certified Expert.
“My approach is to not only focus on producing the best possible content for our clients, but to build relationships with them. I want to know our clients forward and backward so that with each video we produce, our client’s spirit shines through,” said Buchanan.
While working with Copart, Inc. in 2016, Buchanan received the Videographer Award of Distinction for a recruitment video, and also earned the AVA Digital Awards’ highest recognition, the Platinum Award, for a motion graphic advertisement he created.
Buchanan earned a Bachelor of Arts in Film and Digital Media from Baylor University. He enjoys exploring the outdoors, capturing it through photography, and following the productions of current films and TV shows.
RNL Adds New Lighting Designer
RNL, an international architecture, design and planning firm that is now part of Stantec (NYSE:STN), has welcomed Vannessa Pederson as a lighting designer on the firm’s Denver Lighting Design team. Pederson is an award-winning lighting designer with six years of experience, most recently with AE Design. In her new role, she will be responsible for leading lighting design direction on projects, coordinating with engineers and architectural design teams, and overseeing production of deliverables.
“Vannessa brings a high level of technical expertise along with significant project leadership experience, allowing her to hit the ground running for our clients,” said Rachel Fitzgerald, associate and senior lighting designer with RNL, now Stantec. “Just as importantly, she brings a passion for sustainability, daylighting and human-centric lighting design – areas in which our firm has established industry leadership.”
Pederson previously served as a lead designer and project manager with AE Design, an electrical engineering firm, where she championed lighting design and provided code oversight. Projects in this role included leading the design for the Ellie Caulkins Opera House exterior lighting addition and the DPAC Helen Bonfils Space Theatre lighting. Over the course of her career, her work has been recognized with several IES Illumination Awards, including the 2017 IES Illumination Award of Merit, Denver Chapter, for the Colorado State Capitol Senate and House Chambers Restoration.
Pederson has a bachelor’s degree in architectural engineering from the University of Colorado with an emphasis in lighting and electrical systems, and is a LEED BD+C Accredited Professional.
RNL, now Stantec’s, Lighting Design team has several major projects underway, including work on the Brighton Boulevard redevelopment and Lakehouse, a mixed-use for-sale residential building that is pursuing Colorado’s first multifamily WELL building certification.
Chris Manley of Stonebridge Companies Joins American Hotel & Lodging Association’s Board of Directors
Chris Manley, chief operating officer of Denver-based Stonebridge Companies, has been selected to join the board of directors of the American Hotel & Lodging Association (AHLA), the sole national association representing all segments of the U.S. lodging industry. Manley proudly accepted the appointment to AHLA’s board, which represents leaders from all sectors of the industry including brands, owners and real estate investment trusts (REITs), management companies, independents and state associations. Manley will be part of vital discussions concerning a broad range of industry- and association-related issues.
“It is truly an honor to be accepted to the AHLA Board of Directors,” said Chris Manley, chief operating officer of Stonebridge Companies. “AHLA is a critical advocate for the long-term sustainability of the hospitality industry, and I am humbled and grateful to contribute my expertise alongside the other experienced board members in order to represent our industry. For 26 years, Stonebridge’s associates have been committed to delivering Distinguished Hospitality™ to our guests, and I hope to bring our associates’ combined experience and passion to my position on the board.”
RTA Architects Congratulates Jessica Massie and Chase Miller on ARE, Welcomes New Team Member
RTA Architects is pleased to announce that Jessica Massie and Chase Miller recently passed all divisions of the Architect Registration Examination (ARE) and logged the necessary professional hours to earn the title of Architects.
Jessica joined RTA in 2007 after receiving her Bachelor of Interior Architecture and Product Design degree from Kansas State University. Jessica is a key member of RTA’s healthcare team and has considerable experience in programming, space planning, and interior design. Jessica has also earned certifications from the National Council for Interior Design Qualifications (NCIDQ) and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) Intern Development Program.
Chase Miller spent the summer of 2014 as an Intern with RTA and re-joined the firm after graduating from the University of Oklahoma with Bachelor’s degrees in Architecture and Economics.
RTA also welcomes Interior Designer Jenna Crow, NCIDQ, LEED GA. Jenna graduated with her Bachelor of Science for Interior Design from Auburn University and has also earned NCIDQ certification as well as being a LEED Green Associate. She has commercial design experience in corporate office, multi-family, and interior build-out projects.
We extend our congratulations to Jessica, Chase and Jenna and look forward to their continuing contributions to the RTA team.
Leslie Weisshaar and Melanie Wood Join Craine Architecture
Craine Architecture, a Denver-based firm providing clients with innovative solutions and timeless design, is pleased to welcome Leslie Weisshaar, AIA, NCARB and Melanie Wood, NCARB to its team.
Leslie (pictured right) has more than 29 years of experience as a licensed architect. During her career, she has worked on several hotels and conference centers, government, commercial, retail and restaurant spaces. She is licensed in Colorado, Wyoming, California and Florida, is a member of the American Institute of Architects and is NCARB certified.
Melanie (pictured right) has more than nine years of experience in architecture and planning. Her background includes experience in multifamily and mixed use developments, K-12 and higher education projects, all with a special focus on public interest design and community engagement. She is NCARB certified and is a LEED Green Associate.