PDR, a Texas based design, architecture, and consulting firm with work around the globe, is amplifying its presence in Austin by adding key leadership to its local team. Amy Collins, formerly an Associate Principal of the Houston office, has been named Principal and Director of Design of the Austin office. She joins Shawna Hills who has been promoted to Business Development Director. Emily Mehigan has also joined the firm as an Associate and Lead Designer.
Headquartered in Houston, PDR has a diverse set of clients from the world’s largest oil and gas companies and technology innovators to fintech and law firms. PDR, which focuses on interior architecture, opened its Austin office in 2017 and quickly got to work on multiple projects. The team now includes 11 employees who have backgrounds in design, architecture, brand, and project management. Current work includes law firms such as DLA Piper LLP, and McLean & Howard LLP; corporate offices for USAA, Ottobock North America, Piper Sandler and Find What Feels Good; and numerous multifamily projects for developers such as Johnson Trube & Associates, and DMA Companies.
“We are excited about our growth in Austin and the opportunities to bring PDR’s unique approach of designing first and foremost for a positive human experience and organizational success,” said Lauri Goodman Lampson, PDR President and CEO. “As the Austin area continues to grow, bringing in new companies with cross-generational workers, we look forward to growing and elevating our ability to create exceptional workplace experiences that are designed to evolve over time and bring value to clients in this market.”
PDR works with global companies, local businesses, real estate advisors and developers to redefine the high-performance workplace. From early strategy development, design and architecture to initiatives leading to occupancy, PDR looks at a client’s needs holistically and brings together architecture and design, consulting, and brand experience to improve the human experience, impact business performance and foster organizational transformation.
More about the personnel changes:
Amy Collins, Principal and Director of Design
Collins oversees the expansion of the Austin team and serves as PDR’s Director of Design, guiding projects from concept to completion. With two decades of experience in workplace design, Collins has led high profile interior projects, planned corporate campuses, and created award-winning environments that engage the people who inhabit them. She most recently worked in PDR’s Houston office as an Associate Principal.
Shawna Hills, Business Development Director
Hills’ ability to serve as a trusted advisor and relationship builder has expanded the Austin studio, where she will continue to grow the client and project roster. With an impressive 20-year background in workplace interiors, Hills’ talent, leadership, and passion for excellence have earned her a loyal following with clients, consultants, and team members. She previously served as PDR’s Regional Director.
Emily Mehigan, Associate and Lead Designer
A new hire to PDR, Emily Mehigan was previously an Interior Project Designer at Perkins + Will. Mehigan brings over 10 years of commercial design experience, ranging from corporate clients to multifamily and retail spaces around the world. She will manage and lead all phases of design and construction, combining creativity, current design trends, and industry standards with technical knowledge to ensure a beautiful and functional product.
