DONALD A. GARDNER, AIA, NCARB – CEO, DONALD A. GARDNER ARCHITECTS, INC.
CHAIRMAN, ALLORA, LLC
When Donald A. Gardner moved from New York to South Carolina to attend Clemson
University in 1963, he brought with him an inherited eye for artistic detail and a passion for
architectural design. After graduating from Clemson with a Bachelor of Architecture degree
and serving two years in the Army Corps of Engineers, Don returned to Upstate South
Carolina to pursue his career. After becoming a registered architect, Don worked with
several architectural firms throughout the next fourteen years, gaining experience in
commercial, institutional, industrial, and residential design.
Recognizing his talents and interests lay in residential design, Don saw a need for better designed, more livable homes that would meet families’ changing needs and busier
lifestyles. With this dream his primary focus, Don founded Donald A. Gardner Architects,
Inc. in 1978. By 1984, Don was able to commit his attention to the firm on a full-time basis.
Through his experience and insight, Don has grown his architectural firm into several successful
companies that have provided career opportunities for many in the Greenville community.
Under his leadership, his firm has brought national recognition to South Carolina as well as
local suppliers, individuals, and businesses through articles in the firm’s national publications as well as other consumer publications.
ANGELA G. SANTERINI - PRESIDENT, DONALD A. GARDNER ARCHITECTS, INC.
MANAGING PARTNER – ALLORA, LLC
In 1992, Angela realized it was time to take the family business to the next level. She left a progressive career in New York, NY, to join the Donald A. Gardner team. As President her responsibilities range from managing day-to-day operations to strategic planning. Angela is former chairman of the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate, a member of the National Association of Female Executives, and serves on the National BBB board. In addition, Angela is involved in various charitable and community organizations including the Greenville Hospital System and International Medical Corps.
Under Angela’s direction, Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. was recognized by Dell, Inc., and the National Federation of Independent Business, winning the first national Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence in Customer Experience Award in 2004. Angela was awarded the honor of Greenville, SC’s “Best and Brightest – 35 and Under” in 1999, she received the Better Business Bureau Chairman’s Award in 2003 and was featured in the February 2005 edition of Fortune Small Business magazine, in an article titled “Designing Woman.” The Donald A. Gardner Companies have received over 50 awards and honors in a broad range of categories since the early nineties, including being named one of the top designers in the country each year.
Angela was also key in establishing the Gardner Santerini Gardner Rudisill Foundation (GSGR) where she is Chairman. GSGR is a non-profit organization, supporting organizations that assist children who experience illness or hardship.
Outside of her professional and community-related endeavors, Angela enjoys reading, gardening, cooking, exercising and yoga.
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