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
CHAIRMAN – G.S.G.R. FOUNDATION

In 1992, Angela assumed the role of President of Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. Angela started with the company as a teenager and worked her way up the ranks, learning every aspect of the business from the ground up. As President her responsibilities include managing day-to-day operations and strategic planning. She is also Managing Partner of Allora, LLC, a development company specializing in high-end custom design, construction and planning.

In 1999 Angela was honored as one of Greenville’s “Best and Brightest – 35 and Under.” 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.” Under Angela’s direction, Donald A. Gardner Architects, Inc. was recognized by Dell, Inc. and the National Federation of Independent Businesses by winning the first national Dell/NFIB Small Business Excellence in Customer Experience Award, which led to being featured in O (Oprah Magazine) and Real Simple magazine in a series of ads created by Dell. To date the Donald A. Gardner Companies have received over 80 awards in a broad range of categories.

Angela sits on a number of boards including the Better Business Bureau of the Upstate, the national board of the Council of Better Business Bureau Boards, the Greenville Home Builder’s Association Board, and the Peace Center Board. Angela is a member of Young President’s Organization where she serves as Health Chairman of the Women’s International Network.

In 2002 Angela played a key role in establishing the non profit Gardner-Santerini Gardner-Rudisill Foundation (G.S.G.R. Foundation) where she serves as Chairman. The mission of G.S.G.R. is to “Lift the Spirits of Children and Families” by providing assistance to families with children who suffer from terminal illness.