Joanne Costello
Space Planning Manager | Workplace Strategy | Facility Planning | Occupancy Planning
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About
Space Planning Manager with 25+ years of experience in architecture, interior environments, workplace planning, and facility design. Experienced in developing space planning solutions for government facilities, evaluating operational needs, conducting on-site assessments, preparing test fits, analyzing space utilization, and coordinating relocations, expansions, and workplace reconfigurations. Skilled at translating organizational requirements into efficient, functional environments through stakeholder collaboration, programming, space allocation, and project coordination.
Experienced in supporting public-sector facility initiatives.
Experience
Space Planning Manager - Loudoun County Government - Leesburg, VA
(2025-08)
- Manage space planning initiatives for County facilities, developing workplace solutions aligned with departmental operational requirements, space needs, and facility goals.
- Conduct on-site facility assessments and stakeholder interviews to identify functional requirements, staffing needs, workflow considerations, and space utilization opportunities.
- Develop space programs, test fits, and workplace layouts, evaluating multiple scenarios for relocations, expansions, consolidations, and facility reconfigurations.
- Analyze existing conditions and recommend optimized space allocations, furniture configurations, and workplace improvements.
- Coordinate with County departments, project stakeholders, and facilities teams to translate operational requirements into actionable space solutions.
- Prepare and present space planning recommendations, drawings, and final solutions to leadership and stakeholders.
- Support renovation and capital improvement initiatives through planning, documentation review, and coordination.
Space Planner - Karl Riedel Architecture, P.C. (Contractor supporting Loudoun County Department of Transportation & Capital Infrastructure) - Leesburg, VA
(2024-09 - 2025-08)
- Developed space planning solutions for County government facilities supporting operational and workplace requirements.
- Conducted facility assessments, collected user requirements, and evaluated existing conditions to inform space planning decisions.
- Created AutoCAD drawings, test fits, and layout alternatives for relocations, expansions, renovations, and furniture planning.
- Provided recommendations regarding space allocation, workplace configuration, and functional improvements.
- Coordinated with County stakeholders to develop practical facility solutions supporting organizational needs.
Gallery Designer - RH - Metairie, LA
(2021-12 - 2023-11)
- Developed residential space planning solutions incorporating client requirements, architectural conditions, furniture layouts, and functional considerations.
- Created design presentations communicating spatial concepts, recommendations, and final solutions.
- Applied analytical and organizational skills to manage multiple client projects while maintaining accuracy and attention to detail.
Designer / Job Captain - Harley Ellis Devereaux - Los Angeles, CA
(2019-03 - 2020-04)
- Coordinated multidisciplinary project teams, including architects, engineers, consultants, and contractors, to support successful project delivery.
- Prepared construction documentation and coordinated design solutions through regulatory review and approval processes.
- Managed project documentation and maintained design standards throughout project phases.
Design Consultant - Freelance - Los Angeles, CA
(2018-06 - 2019-03)
- Led schematic design and workplace planning for commercial tenant improvement projects, including office environments and operational workplace needs.
- Developed space planning concepts, design documentation, and presentations for client review.
- Coordinated with consultants and project teams to integrate architectural and technical requirements.
Designer - Perkins+Will - Los Angeles, CA
(2016-04 - 2018-03)
- Supported healthcare facility planning and design projects by developing functional layouts, workflow strategies, and documentation.
- Coordinated design development and construction documentation while maintaining project requirements and standards.
Designer / Job Captain - Harley Ellis Devereaux - Los Angeles, CA
(2014-11 - 2016-04)
- Managed documentation and coordination for renovation projects involving existing facilities and complex stakeholder requirements.
- Developed construction documents, coordinated consultants, and supported project execution from design through construction phases.
Design Consultant - Freelance - Los Angeles, CA
(2010-05 - 2014-10)
Developed workplace planning solutions for corporate office environments, including: 8,300 SF technical design studio, 11,000 SF corporate office, 13,000 SF corporate office expansion
- Created space plans optimizing workflow, functionality, and employee environments.
- Participated in client meetings, consultant coordination, construction administration, and project management activities.
Education
Master of Architecture - Architecture - California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
Bachelor of Fine Arts - Interior Architecture - University of Massachusetts, Amherst
