Lourdes Gonzalez is leading Primera’s business development efforts for the buildings division with a passion for cultivating long-term relationships and client satisfaction. “I love people,” she explains. “While new projects are key to growing our business, the real pleasure in this role is the people I’m able interact with. I focus on people first, and believe the business will follow.” As Senior Vice President, she helps guide the strategic direction of Primera’s Buildings division in addition to establishing and maintaining strategic relationships with valued clients. A licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional, Lourdes has more than 25 years of experience in the building industry. Her background includes architectural design, program management, historic preservation and LEED consulting for higher education, school, municipal, healthcare, industrial and transportation clients and facilities.

Lourdes earned her bachelor’s degree in architectural studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, later receiving a master’s degree from her alma mater. Before joining Primera, she developed a strong background in historic preservation and justice facilities. Lourdes managed Primera’s architecture and sustainability groups for more than 15 years and helped position Primera as an innovator in the green building movement before her passion for client relationships naturally transitioned her into business development. Throughout her career she has been actively involved in a handful of organizations, including serving as President for the Construction Management Association of America.

When she’s not focused on client relationships, she enjoys photography, scrapbooking, cooking and traveling. She had the opportunity to travel to Normandy, France with the Make-A-Wish Foundation before serving as a wish granter herself as a way to give back. She is also active on the UCAN Board of Directors.