Samantha Gardner, RA, NCARB

Samantha Gardner believes every project is an opportunity to leave things better than she found them. She is at her best when there is a problem to solve, a lot to balance, and no obvious path forward. She focuses on understanding what matters most, asking the right questions, and finding practical ways to keep the work moving. She also looks beyond the project in front of her to understand how the client operates, what creates pressure for their team, and how one project can improve the work that follows.

A Registered Architect and Associate Principal of Architecture, Samantha joined APD in 2017 as an Architectural Designer after interning with the firm during college. Since then, her role has grown from leading individual projects to guiding teams, building client relationships, and taking on increasingly complex work. Her experience spans national multi-site programs, commercial retail projects, and remodels across the country. She balances technical design with client priorities and looks for ways to make repeat work easier and more consistent.

Samantha believes good leadership means giving people clear direction, enough context to make good decisions, and room to grow into more responsibility. She wants people to feel supported, but also trusted to think, decide, and take ownership of their work. She values the mentors who gave her those opportunities and works to do the same for others.

She is usually planning another trip or revisiting Italy in her mind. After studying in Rome and Berlin during college, travel remains a priority, especially when it involves good food, old cities, and exploring somewhere new with her family.