IRVINE, Calif. | R.D. Olson Development, an Irvine-based firm credited for such recent hotel openings as the Marriott Residence Inn, Burbank and Marriott Residence Inn, Oceanside, has hired Dave Smilgys as director of development.
In his new position, Smilgys will manage the firm’s fast-growing portfolio of hotel projects throughout California and in bordering states.
The industry veteran, whose work in construction and development began more than 25 years ago, will collaborate with architects to craft new concepts for hotels and resorts. He will also lead production teams and oversee construction.
“With so much practical experience and such a vast amount of industry knowledge, David Smilgys is undoubtedly suited to take on this role and keep pace with our rapidly expanding company,” said R.D. Olson Development CEO, Robert Olson.
Smilgys is known within building circles for his management of large, complex projects. His career includes representing Disneyland Resort on managing the construction of such developments as Disney’s California Adventure Paradise Pier, consisting of eight attractions, six restaurants, four merchandise facilities and other structures and managing the construction of the Savemart Center, a 15,000-seat arena for Fresno State University. He also oversaw construction of the USC Galen Center, for which he was honored by Los Angeles Mayor Antonio Villaraigosa in 2006 for a job well done.
Prior to joining R.D. Olson Development, Smilgys worked for Clark Construction as senior project manager--a position he held for six years.
Smilgys holds many academic degrees including a master of business degree from the University of Phoenix, Ariz; a bachelor of architecture degree and a bachelor of science degree--both from Ball State University, Muncie, Ind.; and an associate of architecture degree from Hartford State Technical Collage, Hartford Conn. Additionally, the San Clemente, Calif. resident is a registered California Architect.
R.D. Olson Development was founded in 1998. It has since gained standing as a leading hotel and resort developer. The company, known for formulating new concepts in design and functionality, is currently in development with a $67 million Marriott Renaissance ClubSport in Aliso Viejo, Calif., --a combined 174-room full-service Marriott Renaissance Hotel brand and 70,000-square-foot world-class fitness center.
Most recently, R.D. Olson Development completed two California signature projects--a five-story 166 extended-stay suite Burbank Marriott Residence Inn, which features a giant lighted public art display created by the masterful British artist Peter Fink; and Marriott’s newest prototype, a four-story 125-suite Residence Inn by Marriott in Oceanside—both in California. The forward-thinking company was the first to build within the Anaheim Redevelopment Resort Zone with its opening of two major hotels and, in 2006, set a new trend with the opening of its 526-bed University Village Towers, an upscale student housing project in Riverside, Calif.
