Meet Jeff Svitak

Today we’d like to introduce you to Jeff Svitak.

Thanks for sharing your story with us Jeff. So, let’s start at the beginning and we can move on from there.
I started working in architecture in San Diego in 2004 after I graduated from Architecture School at the University of Colorado.
I worked for 3 years with a architecture firm in Solana Beach called Dahlin Group. From there I took a position with Sebastian Marcial Studio for about 6 years where I was able to learn hands on managing design, construction and development. In 2012, I started my own office, Jeff Svitak Inc.

I didn’t have any projects at first so I started doing competitions and trying to find development deals. I finally locked in a deal to development 18 units in Little Italy and that kick started everything. Since then I have done all kinds of work from my own developments to client projects to more competitions. We are always trying to expand and grow our portfolio in the studio with a diverse range of projects.

In 2017, I completed a development in North Park, called The Louisiana and I subsequently created a sister company called VOID. VOID is all about collaboration and community outreach and enhancement. I created this because I literally felt there was this void in the world of development where the owners of buildings and complexes in our communities typically just work within the confines of their own property lines and do whatever little additions outside that which is required by the city. It jarred me that we as developers don’t take more initiative to expand our work out into the community and public realm. So VOID not only works with my development office but also with other developers to help bridge that gap, or “fill the void”.

Our first project is a huge installation piece, over 500 feet long by local artist Michael James Armstrong

Overall, has it been relatively smooth? If not, what were some of the struggles along the way?
Not at all. I have worked a ton in the last 7 years and there are constant setbacks and challenges. I’ve probably designed over 20 projects and looked at over 100 development opportunities and only have 4 built projects under my own company.

VOID is especially challenging because it’s all about collaboration and community involvement, fundraising, and relies on others to make it run. It’s been a challenge just getting it up and running, and quite a long process.

Please tell us about Jeff Svitak Inc. and VOID.
Jeff Svitak Inc. focuses primarily on architecture and design. That is what inspired and fuels the studio. We also do construction management and development but that is just the vehicle that allows us to build what we believe in and prove that it is relevant.

I think what sets us apart is that we are knowledgeable and engaged in every step of our process and the work we deliver. We have the experience from A to Z of the process of making buildings and it shows in the final product. In the end the work speaks for itself.

If you had to go back in time and start over, would you have done anything differently?
Nothing, I don’t like to look back and reflect on what could have been different, I just learn from mistakes, regroup and keep moving forward.

Contact Info:

• Website: Jeffsvitak.com; thisisthevoid.com
• Phone: 8585181816
• Email: [email protected] [email protected]
• Instagram: @jeffsvitak; @thisisthevoidsd

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