Vanessa Mendez
Project Manager | Associate Principal
Vanessa Mendez holds a Master’s Degree in Community and Regional Planning from The University of Texas at Austin and brings extensive experience leading entitlement and permitting efforts for complex land-development projects throughout the greater Austin region. Her work spans the full development lifecycle, including due diligence, feasibility analysis, entitlement strategy, and coordination of site plans and construction documents.
Vanessa has supported a wide range of project types, including residential subdivisions, municipal infrastructure, parks, utilities, retail centers, and multifamily developments, as well as large-scale mixed-use projects, government facilities, and multi-million-dollar capital improvement programs. She serves as a key liaison between project teams, municipal staff, and regulatory agencies, translating policy and code requirements into actionable development strategies. Her role integrates deep knowledge of local planning policies, zoning regulations, and entitlement processes—particularly within the City of Austin—with a strong understanding of development risk, schedule, and stakeholder coordination. Vanessa regularly evaluates site constraints and regulatory conditions to advise clients and project teams on development feasibility, entitlement pathways, and risk mitigation.
Q+A
Why did you choose this career?
I’ve always enjoyed architecture and how buildings fit in their urban landscape.
What Core Value resonates with you the most?
I identify with a sense of urgency because all projects are subject to time-sensitive deadlines with funding and/or other related issues, so being able to keep projects within their timelines helps our clients stay at ease throughout the process. Keeping clients happy and satisfied with our services is always our main goal throughout any project.
What has been your favorite project to work on during your career?
I’ve loved all our affordable housing projects because the city of Austin has been struggling to provide affordable housing to many Austinites. Being able to deliver projects that are not only affordable but also beautiful and sustainable is always very satisfactory.
What do you do in your spare time? Do you have any interesting hobbies?
I like to be creative and active in my spare time, like working out. Currently I have been focused more on photography/videography and graphic design.
What's the best piece of advice you have ever recieved?
Everything in moderation, including moderation.