Sarah Salazar
Architectural Researcher
Denver,CO
Summary
Experienced architecture and urban planner, common GIS specialist, and energy consultant with expertise in city development, strategic partnerships, and community-driven solutions. Utilizing geospatial technology and sustainable design to assist town management and nonprofits in creating resilient, self-sustaining communities. Extensive background in consulting and stakeholder engagement, providing effective guidance to small governments implementing sustainable strategies for land-use planning, infrastructure development, and renewable energy projects. Proficient in establishing trusted relationships, navigating government procurement cycles, and aligning spatial analysis with practical problem-solving for impactful results.
Overview
12
12
years of professional experience
6
6
years of post-secondary education
2
2
Certifications
Work History
Business Development Consultant
Big Horn Utility Group
Denver, CO
01.2021 - Current
- Company Overview: Big Horn is an energy infrastructure construction company serving the non-profit CORE Electric, one of Colorado's largest utility grids, Fort Morgan REA, and Poudre Valley REA
- Working with the CEO and founding members, I advise on business management, planning, and client procurement
- In just 3 years we've grown to a multimillion dollar company
- Big Horn is an energy infrastructure construction company serving CORE Electric, one of Colorado's largest utility grids, Fort Morgan REA, and Poudre Valley REA
- Prepared contracts and closed sales with new and existing clients to expand operations across Colorado
Architectural Researcher
Department of Local Affairs of Colorado
Denver, Colorado
01.2020 - 04.2022
- Through DOLA a Colorado Grant, I provided design, research, and architectural planning services to seven small and struggling Colorado cities and towns, advancing community-driven infrastructure such as town halls, live/work mixed-use buildings, parks, and more
- Developed grant proposals and funding strategies to support community-driven urban development.
- Managed multiple client projects simultaneously, ensuring clear communication, timeline adherence, and successful execution.
- Using applied research and strict budgets, we as a team took projects from abstract and simply inspiring to the construction documents phase and ready for fundraising...and later, ready to build
- We raised crucial support, community engagement, and funding while ultimately enhancing the quality of community life and economic viability of small communities throughout Colorado
- Deep knowledge of local governments, businesses, and community development.
- Conducted public speaking engagements, workshops, and live design sessions to showcase planning concepts.
- Created compelling visual storytelling presentations using GIS, SketchUp, and data visualization tools.
- Led grant pitch meetings and stakeholder discussions to secure funding for sustainable development projects.
Enterprise Solar Sales & Energy Planning
Powerhouse Architecture
Denver, Colorado
01.2015 - 04.2022
- Provided spatial planning consulting and strategy development for sustainable buildings including residential and district 11 schools.
- Developed strategic partnerships with local business, urban developers, and government organizations to advance self-sustaining community projects.
- Consulted & advised nonprofits and organizations on urban planning, sustainability, and community development.
- Utilized solution selling techniques to present geospatial information in designing solar installations on properties for visualization community planning and renewable energy solutions
- Proposed commercial sustainability practices and solar installations, reducing energy costs and environmental impact over 40%.
- Exceeded revenue targets consistently by utilizing strong product knowledge and persuasive communication skills.
- Worked closely with installation teams to ensure seamless project execution while minimizing disruptions for clients during the process.
- Optimized sales pipeline management using CRM software to track progress from lead acquisition to deal closure effectively.
- Efficiently managed multiple accounts and prioritized actions to maximize sales productivity while maintaining high levels of customer satisfaction.
- Established long-term client relationships based on trust, reliability, and exceptional service delivery standards.
Sales
Tesla Motors Inc.
San Francisco, CA
01.2015 - 01.2016
- Company Overview: Tesla is known for its mission to accelerate the transition to renewable energy
- I joined Tesla and Elon Musk in their mission to 'accelerate the transition to renewable energy' and sold over 50 vehicles
- I myself secured a fleet sale to a police department in Connecticut, and worked with Katy Perry and her assistant in delivering one of the first Model X vehicles available to the public
- I'm considered a Model S expert
- I also worked with the group, Women of Tesla to educate and design products
- Tesla is known for its mission to accelerate the transition to renewable energy
Sales
SolarCity Corp (Now Tesla)
Denver, CO
01.2013 - 01.2015
- Company Overview: SolarCity was focused on sustainable energy solutions
- After finishing my bachelors degree in Architecture, I endeavored to gear my career toward sustainable buildings
- I thus began a dual career in energy sales
- As a sustainable building professional, I've helped to prevent nearly 4 million pounds of C02 emissions through my sales work connecting clients with solar installations, solar and wind farm contracts
- SolarCity was focused on sustainable energy solutions
Education
Bachelor of Science - Architecture and Business Management
The City College of New York
New York, NY 08.2008 - 05.2013
Masters of Architecture -
University of Colorado Denver
Denver 08.2019 - 05.2020
Skills
- ArchGIS
- SketchUp (with Modelur a GIS plugin)
- Lumion
- Bluebeam Revu
- Nz_Sunshine
- REVIT
- Aurora Solar (Solar GIS software)
Certification
LEED AP Building Design & Construction (BD+C), 01/01/19
Affiliations
- National Council of Architectural Registration Board
- American Institute of Architects, Associate
- U.S. Green Building Council
- American Indian Council of Architects and Engineers
Awards
- 2012 CUNYAC//US Army Women's Cross Country Rookie of the Week
- CCNY's Record Holder for the 6k (23:00.25)
- City University of New York Athletic Conference/US Army Women's Cross Country All-Star 2012
- City College of New York 3-Sport Athlete
Timeline
Business Development Consultant
Big Horn Utility Group
01.2021 - Current
Architectural Researcher
Department of Local Affairs of Colorado
01.2020 - 04.2022
Masters of Architecture -
University of Colorado Denver
08.2019 - 05.2020
Enterprise Solar Sales & Energy Planning
Powerhouse Architecture
01.2015 - 04.2022
Sales
Tesla Motors Inc.
01.2015 - 01.2016
Sales
SolarCity Corp (Now Tesla)
01.2013 - 01.2015
Bachelor of Science - Architecture and Business Management
The City College of New York
08.2008 - 05.2013
Similar Profiles
Amanda WakleyAmanda Wakley
Director of Marketing and Promotions at Big Horn Basin Media formerly Big Horn Radio NetwoDirector of Marketing and Promotions at Big Horn Basin Media formerly Big Horn Radio Netwo
Joel AguilarJoel Aguilar
Security at Big Horn Country ClubSecurity at Big Horn Country Club
Steve ParkinsSteve Parkins
Assistant Store Manager at Big Horn CoopAssistant Store Manager at Big Horn Coop