Philip Paratore is a seasoned executive and industry expert with over 20 years of diverse experience in the building and design industries. His career has spanned key roles across architecture, project management, and real estate, culminating in his current position as Chief Operations Officer (COO) at Agile Interiors, where he manages operations across Houston and Austin. With a keen eye for both design and execution, Philip has successfully overseen projects across various sectors, including Higher Education, Hospitality, Commercial, Financial, and the Energy sector, cementing his reputation as a versatile leader with a unique understanding of both creative and operational dimensions in project and facilities management.
Philip began his career with leading design firms in Texas, gaining invaluable experience in architecture and project management. His role as Project Architect involved designing and managing office renovations, retail spaces, trading floors, and state-of-the-art audiovisual facilities. This early exposure to complex projects laid the foundation for his ability to lead multi-functional teams and manage large-scale projects. His move to a global construction firm allowed him to deepen his technical knowledge, especially in on-site construction supervision, further enhancing his capabilities in sequencing, contractibility, and lease negotiations—skills that would prove crucial in his leadership roles.
In March 2024, Philip joined Agile Interiors as COO, where he now oversees two office showrooms, 84 employees, and an impressive $80 million in annual sales. His role involves strategic planning, operational oversight, and ensuring consistent quality in delivering architecture and design services across the Houston and Austin markets. Prior to Agile Interiors, Philip took on a high-impact consultancy role with Gensler, a globally recognized architecture and design firm. As a consultant, he organized and strategically reoriented Gensler’s Hospitality team in Houston, devising a market-facing strategy that strengthened their service offerings. This consultancy highlighted Philip’s ability to adapt to and optimize team dynamics and business strategies in high-stakes environments.
Philip’s eight-year tenure with Bechtel Energy exemplified his ability to lead large, geographically dispersed teams and manage complex real estate portfolios. As Real Estate Portfolio and Facilities Manager, he led a functional operations team overseeing a $30 million budget for Bechtel’s Houston office, while also providing oversight to teams in London and Cairo. He successfully unified facility teams under a single business unit, secured a $1.4 million refund following a lease audit, and contracted vendor teams for various projects, including an $8 million industrial training site. Philip also demonstrated risk mitigation and strategic foresight, notably reorganizing contract models to streamline Bechtel’s operations and reduce liability.
Before his time with Bechtel, Philip excelled as Marketing and Sales Director at Knoll International. There, he became a top national salesperson, establishing strong relationships within the Architecture and Design community, managing Knoll’s Houston showroom, and generating over $5 million in sales in 2013 alone. He restructured sales strategies and enhanced team collaboration, reflecting his natural inclination toward leadership and his strategic mindset.
Philip’s career also includes a significant tenure at Gensler, where he served as Senior Associate and took on challenging projects across Houston, Las Vegas, Los Angeles, Atlanta, and several locations in Europe. His work ranged from managing tenant improvement projects to overseeing PR and regulatory issues for the CityCenter project in Las Vegas, notably the Aria Hotel and its retail spaces. His role also included international responsibilities, conducting site assessments and managing relocations of executive teams across the U.S. and Europe.
Philip’s expertise extends to the casino and hospitality sector through his work with Landry’s Inc., where he played a pivotal role in the development of The Golden Nugget properties in Las Vegas and Laughlin. As Senior Architect, Philip managed permitting, vendor relationships, and the design and construction of a $100 million casino floor remodel, a $70 million convention center expansion, and a new tower expansion. His oversight contributed to the brand development and ensured high standards for both aesthetic appeal and operational functionality.
Philip holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Houston and a Bachelor of Design from the University of Texas at Austin. He is a registered architect in Texas and a LEED ID+C Accredited Professional, emphasizing his commitment to sustainable design. Beyond his professional pursuits, he contributes to his community through organizations such as Junior Achievement Houston and the Arthouse at Jones Center in Austin. Philip’s dual citizenship in the U.S. and Italy underscores his global outlook, a trait that has served him well in his international engagements.
Philip Paratore’s career is defined by his adaptability, leadership, and comprehensive skill set. His ability to bridge the worlds of design, construction, and operational management makes him an invaluable asset in the architecture, engineering, and construction (AEC) industry. With a robust portfolio and a commitment to excellence, Philip continues to drive innovative solutions, enhance team performance, and deliver outstanding results across every project he leads.
Character: Philip Paratore is a dedicated leader known for his integrity and commitment to high standards, both in design and execution.
Knowledge: With deep expertise across architecture, construction management, and real estate, Philip combines technical acumen with broad industry insight.
Strategic: Philip’s strategic thinking enables him to streamline operations, optimize resources, and drive sustainable growth across complex, multi-functional teams.
Communication: Philip excels in building strong relationships and fostering collaboration, effectively aligning teams, clients, and stakeholders around project goals.