Testimonials
We have been working with Deborah Frieden as a consultant since 2008 and the process has been of enormous benefit to the Museum. Ms. Frieden began with a visioning process for the Board of Trustees and senior staff which led to a much-needed clarity and restructure of Museum governance. Working with staff, we developed goals and objectives clearly addressing the priorities of the institution. Ms. Frieden brings a great skill set and deep understanding of the ways museums function and serve their publics. She keeps people on track, listens, and asks hard questions. Working with her is not only a pleasure, but invigorating and inspiring as well as productive.
Gail Andrews, the R. Hugh Daniel Director, Birmingham Museum of Art
Debbie Frieden was invaluable to me in the rebuilding of the de Young Museum. Her experience, skills and good common sense as Project Manager made my job as Chairman of the campaign one thousand times easier. I could rely on her for day-to-day details of design, budget and contract management, and she was a great advocate for the project during our difficult times.
Mrs. Diane B. Wilsey, Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Fine Arts Museums of San Francisco, and former Chair, Campaign for the new de Young Museum
Deborah has been invaluable to our project to create a major performance venue in San Francisco. Representing SFJAZZ with city agencies, neighborhood groups and district wide initiatives, Deborah ensured not only approval of the project but broad community support. Her integrity and experience have made her a trusted advisor to SFJAZZ.
Randall Kline, Executive Artistic Director, SFJAZZ
Deborah distinguished herself as the principal for the renovation, design and engineering work on the Old Mint. Deborah’s attention to detail, time management and parallel processing of project work is extraordinary. Where Deborah exceeded expectations and added value was her ability to integrate the technical work with the new vision for the museum. Deborah’s efforts led to the development of a great Guest Experience which is the most important realization of any vision. Finally, Deborah played a critical role in assisting me with the recruitment and management of a multi-disciplined team as well as the development of a very detailed and comprehensive business model.
Erik Christoffersen, former Executive Director, the Mint Project and San Francisco Museum and Historical Society
Deborah is the best Project Director we have ever met in our 30 years of practice. She has extraordinary skills in management and problem solving, and always firmly, tactfully and intelligently presented her arguments. She demonstrated a unique talent for navigating an extraordinarily complex planning approval process, and exhibited an unmatched capability for interpreting and applying city provisions and regulations. Her management style is in a class by itself.
Chiu-Lin Tse Chan and David Fong, Principals, Fong & Chan Architects, Principal Architects for the new de Young Museum
I’ve had the great pleasure of working with Deborah Frieden on the Mint Project. Beginning with the interview, continuing through Design, and gaining approvals from the project’s Board of Directors, and various governing agencies for design, entitlements and technical issues, I know Deborah to be a real leader. She has the ability to listen, synthesize requirements with vision, and deliver a product of functional excellence and significant design. Perhaps her strongest attribute, is her ability to both lead an integrated design process, and simultaneously be collaborator in the truest sense of the word
Paul Woolford, Senior Vice President, Director of Design, HOK