We are excited to announce that Scott Mitchem has joined NELSON as Market Leader for our Los Angeles office, bringing more than two decades of global leadership across retail and hospitality strategy, design, and development.

Scott is a seasoned executive whose career has spanned luxury hotels, consumer brands, and innovative food and beverage concepts. In his role as VP and Market Leader, he will guide the overall business development strategy of our Los Angeles studio—leading business development initiatives and strengthening NELSON’s presence across key sectors including hospitality, multifamily residential, and mixed-use development throughout the Americas.

Throughout his career, Scott has held influential design and development leadership roles at some of the world’s most recognized brands. At Starbucks, he served as Design Director for Latin America and later as Concepts Director for the Americas, overseeing large-scale retail design strategies and new concept development. His experience also includes impactful roles with Panera Bread, Coach, and Sweetgreen, where he contributed to brand evolution, spatial innovation, and end-to-end product development.

Beyond his industry leadership, Scott brings a unique editorial perspective as a bilingual journalist and Contributing Editor for Wallpaper magazine, where he covers architecture, design, and travel with a particular focus on Brazil. This global storytelling lens enriches his strategic approach and design thinking.

Scott holds a Master’s degree in Real Estate Development from Georgetown University, where he also serves as an Adjunct Professor, teaching courses centered on development in Latin American markets.