Amy Kaufman
Principal
Amy has demonstrated success in institutional planning, organizational strategy, business, and facilities planning, market research, and project implementation. She has worked with institutions of all types and sizes, including museums, universities, parks, gardens, and heritage sites. She collaborates with government agencies, architects, developers, foundations, and institutional leaders to integrate a variety of goals and perspectives.
At the helm of AK Cultural Planning, Amy oversees tailored research and integrates the findings into strategic, operational, and visitor experience plans. Her unique approach is focused on ensuring the building blocks of long-term sustainability are in sync, including mission-based programming, audience development goals, facilities, staffing, business strategy, brand, communications, and governance.
Professional Experience
During a 12-year tenure at Lord Cultural Resources, Amy played a leading role in planning new museums, as well as programmatic and physical expansions for existing museums. Clients included National Museum of African American History and Culture, Constitution Hill in Johannesburg, National Museum of the American Latino, Planet Word, Vaclav Havel Library in Prague, Barnes Foundation, Princeton University Art Museum, and Longwood Gardens. Amy contributed significantly to the third edition of the Manual of Museum Planning: Sustainable Space, Facilities and Operations, Altamira Press, 2012.
Before joining Lord, Amy was Director of Planning and Operations for Special Projects at the Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum as well as Director of Visitor Services during a period of major expansion.
Education
Amy has a Master of Arts in Latin American Studies from New York University and a Bachelor of Arts in Art History from Tulane University.
Projects
Amy leads all projects at the firm. Her clients, many of whom return for multiple projects, include: Philadelphia Museum of Art, American LGBTQ+ Museum, Pulitzer Art Foundation, Hispanic Society Museum and Library, Planting Fields Foundation, Storm King Art Center, Trust for Governors Island, National Audubon Society, Harvard Art Museums, Oklahoma Contemporary, Studio Museum of Harlem, Vizcaya House and Gardens, Nasher Sculpture Center, and Red Ridge Nature Preserve.