BRON’s First Female Principal Celebrates Milestone with the Company
NASSAU, Bahamas – Bron Ltd. (“BRON”), a leader in interdisciplinary development consulting, proudly celebrates Principal of Architecture Crystal Hanna’s 10-year milestone with the company. Over the past decade, Crystal has achieved numerous firsts at BRON, including being the company’s first Employee of the Year, first female Principal, and the founder of BRON’s architecture team—which she grew from a one-woman operation to a thriving team of five. Her journey exemplifies vision, resilience, and a commitment to excellence.
For Crystal, architecture was always the dream. From her childhood fascination with art to her high school decision to pursue architecture as a career, her passion for creativity and design was evident early on. After earning her Associate’s Degree in Architecture at the College of The Bahamas (now the University of The Bahamas), she began her professional journey working with local professionals at Patrick Rahming & Associates and later Nassau Airport Development (NAD).
Crystal recognized the need to broaden her horizons and pursue opportunities abroad. Securing a scholarship to study Architecture & Urban Design at South China University in Guangzhou, China, marked a pivotal moment in her journey. Immersed in a world of architectural innovation, she sharpened her design skills and expanded her technical expertise, pushing herself to think beyond conventional structures.
As the only Black female in her cohort, Crystal faced cultural challenges but thrived and obtained her Bachelor of Arts in Architecture. She mastered Mandarin and explored groundbreaking architectural marvels, including Guangzhou’s iconic TV tower. The experience inspired her, even while still in school, to one day raise architectural standards and create impactful designs for her homeland and the local industry.
“Living and studying in China was a culture shock, but it shaped how I approach architecture today. It opened my eyes to limitless possibilities in design,” Crystal shared.
After returning to The Bahamas in 2014, Crystal faced the challenge of finding her footing in the architecture industry during economic uncertainty. Despite limited responses from traditional firms, her fluency in Mandarin opened the door to an opportunity with Caribbean Coastal Services (CCS), now BRON, which needed her skills to communicate with Chinese clients on key projects. She joined as a Project Coordinator and, over the years, climbed the ranks, eventually becoming a Senior Project Manager while also pursuing her licensure.
Obtaining her architectural license was a significant achievement for Crystal and the industry, with women constituting only about 10% of licensed architects in The Bahamas. She attributes her accomplishment to the mentorship of licensed architect Alfred Saunders, the encouragement of her longtime friend and fellow architect Lateria Lightbourne and her relentless commitment to completing the process.
“It’s been both empowering and challenging as a woman in architecture. I’m proud to bring a unique perspective to the field and to serve as a role model for other young women aspiring to join this profession,” Crystal noted.
Crystal’s time at BRON has been marked by her integral role in expanding the company’s architecture discipline. One of her turning points was her involvement in major projects like Baha Mar, which inspired her to elevate the standards of architectural services in The Bahamas. As a principal, she emphasizes integrity, strategic vision, and excellence, continually developing her team and championing mentorship.
“Crystal has been a trailblazer in our architecture division. Her dedication to nurturing talent and fostering collaboration across disciplines has been instrumental to our growth as a fully integrated consulting firm,” said Scott Blacquiere, Managing Principal and Founder of Bron Ltd. ” She has a keen understanding of client needs and works tirelessly with our clients as a true project partner to ensure total project success.”
Under her leadership, Crystal envisions BRON’s architecture team expanding its presence in high-end luxury and resort design over the next decade. She also aims to integrate cutting-edge technologies, including artificial intelligence (AI) and building information modeling (BIM), to refine project execution and sustainability practices.
She has already begun mentoring the next generation of architects, including newly licensed Project Architect of BRON, Alexis Lightbourne, who credits Crystal for invaluable guidance.”
“As a mentor, Crystal is truly phenomenal. She has had an incredible impact on my personal growth and the BRON team,” explains Alexis. “She was always available to share her knowledge, provide encouragement, and help me tackle challenges with clarity. I’m grateful to have had the opportunity to learn from her, and I know her impact will continue to resonate for years.”
Crystal’s vision extends beyond projects; she seeks to build a legacy where architecture is not only a career but a platform for positive community impact.
“I strive to create spaces that are functional, sustainable, and meaningful to the communities they serve. My goal is to help my team grow into future leaders who continue this mission,” Crystal expressed.
Reflecting on the changes at Bron Ltd. over the past ten years, Crystal highlights the transformation from a primarily engineering-focused firm to a diverse, multidisciplinary powerhouse.
“The collaboration across our various disciplines feels natural. We lean on each other’s strengths, which makes us unique in the local market,” Crystal said.
As Bron Ltd. celebrates its 20th anniversary—growing from its roots as CCS to a united group of companies—it also honors Crystal Hanna’s remarkable 10-year journey. The company looks forward to the continued innovation and excellence she will bring to its projects and partnerships. Her story is a powerful reminder of how vision, perseverance, and collaboration can drive both personal and organizational success.
Cheers to 10 years, Crystal!
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