Ellen Bensky
Principal, CEO, CFO
Turner Fleischer
Ellen Bensky is a transformative leader at Turner Fleischer, guiding the Toronto-based firm’s growth into a dynamic Studio specializing in Architecture, Interior Design, and Experiential Graphic Design. Her unique 34-year journey as a non-architect to becoming Principal, CEO, and CFO is a testament to her exceptional leadership and vision. Her innovative approach has redefined the traditional business model of the industry, emphasizing that operational teams are the foundation of a successful AEC practice rather than an overhead burden, allowing designers to focus on design. She has strengthened the Studio’s technological capabilities by developing a Digital Practice team with deep expertise, integrating advanced tools and systems to digitize both the practice and their projects.
She is dedicated to driving social change, embedding a culture of community engagement within the studio. Weaving social impact into the fabric of the studio’s culture, she empowers Studio members to give back to the communities they live and build in, in meaningful ways. Ellen is deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning. She established TF Academy to support continuous growth and development for all studio members. Her unwavering dedication to sharing knowledge and lessons learned inspires her to speak globally and challenge the industry’s status quo.
She is dedicated to driving social change, embedding a culture of community engagement within the studio. Weaving social impact into the fabric of the studio’s culture, she empowers Studio members to give back to the communities they live and build in, in meaningful ways. Ellen is deeply passionate about education and lifelong learning. She established TF Academy to support continuous growth and development for all studio members. Her unwavering dedication to sharing knowledge and lessons learned inspires her to speak globally and challenge the industry’s status quo.
Adam Haddow
President
Australian Institute of Architects
Adam Haddow (FRAIA) is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of architecture and a champion of design that enriches communities. He firmly believes that Australia’s future will be brighter when architecture and design thinking are placed at the heart of decision-making—delivering not only economic value but also measurable improvements in health, wellbeing, and quality of life.
With over 30 years of experience spanning a wide range of scales and building types, Adam’s influence on the built environment is both national and international. His work has received some of Australia's highest architectural honours, including the Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture, the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design, and the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture.
A recognised thought leader in mixed-use development, Adam’s design philosophy centres on the idea that buildings are frameworks for community life. For him, the activities a building enables are just as vital as its form—architecture is successful when it fosters connection, inclusion, and civic identity.
Beyond his built work, Adam plays a key role in shaping urban policy through strategic design initiatives. His thoughtful, design-led approach continues to influence planning and policy at the highest levels.
Currently serving as President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Adam remains driven by a deep curiosity and an enduring commitment to creating cities and spaces that serve people—and to nurturing a profession that supports those who shape it.
With over 30 years of experience spanning a wide range of scales and building types, Adam’s influence on the built environment is both national and international. His work has received some of Australia's highest architectural honours, including the Robin Boyd Award for Residential Architecture, the Walter Burley Griffin Award for Urban Design, and the Harry Seidler Award for Commercial Architecture.
A recognised thought leader in mixed-use development, Adam’s design philosophy centres on the idea that buildings are frameworks for community life. For him, the activities a building enables are just as vital as its form—architecture is successful when it fosters connection, inclusion, and civic identity.
Beyond his built work, Adam plays a key role in shaping urban policy through strategic design initiatives. His thoughtful, design-led approach continues to influence planning and policy at the highest levels.
Currently serving as President of the Australian Institute of Architects, Adam remains driven by a deep curiosity and an enduring commitment to creating cities and spaces that serve people—and to nurturing a profession that supports those who shape it.
Antoine Habellion
Technical Director
ROCKWOOL
Antoine Habellion, P.Eng., M.Eng., M.S., currently serves as the Technical Director at ROCKWOOL North America, where he oversees the Building Science, Technical Services, Codes & Standards, and Product Development, Compliance, and Testing departments. In this role, he manages a team of skilled engineers and professionals, to drive excellence and innovation in building performance.
With over a decade of experience in designing both residential and commercial building enclosures, Antoine focuses on the detailed analysis of thermal, hygrothermal, fire, and acoustic performance of building assemblies. Additionally, he contributes to the industry by writing technical articles and bulletins. His expertise is valued by architects, engineers, design consultants, and general contractors.
Before his tenure in North America, Antoine gained valuable experience as a Building Science Engineer at ROCKWOOL in Paris, France. He holds a Master of Civil Engineering from Hautes Études d’Ingénieur in Lille, France, and an Advanced master’s degree in building science from the esteemed Arts et Métiers ParisTech and École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) in Paris, France. His academic work includes authoring a thesis on "Summer Comfort in Buildings Without Cooling Systems."
With over a decade of experience in designing both residential and commercial building enclosures, Antoine focuses on the detailed analysis of thermal, hygrothermal, fire, and acoustic performance of building assemblies. Additionally, he contributes to the industry by writing technical articles and bulletins. His expertise is valued by architects, engineers, design consultants, and general contractors.
Before his tenure in North America, Antoine gained valuable experience as a Building Science Engineer at ROCKWOOL in Paris, France. He holds a Master of Civil Engineering from Hautes Études d’Ingénieur in Lille, France, and an Advanced master’s degree in building science from the esteemed Arts et Métiers ParisTech and École Spéciale des Travaux Publics (ESTP) in Paris, France. His academic work includes authoring a thesis on "Summer Comfort in Buildings Without Cooling Systems."
Ali Al-Janabi
Building Science Manager
ROCKWOOL
Ali Al-Janabi is the Building Science Manager at ROCKWOOL. Before stepping into his current role, Ali spent four years as a Building Science Specialist, where he supported the development of building solutions through the strategic application of mineral wool insulation. His expertise has been instrumental in guiding architects, engineers, and contractors to understand and apply complex building science concepts effectively.
With a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Malaysia and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba, Canada, Ali combines strong academic foundations with hands-on industry experience to support professionals across the field.
Ali's technical contributions have been honored with the Joseph S. Zajchowski, CSI, CCS Technical Excellence Award from the Northeast Region of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
With a Bachelor’s degree in Civil Engineering from Malaysia and a Master’s in Civil Engineering from the University of Manitoba, Canada, Ali combines strong academic foundations with hands-on industry experience to support professionals across the field.
Ali's technical contributions have been honored with the Joseph S. Zajchowski, CSI, CCS Technical Excellence Award from the Northeast Region of the Construction Specifications Institute (CSI).
Todd Kimmel
US Senior Manager - Sustainable Solutions
ROCKWOOL
Todd has over 20 years of experience working on façade systems and the building enclosure, holding technical and business development leadership positions for multiple leading product manufacturers. He is a certified passive house designer and currently sits on the board of directors for New York Passive House (NYPH). Todd was part of the working group to develop the AAMA 509 testing standard for drained and back ventilated rainscreen
Pauline Thimm
DIALOG
Denise Alvera
Architectural Specification Manager
ROCKWOOL
Denise is the Architectural Specification Manager for ROCKWOOL North America, supporting the North Central region. She brings deep expertise in architectural systems and insulation applications, with a strong focus on high-performance building envelopes. Denise serves as Board Chair for Chicago Women in Architecture and is an Affiliate member of AIA Chicago. She also maintains active memberships with AIA Northeast Illinois, AIA Prairie, and the CSI Chicago Chapter. In addition, she is a founding member of the Chicago Climate Action Museum and a dedicated member of both the Illinois Green Alliance and the Building Enclosure Council.
Alejandra Nieto
Sustainability Manager
ROCKWOOL
Alejandra's role at ROCKWOOL as Sustainability Manager is defining and implementing sustainability strategy and initiatives, ensuring the development of high-performance stone wool insulation products with the lowest embodied footprint.. Her role includes managing the sustainability profile of ROCKWOOL products through certifications and listings, keeping to date with policy and regulatory work on the topic of life cycle assessment and decarbonization, and working with industry leaders to drive the use of low carbon sustainable products.
Alex Pitkin
Andrew McKinley
Chief Executive Officer
VIA Design Architects, P.C.
Andrew McKinley, AIA, LEED AP is Chief Executive Officer of VIA design architects, pc, He is a Virginia Tech alumnus who joined the firm in 2014 with years of experience already under his belt. On January 1, 2017, he became an owner and Vice President of the firm, and on January 1, 2025, he assumed joint ownership and transitioned into his current role of Chief Executive Officer. As CEO, Andrew fosters a diverse and inclusive team, encouraging employees to explore their unique talents, design solutions for successful project outcomes, and contribute to the firm's annual strategic plan.
Andrew’s guiding mission as an architect is to design highly functional, sustainable, affordable buildings. As Co-Chair of the AIA Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE), he actively promotes sustainable design practices, believing it can be achieved without compromising affordability or quality. He incorporates energy-efficient design into his projects through early-stage modeling and post-construction analysis, ensuring predicted energy performance aligns with actual outcomes. Andrew leads VIA's sustainability efforts, including the firm's participation in the AIA 2030 Challenge.
His passion for art, building, and fabrication deeply influences his design approach. He brings an intentional focus to the craft of construction, emphasizing the relationship between how things are built and the resulting aesthetic qualities. He experiments with hand-drawings and sketches, studying the possibilities of space adjacencies and building form before using digital modeling to ensure each design element is resolved and effectively communicated to the contractor.
Andrew's commitment to sustainable, innovative, and collaborative design positions VIA for continued success and leadership in the field.
Andrew’s guiding mission as an architect is to design highly functional, sustainable, affordable buildings. As Co-Chair of the AIA Virginia Committee on the Environment (COTE), he actively promotes sustainable design practices, believing it can be achieved without compromising affordability or quality. He incorporates energy-efficient design into his projects through early-stage modeling and post-construction analysis, ensuring predicted energy performance aligns with actual outcomes. Andrew leads VIA's sustainability efforts, including the firm's participation in the AIA 2030 Challenge.
His passion for art, building, and fabrication deeply influences his design approach. He brings an intentional focus to the craft of construction, emphasizing the relationship between how things are built and the resulting aesthetic qualities. He experiments with hand-drawings and sketches, studying the possibilities of space adjacencies and building form before using digital modeling to ensure each design element is resolved and effectively communicated to the contractor.
Andrew's commitment to sustainable, innovative, and collaborative design positions VIA for continued success and leadership in the field.
Amanda Lowery
Enterprise Account Executive
Sherwin-Williams
Amanda Lowery provides coating specification and color support for Sherwin Williams in Washington DC, MD, and VA. She has been with Sherwin Williams for 14 years and has worked with specifiers for the last 12 years. Amanda services commercial A&D markets with product specifications, color development and support, and continuing education presentations. She has degrees in Interior Design and Political Science. Amanda has the following certifications: Fitwel Ambassador, LEED Green Associate, WELL AP, CDT-- and is passionate in learning how to improve the built environment both for the environment and those working and living in such spaces.
Bobby Larson
Practicing from the DLR Group’s Chicago office, Bobby is an architect with a passion for
community. He finds it rewarding to have a role that can physically and tangibly influence the
spaces and places live, work, and play. While specializing in hospitality and workplace
environments, he also champions cutting-edge sustainable solutions and leverages his experience
in mass timber office building design to apply new ideas to hospitality projects. Bobby views
environmentally responsible design as doing more with less; and that the best design overlaps the
three pillars of sustainable design: economic viability, social equity, and environmental
responsibility.
community. He finds it rewarding to have a role that can physically and tangibly influence the
spaces and places live, work, and play. While specializing in hospitality and workplace
environments, he also champions cutting-edge sustainable solutions and leverages his experience
in mass timber office building design to apply new ideas to hospitality projects. Bobby views
environmentally responsible design as doing more with less; and that the best design overlaps the
three pillars of sustainable design: economic viability, social equity, and environmental
responsibility.
Carlos Cerezo Davilla
Director, Head of Sustainability
Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates
Carlos is a building science expert and Director of Sustainability for KPF, where he leads the firm’s in-house Performance Simulation team, KPF-EP, closely collaborating with design teams globally. His work focuses on coordinating firm-wide initiatives to minimize the environmental impact of KPF projects and operations through an “evidence based” approach, and developing new computational tools to incorporate carbon, energy, thermal, and daylight modeling in design. Carlos has led the sustainable design for some of KPF’s most ambitious projects, including a carbon neutral ready research campus for HKUST in Guangzhou, one of the first fully electric laboratory buildings in New York City, and climate resilient commercial waterfront district in Boston.
Before joining KPF, Carlos worked as a Research Scientist and Instructor at MIT’s Sustainable Design Lab, collaborating with municipalities including Boston, Lisbon, and Kuwait to model building energy use patterns at an urban scale. Carlos is a licensed architect by the University of Seville (Spain, 2010), having practiced in Spain, Japan, and US. He also holds a Master’s from Harvard University (2013) and PhD from MIT (2017). He has contributed to numerous research publications and has been a guest lecturer at MIT’s Center for Real Estate (MIT CRE) since 2022.
Before joining KPF, Carlos worked as a Research Scientist and Instructor at MIT’s Sustainable Design Lab, collaborating with municipalities including Boston, Lisbon, and Kuwait to model building energy use patterns at an urban scale. Carlos is a licensed architect by the University of Seville (Spain, 2010), having practiced in Spain, Japan, and US. He also holds a Master’s from Harvard University (2013) and PhD from MIT (2017). He has contributed to numerous research publications and has been a guest lecturer at MIT’s Center for Real Estate (MIT CRE) since 2022.
Ryan Critchfield
Associate Principal
Treanor
Ryan Critchfield, AIA is an Associate Principal with Treanor in the Justice Studio. A graduate of the Universtity of Cincinnati with over 25 years of experience in the Justice sector Ryan is involved in all phases of work from planning through construction. Ryan has worked on projects in 23 states, with a particular expertise in Juvenile Facilities and Courthouses. Ryan currently resides and works in Lexington Kentucky.
Sergio Saenz
Partner and Global Practice Director of Hospitality
HKS
Sergio Saenz is a Partner and Global Practice Director of Hospitality at HKS, where he leads the design of transformative, resilient destinations around the world. His projects—ranging from master plans and mixed-use urban developments to luxury hotels and resorts—are shaped by an unwavering commitment to design excellence, sustainability, and cultural context.
Born in Texas and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sergio’s passion for architecture began at age six, when he watched his father pore over blueprints for their family home. Frequent visits to the construction site with his mother turned fascination into a lifelong pursuit. Today, he channels that early sense of wonder into creating indelible guest experiences and future-proofed environments that respond to the increasing threats of climate change, hurricanes, and storm surge.
Based in Miami, Sergio serves as design principal for many of the firm’s most ambitious hospitality projects. He is known for crafting landmark destinations that reflect the identity of their site while meeting the commercial and operational goals of clients. His work blends artistry and performance, ensuring that each project contributes positively to its community and environment.
Sergio’s leadership and design contributions have earned him industry recognition, including the Design Futures Council’s 40 Under 40 distinction and the prestigious Luis Barragán Design Media Award. As a bilingual and bicultural architect, he brings a globally informed yet locally attuned perspective to every endeavor.
Whether designing a beachfront resort or revitalizing an urban district, Sergio believes in the power of architecture to create lasting value—for people, place, and the planet.
Born in Texas and raised in Monterrey, Mexico, Sergio’s passion for architecture began at age six, when he watched his father pore over blueprints for their family home. Frequent visits to the construction site with his mother turned fascination into a lifelong pursuit. Today, he channels that early sense of wonder into creating indelible guest experiences and future-proofed environments that respond to the increasing threats of climate change, hurricanes, and storm surge.
Based in Miami, Sergio serves as design principal for many of the firm’s most ambitious hospitality projects. He is known for crafting landmark destinations that reflect the identity of their site while meeting the commercial and operational goals of clients. His work blends artistry and performance, ensuring that each project contributes positively to its community and environment.
Sergio’s leadership and design contributions have earned him industry recognition, including the Design Futures Council’s 40 Under 40 distinction and the prestigious Luis Barragán Design Media Award. As a bilingual and bicultural architect, he brings a globally informed yet locally attuned perspective to every endeavor.
Whether designing a beachfront resort or revitalizing an urban district, Sergio believes in the power of architecture to create lasting value—for people, place, and the planet.
Whitni Irving
Whitni Irving Person
Whitni Irving, AIA, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB, is an architect passionate
about the intersection of architecture and diversity. As the 527th Black female licensed
architect in the US, she is committed to uplifting marginalized communities by creating
spaces that inspire and foster connection. Her fascination with urban landscapes and a
dedication to enhancing user experiences have been central to her work throughout her
career.
Drawing on her wealth of experience, Whitni has actively contributed to her community
through volunteer work with the Boston Chapter for the National Organization for
Minority Architects (BosNOMA), serving as a Communication Committee Co-Chair for
three years and Vice President for a year. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized
communities persists while continuing her leadership as President from 2024 to 2026.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts at Clemson University, followed by a Master of
Architecture and Master of Urban Design at the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte. Her professional experience spans a diverse range of projects, from
installations and corporate interiors to luxury high-rise hotels and higher education
master plans.
about the intersection of architecture and diversity. As the 527th Black female licensed
architect in the US, she is committed to uplifting marginalized communities by creating
spaces that inspire and foster connection. Her fascination with urban landscapes and a
dedication to enhancing user experiences have been central to her work throughout her
career.
Drawing on her wealth of experience, Whitni has actively contributed to her community
through volunteer work with the Boston Chapter for the National Organization for
Minority Architects (BosNOMA), serving as a Communication Committee Co-Chair for
three years and Vice President for a year. Her dedication to uplifting marginalized
communities persists while continuing her leadership as President from 2024 to 2026.
She earned a Bachelor of Arts at Clemson University, followed by a Master of
Architecture and Master of Urban Design at the University of North Carolina at
Charlotte. Her professional experience spans a diverse range of projects, from
installations and corporate interiors to luxury high-rise hotels and higher education
master plans.
Rosalie Howell
Design Professional II | Justice Designer
Dewberry Architects, Inc
Rosalie’s academic background is in history and cultural anthropology, which lends a unique outlook on human interactions with the built environment. In her design process, she strives to be multi-optical, body-inclusive, evidence-based, eco-integrative, and community-oriented. She is especially interested in spatial & social justice, trauma-informed design, and practical, down-to-earth solutions to complex issues. She believes in the power of collaboration & building teams with diverse backgrounds & contexts to facilitate design solutions that are well-rounded and effectively accommodate the needs of all stakeholders.
In graduate school she studied the anthropology of architecture and developed an interest in the relationship between domestic violence & the built environment. From there, she pursued a Master’s of Architecture and transferred to the University of Illinois to complete the “Track 3” program, where she focused her studies on weaving the principles of trauma-informed design into projects ranging from residential spaces to healthcare, mixed-used office, academic, and commercial spaces. While at university of Illinois she continued her research on the relationship between domestic violence & the built environment.
Upon graduating with her M.Arch. in 2021, Rosalie’s career path has led her to justice design projects, wherein the need for trauma-informed design is especially relevant – although she will quickly remind anyone that trauma-informed design is applicable in any designed space. She continues her research on the relationship between trauma & the built environment through her project work as well as guest lectures. Bradley University Gender Studies Lecture 2022.
In graduate school she studied the anthropology of architecture and developed an interest in the relationship between domestic violence & the built environment. From there, she pursued a Master’s of Architecture and transferred to the University of Illinois to complete the “Track 3” program, where she focused her studies on weaving the principles of trauma-informed design into projects ranging from residential spaces to healthcare, mixed-used office, academic, and commercial spaces. While at university of Illinois she continued her research on the relationship between domestic violence & the built environment.
Upon graduating with her M.Arch. in 2021, Rosalie’s career path has led her to justice design projects, wherein the need for trauma-informed design is especially relevant – although she will quickly remind anyone that trauma-informed design is applicable in any designed space. She continues her research on the relationship between trauma & the built environment through her project work as well as guest lectures. Bradley University Gender Studies Lecture 2022.
Michael Strogoff
President
Strogoff Consulting, Inc.
Michael Strogoff, FAIA, has advised many of the nation's most successful architecture, landscape architecture, design and engineering firms in ownership transitions, mergers and acquisitions, strategic planning and leadership development. As a former managing principal of an architecture firm, a frequent speaker on ownership transition issues, and Advisory Group Chair of AIA's Practice Management Knowledge Community, Michael Strogoff, FAIA, brings an in-depth understanding of the architecture industry and of the ownership transitions, mergers and acquisitions landscape. Michael authored the chapter on Ownership Transitions for the 15th edition of AIA’s The Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice.
Antonio Holguin
National Market Director
Material Bank
Adam Baacke
Commissioner, Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM)
Commonwealth of Massachusetts
Governor Healey appointed Adam Baacke to serve as Commissioner of the Division of Capital Asset Management and Maintenance (DCAMM) in August 2023. He brings more than twenty-five years of experience with planning, design, capital project management, real estate, community development, and public administration, most recently serving as Assistant Vice Chancellor for Campus Development at the University of Massachusetts Lowell.
During his nearly ten-year tenure at UMass Lowell, he led the team responsible for all aspects of campus planning, real estate, and capital project delivery during a period of dramatic physical campus expansion, increased enrollment, and research growth as the institution emerged as one of New England’s leading comprehensive public research universities.
Before joining the UMass Lowell administration, Baacke spent fourteen years at the City of Lowell, including serving as Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning and Development. His civic engagement activities include service on the boards of directors and building committees for numerous non-profit and community organizations in the arts, education, food justice, economic development, and child welfare. He currently chairs the City of Lowell’s Community Preservation Committee and serves as a trustee of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre.
During his nearly ten-year tenure at UMass Lowell, he led the team responsible for all aspects of campus planning, real estate, and capital project delivery during a period of dramatic physical campus expansion, increased enrollment, and research growth as the institution emerged as one of New England’s leading comprehensive public research universities.
Before joining the UMass Lowell administration, Baacke spent fourteen years at the City of Lowell, including serving as Assistant City Manager and Director of Planning and Development. His civic engagement activities include service on the boards of directors and building committees for numerous non-profit and community organizations in the arts, education, food justice, economic development, and child welfare. He currently chairs the City of Lowell’s Community Preservation Committee and serves as a trustee of the Merrimack Repertory Theatre.
Andrew Barnett
Hopkins Architects
Andrew joined the Practice following studies at Cambridge and Harvard Universities.
His work with the Practice covers a wide range of sectors and includes many complex projects such as Glyndebourne Opera House, the Wellcome Trust Headquarters, Evelina Children's Hospital, Norwich Cathedral Hostry and Refectory and St James Park Café.
In the USA he has led projects at Rice University, the Smith Campus Center at Harvard, and most recently one of the largest single college athletics centers in the USA at Colby College in Maine.
Currently he is a leading teams designing the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at Oxford University - the result of the largest single donation to the University since the Renaissance, a New Residence Hall for Colby College and Bloomberg School of Public Health South Building at Johns Hopkins University.
Andrew has taught and examined at Cambridge University and at University College London and has lectured widely. He designed and built his own houses in London and the Scottish Highlands, both of which have won multiple awards.
His work with the Practice covers a wide range of sectors and includes many complex projects such as Glyndebourne Opera House, the Wellcome Trust Headquarters, Evelina Children's Hospital, Norwich Cathedral Hostry and Refectory and St James Park Café.
In the USA he has led projects at Rice University, the Smith Campus Center at Harvard, and most recently one of the largest single college athletics centers in the USA at Colby College in Maine.
Currently he is a leading teams designing the Stephen A. Schwarzman Centre for the Humanities at Oxford University - the result of the largest single donation to the University since the Renaissance, a New Residence Hall for Colby College and Bloomberg School of Public Health South Building at Johns Hopkins University.
Andrew has taught and examined at Cambridge University and at University College London and has lectured widely. He designed and built his own houses in London and the Scottish Highlands, both of which have won multiple awards.
Jose Luis Salinas
Rebecca Fletcher
Architect
Goody Clancy
Rebecca Fletcher, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD, is an Architect at Goody Clancy in Boston. She serves as the Rhode Island representative on the AIA Strategic Council (2025-2027) and on several AIAri member committees and supports licensure candidates as an Architect Licensing Advisor. Rebecca attended the University of Oregon, graduating with a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Historic Preservation. Prior to joining Goody Clancy, she practiced at Vision 3 Architects in Providence.
Hercend Mpidi Bita
Timber Engineering, Inc.
Hercend is a Principal at Timber Engineering Inc. and an expert in timber engineering and connection
detailing for mass timber buildings, including performance under seismic loads and disproportionate
collapse prevention designs. After completing his Ph.D. in timber engineering, he held a post-doctoral
position at The University of British Columbia (UNBC). Hercend then joined Katerra, where he worked on the
development of novel building components and structural systems for mid-rise and tall mass timber
buildings and large mass timber warehouses and led the design of numerous mass timber industrial,
commercial, institutional, and residential projects in both Canada and U.S. Hercend has numerous
publications in international journals and book chapters, and structural reports on novel structural design
and detailing for mass timber under abnormal and extreme loadings.
detailing for mass timber buildings, including performance under seismic loads and disproportionate
collapse prevention designs. After completing his Ph.D. in timber engineering, he held a post-doctoral
position at The University of British Columbia (UNBC). Hercend then joined Katerra, where he worked on the
development of novel building components and structural systems for mid-rise and tall mass timber
buildings and large mass timber warehouses and led the design of numerous mass timber industrial,
commercial, institutional, and residential projects in both Canada and U.S. Hercend has numerous
publications in international journals and book chapters, and structural reports on novel structural design
and detailing for mass timber under abnormal and extreme loadings.
Chris Downey
Chris Downey is an architect with over 30 years of professional practice - continuing without sight since 2008. Leveraging this altered perspective as a unique value, he now specializes in universal design for projects for the blind and visually impaired including eye clinics, rehabilitation centers and schools for the blind while also consulting on other projects including museums, cultural centers, tech offices and transit centers. Recently appointed as the inaugural recipient of the Lifchez Visiting Professor of Practice in Social Justice for the UC Berkeley College of Environmental Design, Chris taught a graduate level studio for the Department of Architecture during the spring semester of 2022.
Chris has been featured in numerous media stories including “60 Minutes” with CBS News, has exhibited internationally including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and speaks globally for Fresh Speakers with a TED talk that has been viewed well over a million times. Chris currently serves as chair of the California commission on disability Access and is on the “Building Blind Ambition” capital campaign for Enchanted Hills Camp owned and operated by the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Chris has been featured in numerous media stories including “60 Minutes” with CBS News, has exhibited internationally including the Victoria & Albert Museum in London and speaks globally for Fresh Speakers with a TED talk that has been viewed well over a million times. Chris currently serves as chair of the California commission on disability Access and is on the “Building Blind Ambition” capital campaign for Enchanted Hills Camp owned and operated by the San Francisco LightHouse for the Blind and Visually Impaired.
Emily Miyares
Emily Miyares, AIA is a licensed Architect with 15 years of experience in Higher Education, Residential, Institutional and Hospitality projects. She is currently an Associate at PAYETTE, where she has worked as a Project Architect and Project Manager on Academic Science projects at UConn, Brandeis, Tulane, and Tufts.
A fascination with and affection for people and their everyday lives has been an animating force in Emily’s career, both as a design driver on projects and in her commitment to giving back to the profession. She believes that excellence in Architecture requires an inclusive and engaged community of practitioners, and that mentorship and collaboration are the building blocks of a resilient profession. To that end, she dedicates much of her energy and time to initiatives that aim to expand access to Architectural education and training, including designing and implementing PAYETTE’s high-school internship program beginning in 2020.
A fascination with and affection for people and their everyday lives has been an animating force in Emily’s career, both as a design driver on projects and in her commitment to giving back to the profession. She believes that excellence in Architecture requires an inclusive and engaged community of practitioners, and that mentorship and collaboration are the building blocks of a resilient profession. To that end, she dedicates much of her energy and time to initiatives that aim to expand access to Architectural education and training, including designing and implementing PAYETTE’s high-school internship program beginning in 2020.
John Ochsendorf
Professor
MIT
Kelly Hayes-McAlonie
Director of Campus Planning
University of Buffalo
Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, LEED AP is the Director of Campus Planning at the University at Buffalo. Her work involves overseeing the implementation of the university’s Comprehensive Master Plan and the strategic planning for UB’s three campus environments. Kelly has dedicated her career to educational architecture and educating the public. In 2011, Kelly and colleague Despina Stratigakos collaborated with Mattel on the design and launch of Barbie I Can Be…Architect. She has spent the past 20 years researching the life and career of Louise Blanchard Bethune, FAIA, the first professional woman architect. Kelly has written and presented widely on her and recently released her biography, Louise Blanchard Bethune, Every Woman Her Own Architect.
Kelly has also been very active in the American Institute of Architects, serving as the 2008 President of AIA Buffalo/WNY, the 2012 President of AIANYS, and the 2016-2019 Regional Representative of the AIA National Strategic Council. She recently served a three-year term on the National Architectural Accrediting Board, as Treasurer. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the Trailblazing Women of Western New York, an initiative of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women to place monuments to women in our public realm.
Kelly has also been very active in the American Institute of Architects, serving as the 2008 President of AIA Buffalo/WNY, the 2012 President of AIANYS, and the 2016-2019 Regional Representative of the AIA National Strategic Council. She recently served a three-year term on the National Architectural Accrediting Board, as Treasurer. She also serves on the Steering Committee for the Trailblazing Women of Western New York, an initiative of the Erie County Commission on the Status of Women to place monuments to women in our public realm.
Krystal Quille
The American Institute of Architects
HI i'm Krystal, testing to make edits here, blah blah blah
Hafsa Burt
Principal
hb+a Architects
Hafsa Burt is an architect, LEED Fellow, and sustainability expert with over 24 years of experience in architecture, and sustainable design strategist. She is the Founder and Creative Director of hb+a Architects and the visionary behind Box Lab, an initiative focused on zero energy and low carbon building prototypes. She is a LEED Fellow, WELL AP, and a pioneer in integrating Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ), low carbon reduction strategies, and life cycle analysis into mainstream architectural practice.
Since 2006, Hafsa has led technical consulting on more projects, ranging from transportation to housing. She has authored performance specifications used by numerous firms to meet LEED and CALGreen mandates and has trained professionals in healthy building design and LEED's Materials and Resources Credits for Embodied Carbon Reduction, including architects, engineers, and municipal reviewers.
Since 2006, Hafsa has led technical consulting on more projects, ranging from transportation to housing. She has authored performance specifications used by numerous firms to meet LEED and CALGreen mandates and has trained professionals in healthy building design and LEED's Materials and Resources Credits for Embodied Carbon Reduction, including architects, engineers, and municipal reviewers.
George Guanci
Market Manager - Fire Protection
Sherwin Williams
George M. Guanci, Market Manager – Fire Protection, possesses over forty years experience in the construction industry. He is experienced and knowledgeable in UL listings and requirements, international fireproofing standards and the development of fireproofing specifications. He is responsible for market management of the Firetex commercial fireproofing product line in North America for Sherwin Williams. George is a member of AIA, CSI, NACE and NFPA. George possesses an M. A. from Northeastern University.
Abigail Ransmeier
Yanitza Brongers Marrero
Partner, Housing Practice Leader
Moody Nolan
Yanitza is a Partner and the Director of Housing for Moody Nolan where she oversees the firm’s housing practice in twelve offices across the Unites States.
As a Director and a Partner for the firm, Yanitza leads a focused housing studio where she is responsible for leadership, management, business development, design quality and talent development. In her role, she has developed a rapidly growing practice that includes affordable and market-rate residential, student housing, independent senior living, and large-scale mixed-use developments.
As a Director and a Partner for the firm, Yanitza leads a focused housing studio where she is responsible for leadership, management, business development, design quality and talent development. In her role, she has developed a rapidly growing practice that includes affordable and market-rate residential, student housing, independent senior living, and large-scale mixed-use developments.
Rosa Sheng
Vice President, Director Justice Equity Diversity Inclusion
SmithGroup
Rosa T. Sheng, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C is a Vice-President at SmithGroup serving multiple roles as Higher Education Studio Leader in Northern California and national Director of Justice, Equity, Diversity, Inclusion. Founder of Equity by Design [EQxD] in 2014, Rosa served as AIA San Francisco President in 2018, the first Asian American Woman to serve in the organization’s 136 year history. Recognized as an industry thought leader, architect, strategist, and advocate, she is known for developing new processes and design solutions with transformational impact in the built environment. When asked "What type of Architecture do you do?" Her answer, “The kind that’s never been done before." This mindset has resulted in a variety of award-winning and internationally acclaimed projects including the aesthetically minimal, highly technical glass structures for Apple’s original high-profile retail stores - revolutionary workplace of the future in the Pixar Animation Studios Steven P. Jobs Building.
Rosa’s most rewarding work to date is focused on design justice - creating equitable and sustainable design outcomes for student belonging and persistence at public higher education institutions in California. These include the award-winning UC Davis Teaching and Learning Complex, SF State Science and Engineering Innovation Center, and the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College / Northeastern, as well as STEM projects for the California State University system and Community Colleges that prepare students for future ready resilience.
Rosa has presented her work both nationally and overseas including "Why Equity Matters for Everyone: A New Value Proposition for Architecture" and in 2020 -The J.E.D.I. Agenda – An Intersectional Approach to Designing a Just Future”. Rosa was honored in by Metropolis as a 2019 Game Changer. She has been featured in Architect Magazine, Architectural Record, The Wall Street Journal, TEDxPhiladelphia, SxSW, KQED/NPR, and the Cannes Lions Festival.
Rosa’s most rewarding work to date is focused on design justice - creating equitable and sustainable design outcomes for student belonging and persistence at public higher education institutions in California. These include the award-winning UC Davis Teaching and Learning Complex, SF State Science and Engineering Innovation Center, and the Lorry I. Lokey Graduate School of Business at Mills College / Northeastern, as well as STEM projects for the California State University system and Community Colleges that prepare students for future ready resilience.
Rosa has presented her work both nationally and overseas including "Why Equity Matters for Everyone: A New Value Proposition for Architecture" and in 2020 -The J.E.D.I. Agenda – An Intersectional Approach to Designing a Just Future”. Rosa was honored in by Metropolis as a 2019 Game Changer. She has been featured in Architect Magazine, Architectural Record, The Wall Street Journal, TEDxPhiladelphia, SxSW, KQED/NPR, and the Cannes Lions Festival.
Erin Andes
Director, Design Outreach
GAF
Erin leads a team of specialists who work with designers to support roof assembly selection and specification/detail review to best meet the project needs. She regularly presents and publishes technical content related to building and roofing science at conferences and training events. Her background includes building enclosure consulting on new construction and enclosure rehabilitation of a range of project types as well as investigation and litigation support services on building enclosure and product failures.
Guanzhou Ji
Carnegie Mellon University
Guanzhou Ji is a board member of American Institute of Architects (AIA) – National Building Performance Advisory Group. Ji is a technical committee member of Illuminating Engineering Society (IES) and International Commission on Illumination (CIE), where he contributes to development of industry standards and guidelines. His research focuses on indoor photometry, image-based rendering, and physics simulation. Ji received a Ph.D. from Carnegie Mellon University and worked at Illumination and Imaging Laboratory and School of Architecture. He was awarded the Student and Emerging Professionals Scholarship (2022) by U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) and International Building Performance Simulation Association (IBPSA)-USA.
Ji regularly serves as an organizer, moderator, and panelist at professional conferences and workshops. He has spoken at Velux Daylight Academic Forum (2021), ASHRAE Conferences (2020, 2022, and 2023), and Radiance Workshop (2024). He serves on the program committee of International Symposium on Visual Computing (ISVC) (2025). Ji is a member of IBPSA Education Committee and IBPSA-USA | Project StaSIO (STAndard SImulation Outputs), where he leads development of educational webinars and manages international competitions for professionals and students worldwide.
Ji regularly serves as an organizer, moderator, and panelist at professional conferences and workshops. He has spoken at Velux Daylight Academic Forum (2021), ASHRAE Conferences (2020, 2022, and 2023), and Radiance Workshop (2024). He serves on the program committee of International Symposium on Visual Computing (ISVC) (2025). Ji is a member of IBPSA Education Committee and IBPSA-USA | Project StaSIO (STAndard SImulation Outputs), where he leads development of educational webinars and manages international competitions for professionals and students worldwide.
Marton Kiss
Chief Product Officer
Graphisoft
As Chief Product Officer at GRAPHISOFT, a leading software provider for architects and engineers, Márton oversees the product strategy for Archicad, DDScad, BIMcloud, and BIMx—proven software solutions in the AEC space that have been used to realize millions of buildings worldwide. These tools offer a refined user experience that fosters both creativity and productivity.
Márton’s 15-year journey with GRAPHISOFT began in customer success roles before he transitioned into product leadership. He brings extensive experience in aligning customer needs with advanced technological solutions.
In addition to his role at GRAPHISOFT, Márton has spent over a decade as a guest lecturer at the Technical University of Budapest, teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) to architecture students. He holds an M.Sc. in Architecture & Engineering and an M.Sc. in IT Management, giving him a strong foundation in both design and technology.
Passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to push the boundaries of architecture and engineering, Márton maintains close relationships with GRAPHISOFT’s global community of users and partners, driving progress toward a better and more sustainable built world.
Márton’s 15-year journey with GRAPHISOFT began in customer success roles before he transitioned into product leadership. He brings extensive experience in aligning customer needs with advanced technological solutions.
In addition to his role at GRAPHISOFT, Márton has spent over a decade as a guest lecturer at the Technical University of Budapest, teaching Building Information Modeling (BIM) to architecture students. He holds an M.Sc. in Architecture & Engineering and an M.Sc. in IT Management, giving him a strong foundation in both design and technology.
Passionate about leveraging technology and innovation to push the boundaries of architecture and engineering, Márton maintains close relationships with GRAPHISOFT’s global community of users and partners, driving progress toward a better and more sustainable built world.
Benjamin Lavery
Director, Real Estate Development
MIT Investment Management Company (MITIMCo)
Dana Moore
Architect
Dattner Architects
Dana is an architect and activist working for five years in the Transportation and Infrastructure Studio of Dattner Architects in New York City. Her projects span city clients including New York City Transit, Port Authority, Department of Sanitation, and the Parks Department. As part of Dattner’s Building Information Modeling Taskforce, Dana tests out green-forward BIM tools under the firm’s Director of Sustainability and contributes the team’s findings to Dattner workflows firm-wide. Her awards include the 2022 Urban Design Forum’s Forefront Fellowship with a focus on New Loops for waste in NYC, and the 2023 WIA NY Women in Architecture Recognition Award for licensed architects demonstrating leadership in the field. Dana's research specialties include climate change urbanism for Houston, Texas, and circular economies for construction waste around the world. Dana is a new New Yorker originally from San Antonio, Texas.
Bradley LUKANIC
Chief Executive Officer
CannonDesign.com
Brad Lukanic, AIA, is the CEO of CannonDesign, a 1,300-person, 18-office design firm focused on creating impactful solutions for the built environment. The firm, with a 100-year legacy, is currently ranked number 11 for architecture and engineering by World Architecture. The firm’s markets include health, education, science and technology, sports and wellness.
During his nine-year tenure as CEO, he’s led the firm through five acquisitions and two strategic planning processes to position the firm for growth but, more importantly, for greater and diverse impacts to solve our clients’ greatest design challenges. Prior to the CEO role, Brad let the firmwide education practice and had spent his career focused on cultural and learning environments across the globe—from strategic planning, master planning and project implementation for over 50 college campuses and a wide range of community libraries and performing arts projects.
During his nine-year tenure as CEO, he’s led the firm through five acquisitions and two strategic planning processes to position the firm for growth but, more importantly, for greater and diverse impacts to solve our clients’ greatest design challenges. Prior to the CEO role, Brad let the firmwide education practice and had spent his career focused on cultural and learning environments across the globe—from strategic planning, master planning and project implementation for over 50 college campuses and a wide range of community libraries and performing arts projects.
Brendan Guerin
Founding Principal
Guerin Glass Architects
Brendan Guerin, AIA is a co-founder and a managing principal at Guerin Glass Architects (GGA). Since the firm’s inception in 2004, he has been at the center of the firm’s diverse array of work, from bespoke residences in New York and Aspen to large hospitality projects in Mexico and Hawai’i. Most recently, Brendan is steering several new projects—from marina-focused hotels to a new golf club and residences—at Costa Palmas, a resort community located on the East Cape of Los Cabos.
Prior to forming GGA, Brendan worked at Perkins + Will, serving as a Senior Project Designer for their New York office and leading K-12 and higher education projects along the East Coast. Previously, he worked at Rafael Viñoly Architects, designing for iconic institutions such as the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids and the Watson Institute at Brown University. Brendan received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon.
Prior to forming GGA, Brendan worked at Perkins + Will, serving as a Senior Project Designer for their New York office and leading K-12 and higher education projects along the East Coast. Previously, he worked at Rafael Viñoly Architects, designing for iconic institutions such as the Nasher Museum of Art at Duke University, the Van Andel Institute in Grand Rapids and the Watson Institute at Brown University. Brendan received his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oregon.
Rebecca Best
EVP Sustainability
Material Bank
Rebecca has 20+ years’ experience developing and leading corporate sustainability and marketing strategies across the construction and design industry. She brings a deep passion for embedding sustainability and corporate responsibility into core business strategy and operations.
As EVP at Material Bank, Rebecca leads the company’s climate action initiatives as part of its broader commitment to responsible corporate governance. Her work focuses on integrating practical, scalable sustainability strategies into the tools and platforms used by architects and designers every day. She is especially focused on aligning decarbonization goals with material selection workflows, aiming to help reduce the carbon footprint of design and construction projects from the earliest planning stages.
Rebecca is consistently driven to create intersections between ROI and sustainability and to uncover new opportunities to bring decarbonization tactics and education directly into construction & design project workflow. Currently, she also contributes to AI research initiatives that explore how intelligent systems can enhance stakeholder experiences by enabling smarter tools, personalized insights, and more streamlined decision-making throughout the design process.
As EVP at Material Bank, Rebecca leads the company’s climate action initiatives as part of its broader commitment to responsible corporate governance. Her work focuses on integrating practical, scalable sustainability strategies into the tools and platforms used by architects and designers every day. She is especially focused on aligning decarbonization goals with material selection workflows, aiming to help reduce the carbon footprint of design and construction projects from the earliest planning stages.
Rebecca is consistently driven to create intersections between ROI and sustainability and to uncover new opportunities to bring decarbonization tactics and education directly into construction & design project workflow. Currently, she also contributes to AI research initiatives that explore how intelligent systems can enhance stakeholder experiences by enabling smarter tools, personalized insights, and more streamlined decision-making throughout the design process.
Josh Boehlke
Principal
Architecture by Design, Inc.
Mr. Boehlke is one of two Principals of Architecture by Design. His primary responsibilities are project quality assurance, staff development and the daily operations of the firm. In addition to overseeing these items in the practice, he works with other members of the firm to develop design concepts, schedules, budgets, and procedures. His experience in taking projects from schematic design through construction administration has given him the expertise to manage projects as well as staffing which fulfills the client's needs and expectations within the realities of deadlines and budgets. Mr. Boehlke has had over 14 years of experience with the design and production of residential architecture. He has expertise in low to mid rise residential structures consisting of all types of construction, ranging from wood frame and cast in place concrete structures. He is especially adept in maintaining project scheduling in coordination with client and contractor reviews, along with much experience in the construction administration aspect of these projects. His ability to clearly organize the continuous demands of projects, clients, employees and the miscellaneous duties that are a part of Ownership, sets the firm up for success. Mr. Boehlke is also well versed in code analysis in the International Building Code (IBC), National Fire Protection Association (NFPA) as well as federal and local accessibility requirements such ADA, FHAAG, UFAS.
Marisol Foreman
Principal
Marisol Studios
Marisol Sanchez Gallagher, AIA, CPHD, is the founder and principal architect of Marisol Studios, a Colorado-based firm specializing in high-performance design and sustainability consulting. A Certified Passive House Designer, she integrates data-driven strategies with sustainable principles to create efficient, environmentally responsible architecture.
Beyond her practice, Marisol is deeply involved in advancing sustainability within the architecture community. She serves as Co-Chair of AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment and as a board member of the Colorado Green Building Guild, advocating for climate-responsive design and education.
Through Marisol Studios, she helps firms and clients elevate project performance, achieve environmental goals, and integrate sustainable strategies into their design processes. Passionate about creating a more sustainable built environment, she is dedicated to shaping the future of architecture through both practice and advocacy.
Beyond her practice, Marisol is deeply involved in advancing sustainability within the architecture community. She serves as Co-Chair of AIA Colorado’s Committee on the Environment and as a board member of the Colorado Green Building Guild, advocating for climate-responsive design and education.
Through Marisol Studios, she helps firms and clients elevate project performance, achieve environmental goals, and integrate sustainable strategies into their design processes. Passionate about creating a more sustainable built environment, she is dedicated to shaping the future of architecture through both practice and advocacy.
David Vasquez
Regional Sales Representative
Dave is a seasoned sales professional with over thirty years in the commercial and architectural glass industry. As a sales manager for dormakaba’s Interior Glass Systems Group, he plays a key role in delivering innovative solutions that enhance interior spaces while ensuring functionality and aesthetics. With a background in installation, sales strategy and client relationship management, Dave has built a reputation for understanding customer needs and aligning them with cutting-edge products and services