40 Under 40

By Jay W. Schneider, Senior Editor and Jeffrey Yoders, Senior Associate Editor -- Building Design & Construction, 1/1/2010 12:00:00 AM

The 40 accomplished individuals profiled on the following pages are some of the brightest stars in the AEC universe. What makes them all the more remarkable: they're all under the age of 40. Our youngest, Laura Handler, is a 25-year-old BIM expert in Boston.

This amazing group includes young architects, engineers, contractors, developers, and an inventor—all of whom stood out among a group of more than 261 outstanding entrants in our fifth annual “40 under 40” competition.

We proudly introduce you to the AEC industry's next generation of leadership:

 

Laura Handler, 25

Virtual design and construction manager
Tocci Building Co., Boston
EDUCATION
BSCE; ME, Worcester Polytechnic Institute
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hired out of college for Tocci's Virtual Design and Construction department.
Rose to manager of VDC department, tripled its size, made VDC a core component of firm's services.
Responsible for Tocci becoming beta testers for many of the leading national BIM software companies, notably Autodesk.
Directs Tocci's affiliate Q5, which provides BIM and VDC services to other construction and property management companies.
Frequent speaker at Autodesk University, Build Boston, The BIM Forum, and AIA and AGC chapters.
RECENT PROJECTS
Autodesk AEC Headquarters, Waltham, Mass.
Crate & Barrel BIM program, Skokie, Ill.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Blogs at: bimx.blogspot.com
Going for her MBA at Bentley University.
OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteer, Curly Tail Pug Rescue, Boston (adopted two pugs, Hannah and Travis).
SECRET LIFE
Practices Nia technique twice a week.

Ben Cornwall, 35

President
Crisci Builders, Las Vegas
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to VP of development at 28; at 34, promoted to president of the 50-person construction firm. Clients include Bank of America, Mandalay Bay, City of Las Vegas.
Firm performed more than $70 million in work in 2008, a 14% increase over previous year.
Opened firm to new business and new sectors: public works, office buildings, schools, medical buildings, and single-family homes. Oversight credited with keeping company afloat during economic slump.
Tapped by Crisci CEO as business partner in Fratelli Development, a business venture focused on industrial park construction.
At 17, founded Ben D. Cornwall Construction, which he ran until 1997.
Former building and planning director for Lander County, Nev.
OFF THE CLOCK
Fan of all musical genres, especially opera and musicals.
Coaches his kids' baseball, soccer, and football teams.
Favorite reads: 1776 and John Adams (David McCullough).
SECRET LIFE
Takes an anti-blog stance.

 

Jeffrey A. Millard, 39

Principal, education market segment leader
KLH Engineers, Fort Thomas, Ky.
EDUCATION
BSEE, Ohio State University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, LEED AP, CEM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named partner in 2007.
Oversees electrical engineering department and education projects.
Lead electrical engineer and PM on lighting control systems, life safety and security systems, and power distribution systems.
Sustainable system designs include wind turbine power, daylight harvesting, and full-building automated lighting.
Managed more than $200 million in design and construction in 2009.
Increased revenue from education projects by 50% in 2009.
Helped implement BIM and IPD into firm's design process.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, Green Schools Advocacy Committee, USGBC Cincinnati chapter.
Board member, Project SOAR (Scholarships, Opportunities, Achievements, & Results) for Northern Kentucky University.
Logistics chair, Greater Cincinnati Hope Box Derby (supports free health clinics).
OFF THE CLOCK
Juggles apples.
Cooks for local soup kitchen.
SECRET LIFE
Showers with his parrot, Sam.

 

Shawn L. Pressley, 31

VP, project management systems
Hill International, Marlton, N.J.
EDUCATION
BSCE; ME, Widener University
MBA, La Salle University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for global project controls systems at the CM firm (2008 total billings, $3.8 billion: BD+C's Giants 300).
Oversees more than $350 million in construction for New Jersey Schools Construction and Renovation program using Web-based PM tools.
Deployed Primavera as firm's standard project management software; streamlined firm's PM approach.
Developed project controls curriculum, due diligence support for claims avoidance value engineering within project controls, and software development life cycle analysis.
RECENT PROJETCS
Comcast Center, Philadelphia.
$200 million Queens (N.Y.) Central Library Cultural Facilities Program.
$290 million Neighborhood Transformation Initiative, Philadelphia.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of advisors, Widener University School of Engineering.
Mentor, Edison HS of Philadelphia.
Member, American Society of Civil Engineers; Construction Management Association of America.
OFF THE CLOCK
Deep-sea fisherman.
Bought his first house in 2009.
SECRET LIFE
Bakes great pies and cakes.

Bartley J. Miller, 32

Senior associate, project manager
Walter P Moore, Houston
EDUCATION
BSCE, Marquette University
MEng, MIT
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Project manager on major sports, healthcare, office, and residential projects. Project leader on $249 million, 22,000-seat Louisville (Ky.) Arena (an early Revit-designed sports arena).
Co-chairs Arena Design group in the firm's Sports Community of Practice.
Serves on WPM's Leadership and Succession Management and Lean Design/Integrated Project Delivery task forces.
Instructor for FastStart, the firm's technical training program for graduate engineers. Served as learning coordinator for firm's Atlanta office and BIM coordinator for Houston office.
Received firm's Javier F. Horvilleur Outstanding Young Structural Engineer Award (2009).
EXTRACURRICULAR
ACEC of Georgia Future Leaders program (2006).
OFF THE CLOCK
Guard/forward for Marquette Golden Eagles; school established the “Bart Miller Standard of Excellence Award” in his honor.
Favorite read: Basilica (R. A. Scotti).
SECRET LIFE
Had a 39-inch vertical leap in his Marquette days.

Trent Lethco, 38

Associate principal
Arup, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BA, University of California, Berkeley
MA, University of California, Los Angeles
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AICP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads Transportation Planning and Wayfinding teams in N.Y. office.
Responsible for 18-person transportation services team for Eastern region.
Transit-oriented development (TOD) specialist.
Overseeing Lower Manhattan Street Management project, the nation's largest application of Paramics microsimulation software system.
Prior to Arup: Metropolitan Transportation Commission (focus on sustainable mobility and urban development); launched Chicago Transit Authority's Bikes on Trains program.
RECENT PROJECTS
Boston University master plan.
eBART corridor extension, Contra Costa County, Calif.
Taichung (Taiwan) Central Parkway.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Transportation Issues in Major U.S. Cities Committee, Transportation Research Board.
Member, American Planning Assn.
OFF THE CLOCK
Recommended read: Crow and Weasel (Barry Lopez).
SECRET LIFE
Completed Alaska AIDS Ride; raised $5,000 for research.

Amy Baker, 27

Manager of architecture
NORR LLC, Detroit
EDUCATION
BSArch, MArch, Lawrence Technological University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees 20-person design and architecture staff at 40-person AE firm. Responsible for hiring, training, mentoring, and goal-setting.
Promoted to current position in 2008, becoming youngest department manager in company's 71-year history.
Spearheading firm's quality improvement initiative.
Helped Dubai office update interoffice collaboration processes to better track project work and streamline assignment of production staff.
Lead architect working directly with CVS corporate headquarters clients, and has completed more than 50 CVS drugstore projects in 10 states.
RECENT PROJECTS
DMCC mid-rise office towers, Dubai.

Commerce Township (Mich.) programming and land use planning.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Guest lecturer, Lawrence Technological University.
OFF THE CLOCK
Fave vacations: the pyramids in Egypt; SCUBA diving in Honduras.
Expert drummer in Wii's Rock Band.
SECRET LIFE
Paternal ancestors come from Appalachian Kentucky.

Trent Rush, 39

Principal
TBG Partners, Austin, Texas
EDUCATION
BSLA, Purdue University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads higher education studio at the landscape architecture and planning firm.
Manages large-scale education, healthcare, hospitality, master-planned communities, and corporate campus projects.
Specialist in aquatics, water amenities, pool design, and mechanics.
Promoted to principal at age 30; became youngest principal in firm's history.
Helped open firm's Dallas office in 1997, at age 27.
Opened firm's San Antonio office in 2005, served as managing principal.
Grew San Antonio office revenues by 400% in first year.
RECENT PROJECTS
Concordia University relocation.
Austin Community College, Round Rock campus.
Dell Children's Medical Center.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Founder, Adventure Kids & Dads, a nonprofit that enables fathers and children to perform community service activities together.
OFF THE CLOCK
Bicycled the 100-mile Shinerfest Ride from Austin to Shiner, Texas.
SECRET LIFE
Can write sideways and upside down.

Spencer Morgenthau, 30

VP sales and marketing
CTI Consultants, Norfolk, Va.
EDUCATION
BA, Virginia Wesleyan College
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP, CPSM
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Directs corporate business development, sales, and marketing for engineering consulting firm with nine Mid-Atlantic offices.
Hired as marketing rep in 2001, promoted to VP in 2006; named to Board of Directors in 2007.
Positioned firm for new federal business in 2009; secured more than 30 contracts with military bases.
Broke all company sales records, 2001-2009.
Increased firm revenue from $7 million in 2004 to $15 million in 2008.
Provides LEED consulting services for firm's sustainable projects.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Organized free inspection services for local Habitat for Humanity program.
Member, USBGC Tidewater Chapter; SMPS; AGC.
OFF THE CLOCK
Captain, Virginia Beach Red Army ice hockey team; MVP, 2008 season.
Enjoys cruising the Elizabeth River with wife Nicole and dog Pickles in their 18-foot Stingray runabout.
SECRET LIFE
Punk rock aficionado.

Shawn Basler, 37

Principal, hospitality practice leader
Perkins Eastman, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BArch, Kansas State University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, NCARB
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined Perkins Eastman in 2007 after firm acquired Basler Mosa Design Group, which he co-founded in 1999.
Became Perkins Eastman's youngest-ever principal at age 35.
Oversees hospitality practice at the firm. Credited with opening firm to new markets in Morocco, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, and China.
RECENT PROJECTS
484,400-sf, 314-room Park Hyatt Saadiyat Island Hotel and Resort, Abu Dhabi (opening 2011).
377,000-sf, 120-room Park Hyatt Marrakech, at Al Maaden, Marrakech, Morocco.
134,500-sf, 75-room Markocija Golf Resort, Umag, Croatia (opening 2010).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Professional advisory board member, Kansas State College of Architecture.
Member, American Planning Association.
At-large member, AIA, New York component.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite film: “The Blues Brothers.”
Loves to cook; favorites include Italian and Mediterranean cuisines.
SECRET LIFE
Immune to jet lag.

Chien Si Harriman, 32

Senior building performance engineer
Guttman & Blaevoet, San Francisco
EDUCATION
BS ME, Stanford University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Expert in computer simulation of built environments.
Sustainability focus includes assessment of low- and zero-energy solutions involving thermal mass, slab radiant heating and cooling, chilled beam systems, displacement ventilation, natural ventilation, and daylighting.
Managed software development tasks and consulting projects during first stages of IES Virtual Environment software's U.S. deployment. Additional modeling capabilities for eQuest, DOE 2.1E, Flomerics' Flovent, RETScreen.
Previously with NASA's manned space flight simulation training crew. Responsible for updating and maintaining simulations for International Space Station crew.
RECENT PROJECTS
Energy modeling, Bank of America Tower (LEED Platinum); Wayne L. Morse Federal Courthouse (LEED Platinum); World Trade Center master plan (seeking LEED Silver).
OFF THE CLOCK
Hero: Thomas Edison.
On his iPod: “Riot on an Empty Street” (Kings of Convenience).
SECRET LIFE
Fiction writer—short stories and novels.

Dana Robbins Schneider, 32

Northeast market lead, sustainability services
Jones Lang LaSalle, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BEnvSc, University of Virginia
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages LEED certification, energy retrofits, and other sustainability initiatives for individual properties and portfolios of properties.
Project manager on Empire State Building's energy retrofit and LEED certification (targeting Gold) initiative. Leads day-to-day activities on $20 million green makeover.
Dossier also includes Grand Central Terminal and NYU.
Career total: oversaw projects totaling four million sf.
Member of firm's sustainability committee; leads Data Center Energy and Sustainability Services Committee.
Oversees firm's internal greening efforts for offices in the Northeast region.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, USGBC New York chapter.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys sleeping in while husband wakes up with the kids (Avery, 4; Nathaniel, 2).
A whiz at remembering song lyrics but can't sing worth a lick.
Favorite musicians: The Killers, David Gray.
SECRET LIFE
Can live without her BlackBerry.

Abigail Clary, 37

Principal
Loebl Schlossman & Hackl, Chicago
EDUCATION
BEnvD, University of Colorado, Boulder
MArch, Illinois Institute of Technology
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, ACHA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-leads firm's healthcare sector; one of two lead principals for healthcare marketing and public relations group.
Youngest female principal in firm's 84-year history.
Oversees projects from programming through completion.
Experienced in project management for statements of condition for facility management and JCAHO visits of large healthcare complexes.
RECENT PROJECTS
Resurrection Medical Care Center, Chicago.
Saints Mary and Elizabeth Medical Center psychiatry unit, Chicago.
Westlake Hospital ED, Melrose Park, Ill.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Committee member, Healthcare Engineering Society of Northern Illinois.
Founder, Women's Networking Dinners.
Board of directors, Women's Health Executive Network (2005-2008).
Past director, CSI Chicago chapter (2006-2007).
OFF THE CLOCK
Has traveled to 30+ countries; favorite: Myanmar.
SECRET LIFE
Extreme skier (helicopter drops her off at otherwise inaccessible locales).

Bruce McEvoy, 37

Associate principal
Perkins+Will, Atlanta
EDUCATION
BS, MArch, Georgia Institute of Technology
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined P+W in 2001; responsible for four million sf of work with construction costs totaling $1.75 billion.
Leads firm's Excellence in Design initiative.
In-house BIM leader and educator.
Overseeing design of P+W's new Atlanta office space, which will serve as prototype for all P+W offices.
RECENT PROJECTS
Mayo Clinic Jacksonville (Fla.), new hospital.
NASA Kennedy Space Center, Engineering Technology Development Complex.
National Bio and Agro-Defense Facility, Department of Homeland Security.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Past president, AIA Atlanta.
Board member, co-director, Museum of Design, Atlanta.
Regular architecture design critic, Georgia Tech.
Communication committee, CoreNet Global.
OFF THE CLOCK
Mixed-media artist; completing collage series made from the Sunday The New York Times.
SECRET LIFE
Rides a 2005 Lone Star Chopper by American Ironhorse.

Kevin Deters, 38

Director of operations, Renewable Energy Group
Mortenson Construction, Minneapolis
EDUCATION
BSCE, Iowa State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees firm's wind power projects in parts of the U.S. and Canada; oversees all North American solar projects.
Responsible for personnel management, subcontractor coordination, cost control, and safety management.
Helped develop and launch internal customer service training programs.
Opened the firm's Melbourne, Australia, office (2004). Held senior project manager role, overseeing operational standards, including subcontractor language, collective bargaining agreements, and quality standards.
Mentor to five team members.
RECENT PROJECTS
$89 million Cedar Creek Wind Farm, Grover, Colo.
$86 million Glacier Wind Project, Shelby, Mont.
$56 million Sweetwater (Texas) Wind Farm.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board member, Rebuilding Together Twin Cities.
OFF THE CLOCK
Most exciting travel destination: west coast of Tasmania.
Favorite movie: “Fight Club.”
SECRET LIFE
Has dropped 40 feet into a backcountry bowl to ski, has hung vertical off a cliff.

Larry J. Longman, 37

VP of preconstruction
Lauth Property Group, Indianapolis
EDUCATION
BSCE, Purdue University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Grew preconstruction group from three people to 28 in five years at firm.
Oversees Indianapolis office's industrial, retail, and healthcare preconstruction teams; provides oversight for Southwest and Southeast Regions' preconstruction activities.
Responsible for administration of design consultants, preliminary conceptual budgeting, preparing proposal packages, and design management for all projects.
Involved with more than 150 projects totaling 27 million sf, valued at $1.2 billion.
Implemented in-house training for preconstruction activities.
Key clients: NASCAR, Clarian Healthcare, Office Depot.
EXTRACURRICULAR
President, McCordsville (Ind.) Redevelopment Commission. Helped grow tax base by moving from farm-based economy to development-based economy.
Member, USGBC Indiana chapter.
OFF THE CLOCK
Loves Big Red soda.
Former volunteer firefighter and trained EMT.
SECRET LIFE
Lets loose during family's annual Disney World vacation.

John Trupiano, 35

VP
Corgan Associates, Dallas
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Kansas
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leader in firm's Aviation Studio. Responsible for design, development, and management of aviation projects.
One of the firm's youngest VPs.
Received architectural research grant to study world's five highest-rated airports; incorporated best practices into firm's Aviation Studio.
Named to Healthcare Studio to assist on major projects.
Increased firm's sustainable design portfolio.
RECENT PROJECTS
$1.1 billion Sacramento International Airport terminal modernization program, (seeking LEED Silver).
400,000-sf San Antonio International Airport, Terminals A, B & C.
Wise Regional Health System replacement hospital, Decatur, Texas.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Eight-year tenure as firm's Hearts and Hammers coordinator; led 60 volunteers in repairing homes for low-income families.
Volunteer, ACE Mentorship program.
OFF THE CLOCK
Builds furniture, cabinets, and architectural components using wood and metal.
SECRET LIFE
Travels with a stuffed dog named Christo.

Alli Kingfisher, 35

Green building/sustainability specialist
Washington State Department of Ecology, Spokane, Wash.
EDUCATION
Dual BA (geography; environmental science), University of Colorado, Boulder
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Conducts charrettes for state-funded projects in Eastern Washington seeking sustainable certification.
Liaison to builders on state's sustainable regulatory processes.
Helped state's first LEED NC Platinum project (Saranac Hotel) overcome longstanding obstacles on water rights laws; changed policy statewide.
Helped local home builders associations develop green certification programs.
Trained by Al Gore as a presenter for “The Climate Project”; co-developed module on built environment that was added to presentation.
Leadership Spokane (2009/2010), a program for emerging business, government, and community leaders.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-chair, Inland branch, Cascadia Regional Green Building Council.
Member, Inland steering committee, Northwest EcoBuilding Guild.
Peace Corps (Jamaica, 1997-99).
OFF THE CLOCK
Raises heirloom tomatoes and chickens in her backyard.
SECRET LIFE
Can ride a unicycle.

Ryan D. Schultz, 32

Principal, co-owner
HSI Properties, Waukesha, Wis.
EDUCATION
BBA, University of Wisconsin, Milwaukee
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded HSI Properties in 2007 (with fellow 40 Under 40 winner Brett Haney), a commercial and residential real estate firm focused on rental properties.
Acquiring new property and planning geographic expansion.
Formerly, VP of development for MLG Development and director of development for Fiduciary Real Estate Development.
RECENT PROJECTS
$11 million LEED Silver brownfield manufacturing facility financed through New Market Tax Credits and industrial revenue bonds.
$23 million, 150-unit multifamily project utilizing HUD 221d4 financing.
$16 million, 95-unit multifamily project (in development).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of directors, Wisconsin Commercial Association of Realtors.
Guest lecturer, Sheldon B. Lubar School of Business, UW-Milwaukee.
Member, Emerging Leaders Council, United Way of Milwaukee; Urban Land Institute.
OFF THE CLOCK
Recommended: Rich Dad, Poor Dad (Robert Kiyosaki and Sharon Lechter).
SECRET LIFE
Reached “Rock Star” status on Wii's Guitar Hero.

Brett W. Haney, 30

Principal, co-owner
HSI Properties, Waukesha, Wis.
EDUCATION
BBA, University of Wisconsin, Madison
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded HSI Properties in 2007 (with fellow 40 Under 40 winner Ryan Schultz), a commercial and residential real estate firm.
Prior to HSI, served as senior development coordinator for MLG Development (responsible for site selection, land acquisition, financial planning, and overall profitability management).
RECENT PROJECTS
$11 million LEED Silver brownfield manufacturing facility financed through New Market Tax Credits and industrial revenue bonds.
$23 million, 150-unit multifamily project utilizing HUD 221d4 financing.
$16 million, 95-unit multifamily project (in development).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Developing Leaders Committee, Commercial Real Estate Development Association (NAIOP).
Member, Metropolitan Builders Association.
OFF THE CLOCK
Ideal relaxation: a day on the golf course.
Fave travels: loves the energy of London.
Fave foods: anything Italian, especially pasta and a good red wine.
SECRET LIFE
Loves the swagger of the Rolling Stones.

Andy Vander Woude, 32

CEO
VAST Enterprises, Minneapolis
EDUCATION
BSEE, South Dakota State University
Master of management, University of Minnesota
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded VAST Enterprises, a materials science research and manufacturing company, in 2006; company's compound annual growth rate: 80%.
Company produces composite pavers by recycling car tires and plastic containers. Pavers are world's first composite material to have 95% recycled content.
To date, company has kept 2.5 million pounds of scrap tires and plastics from landfills.
Helped negotiate key distribution agreements that expanded reach within North American market. Established partnerships that opened composite technology to new markets.
Secured first patent in December 2007; six additional foundational patents have been filed.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Mentor, Carlson College of Management, University of Minnesota.
Counsels several Minneapolis-area start-ups.
OFF THE CLOCK
Can't live without his iPhone.
Favorite vacation: Tokyo.
SECRET LIFE
A Craig's List junkie: if you're buying, he's selling.

Heidi N. Higgason, 35

VP, managing principal
HDR Architecture, Dallas
EDUCATION
BSArch, MArch, University of Nebraska, Lincoln
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named managing principal and VP at 31, youngest person in firm's history to reach those levels.
Responsible for overall management of 134-person Dallas office.
Oversees firm's new Lexington, Ky., office.
Member of firm's 2012 strategic planning committees.
First architecture graduate from firm's in-house Career Skills Development Program.
RECENT PROJECTS
$1.27 billion Parkland Health & Hospital System replacement hospital, Dallas.
$440 million Lackland Ambulatory Care Center at San Antonio Military Medical Center.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Healthcare Industry Advisory Council, Texas A&M University.
Co-founder, past co-chair, AIA Nebraska, Committee on the Environment.
Guest lecturer, Texas A&M University.
OFF THE CLOCK
Drummer in University of Nebraska marching band; played twice at the Orange Bowl.
SECRET LIFE
Horse trainer; owns two Thoroughbreds, including a retired racehorse.

Brian Cummings, 31

Project director
Barton Malow Company, Fairfax, Va
EDUCATION
BS ASE, MS, University of Virginia
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PMP, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Delivered more than $300 million in laboratory construction projects over seven years at the firm (2008 billings: $896.6 million, according to BD+C's Giants 300).
Promoted to project manager at 24; promoted to project director at 29.
An Eastern Region leader for firm's internship program, Learning Practicum for Students.
RECENT PROJECTS
$45 million, U.S. Naval Academy.
$69 million, University of Virginia, Carter Harrison Research Building.
$35 million, University of Virginia, Materials Science Engineering and Nanotechnology Building.
OFF THE CLOCK
Loves AC/DC: “They kick ass.”
Favorite food: mom's homemade chicken parmesan.
Avid golfer and snowboarder; has snowboarded 10 resorts in Colorado.
Favorite reads: The Fountainhead (Ayn Rand); To Kill a Mockingbird (Harper Lee).
SECRET LIFE
Can clap his feet (he's flatfooted).

Nathan Butler, 39

Associate principal
C.T. Hsu + Associates, Orlando, Fla.
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Florida
MArch, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Specialties: education, research, institutional, and public projects.
Senior project manager and project principal with responsibilities for design, scheduling, cost estimating and control, and information systems.
Firm's BIM and sustainable design expert.
Leads firm's pro bono efforts, with specific focus on housing and social service facilities. Helping expand local “Art in Architecture” program on affordable housing and home ownership to a national audience.
RECENT PROJECTS
Orlando International Airport ($180 million expansion).
Osceola (Fla.) High School ($43 million renovation).
EXTRACURRICULAR
VP, board of directors, AIA Florida.
Statewide coordinator, Intern Development Program, AIA Florida.
Secretary, board of trustees, Florida Foundation for Architecture.
OFF THE CLOCK
Ballroom dances with wife, Kathy.
Attended the Opp (Ala.) Rattlesnake Rodeo.
SECRET LIFE
Fave singer: Dolly Parton.

Michael Laverdure, 38

Design director, First American Design Studio
DSGW, Duluth, Minn.
EDUCATION
BS EnvD, BArch, North Dakota State University
Turtle Mountain Tribal College
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads design efforts for firm's First American Design Studio (opened 2008), which focuses on Native American community development.
Helped studio land significant projects: University of Minnesota-Duluth American Indian Learning Resource Center; Spirit Lake Casino addition and renovation (St. Michael, N.D.); Bad River Health and Wellness Center (Odanah, Wis.); Lac du Flambeau (Wis.) Health Center and Dental Clinic; and Ohkay Owingeh (N.M.) Old Town Development.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Enrolled member, Turtle Mountain Band of Chippewa, North Dakota.
Member, American Indian Science & Engineering Society.
Associate member, American Indian Council of Architects & Engineers.
OFF THE CLOCK
Just purchased a Polaris snowmobile.
Enjoys following up-and-coming bands, such as Sharon Jones & the Dap Kings and Prometheus Clay.
Blogs at http://tmrabbitchokers.blogspot.com.
SECRET LIFE
Carves traditional ceremonial pipes.

Tommy Linstroth, 32

Director of sustainability
Melaver Inc., Savannah, Ga. (as of Jan. '10: owner, principal Trident Sustainability Group)
EDUCATION
BS, University of Wisconsin
MS, College of Charleston
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded and ran Melaver's consultancy division on sustainable building and green education. Spun off the division in Jan. '10, becoming independent Trident Sustainability Group; serves as consultancy's owner and principal.
Oversaw design and construction of new projects for Melaver, a sustainable real estate development firm.
Developed sustainable property management practices for firm's existing property portfolio.
Directed more than 30 LEED projects totaling one million sf (market value: $500 million).
Co-author, Local Action: The New Paradigm in Climate Change Policy .
EXTRACURRICULAR
Founder, RehydrateUS Initiative (www.rehydrateus.org).
Chair, USGBC Georgia chapter.
Founder, past chair, USGBC Savannah.
Board member, Georgia Conservation Voters and Mayor's Healthy Savannah Initiative.
OFF THE CLOCK
Goes camping every few months.
SECRET LIFE
Expert at grilling steak.

Stephanie Laughlin, 33

Project manager
URS, Dallas
EDUCATION
BSCE, University of New Brunswick
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
PE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined URS in 2006; six months later, invited to join URS's pathway to principal program.
Named associate principal in 2008.
Awarded lead role on the engineering design of One Arts Plaza, the first high-rise, mixed-use tower to be built in downtown Dallas in 18 years. Her work on the project led to URS getting work on a second project, Two Arts Plaza.
Led several projects at DFW Airport.
Created a policy and procedure manual that standardizes practices for URS subcontractors and consultants on DFW projects.
RECENT PROJECTS
One Arts Plaza, Two Arts Plaza, Dallas
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board member, mentor, Dallas ACE Mentor program; grew the local program from 35 students when she became a member to 135 this year.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hikes, sails, and mountain bikes.
SECRET LIFE
Fave music group: “The Tragically Hip, of course. I'm Canadian!”

Matthew Hufft, 33

Founder, president, creative director
Hufft Projects, MAKE Studios, Edwin Blue, Kansas City, Mo.
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Kansas
MSArch, Columbia University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded Hufft Projects (with wife Jesse as business partner) in 2005 at age 29. Eight-person firm focuses on commercial and residential projects with a modern and sustainable bent.
Founded six-person MAKE Studios in 2008 to facilitate custom fabrication for projects.
Started Edwin Blue in 2009, a firm that designs and sells high-end outdoor furniture.
Previous experience: RoTo Architects; Tigerman McCurry Architects; Bernard Tschumi Architects.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Earned Skidmore, Owings, and Merrill Traveling Fellowship Award while attending University of Kansas; journeyed though Asia.
Member, Urban Core Group of Kansas City.
Taught architecture at Pratt Institute.
OFF THE CLOCK
Relaxes by chopping wood.
Fave read: Zen and the Art of Motorcycle Maintenance (Robert Pirsig).
SECRET LIFE
Loves his slippers, they're on the minute he gets home.

Jeremy Klysen, 39

VP, principal
Leo A Daly, Minneapolis, Minn.
EDUCATION
BS ME, University of Wisconsin, Platteville
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads manufacturing and distribution team, heads refrigeration engineering department.
Responsible for developing and maintaining technical design standards for refrigeration and fire sprinkler projects; provides oversight for mechanical design for manufacturing and distribution team.
Specialty: industrial refrigeration systems for various applications, both ammonia and halocarbons.
Registered mechanical engineer in 19 states.
RECENT PROJECTS
Anheuser-Busch Companies.
Target Corporation.
Safeway Inc.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Code committee member, International Institute of Ammonia Refrigeration.
Safety committee member, International Association of Refrigerated Warehouses.
OFF THE CLOCK
Relaxation: hiking in the Boundary Waters of northern Minnesota, downhill skiing in Minnesota, and camping throughout the Upper Midwest.
SECRET LIFE
Watches John Candy movies any chance he gets.

Leigh Christy, 36

Associate
Perkins + Will, Los Angeles
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Michigan
MArch, University of California, Berkeley
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Project architect/project manager focused on civic and higher education projects.
Led project teams on LEED Gold projects, including two Los Angeles police stations.
Helped prepare report for Los Angeles on “Cost Benefits of LEED Silver and Beyond,” which prompted L.A. to raise sustainability requirements for city-funded projects.
Leads office's Social Responsibility Initiative, overseeing probono projects.
One of 15 employees selected for in-house Leadership Institute.
Co-developing Innovation Initiative, an in-house program to provide micro-grants to employees developing new ideas and concepts.
EXTRACURRICULAR
USGBC-accredited trainer for LEED continuing education.
Past faculty member, Woodbury University, undergraduate interior design studio.
OFF THE CLOCK
Fave travel: Colombian jungle at night.
SECRET LIFE
Her club volleyball team won first ever Women's Collegiate Club Nationals.

David Senden, 39

Principal
KTGY Group, Irvine, Calif.
EDUCATION
BSArch, University of Nebraska
MArch, Tulane University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Principal responsible for initial planning concepts and design development. Specialist in affordable housing, multifamily, and mixed-use projects.
Collaborates with nonprofit clients such as BRIDGE housing, Eden Housing, and South County Housing on creation of affordable green housing.
Lead architect for Habitat for Humanity's housing developments in the Northern California cities of Morgan Hill, Cupertino, and Santa Clara.
Designed next generation of Habitat homes, which target LEED Platinum.
KTGY's social media guru.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Guest critic, Cal Poly, Tulane, Univ. of Nebraska.
Member, Urban Land Institute.
Member, Congress for New Urbanism.
Member, NAHB.
OFF THE CLOCK
Can't live without a fully loaded iPod.
Current fave music: The Aggrolites and Black Eyed Peas.
Fave reads: anything by David Sedaris.
Fave travel: work-related: Jeddah, Saudi Arabia; personal: Rio de Janeiro.
SECRET LIFE
Claims to have handsome feet.

Fred Perpall, 35

Managing principal, director of design for Eastern Division
Beck Group, Atlanta
EDUCATION
BEnvD, MArch, University of Texas, Arlington
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Heads Eastern Division's design and integrated practice; oversees Division's strategy and business development.
Chair's Beck's Promise Council, which oversees the firm's brand strategy.
Co-leader of firm's long-term planning process; champions IPD, expansion into Latin American and Caribbean, and increased focus on technology and sustainability.
Project expertise: higher education, healthcare, religious facilities, athletic/recreation, sustainable design.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Director of advocacy, AIA Atlanta component, supporting Atlanta Center for Creative Inquiry's after-school program.
Fellow, Baker Institute, Rice University.
Member, executive committee, Urban Land Institute.
Board chair, Urban Plan Atlanta.
OFF THE CLOCK
Committed to eating healthy, but can't live without chocolate.
Native of Nassau, The Bahamas, enjoys island visits.
SECRET LIFE
Short stint playing NCAA Division I basketball with Mavericks.

Raj Patel, 38

Principal
Arup, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BEng, University of Southampton
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads 45-person acoustics and theater consulting practice in Arup's N.Y. office.
Co-leads consulting sector in New York; responsible for overall delivery of specialist services for the East Coast.
Helped develop firm's SoundLab, allowing architects and clients to listen to buildings before they're built.
SoundLab's integration with daylighting and BIM was adopted by GSA as means to reduce scale-model building; team contributed to updating U.S. Courts Design Guide Criteria.
Project portfolio: performing arts, museum, gallery, and recording and broadcast studio projects.
Consulted on National Stadium and Aquatics Center for the 2008 Summer Olympics Games in Beijing.
RECENT PROJECTS
Sage Gateshead Performing Arts Center, U.K.
Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute EMPAC, Troy, N.Y.
The Tate Modern, London.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Cultivates bonsai trees.
OFF THE CLOCK
Plays trumpet, guitar, and bass guitar. Owns a1963 Fender Jaguar guitar.
SECRET LIFE
Climbs active volcanoes.

Aaron Jobson, 31

Associate, project architect
Quattrochi Kwok Architects, Santa Rosa, Calif.
EDUCATION
BArch, University of California, Berkeley
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led firm's adoption of BIM; customized ArchiCAD for the firm.
Member of team that won a $30 million BIM services contract from the GSA.
Participated in California Department of General Services' workshops that led to the state's “Guidebook on Grid Neutral Schools” for the state's public schools and community colleges.
RECENT PROJECTS
American Canyon High School, the nation's first Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS)-certified school.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Helps K-12 clients develop solar power strategies for their campuses.
Developed a solar alternative financing program for schools with industry partners and the National Development Council, leading to the installation of 1.5 megawatts of solar power at California schools.
Past associate director, AIA Redwood Empire Chapter.
OFF THE CLOCK
Avid hiker and mountain biker.
SECRET LIFE
Backpacks every summer with friends in the Sierra Nevadas.

Anne Fletcher, 38

Principal
Zyscovich Architects, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BArch, Washington University in Saint Louis
MArch, University of Virginia
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Principal in architecture and urban design firm's New York office, which she helped open in 2005.
Manages business development and directs all projects for NYC office.
Overseeing roster of multifamily, mixed-use, hospitality, and cultural projects; helped land projects with New York School Construction Authority; on the short list for projects with the NYC Economic Development Corp. and the city of Newark, N.J.
Previously worked in firm's Miami office, oversaw its first multifamily project; became project manager for most of firm's mid-rise multifamily projects.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-chair, Sustainable Building Council, Urban Land Institute, New York District Council.
Member, Women in Housing and Finance.
Member, Professional Women in Construction.
OFF THE CLOCK
Renovated a 1946 Miami Mid-Century modern house in Miami Shores, Fla.
Fave food: Red Velvet cupcakes.
SECRET LIFE
Collects Batman action figures.

Robert Pekelnicky, 31

Associate principal
Degenkolb Engineers, San Francisco
EDUCATION
BS, MS, University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
SE, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for multi-hazard mitigation, blast-resistant design, and progressive collapse evaluations.
Founder, chair of firm's Sustainability Committee.
Member of in-house Specification Committee, to update firm's master specifications.
Selected for Leadership Transition Committee (in-house mentor program).
Co-author, “How Much Blast Protection Do Seismic Provisions Provide?” for 7th NCEE.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Invited by Department of Homeland Security to participate in workshops on stability of buildings in relation to improvised explosive devices.
Spearheading project with Cal Poly San Luis Obispo's architectural engineering department on actual performance of code-designed buildings. Benchmarking analysis methods used by structural engineers. Advisor to four Master's students.

Member, two ASCE standards committees.

Member, AISC.

Associate member, three committees, American Concrete Institute.

OFF THE CLOCK

Learning traditional French cooking.
SECRET LIFE
Can stand on his head.

Amy Upton, 33

Director of Sustainable and Environmental Design
Grimm + Parker Architects, Calverton, Md.
EDUCATION
BS, University of Maryland
MArch, Arizona State University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Green design expert at 80-person firm. Manages and directs more than 25 sustainable projects a year.
Oversees sustainable design of K-12 schools, higher ed facilities, multifamily projects, and community buildings throughout Mid-Atlantic region.
Directed design on Maryland's first LEED Gold school (Great Seneca Creek Elementary, 2007) and Virginia's first LEED Silver library (Burke Centre Library, 2009).
Oversaw LEED certification of more than one million sf valued at more than $250 million.
In-house LEED coach; ran workshops for colleagues and clients. Helped nearly 50 coworkers prepare for exam; more than 60% of firm staff are LEED APs.
Leads in-house lunch & learn programs on sustainability.
OFF THE CLOCK
Soccer nut case; DC United season-ticket holder.
Grew up idolizing Wonder Woman.
SECRET LIFE
Can mimic the curl in Elvis's upper lip.

Jarred S. Walker, 28

Project manager
Clune Construction Co., Los Angeles
EDUCATION
BA, University of California, Santa Barbara
PROFESSIONAL ACCREDITATIONS
LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
First construction job: generating RFIs at a card table inside a concrete garage at a 36-unit affordable housing renovation in Compton, Calif.
Named assistant project manager at Clune Construction, 2006; ran a $9.5 million interior renovation project and a build-out for UBS Private Wealth Management.
First rookie to win Clune's Employee of the Year Award.
Promoted to project manager, 2009.
Created an electronic submittal process to expedite reviews, approvals, fabrication, and procurement for all Clune projects.
RECENT PROJECTS
610,000-sf, $54 million of tenant construction in Los Angeles and Orange County, Calif.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Donated some of his 2008 bonus to the American Red Cross.
Completed construction/development management program, UC Irvine.
OFF THE CLOCK
First-ever vacation to Rhodes, Greece (2008); tried bungee jumping.
SECRET LIFE
Lost a dance contest in Greece.

Patrick Duke, 33

SVP
KLMK Group, Richmond, Va.
EDUCATION
BSCE, Auburn University
MS land development, Texas A&M University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads Mid-Atlantic and Northeast operations for firm focused on providing advisory services to healthcare owners.
Oversees 15-person consulting team and annual P/L of $4 million.
Responsible for program management, project team coordination, design management, and construction administration.
Leads firm's IPD efforts; heads IPD Thought Leaders Group; manages all IPD projects.
RECENT PROJECTS
$320 million Washington (D.C.) Hospital.
$205 million Children's National Medical Center, Washington, D.C.
$195 million Atrium Medical Center, Middletown, Ohio.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Center for Health Design.
Member, National Association of Children's Hospitals and Related Institutions.
OFF THE CLOCK
Can't live without Diet Dr. Pepper.
Favorite read: Natural Capitalism: Creating the Next Industrial Revolution (Paul Hawken, Amory Lovins, and L. Hunter Lovins).
SECRET LIFE
Former college D.J.

Jennifer Knapp, 36

Associate, director of healthcare interiors
Harley Ellis Devereax, Chicago
EDUCATION
BS DEA, Cornell University
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AISD, LEED AP
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for interior design for healthcare projects in East, Central, and West geographic regions.
Under her direction, healthcare studio has seen improved project and design integration and increased sustainable design.
Previous positions at Perkins+Will (youngest senior associate in the firm's history) and OWP/P (design director for healthcare interiors).
RECENT PROJECTS
Cancer Resource Center, Beaumont Hospitals, Troy, Mich.
Northwestern Memorial Hospital Outpatient Imaging Center, Chicago.
Mills Breast Cancer Institute Biomedical Research Center, Carle Foundation Hospital, Urbana, Ill.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Leads firm's volunteer efforts, including We Care, American Heart Association, and Create for a Cure (benefiting Children's Memorial Hospital).
OFF THE CLOCK
Bungee jumped in New Jersey, zip-lined in the Costa Rica rainforest, parachuted out of a plane over Wisconsin.
SECRET LIFE
Keeps her fridge stocked with four kinds of cheese.