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Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017

40 Under 40

Meet the 40 Under 40 Class of 2017

These AEC stars are making their mark in business, philanthropy, and in their communities.


By By BD+C Staff | September 22, 2017
Laura Crane, AIA, NCARB, Associate, Project Architect with bKL Architecture, Chicago

Laura Crane, AIA, NCARB, Associate, Project Architect with bKL Architecture, Chicago

A city sustainability manager who inspires at-risk youth to connect with nature through action sports like surfing and snowboarding. A structural engineer who protects and serves foster children as a court-appointed advocate. A K-12 school design manager who has introduced more than 6,000 fifth-grade students to the architecture profession. 

BD+C’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2017 winners show that there’s more to the AEC profession than designing and building great places for people. Indeed, these rising stars are making an impact in business, philanthropy, and in their communities. 

Meet the BD+C 40 Under 40 Class of 2017!

 


► Jay Bangert                                 ► Donal Lyons
► Amanda Beck Larkin              ► Frank E. Mahan
► Charles E. Brant                        ► Nicole Martineau
► Matt Breidenthal                      ► Shelby Morris
► Cory Brugger                             ► Anthony D. Paprocki
► Joel Cesare                                  ► Barton Ross
► Anantha Chittur                       ► Pascale Sablan
► R. Corey Clayborne                 ► Jeff Sandeen
► Laura Crane                               ► Kylie Schalz
► Ryan C. Deane                           ► Aliza Skolnik
► Alexis Denton                            ►  Jennifer Suerth
► Nathan Dunn                             ►  Timothy Swanson
► Zach Edwards                            ►  Denise E. Thompson
► Cynthia Eng                               ►  Mieah Turner
► Ryan Freeman                           ►  Luke Voiland
► Kristi Grizzle                              ► Jeff Wagner
► Matt Hoglund                            ► Benjamin M. Ward
► Damaris Hollingsworth          ► James Warton
► Maori Hughes                            ► Reed Weigle
► Michael B. Kennedy, Jr.          ► Korey White

 

 

 

THANKS TO OUR 40 UNDER 40 SPONSOR:

 

 

 

architect on a mission

Timothy Swanson, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP
Office Practice Leader
CannonDesign | Chicago 

AGE: 35

EDUCATION
MArch, Urban Development and Infill, University of Illinois at Chicago; BA, Fine Arts | Economics and Design, Colgate University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages CannonDesign’s largest shop (>200 staff). 
2017 Fast Company World Changing Idea Award for redesign of Cook County (Ill.) Central Bond Court.
Named one of New City Design’s top 50 Chicago-area designers.
Cofounder, context, a collaborative design workshop.
While at Peter Ellis New Cities (acquired by CannonDesign in 2012) he helped design (with Jaypee Sports City) a “city from scratch” in India.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Helped launch Chicago Children’s Theater “Dream Box,” a collaboration with three schools to help Chicago youth envision the city’s future.
Volunteer, Archeworks, Civic Consulting Alliance, Boys & Girls Club, University of Chicago International Innovation Corps, Soul City Church.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Beth) Josiah (7) and twins Elle and Thad (2).
Recently broke ground on a new house on Chicago’s West Side.

SECRET LIFE
Mother’s family immigrated from Lebanon and Syria to Nevada’s high country; became artists, teachers, archeologists, fire marshals, and entrepreneurs.
Son of a pastor; considers architecture an “evangelical calling” to the power of design.

 

 

 

YOUNG ARCHITECTS’ ADVOCATE

Laura Crane, AIA, NCARB
Associate, Project Architect
bKL Architecture | Chicago

AGE: 30

EDUCATION
MArch, School of the Art Institute of Chicago; BS, Interior Design, Florida State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest Associate at bKL Architecture.
The firm’s sole academic liaison.
Hiring manager in charge of recruiting.
BIM project coordinator.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Youngest Director on the Board of AIA Chicago.
Participant, Bridge Mentorship program.
Co-chair, AIA Chicago Knowledge Community.
Young Architects Forum; helped increase membership over past three years by 500, to >2,000.
Member, AIADO Design Council, School of the Art Institute of Chicago.
Architectural Registration Exam Coach for Black Spectacles.
Owns her own art company, Archtex.

OFF THE CLOCK
Surfing, wind surfing, sailing, water skiing, snorkeling, and paddle boarding on the Chicago River.
Restoring a 1968 Jaguar XKE with her father.

SECRET LIFE
Born on a Black Hawk helicopter over Seoul, South Korea (her family was stationed at Osan).
Related to actress Tallulah Bankhead (1902-1968), who famously said, “If I had to live my life again, I’d make the same mistakes, only sooner.”
Has a photographic memory.

 

 

 

serving the profession

R. COREY CLAYBORNE, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Executive Vice President/CEO
AIA Virginia | Richmond, Va.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION 
BArch, Virginia Tech

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Formerly Project Manager/Senior Architect, Wiley|Wilson Inc., Richmond/Lynchburg, Va.
AIA National Young Architects Award (2017).
AIA Virginia Distinguished Achievement Award (2016).
AIA Emerging Professionals Summit (2014).
Charlottesville Board of Architectural Review (2017); Charlottesville Planning Commission (2016-2020 term).
Commonwealth of Virginia APELSCIDLA Board (2015-2017).

EXTRACURRICULAR
AIA National Regional Director, Young Architects (2011-2013).
AIA Virginia: Vice President, Professional Excellence (2015); Vice President, Government Advocacy (2014); IDP State Coordinator (2011-2015); Associate Director (2007-2008).
AIA Richmond: President (2016); President-elect (2015); Secretary (2011-2014); Richard L. Ford Award (2013).
Board Member, AIA Blue Ridge (2006-2009).
NCARB Education Committee (2014); Intern Advisory Committee (2015).
Founder, AIA Blue Ridge Young Architects Forum.

OFF THE CLOCK
Staff Architect, Charlottesville Ballet.
Board Member, 100 Black Men of Central Virginia.
Parenting (with wife, Sarah) Elliana (1).

SECRET LIFE
Won bronze in a bodybuilding contest in college.
Once took a single ballet lesson.

 

 

 

Engineering Innovator

MATT BREIDENTHAL, SE, PE, LEED AP
SVP, Regional Leader of Engineering
HOK | Atlanta

AGE: 38

EDUCATION 
BS, Architectural Engineering, University of Kansas; MS, Structural Engineering, Stanford University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
PE in 29 states and D.C.; SE in two states.
Since 2012, has built HOK’s East Coast engineering presence to 30 staff, $2 billion in projects.
EOR or Lead Engineer on >$9 billion in career projects, notably LaGuardia Airport Terminal B, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport 
Landside Modernization, Mercedes-Benz Stadium “Halo” Video Board.
Named SVP and Youngest Board Member of HOK (at age 38); only engineer on HOK’s Marketing Board.
Led creation and development of HOK’s proprietary interdisciplinary parametric modeling tool, STREAM.

EXTRACURRICULAR 
Member, ACE Mentor Program, Chicago and Atlanta; Board Member, Atlanta ACE.
Volunteer, Center for Family Resources, Marietta, Ga.
Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Institute of Steel Construction, Structural Engineers Association, National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveying.

OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys sketching.
Favorite meal: “Dead Parrot Wings” from the Lazy Flamingo, Captiva Island, Fla.

SECRET LIFE
One of the torchbearers for the 1996 Olympics in Atlanta.

 

 

 

Marketing Maven

cynthia eng
Senior Marketing Director–Northeast Region
Skanska USA | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 32

EDUCATION
BS, Business Management, Kean University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
Led the design-build marketing effort on Skanska’s largest public-private partnership, the $3.6 billion LaGuardia Central Terminal P3 project.
Manages marketing for six offices in the Northeast that account for $3 billion (40%) of Skanska USA Building’s annual revenue.
Metro New York region has grown to a $1.3 billion market for Skanska USA Building (from $400 million) since she joined the firm in 2008.
Communications Chair, Skanska Women’s Network (two years).
Member, Skanska’s Diversity and Compliance Council (2010-2013).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Northeast Association for Proposal Management Professionals.
Member, Jersey City Medical Center’s Emerging Leaders.

OFF THE CLOCK
Sporting clay shooting (“golf with a shotgun”): she owns a Beretta 686 Silver Pigeon 20-Gauge Over-Under.
Loves snowboarding, camping, paddle boarding—and competitive chess.

SECRET LIFE 
Speaks Cantonese, learning Mandarin.
Learned to swim at 30.
Practiced Muay Thai (Thai self-defense boxing) for two years—watch out!

 

 

 

Green Building pioneer

Joel cesare, LEED AP BD+C, LFA 
Sustainable Building Advisor
Office of Sustainability and the Environment
City of Santa Monica, Calif.  

AGE: 35

EDUCATION
MS, Environmental Science and Management, UC Santa Barbara
BA, Geology | Political Science, Lafayette College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Owner’s rep. for 50,000-sf office building that is the largest Living Building Challenge project to date.
Led city’s efforts to establish solar energy requirement for all new construction. 
Developed, implemented world’s first zero-net-energy building reach code.
Led the certification of green buildings using LEED, BREEAM, CEEQUAL, Ska, and 3-Star, in five different countries. 

EXTRACURRICULAR 
Cofounder, CEO, StokeShare.com (sharing marketplace for action sports gear); partners with at-risk youth nonprofits and environmental groups to connect youths to nature through action sports.
Vice Chair, Surfrider Los Angeles Chapter (focus: protecting coastal environments).

OFF THE CLOCK 
Loves surfing, snowboarding, spearfishing, standup paddle boarding.
Vice Chair, Surfrider Los Angeles Chapter (protecting coastal environments).

SECRET LIFE 
Played wide receiver at Lafayette; led the Patriot League in punt return average as a freshman.
His grandfather witnessed the raising of the flag at Iwo Jima from his ship.

 

 

 

crafty engineer

Amanda beck larkin, PE, CET, CFPS
Fire Protection Group Lead
Primera Engineers | Chicago

AGE: 32

EDUCATION
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Arizona State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
Leads Primera’s life-safety team; manages projects with more than five team members at a time.
Has procured new and repeat work for Primera, including a sprinkler and standpipe system for the Field Museum, Chicago.
Other notable projects: 200,000-sf Welsh-Ryan Arena renovation, Northwestern University; 90,000-sf David M. Rubinstein Forum, University of Chicago; McCormick Place Headquarters Hotel.

EXTRACURRICULAR 
Board Member, Society of Fire Protection Engineers, Chicago Chapter.
Co-leader of Primera’s women’s group, Primeraly Women.
ACE Mentor Program, Rebuilding Together.

OFF THE CLOCK 
Enjoys knitting, crocheting, beading, sewing, and building furniture.
Most memorable creation: a special pillow to make car rides more comfortable for her aunt, who was undergoing cancer treatment.
Bakes elaborate birthday cakes for friends and family, notably a giant pierogi-shaped delicacy.

SECRET LIFE
Wedding ceremony was held at Stonehenge.
Grandmother operated on baseball/football All-Star Bo Jackson; journalist uncle interviewed both Michael Jordan and Bill Clinton; aunt was one of Chelsea Clinton’s teachers.

 

 

 

adaptive reuse Biz wHiz

FRANK e. Mahan, AIA
Associate Director
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION
MArch, Princeton University; BArch, Cal Poly San Luis Obispo

ACCOMPLISHMENTS 
Promoted to Associate Director in 2014, at 34.
Firmwide coordinator for adaptive-reuse practice.
Leading the design teams for some of the nation’s most significant adaptive-reuse projects, including the Waldorf Astoria New York and SOM legacy projects: 510 Fifth Avenue, 1 Chase Manhattan Plaza, and the U.S. Air Force Academy’s Center for Character and Leadership Development.
Led the design teams for the podium at One World Trade Center and the 1,000-foot 35 Hudson Yards tower.

EXTRACURRICULAR 
Volunteer, PENCIL career mentoring group; Citizen Schools New York City mentoring program; Culture of One foster-care organization. 

OFF THE CLOCK 
Parenting Heather (2) with his wife, Kate.
Recently self-renovated their Manhattan coop.
Nationally ranked slalom water skier (started the sport at 18 months; was the Founder, Past President of the Cal Poly water ski team).

SECRET LIFE 
His father taught architecture in high school (“I took his class all four years”).
Honeymooned at the Mauna Kea Beach Hotel, not realizing it was designed by SOM.
Karate black belt.

 

 

 

Towering Figure

Zach Edwards, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Principal, Studio Director
Gensler | Dallas

AGE: 38

EDUCATION
BArch, MArch, MBA, Texas Tech University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Directs Commercial Office Building Practice; leads the Regional Center of Excellence for Corporate Campuses in the Dallas office.
In nine years, promoted from Associate, to Senior Associate, to Principal at age 35—youngest ever to be named Principal at Gensler Dallas.
Principal-in-charge/Project Manager for 11 tower repositioning and office building projects in Dallas.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Touchdown Club of Dallas (men’s group that raises funds for children with Down Syndrome).
Volunteer of the Year Service Award (2011-2013), Boys and Girls Club of East Dallas.
Graduate/Alumni Member, The Real Estate Council (TREC) Associate Leadership Council.
Alumni Member, TREC Young Guns (focus on improving downtown Dallas parks).
Past Member, Academy of Engineering Advisory Board, Dallas ISD.
Volunteer, W.T. White High School, Dallas (8 years).
Hospitality Team Ministry, Building Committee.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Courtney) four boys <age 8.
Hobbies: golf, fishing, hunting: “I enjoy nature!”
Has run three marathons.

SECRET LIFE
Registered Member of the Choctaw Nation.

 

 

 

Healthcare Heavyweight

Reed weigle, LEED AP
Vice President, Division Manager
Brasfield & Gorrie | Kennesaw, Ga.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
BS, Building Science, Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Led >100 projects worth $890 million during 16-year career with the company.
Key projects: $95 million WellStar Paulding Hospital, Hiram, Ga.; $48 million Piedmont Fayette Hospital expansion, Fayetteville, Ga.; $305 million Piedmont Atlanta Hospital Master Facility. 
Co-developed the firm’s Project Management On-Ramp training program for new and transferring PMs.
Led Brasfield & Gorrie’s adoption of BIM for clash detection and iPads in the field. 

EXTRACURRICULAR
Advisory Board Member, Atlanta Ronald McDonald House Charities.
Founding Member, WellStar Foundation’s Men in Philanthropy.
Executive Leadership Team, American Heart Association Northwest Georgia Heartwalk (2016).
Sunday school teacher. 

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting Camilla (12), Jack (8), Anne Reed (6), and Bo (3) with wife, Elizabeth.
Outdoorsy guy: camping, golf, hiking, and hunting.
   
SECRET LIFE
Can do a standing backflip.
Played guitar and mandolin in a band in college.

 

 

 

transcendent athlete

Kylie schalz
Senior Mechanical Engineer
Thornton Tomasetti | Miami, Fla.

AGE: 27

EDUCATION
BASc, Mechanical Engineering, Oakland University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Completed her degree from a hospital bed in Chicago while recovering from a spinal cord injury. Told she would be wheelchair bound for life, she now walks with a cane, with 50% mobility.
Thornton Tomasetti’s MEP Forensics Practice Coordinator (including property-loss consultation and investigation).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-author, Life Safety chapter, More Sticks & Bricks, A Practical Guide to Construction Systems and Technology.
Has twice climbed the stairs of Chicago’s 103-story Willis Tower.  In 2016, she organized Thornton Tomasetti employees to raise $16,000 for the Rehabilitation Institute of Chicago by stair climbing.

OFF THE CLOCK
Anything athletic: riding Peloton, outdoor cycling, swimming, paddle boarding.
Playing with Wrigley, her 85-lb. Labrador/Boxer, and Sibyl, her 10-lb. Chihuahua/Schnauzer.
Training for Paralympics wheelchair marathon.

SECRET LIFE
Appeared on the “Today Show” to discuss big-footed women’s trouble finding shoes (she’s a size 13).
Her grandfather, Philip Schalz II, developed Northgate Shopping Center, Aurora, Ill.

 

 

 

expansion strategist

Michael B. Kennedy, Jr.
President
KAI Design & Build | St. Louis, Mo. 

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
BS, Business Management, Hampton University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named President of family-owned design-build firm in 2008 (at age 30). Led KAI expansion to San Antonio, Atlanta, and Omaha.  Grew revenue from $8 million in 2008 to $25 million in 2016.
Led acquisition of two companies in the middle of the Great Recession. In 2016, he acquired an MEP firm to extend KAI’s reach into the St. Louis hospital market.
Honoree, Diversity Champion Award, St. Louis Council of Construction Consumers.

EXTRACURRICULAR 
Board Member, AGC of Missouri, ULI St. Louis Chapter, Christian Activity Center, St. Louis Children’s Hospital.
Member, AGC Diversity & Inclusion Council Steering Committee.

OFF THE CLOCK
Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Voices for Children, Youth Lifeline America.

SECRET LIFE
Father was the first African-American architect licensed in Missouri.

 

 

 

ardent mentor

pascale sablan, AIA, Leed ap
Associate
FXFOWLE | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION
MS, Advanced Architectural Design, Columbia University; BArch, Pratt Institute

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Only the 315th African-American woman to be licensed as an architect in the U.S.
Helped design mixed-use, commercial, and residential projects in Azerbaijan, India, Japan, Saudi Arabia, the UAE, and the U.S.  
Recent projects: 888 Boylston Street, Boston; Liberty Island Security Screening Facility, New York; Museum of the Built Environment, Riyadh.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Historian, National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA).
Past President, New York Coalition of Black Architects (NYC Chapter of NOMA); increased membership by 25% during her term through mentorship and career development programs. 
Member, Diversity and Inclusion Committee, AIANY.
Exhibit Curator, “Say It Loud: Distinguished Black Designers of NYCOBA/NOMA,” Center for Architecture.
Board Member, The Mary Louis Academy, Jamaica, N.Y.
Volunteer, ACE Mentor Program.

OFF THE CLOCK
Fave dish: accra (malanga, peppers, onion, garlic), a specialty of her native Haiti.
Go-to vacation spot: Guam (“sand soft as flour, friendly fish, amazing sunsets—truly paradise!”).

SECRET LIFE
Will not reveal her middle name.

 

 

 

school authority

charles e. brant, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Design Manager, Dikita \\ Vanir JV
Senior Project Manager
Kwame Building Group | Dallas

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
BArch, Oklahoma State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for overall design management of >$400 million in K-12 school construction across 65 projects for the Dallas ISD.
Key projects: 116,500-sf Baird Farm Road Elementary School, Arlington, Texas; 67,500-sf Van Zandt-Guinn Elementary School, Fort Worth, Texas.
Previously at Perkins+Will; led a team of designers that repurposed a 1910 warehouse in Fort Worth into the 525-student Young Women’s Leadership Academy.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-founder, ASTEK, which has thus far introduced architecture to >6,000 fifth-grade students.
Board of Directors, AIA Dallas.
Past AIA Dallas roles: Chair, Public Policy Committee; Volunteer, Emerging Leaders Program. 
Young Architect of the Year (2012), AIA Dallas.
Founding Member, Friends of Solar Prep, a nonprofit supporting an all-girls, STEAM-focused K-8 school.

OFF THE CLOCK
Raising daughter, Sierra (6), with his wife, Elizabeth.
Enjoys outdoor activities: hiking, soccer, golf, gardening.

SECRET LIFE
Self-styled coffee snob.
Sucker for self-help books: Good to Great, The E-Myth, and The Subtle Art of Not Giving a F*ck.

 

 

 

master of education

jeff wagner, AIA, LEED AP, MCP, CCCA
Director of Construction Management
Clark County School District | Las Vegas, Nev.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION
MArch, BArch, University of Nevada, Las Vegas; MS, Design Research, Southern California Institute of Architecture

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Tenured Professor of Architecture, College of Southern Nevada.
Founding Principal, [N] Site Studios (uses CNC milling and 3D printing to explore design theories). 
At Clark County SD, leads 25 project managers responsible for the nation’s largest K-12 construction program ($4.1 billion), including 35 new elementary schools, two new high schools.
Cut new construction costs in the district by 10%.
Holds 27 ICC certifications.

EXTRACURRICULAR
First Board President, Nevada Preservation Foundation.
Mentor, Contest Organizer, SkillsUSA.

OFF THE CLOCK
Hobbies: woodworking, building furniture.
Fave travel spot: Venice, Italy.

SECRET LIFE
Was a nightclub DJ in Vegas in his 20s.
Great-grandfather worked on Hoover Dam.

 

 

 

Children’s champion

kristi grizzle, PE, LEED AP
Principal, Higher Education Market Sector Leader
Walter P Moore | Houston 

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
MSSE, BSCE, University of Texas at Austin

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named Principal and stockholder in 2014, the fifth female Principal in WPM’s 83-year history.
First regional higher education sector leader; helped double sector revenue in five years.
Milestone projects: $56 million George R. Brown Convention Center; $70 million Rice University Music and Performing Arts Center (both Houston).
Led team that overhauled WPM’s business development collateral file management system.

EXTRACURRICULAR
President (2017-18), Board Member, Rice Design Alliance. 
Graduate, Leadership Houston.
Volunteer, Texas Bowl, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo, Big Brothers Big Sisters.
Sunday school teacher.
Court-appointed Special Advocate for foster children with Child Advocates, Houston.

OFF THE CLOCK
Avid dancer (swing, two-step), swimmer, triathlete.
Pro bono designer for nonprofits in Cambodia and Egypt with Engineering Ministries International.

SECRET LIFE
Her time for the 100-yard breaststroke (1:07.91) is still the record at her high school, 20 years later.

 

 

 

Ace of Engineers

jay bangert, CHC, AIC-AC, ASHE, LEED AP BD+C
Project Executive
The Hagerman Group | Fishers, Ind.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION
BS, Construction Engineering Technology, Purdue University (Fort Wayne)

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Major projects: IU Health Ball Memorial Hospital, Muncie, Ind.; Ivy Tech Community College, Indianapolis; Lucas Oil Stadium (concrete foundations); Indianapolis International Airport Expansion; Ball State University Geothermal Conversion.
Among first 20 Indiana engineers to earn Certified Healthcare Constructor certification from ASHE. 
Named Young Professional of the Year (2016) by local Chamber of Commerce.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, 2017 ASHE Annual Conference & Technical Exhibition Planning Task Force (Indianapolis). 
Board Member, Indiana Subcontractor Association Business Connections.
Volunteer, United Way of Central Indiana Child  Care Task Force.
Board Member, Indiana Sports Corp Youth Committee (state sports commission).
Peer Reviewer, ASHE/CDC manual on infection prevention in the built environment.

OFF THE CLOCK
Certified by the American Sailing Association.
Coached Zionsville High hockey team to Indiana 3A championship (2014).

SECRET LIFE
Deejay in college.
Can play drums, sax, piano, and guitar.

 

 

 

patron of Black engineers

MIEAH TURNER
Senior Project Manager
Messer Construction Co. | Nashville, Tenn.

AGE: 32 

EDUCATION
BSCE, MSCE, University of Tennessee

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
On-site Leader, Metro Nashville Airport BNA MRO Hangar Development Project ($35 million).
Key projects: Middle Tennessee State University Student Union; Cal Turner Center at Meharry Medical College; Volunteer State Community College Humanities Building; Stratford STEM Magnet High School renovation; Nashville International Airport Conveyor and Baggage Security System.
Nashville Lead, Messer Construction Young Professionals Group (3 years).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Delta Sigma Theta (national service sorority);  Member, National Society of Black Engineers (NSBE) for 13 years.
President, NSBE Nashville Professionals (3 years); Region 3 NSBE Nashville Finance Chair; Chair, NSBE Technical Professional Conference (2014).
Volunteer, Hands On Nashville; ACE Mentor Program; 4:13 Strong (job training for at-risk men).

OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys planning weddings (learned from her mom).

SECRET LIFE
Grandmother (Mildred Turner) had a street in Pittsburgh named in her honor.
Has hordes of Ty Beanie Babies from the ’90s.

 

 

 

Change agent

DAMARIS HOLLINGSWORTH, AIA, NCARB, NOMA, LEED AP
Vice President 
THOR Design Plus | Minneapolis, Minn.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
BArch, University of São Paulo, Brazil

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Executive with one of the nation’s largest minority-owned real estate companies, THOR Cos.
Heads the firm’s newly launched architectural design, sustainability, and innovation technology divisions.
Leading efforts to launch a design outreach program for minority youth and youth at risk.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-founder, President (2017-18), Minneapolis Saint Paul Assembly of Architects NOMA Chapter; raised $19,000 in three months to fund the first-year operations of the chapter.
Past Co-chair (2016-17), AIA Minneapolis Women in Architecture Committee. 
AIA MN leadership roles: Diversity Task Force, Leadership Forum, Strategic Resource Team.
Board Member, Minnesota Housing and Finance Agency.

OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys boot camp–style workouts.
Running buddy for the Girls on the Run Club.
Parenting (with husband, Andre) their daughter, Abby (4).

SECRET LIFE
Learned to speak and write English in just three months after moving to Arizona from her native Brazil 11 years ago.

 

 

 

construction angler

NATHAN J. DUNN, leed ap
Chief Operating Officer
Fulcrum Construction Group | Daphne, Ala.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION
BS, Building Construction, Auburn University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined Fulcrum in 2015. Oversaw 57 projects in 25 states and grew revenues 175% in first 14 months as COO.
As Senior Project Manager at Hoar Project Management (2013-2015), he delivered the $300 million Airbus Final Assembly Line, Mobile, Ala., and two preconstruction projects at Auburn University (total: $39 million).
Spent two years after college in Orange Beach, Ala., as a PM with Rogers & Willard; organized the cleanup response to Hurricane Ivan and managed the reconstruction of >1,000 condo units. 

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, ABC Mid-Gulf Advisory Board.
Board Member, Eastern Shore Chamber of Commerce.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Meghan) Cullen (5), Camille (3), and Madeline (3 months).
Completed the Rock ’n’ Roll Half Marathon, New Orleans, in 1:56:58.
Avid hunter (deer, duck), golfer.
Top male master angler, Mobile Big Game Fishing Invitational (2010); his team finished 16th of 60 teams in the IGFA Offshore World Championship (2011).

SECRET LIFE
His father, a Senior Safety Specialist, has worked at the Honeywell Chemical Plant, Chickasaw, Ala., for >45 years—“a role model for hard work and dedication.”

 

 

 

lone star constructor

MATT HOGLUND
Business Unit Leader, Texas
DPR Construction | Austin, Texas

AGE: 36

EDUCATION
BS, Building Construction, University of Florida

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
14-year construction veteran (formerly with Hardin Construction, acquired by DPR in 2013).
Manages >1,000 staff in three DPR Texas offices.
Grew DPR’s Texas business from $233 million to ~$1 billion in four years.
Current projects: Charles Schwab Corporate Campus, Austin ($145MM); Aloft/Element Hotel, Austin ($63MM); The Union mixed-use development, Dallas.
Represents DPR in Austin Chamber of Commerce–sponsored “Opportunity Austin,” a five-year, five-county economic development/job-creation initiative in Central Texas.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Real Estate Council of Austin.
Executive Board Member, LifeWorks (youth/family advocacy nonprofit).
Chair, American Heart Association 2017 Heart Ball; raised $1.1 million (2017).
Board Member, Associated Builders & Contractors, Central Texas (2000-2014).
Top fundraiser (>$30,000), Austin Young Men’s Business League’s “Sunshine Camps” (for children of low-income families).

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Katie) Colin (5) and Cameron (3).
Helped fast-track one-week renovation of an Austin ISD middle school.
Volunteer, Meals on Wheels, American YouthWorks (builds playgrounds in disadvantaged neighborhoods).

SECRET LIFE
Can swim, but can’t dive into a pool.

 

 

 

Metals master

JAMES WARTON, Assoc. AIA
Associate, Computational Designer/Researcher
HKS Laboratory for Intensive Exploration (HKS_LINE) | Dallas 

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
MArch, Architecture and Urbanism, The Architectural Association; BS, Architecture, University of Texas

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Advancing the application of 3D-printed metals for architectural design and construction.
Developed programs that automate design-to-fabrication processes for complex stadium roof systems and building envelopes.
U.S. Department of Education Graduate Assistance in Areas of National Need (GAANN) grant (2013 and 2014).

EXTRACURRICULAR
PhD candidate, Southern Methodist University.
Research Assistant, Research Center for Advanced Manufacturing (RCAM), SMU.
Adjunct Professor/Visiting Lecturer, UT Arlington.
Past Co-director, Architecture for Humanity–Dallas.

OFF THE CLOCK
Bouldering, sport climbing, and open-water diving.
Contributes artwork to Art Conspiracy to support the arts in North Texas.

SECRET LIFE
Guilty pleasure: cured meats.
Craft cocktail enthusiast.

 

 

 

Design Technologist

CORY BRUGGER, Assoc. AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
Director of Design Technology
Morphosis | Los Angeles

AGE: 37

EDUCATION
MS, Engineering, Stevens Institute of Technology; BArch, Philadelphia University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During his four years as Director of Design Technology, Morphosis has received 10 awards and honors for technology and innovation.
At 23, cofounded Point B Design, a design-build practice in Philadelphia.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, AIA Technology in Architecture Practice Knowledge Community.
AIA Representative, National Architecture Accrediting Board (2017-20).
Advisory/teaching positions at Columbia, Philadelphia University, Stevens Institute of Technology, and the University at Buffalo, where he is advising in support of UB’s fabrication studio and façade curriculum.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with spouse, Jordan) Townes (4) and Kai (2). 
Woodworker, cabinetmaker, skateboarder, snowboarder.
Dabbles in photography and illustration.

SECRET LIFE
Grew up in a coal mining town, Hazleton, Pa.
Earliest influence: James L. Cutler, FAIA. “He helped me understand the connection of your mind and artistry of the design through the physical process of drawing.”

 

 

 

Steward of history

BARTON ROSS, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
President
Barton Ross & Partners | Livingston, N.J.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION
MS, Historic Preservation, University of Pennsylvania; MS, Construction Administration, Columbia University; BArch, Virginia Tech

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Started his own historic preservation practice in 2011.
Recipient of the first Charles E. Beveridge Research Fellowship, awarded through the National Park Service’s Frederick Law Olmsted Site (2012).
Historic Architect, Shady Rest Golf & Country Club, Scotch Plains, N.J. (oldest African-American golf club in the U.S.).

EXTRACURRICULAR
President, AIA Chesapeake Bay chapter.
Board Member, Preservation New Jersey.
Commissioner, Kent County (Md.) Historic Preservation Commission.
Member, Chestertown (Md.) Main Street Design Committee.
Peer reviewer, Association of Preservation Technology’s APT Bulletin.
Member, Sustainable New Jersey (state historic preservation task force).

OFF THE CLOCK
Constructing 1:64 layout for his American Flyer train collection with his son (age 6).
Has visited virtually every Revolutionary War and Civil War battlefield on the East Coast; possesses extensive knowledge of military history.

SECRET LIFE
Collects memorabilia about the band The Police.
Grandfather—a Navy pilot—was the only American to participate in fly-past for Queen Elizabeth II’s coronation (1953).

 

 

 

healthcare power Broker

DENISE E. THOMPSON, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Associate, Project Manager
Francis Cauffman | Philadelphia

AGE: 38

EDUCATION
BArch (cum laude), Temple University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Currently managing $100 million portfolio of healthcare projects.
Project Architect, Geisinger Wyoming Valley Critical Care Building (ASHE Vista Award).
Project Manager, MD Anderson Cooper Cancer Center (Urban Green Project of the Year, USGBC New Jersey Chapter, and Healthcare Facilities Symposium Distinction Award).
AIA Pennsylvania Emerging Professionals Award and AIA Philadelphia Young Architect Award.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Past-president, AIA Philadelphia Chapter; President (2016).
AIA Philadelphia Emerging Architects, UPenn Women in Design, and Temple University AIAS Freedom by Design mentorship programs.
Vice-chair, C/A+D (outreach program to inform the public about design).

OFF THE CLOCK
Ran the Philadelphia Marathon twice.
Pitcher/catcher on her firm’s softball team.
Parenting (with husband, Mike) Greyson (4) and Ava (2).

SECRET LIFE
Went to Space Camp in her youth.
Can touch her tongue to her nose.

 

 

 

polyglot engineer

anantha chittur, pe
Senior Associate
Baldridge & Associates Structural Engineering | Chicago

AGE: 35

EDUCATION
MS, Structural Engineering, Virginia Tech; BS, Civil Engineering, University of Madras

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages the firm’s Chicago ops and international projects.
Helped grow the firm’s presence in India; oversaw design work for 27 projects in 18 months.
Managed and designed $1.3 billion in construction in the past three years.
Milestone projects: $515 million Marlins Park, Miami; $390 million Ae’o MXD development, Honolulu; 590-foot Wave One tower, Noida, India.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Past Secretary, Florida Structural Engineers 
Association.
Co-author, “Preventing Mega Disasters in Megacities,” Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, 2016.

OFF THE CLOCK
Formula One racing enthusiast.
Enjoys photography, hiking, mowing the lawn (“It helps me focus”).

SECRET LIFE
Speaks English, Hindi, Malayalam, and Tamil.
Very superstitious: "Thursday is my lucky day."

 

 

 

Landscape architechie

ryan C. deane, ASLA, PLA
Associate
The SLAM Collaborative | Glastonbury, Conn.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION
BS, Landscape Architecture and Regional Planning, UMass Amherst

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined SLAM in 2004 and became its youngest (23) licensed professional in 2006; named Landscape Studio Technology Lead in 2008.
Integrated VR, AR, and Lumion 3D into the  firm’s workflows.
His full-length Providence College Campus Transformation animation gained a half-million online views; project won ASLA Connecticut Merit Award, American School and University Award – Outstanding Design.
Key projects: Notre Dame Campus Crossroads Stadium Expansion; Weeks Hall of Engineering, Rutgers University; Homer Stryker School of Medicine, Western Michigan University. 

EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, ASLA Digital Technology Professional Performance Network.
Blogger, ASLA.org’s “The Field.”
Contributing Editor, Landscape Architecture magazine “TECH” section.
ACE Mentor Program (Hartford, Conn.).

OFF THE CLOCK
Commissioner, fantasy football, golf leagues.
Parenting (with wife, Kate) daughter, Ryleigh (1).

SECRET LIFE
Learned construction basics from the men in his family, all of whom were in the trades.
Played on the UMass paintball team.

 

 

 

wellness guru

aliza skolnik, PE, LEED AP, WELL AP, CEM, GGP
Vice President, San Francisco Office Director
ESD | San Francisco

AGE: 33

EDUCATION
BS, Systems Science Engineering, Washington University in St. Louis

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named VP/San Francisco Office Director in 2015 (at age 31); grew the office from one engineer to seven in two years.
Among the first group of provisional WELL Accredited Professionals.
Expert in commissioning, energy audits and energy modeling, LEED, Green Globes, workplace health and well-being.
Contributor to Green Building Certification Institute LEED-CI v3.0 exam, Green Associate certification, and LEED-NC v4.0 Reference Guide.
Co-chair, ESD Outreach Committee (nine years).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Helped launch Network Empowering Women: offers mentoring to professional women.
Volunteer, Relay for Life, CANstruction, Climate Cycle.
Co-chair, CoreNet Young Leadership Mentorship Committee (San Francisco).

OFF THE CLOCK
Hiked Yosemite’s Half Dome (8,839 feet).
Safaried in South Africa and Zimbabwe.

SECRET LIFE
Can recite lyrics of Yakko Warner’s “Nation’s of the World.”
Maternal grandfather was the mayor of Tricarico, Italy.

 

 

 

vdc crackerjack

Donal Lyons
Virtual Construction Manager
Structure Tone | Boston

AGE: 29

EDUCATION
BA, Westfield (Mass.) State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads team that supports >1,600 Structure Tone staff in virtual design and construction.
Manages VDC for projects in the hundreds of millions of dollars.
Recent projects: Biogen B6-A3, Cambridge, Mass.; Comcast Technology Center, Philadelphia; AtlantiCare Regional Medical Center, Atlantic City, N.J. ($98 million).
Project awards: U of Hawaii Cancer Research Facility (NAIOP Hawaii Chapter Award, AIA Honolulu Award); Temple University South Gateway Student Residences (AIA Philadelphia Award of Excellence); General Building Contractors Assn. (Best Industrial/Institutional Project >$10 million).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer, Little Brothers of Boston (matches volunteers with senior citizens) and Shultz’s Guest House (canine rescue shelter).
Member, Boston Irish Business Association and Irish Network Boston.
Supporter, 100 Club of Mass (raises money to support families of fallen heroes).

OFF THE CLOCK
Golf, hiking, kayaking, camping—and fishing 
(“I’m absolutely terrible at it”).

SECRET LIFE
Diehard Yankees fan, despite living in Boston.
Learned VDC working summers with his father (who also works at Structure Tone).

 

 

 

Preservation prodigy

Nicole Martineau, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Associate
Arrowstreet | Boston

AGE: 38

EDUCATION 
BArch, BA, Art and Architectural History, Roger Williams University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Key preservation projects: Music Hall, Portsmouth, N.H.; Mombo Restaurant, Portsmouth; Canoe Place Inn, Hampton Bays, N.Y.
Currently managing six projects on the East Coast focused on historic preservation, hospitality, housing, and retail using agile project management principles.
Helped establish the New Hampshire Architects and Engineers Emergency Response Task Force; partnering with the Boston Society of Architects to establish a similar group in Massachusetts.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Past Knowledge Director and Regional Director, AIA Young Architect’s Forum.
Co-creator, AIA YAF Mini-MBA: “Mastering the Business of Architecture“ workshop.
Licensing Advisor, NCARB, New Hampshire.
Vice Chair, Board Member, Exeter (N.H.) Historic District Commission. 

OFF THE CLOCK
Craves sailing, hosting themed parties, gardening.
Favorite vacation spot: the Azores of Portugal.

SECRET LIFE
Keeps an actual bucket list in a small book beside her bed.
On that list: upon retirement, open a gelateria, even though she’s allergic to dairy.

 

 

 

Architects’ proponent

SHELBY M. MORRIS, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Associate Principal | Beck

AGE: 37

EDUCATION 
MArch, Texas Tech University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
14-year veteran at Beck; selected for yearlong Beck Leadership Series.
Led $500 million of design and design-build work at Beck.
Key projects: Duke University Wallace Wade Stadium Renovation and Krzyzewski Center for Athletic Excellence (DBIA National Award); Princess Margaret Hospital Expansion (Nassau, Bahamas); Lenox Square Mall Renovation (Atlanta); NOAA National Water Center.
AIA National Young Architects Award (2016); AIA Atlanta John Busby, FAIA Award.
AIA President’s Award for Service to the Profession (2010, 2013, 2014).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-founder, AIA Atlanta Youth Architecture Fair.
AIA Young Architects Forum National Advisory Committee (2016-17);  AIA Construction Contract Advisory Knowledge Community.
AIA-AGC National Joint Committee.
AIA Atlanta Board of Directors (2013-2015); K-12 Education Committee (2006-2013).
AIA National Convention Tours Chair.

OFF THE CLOCK
Avid skier, skydiver: broke his nose seven times playing sports.
Stock market investor (45% return in 2016).

SECRET LIFE
His ancestor, Benjamin Rush, signed the Declaration of Independence.

 

 

 

inclusion activist

KOREY D. WHITE, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB
Project Architect
Stantec Architecture | Arlington, Va.

AGE: 28

EDUCATION 
BS, Architectural Studies, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign; MS, Architecture and Urban and Regional Planning, University of Colorado Denver

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Earned architecture license at age 26.
BIM coordinator on $180 million Denver Water Operations Complex; targeting LEED Platinum, WELL Building Standard, and Net Zero Energy ratings.
Co-leader, RNL’s “B-Inclusive” Diversity and Inclusion Committee.

EXTRACURRICULAR
2017 Chair, National Associates Committee, AIA National Emerging Professionals.
Heading efforts to pass the National Design Services Act (would link architecture student loan repayment with community design service). 
Has organized STEAM sessions at public schools in Denver and Washington, D.C.

OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteer, DC Central Kitchen (provides meals and culinary training for adults recovering from homelessness, addiction, and incarceration).

SECRET LIFE
Ensemble dancer for “The Producers” musical while in college.
Her grandfather, an infantryman captured in the Battle of the Bulge (recipient of two Purple Hearts), was a prisoner of war in Germany.

 

 

 

Conscientious contractor

Ryan Freeman, leed Green Associate
Vice President of Operations (Central Division)
McCarthy Building Companies | St. Louis, Mo.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION 
BS, Mechanical Engineering, Southern Illinois University–Edwardsville

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Supervises 11 direct, 50 indirect reports for two business units in McCarthy’s Central Division.
Member of the firm’s Exceptional Client Experience team; helped roll out an online survey tool.
As Director of Business Development (2009-15), helped secure >$500 million in project work.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Board Member, Associated General Contractors of Missouri (2010-2016); helped negotiate merger of AGC St. Louis with AGC Missouri. 
Board Member, Family Resource Center (now called Family Forward); helped raise >$600,000 over the past five years to fight child abuse and neglect.
Chair, McCarthy’s annual golf tournament; raised >$350,000 over a six-year period. 
McCarthy Team Captain, American Lung Association’s “Master the Met: Fight for Air Climb”; raised >$300,000 in 2010.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Jocelyn) three children, ages 7, 5, and 4.
Competitive trap shooter, once broke 98 of 100 clays.
Amateur griller; favorite chef: Bobby Flay.
Favorite bourbon: Larceny.

SECRET LIFE
Loves heavy metal (but has zero tattoos).

 

 

 

Expansionist builder

Jeff sandeen, dBIA, STS
Vice President, Business Unit Leader
Balfour Beatty Construction | Charlotte, N.C.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION
BS, Construction Management, University of North Florida

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads a division of 168 professionals responsible for >$400 million in construction annually in the Charlotte, N.C., and Charleston, S.C., markets.
Orchestrated the division’s expansion into the Charleston market in 2016.
Key projects (both in Charleston): Blackbaud’s 172,000-sf headquarters and the $101 million, 179-key Hotel Bennett.
Managed >$1.5 billion in construction projects during his 16-year career, including The Mint apartment complex in Charlotte and the $376 million Marriott Marquis Washington, D.C.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Board Member, Teach for America.
Graduate and volunteer, Leadership Charlotte.
Sunday school teacher, South Mecklenburg Presbyterian Church, Charlotte.

OFF THE CLOCK
Raising (with his wife, Tierra) Porter (7) and Paxtyn (6).
Enjoys hunting (quail, pheasant, duck), fly-fishing, woodworking, and grilling with his Big Green Egg.

SECRET LIFE
Attended five colleges before graduating from UNF.
Comes from a long line of construction professionals: carpenter (paternal grandfather), tin knocker (maternal grandfather), civil engineer (father), interior designer (mother), and construction manager (older brother).

 

 

 

citizen ARCHITECT

Benjamin M. ward, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, CDT
Associate, Curtis Group Architects | Pawleys Island, S.C.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION 
BS, Design, Clemson University; MArch, North Carolina State 
University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to Associate within two years of joining the firm.
Emerging Professionals Director, Vice President, and President  (since 2013); Emerging Professional Award (2016), AIA Grand Strand.
Elected Young Architect Regional Director (South Atlantic) by AIA South Carolina.
Participant, Leadership Academy; Presidential Citation for Chapter Service, AIA South Carolina (2014).

EXTRACURRICULAR
Registered Safety Assessment Program Evaluator; enlisted in South Carolina State Guard to help assess structures for FEMA assistance after Hurricane Matthew (2016).
Advisory Board Member, Georgetown County (S.C.) Chamber Young Professionals; Founding Board Member, Architecture for Humanity–Charlotte.
U.S. Green Building Council, State Conference Chair (2013); State Board Member (2012-2013).

OFF THE CLOCK
Has a collection of >50 vintage writing instruments; favorite: 1946 Parker 51.
Hiking, bicycling, fishing, camping, kayaking (was an Eagle Scout).
Caring for Goose, a rescued Bluetick Coonhound, with wife, Johanna.

SECRET LIFE
Alternate delegate for the 2004 GOP National Convention in New York City.

 

 

 

RETAIL maven

Maori hughes, AIA
Principal
Design Republic Partners Architects | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION 
BS, Design & Environmental Analysis: Interior Design, Cornell University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Obtained licensure while working full time and raising two young children.
Has worked on projects with >30 retail brands: Fendi, Louis Vuitton, Hugo Boss, and flagship store for Bottega Veneta on Madison Avenue (opening 2018).
Oversees her 50-person firm’s recruitment, staffing, and staff development.
Developed probability-based staffing forecast tool that the firm uses to improve hiring practices.
Founded “DR Academy,” monthly continuing education series for professional staff development. 

EXTRACURRICULAR
Original Member, Women in Fashion & Retail (informal network of 40 female professionals in retail).
Member, ICSC, International Council of Shopping Centers.
Member, Mentor, Professional Women in Construction. 
Critic, Cornell University retail design studio.
Panelist, “Retail Lab”: mentorship program for up-and-coming fashion designers, sponsored by the Council of Fashion Designers of America.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with husband, Tom) Teddy (7) and Maya (5).
Pianist, skier, runner; loves playing logic games (favorite: Pic-a-Pix).

SECRET LIFE
Spends up to three months planning her annual Halloween party.
Family visited seven baseball stadiums in the U.S. last year.

 

 

 

vdc virtuoso

Jennifer suerth, leed AP
Vice President of Technical Services 
Pepper Construction | Chicago

AGE: 33

EDUCATION
MArch, BArch, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads firm’s BIM/VDC strategic direction: implementation of new workflows, in-house model-based estimating, advanced uses for AR/VR.
Helped firm secure multiple $80 million-plus projects in just nine months using integrated technology strategies.
Grew VDC group from nine professionals to 13 in less than a year.
Notable work: Burj Khalifa, Dubai (as SE intern with SOM); Delta Terminal 4 expansion at JFK International Airport, New York (SE, Arup); University of Chicago Campus North Residential Hall and Dining Commons (Integrated Construction Manager, Mortenson).  

EXTRACURRICULAR
Auxiliary Board Member, Chicago Architecture Foundation.
Auxiliary Board Member, Mentor, ACE Mentor Chicago.
Founding Member, Future Leaders Board, City of Hope (women’s cancer charity), Chicago.

OFF THE CLOCK
Performs improv comedy with Grandma’s Kitchen at theaters around Chicago.
Loves skydiving, rappelling waterfalls.

SECRET LIFE
Her great-grandfather worked as an architect for Frank Lloyd Wright.
Played rugby at UIUC.

 

 

 

formidable INNOVATOR

Luke voiland, AIA, LEED AP
Principal
Shepley Bulfinch |  Boston 

AGE: 36

EDUCATION
MArch, MIT; BA, Geography, University of Chicago 

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest person (at age 33) named Principal and Board Member in the firm’s 143-year history.
Led design of award-winning Pagliuca Harvard Life Lab and the University of Houston’s Health and Biomedical Sciences Building 2.
Member, six-person firm rebranding committee.
Initiated firm’s science benchmarking data collection effort for >100 S+T projects.
Developed Pro Opt programming software tool (automates the drawing of scaled geometry).  

EXTRACURRICULAR
Founding Co-chair, Committee for Research and Innovation Design, Boston Society of Architects.
Volunteer Critic, ACE Mentor Program.
Visiting Critic, Rhode Island School of Design, Wentworth Institute of Technology, Boston Architectural College, Philadelphia University School of Architecture.

OFF THE CLOCK
Avid cyclist, hiker, runner—spearheads the firm’s Reach the Beach relay race.
Volunteer youth basketball coach.

SECRET LIFE
He was critic Roger Ebert’s projectionist in a film class at the University of Chicago.

 

 

 

Senior living savant

Alexis Denton, AIA, LEED AP 
Principal, Senior Living Studio Leader
SmithGroupJJR |  San Francisco

AGE: 36

EDUCATION
MArch, MA, Gerontology, University of Southern California; BArch, University of California, Berkeley

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for all facets of the firm’s senior living practice in the U.S. and China.
Led studio to 160% net revenue growth in 2016, to $4 million in billings.
Secured several commissions in 2015-16 with a total value of >$200 million, including the $60 million Masonic Homes of California skilled nursing facilities in Union City and Covina, Calif., and a $40 million senior living facility in Napa.
Co-authored the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs’ Small House Model Design Guide.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Incoming Co-chair, AIA Design for Aging Knowledge Community Advisory Group; Past Jury Chair, AIA Design for Aging Review awards.
Board Member, Meals on Wheels of Alameda County, Calif.

OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys cooking, walking the Berkeley Hills.
Tries baking items from “The Great British Baking Show.”

SECRET LIFE
She and her husband, Luke, both diehard Cal football fans, rented California Memorial Stadium for their wedding ceremony.
Rescued a Flame Point Siamese, named her Betty White after the actress/animal advocate.

 

 

 

lab design marvel

anthony d. paprocki, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Senior Associate
Perkins+Will |  Boston, Mass.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION
MArch, Boston Architectural College; BS, Architectural Studies, University of Illinois Champaign-Urbana

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
PM/Architect on >2 million sf of new labs, 750,000 sf of lab/academic renovations at Harvard University, UMass Lowell, UMass Amherst, MIT, Texas A&M, Worcester Polytechnic Institute, University of Minnesota, Western University–Ontario, United Technologies Research Center.
Honorable Mention, R&D Magazine “Lab of the Year” Awards (2013), Bigelow Laboratory for Ocean Sciences.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Thesis Advisor, Boston Architectural College, since 2009.
Pro bono architect with Science Education to Enhance Development (SEED) on the design of the Institute of Science Education, Kanungu, Uganda, to house a training program for future science teachers in Uganda. Completed 2015.
Member, SEED: Uganda Advisory Board (2011-).
Member, Zoning Board of Appeals, Swampscott, Mass. (2013-).
Volunteer, restoration of historic Andrews Chapel, Swampscott; reopened 2017.

OFF THE CLOCK
Parenting (with wife, Whitney) daughter Brianne (4), and restoring their century-old house.
Self-taught painter (seascapes, streetscapes).

SECRET LIFE
Devotee of pharology (study of lighthouses).
Took his first New Year’s plunge this year (fundraiser for Swampscott schools and charities).

    

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