Meet the 40 Under 40 class of 2018

An architect and animal lover who helped raise more than $2 million for an animal care center. A structural engineer who is exploring advanced designs for mass timber buildings. A construction management expert who mentors at-risk African-American girls. An MEP engineer who co-founded a cycling event that raises money to fight human trafficking. BD+C’s 40 Under 40 Class of 2018 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 2018!

 

See Also: BD+C's 40 Under 40 Class of 2017

 

► Stephanie Adamczyk                         ► Eric Koffler
► Muhammad Sultan AlSalmy            ► Kris Kunze
► Mike Anglin                                         ► Chris Lambert
► Tiffany Jo Beamer                               ► Kristin Ledet
► Ngozi Brown                                        ► Spencer Little
► Rita Saikali Carter                               ► Marco Macagnano
► Edwige Clark                                        ► Christina Magrans
► Julie Cook                                              ► Ámbar Margarida
► Michelle DeCarlo                                ► Ryan McEnroe
► Brian Duggan                                       ► Kurt Neiswender
► Greg Durrell                                         ►  Áine O’Dwyer
► Danielle Dy Buncio                            ►  Derek Oliver
► Eveart Foster                                        ►  Keiva Rodriques
► Anthony Grumbine                           ►  Gina Leo Stingley
► Blair Hildahl                                        ►  Dane Stokes
► Preston Hodges                                   ► Jason Takeuchi
► L. Leif Johnson                                    ► Christi Thompson
► Michael Johnson                                 ► Meghan Webster
► Calvin Kam                                          ► Chris Wilson
► Satpal Kaur Panesar                           ► Joel Yow

 

 

prefab champion

Stephanie Adamczyk 

project manager

ryan companies U.s. | Chicago

AGE: 31

EDUCATION

MArch, BS Architectural Studies

University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Helped build Ryan’s Clarendale senior living brand; co-developed its design standards document.

One of 15 Ryan Companies’ Emerging Leaders (2017-18).

Constructech Women in Construction (2018).

Member, Ryan’s National Prefabrication Champions Group.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Volunteer, Special Olympics Summer Kickoff Picnic.

Co-author, Nangao/Beigao, based on her research in the Beijing Architectural Studio Enterprise (2010).

OFF THE CLOCK

Volunteer, Catholic Charities of Chicago Hearts for Hope dinner/auction; raised $60,000-plus each year.

Shark cage diving, bungee jumping (South Africa), glacial snowmobiling (Iceland).

SECRET LIFE

State finalist bowler and shotputter at Mount Prospect (Ill.) High School.

Played saxophone in the 2002 Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade.

 

 

STEADFAST EDUCATOR

Rita Saikali Carter, AIA, WELL AP

Principal, Higher Education Studio

Little | Fullerton, Calif.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

MSAAD, Columbia University

BArch, California State Polytechnic University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Promoted to Higher Education Studio leader in October 2017.

In first six months, secured $786,000 in new work, generated 12 new client relationships, and saved three troubled accounts.

Leads team of eight professionals, with 18 active projects, 11 clients, $4.6 million in fees, and 12% profit margin.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board Advisor, Student Mentor, Lebanese Collegiate Network.

Advisor, BD+C’s Women in Design+Construction Conference.

Communications Chair, Society for University and College Planners.

Past Director of Outreach & Advocacy, Architecture for Humanity.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: yoga with newborn (Sebastian Jay), hiking the Back Bay and Crystal Cove trails in Newport Beach.

Fave reads: “Start With Why,” “Creative Confidence,” “The Four Agreements.”

Can’t live without lip conditioner.

Work sessions are fueled by deep house music from artists and music providers such as Mark Farina, Anjunadeep, and Kaskade.

SECRET LIFE

An immigrant of war, her family fled Lebanon to Toronto in the late 1980s. “We crossed the Mediterranean Sea by boat in the dark of night, with only a few suitcases in tow, while bombs rang in the distance.”

 

 

DATA WRANGLER

Joel Yow, AIA, NCARB, EDAC, LEED GA

Co-founder

Linear A | Chicago

AGE: 31

EDUCATION

BArch, University of North Carolina

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-founded data-driven design practice with fellow HDR alum, Erik Carlson.

Formerly Principal, Computational Design with HDR, Chicago office.

Led development of HDR’s parametric energy analysis tool, Rapid Energy Performance Simulator (REPS).

Was a user of HDR’s Data Wrangler, a Rhino add-on that connects 3D design representations to data fields for real-time feedback.

Created a “living” master plan for Macquarie University using spatial data and visualization techniques.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Mentor, ACE Mentor Chicago.

Emerging Leader 2017, Design Futures Council.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: painting, rock climbing, live music, visiting national parks. “My goal is to visit all 58 parks by age 40.”

Creates custom furniture using traditional tools and methods and hardwoods exclusively. Latest project: a table made from Bubinga and American black walnut.

Looks for ways to work “Rick and Morty” quotes into conversations.

SECRET LIFE

Related (second cousin) to Nobel Prize-winning biochemist Kary Mullis, known for inventing the polymerase chain reaction (PCR) technique for making multiple copies of a segment of DNA.

 

 

ACADEMIC ARCHITECT

Meghan Webster, AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate, Firmwide Practice Area Leader, Education

Gensler | Chicago

AGE: 37

EDUCATION

MArch, Massachusetts Institute of Technology

BArch, University of California, Berkeley

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Leads team of 250+ professionals globally.

Doubled regional (North Central U.S.) education facilities revenue in 2017, to $4 million. Steady growth globally, to $24.6 million last year.

Headed the winning pursuit of the Northwestern University Common Space Program to refurbish and rebrand 1.9 million sf of campus space.

Projects: 165,000-sf Capitol Federal Hall, University of Kansas School of Business; 114,000-sf Student Center at Columbia College Chicago.

Launched Dialogues with Gensler in 2012, a forum for civic and community leaders on the future of education. Past events attracted >1,500 people.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Christian Education Committee, Fair Oaks Presbyterian Church.

Volunteer, Chicago Cares, Chicago Lights.

Vice Chair, ULI Chicago Product Council on Mixed Use and Urban Development.

OFF THE CLOCK

Dedicated 4 a.m. runner.

Fave food: Ice cream, any kind.

Relaxes by cooking, running, taking care of her kids (Ellen, 5, Jack, 2), and tidying. “I am an incessant tidier.”

SECRET LIFE

At 19, was ranked 20th in the nation in synchronized swimming. “I could swim two full laps underwater without coming up for air.”

 

 

BUSINESS BUILDER

Muhammad Sultan AlSalmy

Managing Director, Partner

Hoehler + alSalmy | Muscat, Oman

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BArch, University of Oklahoma

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

At 29, co-founded this Omani-German architecture firm.

In 10 years, grew the firm from a team of one to a staff of 24, with $4.5 million (US) in annual revenue.

Projects: 42,614-sf German Embassy Muscat; $390 million Mina Al Sultan Qaboos Waterfront Project, Oman (JV design partner with Foster + Partners); 545,730-sf German University of Technology, Oman.   

Currently working on PhD in Urban Conservation, RWTH Aachen University.

Career highlight: “Presenting on site our first project, the German University of Technology in Oman, to his Majesty Sultan Qaboos AlSaid in 2012.”

EXTRACURRICULAR

Mentor, German University of Technology.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: tennis, sketching.

Restoring a Porsche 356, which he fell in love with while working as a valet in Houston.

Can’t live without good Italian espresso and cheesecake with blueberry sauce.

SECRET LIFE

At 37, tried to relearn how to ski and ride a horse. “It wasn’t like riding a bike. Nothing came back!”

Comes from a very large family: 31 aunts and uncles.

 

 

SPORTY MARKETER

Gina Leo Stingley

Principal, Director of Marketing – Americas

Populous | Kansas City, Mo.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BA, Journalism, University of Kansas

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Directed market strategy and positioning for four new market sectors, including aviation, eSports, and design-led design build. Firm recently received its first eSports commission, in Arlington, Texas.

Managed successful pursuits of high-profile projects: Atlanta Braves’ SunTrust Park, Milwaukee Bucks’ Fiserv Forum, and Orlando City Soccer Club stadium.

Created firm’s strategic partnership with Nielsen Sports to promote data in design, which has led to $32 million in design fees in just six months.

Led multi-year rebranding effort from HOK Sport Venue Event to Populous.

Developed employee training courses on business development and female leadership.

Wrote firm’s 2015-2020 strategic plan.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Donates 100+ hours annually to local groups.

Past Board Member, Junior League of Kansas City.

Advisor, Junior League leadership summit, C3KC; 300 attendees and >$20,000 raised in first year.

Chair, Missouri Neighborhood Tourist Development Fund, which disburses $2 million in grants.

Board Member, Wonderscope Children’s Museum; helping raise $10 million for new building.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: yoga, cooking Sunday night dinner, community volunteerism, reading historical fiction.

Unusual talent: Can run swiftly in heels, usually after her kids, Jack (5) and Blaire (3).

SECRET LIFE

Her father manages a summer collegiate league team, Hays Larks, and once coached Albert Pujols and Lance Berkman. “Albert lived with us the summer of 1999, when he played for the Larks.”

 

 

DESIGN BIZ BACKER

Jason Takeuchi, AIA, NCARB

Architect

Ferraro Choi and Associates | Honolulu

AGE: 31

EDUCATION

DArch, University of Hawaii

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

In six years with the firm, ascended from technical support to overseeing large commercial projects and directing firm’s construction administration services.

Projects: 17,500-sf Waimanalo Health Center, Waimanalo; 44,000-sf, LEED Gold Culinary Institute of the Pacific, University of Hawaii, Diamond Head.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Regional Associate Director, AIA Northwest and Pacific Region.

Associate Director (2016, 2017), AIA Honolulu.

Co-founded AIA Honolulu’s Mentorship Program; created its Student Design Awards and Emerging Professionals Committee.

First AIA Honolulu member to serve on AIA National Associates Committee; first to receive AIA Associates Award (2018).

Co-author, Hawaii Design Services Act (2018), which assists UH graduate students with tuition waivers.

Board Member, Docomomo US, Hawaii Chapter.

Docent, Historic Hawaii Foundation, Docomomo US.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: surfing, hunting for mid-century modern furniture, karaoke, making craft cocktails.

Can’t live without the ocean and ahi poke.

SECRET LIFE

Mixologist who creates cocktails based on themes like wood, textile, strength, and history.

 

 

FLINT CRUSADER

Kurt Neiswender, AIA, LEED AP, MAP

Project Architect

Sedgewick & Ferweda Architects | Flint, Mich.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION

Master of Urban Design Lawrence Technological University

BArch, University of Southern California

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Recent design work includes a Passive House, net-zero lakehouse in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula.

Passionate about Flint, Mich., renewal projects. Work includes two open-air park pavilions, affordable housing prototypes, and Habitat for Humanity projects.

Currently launching a low-profit limited liability company (L3C) to “create healthy, livable, and safer spaces in my city.”

EXTRACURRICULAR

Founded nonprofit Project FORA, which offers pro bono design services for community projects.

Winner, 2017 AIA National Young Architect Award.

Adjunct Professor, University of Michigan–Flint.

Vice President, AIA Flint.

Chair, Design Committee, Flint Park(ing) Day.

OFF THE CLOCK

Fave vacation spot: Scottish Highlands.

Can’t live without his sketchbook. “I have tried to go digital, but I really need to have the pen hit the paper.”

Go-to meal: lobster with melted butter.

SECRET LIFE

His father’s first wife, Mary Neiswender, was the only reporter Charles Manson would talk to during his 10-month trial in 1970.

 

 

MILITARY MAESTRO

Brian Duggan, AIA, NCARB, CDT

President, Principal

D2C Architects | Denver

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BArch, University of Tennessee

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-founded D2C in 2013 with two partners. Firm has worked on >100 projects, increased revenue on average 29.4% annually, and tripled staff in five years.       

Specialist in military, government, and public safety facilities.

Work includes: 35,560-sf Alamosa (Colo.) Readiness and Emergency Deployment Center; 81,480-sf B-52 Two-bay Phase Maintenance Dock at Minot (N.D.) Air Force Base; 39,765-sf Aurora (Colo.) Readiness Center.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Provided $19,580 in pro bono design services for a Habitat for Humanity office and warehouse project.

Volunteer owner’s rep., architectural advisor for his church’s $2.5 million improvement initiative.

Volunteer, Angel Tree, Girls on the Run of the Rockies, Hunger Task Force, Operation Christmas Child.

OFF THE CLOCK

Eclectic sports fan: Buffalo Bills, Denver Nuggets, Philadelphia Phillies, Washington Capitals. “And anything and everything Tennessee Volunteers.”

Camping, fly-fishing, hiking, biking, snowboarding.

Relaxes through hobbies and QT with his wife, Angela, and daughters, Bridget (9) and Katelyn (7).

SECRET LIFE

His grandfather, Peter Duggan, cleared mines on the beaches of Normandy during WWII ahead of D-Day.

 

 

IRISH ENGINEER

Áine O’Dwyer, PE

CEO, Managing Partner

Enovate Engineering | Cranford, N.J.

AGE: 33

EDUCATION

MS, Civil Engineering, New Jersey Institute of Technology BS, Civil and Environmental Engineering, NJIT

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

At 32, assumed majority ownership of civil engineering firm.

Ascended from intern to Field Engineer to Chief Engineer to CEO in just nine years.

Certified the firm as a Women’s Business Enterprise and Small Business Enterprise.

High-profile projects: $2 billion Anaklia (Republic of Georgia) Deep Sea Port; Petty’s Island environmental rehabilitation, Camden County, N.J.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Member, American Society of Civil Engineers, American Council of Engineering Companies, Women in STEAM.

Mentor, ASCE Metropolitan Section.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: hiking, soccer, reading, gardening, woodworking. Made a dining room table and shelf units for her home.

Fave foods: cheese, pizza, fries. “I’d be very happy with the diet of a 10 year old.”

SECRET LIFE

Born in Ireland, moved to the U.S. in 2003 on a Division I basketball scholarship (NJIT).

Played midfield in gaelic football for Team New York at the 2015 GAA World games.

 

 

DOG'S BEST FRIEND

Mike Anglin, AIA, LEED AP

Principal, Partner

Line + Space | Tucson, Ariz.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION

BArch, University of Arizona

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Youngest (age 30) to be named Principal in firm’s 40-year history.

Led firm’s successful pursuit of $35 million Maricopa County Central Animal Welfare Improvements project.

Lead Design Architect for $22 million, 70,000-sf Pima Animal Care Center, Tucson.

Helped expand firm’s reach into China.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board Member, AIA Arizona.

Implemented scholarship for AIA Arizona members to attend National Organization of Minority Architects (NOMA) conference.   

Director, AIA Southern Arizona; leads chapter’s Young Architects Forum.

Vice Chair, City of Tucson Design Review Board.

Founding Board Member, Friends of Pima Animal Care Center.

Helped PACC fundraise $2 million in 2017.

OFF THE CLOCK

Hobbies: hiking, watching UoA basketball, puzzles, new restaurants.

Obsessed with car magazines; collects every issue of four pubs.

Dislikes re-watching movies (exception: “Gran Torino”).

SECRET LIFE

Can identify—“with a high degree of accuracy”—the make, model, and year range of any vehicle by seeing a tiny part (e.g., bumper).

 

 

DEEP DIVER

chris wilson, pE

Vice President, Operations Director

esD | Chicago

AGE: 32

Education

BSME, Purdue University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined ESD in 2011; promoted to Senior Project Engineer (2014).

Named Studio Leader of eight-person Energy+Eco team (2016).

Promoted to Vice President, Operations Director for Energy+Eco (2018).

Helped develop ESD’s BAS system for chilled-water-plant buildouts.

Jumpstarted ESD’s Monitoring-Based Commissioning for New Construction.

EXTRACURRICULAR

University of Illinois at Chicago Master of Energy Engineering Advisory Council.

BOMA Chicago Energy and Sustainability Committee.

ASHRAE Technical Committee 7.5 – Smart Building Systems.

OFF THE CLOCK

Certified master scuba diver (>100 dives).

Pottery, ceramics enthusiast.

Plays saxophone, clarinet, guitar, and piano (all self-taught).

Certified in songwriting, music production, and musicianship.

SECRET LIFE

“I can beatbox.”

 

 

Mentor Extraordinaire

ryan t. mcenroe, AIA, ASLA, LEED AP

Associate

quinn evans architects | Washington, D.C.

AGE: 36

EDUCATION

MArch, MLA, University of Virginia

BS, Environmental Design, Arizona State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined Quinn Evans Architects in 2016 as architect and landscape architect.

Supervised National Zoo’s $30 million Birdhouse Experience Migration Project.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Co-founder, Co-chair, Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program.

Served on 11 accreditation teams (chairing three) for the National Architecture Accrediting Board.

Developed the NAAB Conditions of Accreditation.

Knowledge Director, Mid-Atlantic Regional Director, AIA Young Architects Forum.

AIAS Board Member, Chapter Vice President.

NCARB ARE Forms Assembly Task Force.

NCARB Education and Internship Committees.

CLARB Section 4 Exam Writing Committee.

OFF THE CLOCK

Golf, skiing (downhill, water), cycling, keg tossing.

Project manager, Greater DC Cares Servathon.

SECRET LIFE

Grew up on family’s organic farm in Millerton, N.Y.

Has visited 18 of 30 MLB stadiums.

 

 

NATURAL LEADER

tiffany jo beamer, asla

Partner, Studio Head (Los Angeles)

olin | Los Angeles

AGE: 36

EDUCATION

MLA, Harvard University

BSLA, University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Youngest Partner (at age 30) in OLIN’s history.

Opened OLIN’s LA office (2010).

Manages 15-25 professionals in LA and Philadelphia offices.

Supervises projects in LA, Silicon Valley, Miami, Honolulu, Shanghai, and Marfa, Texas.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board of Directors, The Cultural Landscape Foundation.

Teaching at Penn, USC, and UIUC.

OFF THE CLOCK

Plays the trumpet.

Ikebana (Japanese flower arranging).

Certified in CPR/First Aid/AED.

Completed five Philadelphia Half-Marathons; raised >$3,000 for autism research.

SECRET LIFE

Her mother was once a competitive tango dancer.

 

 

FAST-TRACK URBANOLOGIST

michael johnson, PLA, ASLA, LEED AP BD+C

Co-leader, National Urban Design Practice

SMITHGROUP | Ann Arbor, Mich.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION

Master of Urban Design, University of Michigan

BSLA, Ball State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Joined firm in 2008; named Principal in 2013.

Co-leader, Urban Design Practice, since 2015.

SCUP 2016 Merit Award for Indiana University Bloomington master plan.

Developed “Mix Tape Zoning” to speed up plan review/permitting in Detroit.

Keynoter, Ball State College of Architecture Commencement (2018).

Speaker, “Autonomous Vehicles and the City,” Congress for the New Urbanism (2017).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board Member, Landscape Architecture Foundation; helped raise $150,000.

Juror, University of Michigan Taubman College of Architecture & Planning.

OFF THE CLOCK

2:40 marathoner.

Hiking, camping, skiing in Colorado with wife, Jill, son, Kellan (5), and daughter, Reagan (2).

SECRET LIFE

Was Head Coach, Ball State track/cross country team (2004-5).

 

 

MASS TIMBER MAINSTAY

L. Leif Johnson, PE, SE, LEED AP

Vice President, Principal

Magnusson Klemencic Associates | Seattle

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

MSCE, BSCE, Washington University in St. Louis

BA (physics), Lawrence University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Leads MKA’s Sustainability/Wood Technical
Specialist Team.

Led the structural team on Minneapolis’ “T3,” the first new construction mass timber office building in the U.S. (seven stories, 268,280 sf).

Coined the term “Fiber Optimized Design”: reduces wood use by 30%.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Co-chair, AIA Mass Timber Task Force for Codes/Zoning Subcommittee.

Tall Timber Working Group, Council on Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat.

Carbon Leadership Forum.

OFF THE CLOCK

Volunteer, Mary’s Place (women/children’s shelter).

Hiking, fishing, running.

Camping with wife and their two children.

SECRET LIFE

Great-grandfather was the chief surveyor for the king of Norway.

 

 

live/work balancer

Ngozi brown, AIA, NCARB, NCIDQ, LEED AP ND, EDAC, GPCP

design principal

nob architecture + design | Little Rock, Ark.

AGE: 38

EDUCATION

Master of Education, Concordia University

BArch, Tuskegee University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Second African-American woman to become a licensed architect in Arkansas, and first to become a Principal at an architecture firm in the state.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Volunteer, studioMAIN; key designer of Jacksonville, Ark.’s Main Street Mile master plan.

Chair, AIA Arkansas Central Section and Diversity Committee.

Board Member, Architecture + Design Network.

Special Commissioner, Capitol District Zoning Commission (2017).

OFF THE CLOCK

Homeschooled her three children, ages 13, 11, and 9.

Docent, Arkansas Arts Center.

Hobby photographer; specialty: barns.

SECRET LIFE

Great-great-grandfather, born into slavery, became a successful businessman who owned >500 acres.

 

 

prodigious preconstructor

Christi Thompson, leed ap BD+C

Vice President, Regional Construction Director

brasfield & Gorrie | Orlando, Fla.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BS, Building Construction

University of Florida

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

17-year veteran at Brasfield & Gorrie.

Promoted to current position in 2016.

Oversees all preconstruction for the firm’s Florida offices.

Has led preconstruction efforts on >750 projects totaling >$4 billion.

Member, Brasfield & Gorrie preconstruction steering committee.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Leadership Orlando.

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Second Harvest Food Bank, Daily Bread Christian Service Center.

Member, ABC Central Florida, NAIOP.

Speaker, NAWIC.

OFF THE CLOCK

Beach time with husband, Jeremy, daughter Hailey (8), son Jaxon (5), and Great Danes, Doc and Wyatt.

SECRET LIFE

Competed in discus in high school.

Often mistaken for her identical twin.

 

 

Trailblazing Mississippian

greg l. durrell, AIA, NCARB

president, principal architect

durrell design group | Jackson, Miss.

AGE: 39

Education

BArch, Mississippi State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

First African-American architect born, educated, and practicing in Mississippi.

Established five-person firm (2013), serving state government, local colleges, and private-sector clients.

Alumnus, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board of Directors (2016-18), Legislative Committee (2017), AIA Mississippi.

Delegate (2017-18), Educators Conference (2018), Southern Conference of NCARB Region 3.

Board of Directors, Vice President, CSI Mississippi.

Established Spirit of Excellence scholarships (2017) for minority students in Mississippi.

OFF THE CLOCK

Helicoptering in Hawaii with wife, Nita, for their 10th anniversary.

Lego with daughters, Addison (5) and Ariel (4).

SECRET LIFE

Vicksburg (Miss.) High School Hall of Fame; lettered in football, track, powerlifting (148 lb).

 

 

ARCHITECT WITH A HEART

eric j. koffler, AIA, EDAC, LEED AP, WELL AP

senior associate

nbbj | Columbus, Ohio

AGE: 37

EDUCATION

MArch, BArch, University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Has led medical planning and design for >5.5 million sf of healthcare space.

Co-led design of NeoCon and IIDA award-winning carpet/textile collections.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Organizes continuing education events for local USGBC.

Helped raise $442,000 for nursing education at a local hospital.

Founded Project Heartland: benefits LGBT youth in the Midwest.

Launched annual fashion event, Project Run-A-Way (>200 participants).

OFF THE CLOCK

Board member for his 33-unit condo building.

Plays in volleyball tournaments across the U.S.

Team captain in an adult kickball league.

SECRET LIFE

Played trombone for 13 years.

Taught himself to play all brass instruments.

 

 

INSTITUITIONAL INSIDER

keiva rodriques, pmp, ccm

project manager

hill international | Baltimore, Md.

AGE: 35

EDUCATION

MBA, University of Baltimore

BSCE, University of Maryland

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Earned MBA at night.

Negotiated $150 million in contracts for the USDOE.

Managed construction of 138,000-sf, $60 million Health and Human Services building for Coppin State University.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Community service: National Council for Negro Women, Habitat for Humanity, NAACP Youth Council, Our Daily Bread, Grassroots Crisis Prevention Center, BWI Summer Youth Initiative.

Co-chair, Delta GEMS (Growing and Empowering Myself Successfully), serving at-risk African-American girls.

OFF THE CLOCK

Ran Annapolis Half Marathon while unknowingly pregnant with daughter, Sydney (now 3).

Completed a half marathon and triathlon in same weekend, cheered on by husband, Rowmean.

SECRET LIFE

Once got stranded in Germany for 10 days due to a volcanic eruption in Iceland.

 

 

ENGINEERING STARTUP WHIZ

kris kunze, pe

founder, managing principal

kcl engineering | West Des Moines, Iowa

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BSEE, Iowa State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Founded KCL in 2008.

Expanded KCL into theme and thrill lighting (Yankee Stadium, Safeco Field).

Co-founder, Denovo (engineer-led construction management).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Iowa Engineering Society.

Thursday Architect Construction Engineering Club.

International Association of Amusement Parks and Attractions.

Beta Team 3550 – FIRST Tech Challenge robotics team.

OFF THE CLOCK

Co-founder, Break the Cycle 200 cycling event (raises money to fight human trafficking).

He, his wife, Jenny, and sons, Kaiden (10) and Isaac (6), are active in their church.

Habitat for Humanity, Meals from the Heartland.

SECRET LIFE

Road trips (Harley Davidson Heritage Classic) with his dad (Yamaha V-Star 1100).

 

 

ARTISTIC ARCHITECT

anthony grumbine, AIA

principal, architect

harrison design | Santa Barbara, Calif.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

MArch, University of Notre Dame

Bachelor of Architectural Studies, BA Art History, Carleton University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Harrison Design’s youngest Principal (2017).

Currently runs >20 projects, notably a golf course clubhouse and a 25,000-sf church in Clovis, Calif.

Santa Barbara Beautiful Award for restoration.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board Member, Executive Committee, Santa Barbara Trust for Historic Preservation.

Vice Chair, Architectural Historian, Santa Barbara Historic Landmarks Commission.

Pro bono: AIA Santa Barbara State Street redesign; historic Lotusland Botanical Garden, Montecito.

OFF THE CLOCK

Professional artist: watercolors, oils, pencil renderings.

Produced text, drawings, and photos for City of Santa Barbara Architecture Styles Guide.

SECRET LIFE

He and his wife, Anne-Marie, are raising five sons and three daughters, ages 18 years to 18 months.

 

 

HARD-DRIVIN' FLORIDIAN

Edwige clark, CGC, LEED BD+C

SENIOR PROJECT EXECUTIVE

HAMMES COMPANY | Tampa, Fla.

AGE: 34

EDUCATION

MS Real Estate Development,

NOVA Southeastern University

BS Construction Engineering, Florida A&M University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Known internally as Hammes’ turnaround expert.

Exemplary project: Indian River Medical Center, Vero Beach, Fla., outpatient endoscopy facility;  increased procedure throughput by 50%.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Chair, Sunrise, Fla., Affordable Housing Advisory Board (member since 2012).

Collegiate Challenge and Developing Leaders Committees, NAIOP | Commercial Real Estate Development Assn. (South Florida).

Committee Chair for Urban League of Broward County: raised $10,000 for Young Professionals scholarships.

OFF THE CLOCK

Japanese anime enthusiast (“Initial D” series).

Movie-watching downtime with wife, Peta, son Shiloh Donaldson (20), and daughter, Olivia (7).

SECRET LIFE

Drives a 1989 Toyota Supra with a 750-hp engine.

 

 

ADVOCATE FOR AEC PROFESSIONAL WOMEN

michelle decarlo, PE, LEED AP BD+C

associate, HVAC Department

Jaros, Baum & Bolles | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 33

Education

BSME, Villanova University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Current projects: MEP design for NYC’s James A. Farley Post Office (now Moynihan Train Hall); HVAC system for 30 Hudson Yards.

Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation’s Emerging Leaders Program (2018).

“Next Generation of Women Builders” Award, Women Builders Council (2016).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Launched a Women’s Initiative at JB&B.

Helped develop parental leave policy at JB&B.

Chair, ASHRAE New York Women in Engineering Committee.

Member, Urban Green Council and Commercial Real Estate Women of New York.

OFF THE CLOCK

Villanova University Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board.

Raising 22-month-old twin girls with husband.

SECRET LIFE

Fave vacation spot: Patagonia, Argentina.

Planned her high school class reunion.

 

 

MAN ON A MISSION

chris lambert, Mdiv, Dd

Founder, CEO

LIFE REMODELED | Detroit

AGE: 38

EDUCATION

BS, Kelley School of Business, Indiana University

MDiv, Fuller Theological Seminary

DD, Gordon-Conwell Theological Seminary

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Founder, Life Remodeled (2010).

Completed four $5 million community projects: renovated four Detroit schools, repaired 184 homes, boarded up 1,622 vacant properties, beautified 1,273 city blocks, mobilized 42,232 volunteers.

Partnered with >300 businesses, organizations, AEC firms, building product suppliers.

Founding pastor, Ekklesia, Westland, Mich.

Community developer, Liberia, West Africa.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Has traveled to six continents (Antarctica awaits).

Leadership Detroit (2017).

Praxis Nonprofit Fellow (2017).

OFF THE CLOCK

Surfing, snow boarding, dirt biking (KTM 250 two-stroke).

Travel (most recently: Israel) with wife, Andrea, and sons, Levi (9) and Judah (6).

SECRET LIFE

High school skeet shooter: once hit 50 straight targets.

 

 

HR DYNAMO

julie cook

director of human resources

fluor | Greenville, S.C.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BA, History/Asian Studies, Furman University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Youngest member of Senior Leadership Teams for Fluor's Power and Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing business lines.

Provides strategic support to Fluor's multi-billion-dollar Power and Life Sciences and Advanced Manufacturing business lines with >3,250 employees.

Led Fluor Management Institute and Fluor Leadership Summit.

Executive Sponsor, Fluor’s Growing Representation for Women program.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Loaned executive, United Way of Greenville County, S.C.

Chair/Board of Directors, Crossroads Home Group (nonprofit that provides trauma-informed residential care to families).

Member, Society for Human Resource Management (SHRM).

OFF THE CLOCK

Hiking with husband, Brandt, daughter, Molly (4), and rescue mutt Rooey.

SECRET LIFE

Was once stranded at sea for 40 hours between Shanghai and Putuoshan.

 

 

ANGLING AGGIE

Preston Hodges

Vice President, Houston Division

MCCARTHY BUILDING COMPANIES | Houston

AGE: 32

EDUCATION

BS, Construction Science

Texas A&M University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Promoted three times in five years.

Selected for McCarthy Advanced Leadership Program.

Grew Specialized Solutions Group (for smaller, unique projects) from two employees to 30, $40 million/year.

Helped win $100 million in new healthcare contracts for Houston division.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Co-chair, Board Member, AGC Construction Leadership Council.

Board Member, AGC Construction Futures Committee.

Founding Member, Leadership AGC Program.

Volunteer, Rebuild Houston, Houston Food Bank, ACE Mentor Program.

Organizer, Pat Kiley Excellence in Leadership Scholarship Fund (benefits high schoolers entering construction field).

Fundraiser, Krewe of Cajuns and Cowboys, Texas Children’s Hospital.

OFF THE CLOCK

Shift captain, Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo.

Saltwater fishing, quail hunting, golf, skiing.

SECRET LIFE

Attained top-secret State Department clearance at age 19.

Worked summers on grandparents’ farm in Texas panhandle.

 

 

HEALTHCARE INSIDER

kristin ledet, iida

Principal, Director of Interiors

FKP|CANNONDESIGN | Houston

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

Bachelor of Interior Design, Texas Tech University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Houston Office Practice/Interiors Leader (staff of 52).

Has managed 4 million sf of healthcare interiors since 2002.

Named Principal in 2016; youngest (age 37) ever at FKP.

FKP named Texas Oklahoma 2015 IIDA Pinnacle Award (Large Firm of the Year).

Member, CannonDesign Firm Development Team.

Created a strategic hiring model; stepped up staff mentoring/career development.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Volunteer, AIA Houston X Design Week.

Mentor, IIDA Student Conference.

March of Dimes Houston Executive Leadership Team.

Board of Directors, Sugar Creek Country Club.

OFF THE CLOCK

Golf with her husband, Blake.

The beach with her daughter, Corynne (4).

SECRET LIFE

Can twirl a baton.

Loves to iron.

 

 

INNOVATION'S IN HER BLOOD

danielle dy buncio, leed ap

ceo, co-founder, president

viatechnik llc | Chicago

AGE: 35

EDUCATION

MBA, Kellogg School of Management, Northwestern University

BSCE, Stanford University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-founder (with husband, Anton) of construction services firm VIATechnik (2012).

Has implemented VDC on >600 projects: Apple Campus 2, Tesla Gigafactory, LaGuardia Airport, Hudson Yards, NBA Warriors’ Chase Center.

Mechanical Contractors Association of Chicago Visionary Award (2018).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Board of Directors, Ryan Companies US.

Chair Member, Kellogg Executive Women’s Network.

Advisory Board, AEC Next aT Spar3D.

Chicago Chapter Co-founder, Society for Construction Solutions.

Fundraiser (>$50,000), Leukemia & Lymphoma Society.

OFF THE CLOCK

Marathoner, certified scuba diver.

Globetrotting (five continents) with sons, Max (5) and Zachary (2).

SECRET LIFE

Grew up in a civil engineering family: grandfather, both parents are CEs.

 

 

BIM TO THE MAX

calvin k. kam, phd, aia, pe, leed ap

founder, ceo

strategic building innovation and bimscore.com Dublin, Calif.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

Master’s, PhD, Stanford University

BArch, BSCE, University of Southern California

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-founder, GSA National BIM Program.

Senior Program Expert, GSA National 3D-4D BIM Program.

Co-producer, GSA National BIM Guide Series.

Honorary Director, National BIM Union and Standard (China).

BIM Advisor, Singapore Building & Construction Authority and Shanghai BIM Advancement Center.

Vice President, Strategic Innovation, Optima (real estate developer).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Adjunct Professor, Stanford University Center for Integrated Facility Engineering.

Co-principal Investigator, Disney Research Lab (China).

Co-chair, AIA Center for Integrated Practice.

Chair, AIA Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community (2010-2011).

OFF THE CLOCK

Golfer (“strictly recreational”).

SECRET LIFE

Favorite vacation spot: the Maldives.

 

 

HOSPITALITY HEAVYWEIGHT

spencer c. little, PE

Principal Electrical Engineer and COO, Housing & Hospitality Center of Engineering Excellence

spectrum engineers | Salt Lake City

AGE: 37

EDUCATION

BSEE, University of Utah

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Earned his BSEE while working as an electrician full time.

Rose from EIT to Principal/Partner and COO of Spectrum’s Hospitality/Housing division in six years.

Appointee, Utah Department of Facilities Construction and Management Committee to set state standard for 3D modeling.

Contributor, Autodesk Screencast training videos.

EXTRACURRICULAR

BSA Assistant Scoutmaster.

Volunteer, Donate Life (American Heart Association).

OFF THE CLOCK

Water skiing, wakeboarding, surfing, basketball with children, George (13), Scarlet (10), Grant (8), and Walter (7).

Fave vacation: Costa Rica, with his wife, Ashlie.

SECRET LIFE

Expert trench digger (college job).

Played high school rugby under legendary coach Larry Galwix (immortalized in “Forever Strong”).

 

 

GROWTH ENERGIZER

derek oliver, LEED AP

vice president

haselden construction | Centennial, Colo.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BS Construction Management

Colorado State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Raised Haselden’s Wyoming division annual revenue from $3 million to $100 million in four years.

Notable project: LEED Platinum, net-zero energy NREL Research Support Facility, Golden, Colo.

Oversaw the 2013 opening of Haselden’s second Wyoming office (Laramie).

Has doubled the size of the firm’s VDC department.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Member, Wyoming Construction Coalition, Casper Area Economic Development Association, Laramie Business Alliance, Associated General Contractors (Colorado chapter), FMI Peer Group.

OFF THE CLOCK

Awana Group leader.

With his wife, home schools their four children (including animal husbandry).

Raises Black Angus cattle on his 10-acre ranch.

SECRET LIFE

Enjoys hunting, fishing, and camping, but is afraid of snakes.

 

 

INTERIOR MASTERMIND

Ámbar margarida, CID, IIDA, Assoc. AIA, LEED GA

principal, interior practice leader

spacesmith | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 31

EDUCATION

BFA, Interior Design, School of Visual Arts

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Youngest Principal at Spacesmith upon promotion in 2017.

Lead interior designer (FFE programming) on a new 725,000-sf building for New York University; interior design for the Durst Organization’s 10 Halletts Point; workplace projects for Abrams Books, BlackRock, and Peterson Management & Foundation.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Adjunct Professor, School of Visual Arts.

Guest lecturer, Parsons School of Design.

Best of NeoCon Juror (2018).

OFF THE CLOCK

Founding Member, Latino-American Commercial Real Estate Association.

Member, CoreNet Young Leaders Committee.

Study group leader, IIDA NCIDQ exam prep.

SECRET LIFE

Her mother designed the Mrs. Universe crown for years.

 

 

DATA DETECTIVE

DANE STOKES

Design Technology Specialist

ZGF ARCHITECTS | Seattle

AGE: 34

EDUCATION

MArch, University of Pennsylvania

BS Environmental Design, University of Colorado

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Graduate travel fellowships to Rome, Costa Rica.

ZGF created unique position (Design Technology Specialist) for him.

Supports six ZGF offices in computational design.

Has created numerous time-saving algorithms (e.g., documenting hundreds of panels in a
childcare facility).

Developed a model to simulate occupant movement within buildings.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Coordinator, Seattle Dynamo Users Group.

Built and donated custom furniture for It Gets Better, a LGBTQ youth charity.

Volunteer, Seattle Design Festival.

OFF THE CLOCK

I-CAR–certified welder.

Expert metal fabricator, carpenter.

Renovating 100-year-old home with wife, Beckie, and daughter, Electra (3).

SECRET LIFE

Rebuilt a 1937 Plymouth with Corvette engine at age 16.

Built and raced Porsche racecars at age 20.

 

 

RETAIL SAVANT

christina magrans

vice president, retail

Callisonrtkl | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 39

EDUCATION

BFA Interior Architecture, James Madison University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Named Vice President at age 31.

One of 20 female corporate officers (of 118 total) at CRTKL.

Directs 105-employee New York office.

Representative clients: TAG Heuer, Dolce & Gabbana, Charlotte Tilbury, Longchamp, Hueb, Tiffany & Co., Van Cleef & Arpels, Roger Dubois, Sweaty Betty.

Developed and launched CRTKL Leadership Development Program (to nurture high-potential employees).

EXTRACURRICULAR

CRTKL Leader, Cycle for Survival (multi-office indoor cycling event for Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center: raised >$226,000 in six years).

OFF THE CLOCK

Yoga, tennis, skiing.

Serious traveler: London, Scotland, Singapore, Vietnam, Madrid in last year.

SECRET LIFE

Expert party planner (“throw in a Mariachi band”).

 

 

TECHNO-SUPERSTAR

eveart foster

Technical Services Engineer

PEPPER CONSTRUCTION GROUP | Chicago

AGE: 27

EDUCATION

BSME, Indiana State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Has managed laser scanning and 3D/4D modeling for $115 million in projects the last two years.

Developed an app that combines laser scanning with augmented reality; named Best Overall Project, AEC Hackathon 3.5 Chicago.

Member, Pepper’s Field Technology Innovation Committee.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Developing IT solutions for manufacturers (BuildIT Software, FARO).

Council Member, GLG Professional Learning Program.

ACE Mentor Program.

Reading Mentor, Working in the Schools.

OFF THE CLOCK

Biking, running.

Plays double bass, acoustic bass, and lead guitar in jazz quartets.

SECRET LIFE

His father led the hostage negotiation team for the federal penitentiary in Terre Haute, Ind.

 

 

passive house activist

Satpal kaur panesar, ipha

Designer 

HLW International | New York, N.Y.

AGE: 37

EDUCATION

Graduate, Architectural Association (UK)

BA, University of Nottingham

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Certified Passive House Designer (International Passive House Association).

Led building enclosure design of Beach Green Dunes Passive House apartments, Queens, N.Y.

Completed prototype for 40 energy-efficient homes (including four Passive Houses) for Mayor’s Build It Back Initiative in Staten Island, N.Y.

Won invite-only RFP for NYC homeless shelter built to Passive House standard.

Helped deliver early Passive House multifamily buildings in NYC (803 Knickerbocker, 424 Melrose) while at the firm of Chris Benedict, RA.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Session Chair, Conference Committee Member, Northeast Sustainable Energy Association.

OFF THE CLOCK

Designs sculptures from old radiators.

SECRET LIFE

Her Sikh turban is 5 meters long.

 

 

DR. SUSTAINABILITY

marco macagnano, phd

Associate Director

bentel associates intl. | Johannesburg, Gauteng, South Africa

AGE: 35

EDUCATION

BScArch, MArch, PhD, University of Pretoria

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Earned PhD in architecture after five years of study.

Project Lead (while at PKA International Architects) for first Green Star–certified South African government building.

Senior Designer, Head of Sustainability at BAI.

Member, BAI Executive Committee.

EXTRACURRICULAR

Green Star Accredited Professional.

Director, Green Building Council of South Africa.

Chair, Annual GBCSA Green Building Convention.

Advisory board, Department of Architecture, University of Pretoria.

OFF THE CLOCK

Avid gamer (Gymer, PS4).

Mixed martial arts fighter.

SECRET LIFE

His father was a paratrooper (Red Beret) in the Italian army.

 

 

ENTREPRENEURIAL ENGINEER

Blair D. Hildahl, pe, leed ap

Chief Marketing Officer, Principal

base4 | Boca Raton, Fla.

AGE: 35

EDUCATION

BSSE, University of Wisconsin–Madison

ACCOMPLISHMENTS

Co-founded Base4 (2010) with four others; now 230 full-time professional staff serving hotel design sector.

Offices in the U.S., China, Dominican Republic, India, and Republic of Georgia.

Helped lead Base4 to Inc. Magazine’s 5000 Fastest Growing Companies in America (2016, 2017).

Director of Operations, Asia, at EXP Global (2009-2012).

EXTRACURRICULAR

Produces weekly design blog to 14,000 hotel developers.

OFF THE CLOCK

Acoustic guitar instrumentalist.

Outdoors adventuring on Wisconsin lakes and rivers with wife, Joni, and children, Quinn (5), Beckham (3), and Elin (<1).

SECRET LIFE

BSA Eagle Scout.

His great-grandfather was 100% White Earth Chippewa.