Raymond Beeler AIA is an Architect based in Pleasantville, NY with a 9 person office doing comercial, institutional and residential projects in the tri-state región. Ray was 2014 President of AIA New York State, 2009 President of AIA Westchester Hudson Valley and founded / directed two AIA K-12 programs at the MLK Elementary School in Yonkers and the Mount St. Michael High School in the Bronx.

Kelly Hayes McAlonie, FAIA, LEED AP is the Director of Capital Planning at the University at Buffalo. Kelly has dedicated her career to educational architecture. In 2011 Kelly and colleague Despina Stratigakos collaborated with Mattel on the design and launch of Barbie I Can Be…Architect. That year she also co-curated the first exhibit in 25 years on Louise Bethune, America’s first professional woman architect, at the Buffalo History Museum. She is currently writing a biography of Louise Bethune and has written widely on her for over ten years. She also speaks often about managing a disability in the workplace. Her Buffalo TEDx talk “The Power Dress” has received over 10,000 views. Kelly is serving a three-year term as a New York State representative on the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Strategic Council. She was the 2012 President of AIA New York State and 2008 president of AIA Buffalo/WNY.

Beth Tauke teaches courses on design, diversity, and the human body/architecture relationship. Her research focuses on design education and inclusive design, especially the empowerment of underrepresented groups through design. She is co-editor of Universal Design: New York (NYC Mayor’s Office, 2001) and Diversity and Design: Understanding Hidden Consequences (Routledge, 2015).

Paul McDonnell AIA manages an office that is responsable for maintaining and improving approximately 60 school buildings with 8.5 million sf in NYS’s second largest school district serving 34,000 students. Paul recently completed a $1.3 billion project completely renovating 48 schools, is Chair of the Buffalo Preservation Board, President of the Campaign for Greater Buffalo History Architecture and Culture, Vice President of Public Advocacy for AIA NYS and is a former President of the Buffalo/WNY Chapter of the AIA.

Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP, partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP with over 33 years of professional experience in planning, urban design, institutional and housing projects. His expertise in affordable & mixed income housing, resiliency and green design has been recognized through his many lectures at national and local conferences. Mark has led C+GA’s efforts on developments that comprise well over 10,000 units of housing, most of which are affordable and sustainable. He is a past President of the AIA New York Chapter, former co-chair New York New Visions Executive Committee, and an organizer of the New Housing New York Ideas Competition and Legacy Project. He co-chaired the Post Sandy Housing Task force & Vice Chair of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, is a member of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) Board of Trustees and is President of Citizen’s Housing and Planning Council.

Arielle Goldberg is the Director of Land Use and Policy in the Division of Planning and Predevelopment at the New York City Department of Housing Preservation and Development. She oversees the agency’s vacant land portfolio, helps to advance affordable housing projects through the public approvals process, and works on interagency and special projects to promote affordable housing and neighborhood revitalization. She has a Masters in Urban Planning and a Ph.D. in Political Science. She previously taught Political Science and Urban Studies at Rhodes College in Memphis, Tulane University in New Orleans, and at the City University of New York.

Hayes Slade AIA, IIDA and James Slade FAIA, IIDA, LEED-AP co-founded Slade Architecture in 2002. Their work has been exhibited at MoMA, the National Building Museum, Deutsches Architekturmuseum, the Swiss Institute, the Architecture League of New York, AIA Center for Architecture, the Venice Biennale and other venues. James has a BA from Cornell University and an MArch from Columbia University.

Ben Lee is the 2017 AIA NJ President. He is a Board Certified Healthcare Architect by ACHA, licensed to practice in 25 States and DC. He is Principal/CFO at NK Architect leading their national Healthcare Practice. He is an advocate for Healthy & Liveable Communities. Similar Presentation made to NJ Future Redevelopment Conference, Atlantic Health Networking Event, East Coast Green Health & Wellness Conference.

Mike is a Registered Architect in NJ, and has earned certifications in Evidence-Based Design and Sustainable Design. He is dedicated to understanding how the built environment impacts human health and well-being, and helping our clients incorporate Evidence-Based Design principles into their facilities. As a veteran, Mike has concentrated his focus on healthcare planning and design with special interest in Veteran’s Affairs projects. Mike was recently appointed to serve on the Board of Trustees for the Architects League of Northern New Jersey.

Andrew is an advocate for wellness at NK Architects, where he oversees the company’s corporate wellness plan. Andrew is passionate about design, with a strong focus on building community through design. He is primarily focused on projects for Colleges & Universities.

Kirk brings thirty years of professional experience to his position as CEO/Managing Partner of King + King Architects, LLP. He is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture where he has been teaching Professional Practice and Digital Technology classes every semester for the past twenty-six years. He is uniquely qualified as both a registered architect and a landscape architect and is President-Elect of the New York State American Institute of Architects. In 2003 Kirk received recognition as one of the region’s 40 under 40. Kirk is active in the community serving on several boards including the YMCA of Greater Syracuse (past Chairperson), Francis House, and the Salvation Army where he is currently Vice Chairperson for Budget/Finance & Operations.

Kirk is an alumnus of Syracuse University where he earned a Master of Architecture (’90) and Cornell University (’87) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture.

Elisabeth Martin, FAIA, is a principal in MDA designgroup. Prior to joining MDA in 2003, she was Director of Planning, Design & Facilities for Brooklyn Public Library where she directed BPL’s capital program for its 58 branches, the 300,000 sf landmarked Central Library, and renewal of its 18 Carnegie branches. Prior to BPL, she was Program Director for the Libraries Unit of the NYC Department of Design & Construction where, she administered the Library Capital Construction Program for the 216 branch libraries in the 3 NYC Public Library systems. She holds a M. Arch. from Yale University and was elected to AIA Fellowship. She co-teaches “The Planning & Design of Public Libraries” at the Harvard Design School. She is an advocate of quality design and has published/lectured on renewal of historic structures. Martin received the AIA’s Public Architect Award for her advocacy for/delivery of design excellence in the public realm.

Jeff Hoover, Principal-in-charge and Library Design Director at Tappé Associates, specializes in programming, planning and design of learning environments with a focus on libraries. He has been actively involved in speaking on future libraries, historic renovations and additions, and the influence of technology on architecture. He co-teaches a course entitled: The Planning and Design of Public Libraries at the Harvard Graduate School of Design’s Executive Education program.

Peter is a registered architect, sustainability consultant, author, and speaker whose 38 year career includes design and planning for governmental, educational, health care, residential, and religious buildings. He has worked on solar and energy efficient designs since 1980 and shares his experience at seminars and conferences. He is also the author of over 140 published national continuing education articles. Peter has served as an elected leader at the local, state (New York) and national levels of the AIA, has led AIA Sustainable Design Assessment Team (SDAT) programs across the US and is a member of the Advisory Board of the AIA+2030 series.

Garrett Hamlin, AIA, NCARB, is a Vice President with Tetra Tech Architects & Engineers — overseeing the company’s Albany Office. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering and a Master of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a Registered Architect in New York and Massachusetts.  Mr. Hamlin successfully integrates his engineering background with his architectural practice in the design and planning of educational facilities.  He is a skilled team builder and communicator.  His collaborative design process fosters meaningful client involvement throughout the entire project.  Garrett has worked with numerous K-12 school districts to enhance security.  Secure entrances, high tech security systems, hardened building envelopes, passive supervision design strategies, and safety protocols all play an important role in creating facilities that are both welcoming and secure.

Dan Levinson is the co-founder and co-director of the Applied Security Research Group at Mount Royal University. His applied scholarship explores how risks associated with grievance-based violence can be mitigated through specialized educational programming for corporate and community stakeholders, first responders, security professionals, and others whose day-to-day responsibilities include supervising and providing services to members of the general public, as well as vulnerable groups such as children, students, and healthcare patients. Dan has the unique first-hand experience of reviewing and studying numerous active shooter incidents, during which he deconstructed these tragic events with victims, bystanders, police, and security professionals involved. In addition to his work at Mount Royal, Dan has two decades of security experience in front line, supervisory, and management roles though his military, government, and corporate security careers. Based in Tel Aviv, Dan constantly travels the world promoting educational programs focused on reducing violence and promoting security.

Kelly Sundberg is an Associate Professor in the Department of Economics, Justice, and Policy Studies at Mount Royal University, and Adjunct Associate Professor in the Faculty of Environmental Design at the University of Calgary. His research primarily focuses on identifying scholarly-informed methods for reducing the risk of crime through design, space programming, and education. Most notably, Kelly is the founder and President of the SAFE Design Council, and co-developer of the SAFE Design Standard®. Kelly served three years as academic chair at Mount Royal University and two years as the alternate non-government organization representative to the United Nations for the Academy of Criminal Justice Science. Prior to his academic career, Kelly served fourteen years as a federal investigator with the Government of Canada. Today, Kelly continues to work with design professionals and academic community members to advance the SAFE Design Standard® as a means of promoting informed security design.

Ralph Snell has more than 35 years’ experience as an architect, collaborating with teams on projects across North America, the Middle East, and in Central Asia. His work has included K-12 schools, colleges, and training facilities; dormitory and other housing; stadiums; military and governmental facilities; religious institutions; offices and commercial buildings; maintenance, service, and park buildings. After the events at Sandy Hook Elementary School, he decided to refocus his work, to help keep people safer from crime. With advanced training in Crime Prevention Through Environmental Design (CPTED), Ralph has served as an advisor to the SAFE Design Council, the multi-disciplinary team administering the SAFE Design Standard®, a systematic method of evaluating a property’s characteristics related to crime and identifying areas where informed design may help reduce the incidence of crime and violence. He is the first architect in the United States to be designated a SAFE Design Accredited Professional (SAFE-AP).

Shari Shapiro is Uber’s head of public and government affairs efforts in Pennsylvania and Delaware. Shari spearheaded Uber’s campaign to pass legislation legalizing ridesharing in Pennsylvania, and leads Uber’s policy and government affairs for autonomous vehicles in Pennsylvania. Previously, Ms. Shapiro was a partner with the AmLaw200 firm Cozen O’Connor and a government relations professional with Cozen O’Connor Public Strategies. She represented international companies, non-profits and trade associations in their state and local government affairs efforts, focusing on energy, environmental and building code policy. Ms. Shapiro attended Brown University, graduating Phi Beta Kappa, magna cum laude and with honors in International Development and History. She received her law degree from the University of Pennsylvania Law School, where received the Milton C. Sharp Award for Best Grades/Best Research in Urban Renewal or Land Use Planning. She also received a certificate in Business and Public Policy from the Wharton School of Business.

With over 25 years of experience as an architect and urban planner, Margaret Newman is a Principal at ARUP with the Integrated Planning team in New York. Working across the many disciplines of engineering and design, Ms. Newman is designing public realm projects that are not only strategic and economical, but also projects that prioritize people to better integrate planning and transportation into the fabric and context of cities. Prior to joining ARUP, Ms. Newman headed up her own consulting firm More Urban, advising on design, urban planning, and development projects and served as Executive Director of the Municipal Art Society of New York, advocating for excellence in all aspects of the built environment. Under Mayor Bloomberg and Commissioner Sadik-Khan, Ms. Newman served as Chief of Staff at the New York City Department of Transportation where she directed major agency projects including the capital construction plan for Times Square. She received a Master’s degree in Architecture from Princeton University, is a certified LEED AP, BD+C professional and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects.

Zenobia L. Fields is Department Director of Planning with the North Jersey Transportation Planning Authority (NJTPA). She has over 15 years of diverse experience including capacity-building, asset planning, performance planning, urban design, transportation related design, data sharing, developing planning tools, policy analysis and general community development. She has held positions with non-profits, government agencies, and private sector companies—including project work at the local, regional, state and federal level. At the NJTPA, she is specifically responsible for overseeing and integrating the technical analysis required to maintain an efficient planning process, or framework, for the organization’s plans and programs.

Among these plans and programs, Ms. Fields is leading the NJTPA’s participation in the Together North Jersey (TNJ) initiative – advancing the HUD Sustainable Communities Initiatives. Goals of these initiatives fostering innovative partnerships; growing a strong regional economy; creating great places; increasing access to opportunity for all; protecting the environment; and leveraging emerging technologies.

Ms. Fields has a Bachelor’s of Architecture from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and Master’s in Urban and Regional Planning with concentration in Community Development from Virginia Tech.

Mr. Davidson plays an active role in furthering the profession of architecture in multiple positions with the American Institute of Architects since 1999 and as an advocate for policy reform on issues that are important to our clients and the built environment. Mr. Davidson is currently serving as the 2016 President of the American Institute of Architects. In 2013, he was elected to the AIA College of Fellows and he is also a past president of AIA New York State (2007) and AIA Westchester Mid-Hudson (1999).

David Barkin, AIA is the Chief Architect for the State of Connecticut. He is responsible for developing and monitoring quality standards for new and renovated construction and participates in the selection of AEC consultants to the State. David graduated from Duke University with a BA and from RPI with a Bachelor of Architecture degree. He has worked at Cesar Pelli Associates, New Haven, and headed his own firm, Barkin Associates, Architects PC, for over 14 years. Most recently, David was Principal at JCJ Architecture, Hartford, where he established and led the Science and Technology Group; in 2011 he was named Director of Architectural Practice Standards. Noted for historic preservation expertise in the State, he has been an active leader in the architectural community both nationally and in Connecticut, serving on the American Institute of Architects’ Connecticut Board of Directors and, since 2008, on the Connecticut State Architectural Licensing Board. He currently serves on national committees of both NCARB and AIA.

Donald W. Doeg has practiced law at Updike, Kelly & Spellacy, P.C. since 1991 and has been a principal since 1997.  He is the chairman of the firm’s Design Professional Law and Construction Law practice groups.  His practice is devoted to the representation of design professionals, owners, contractors, subcontractors and suppliers, assisting clients in all aspects and stages of construction projects from initial conception through final completion including negotiations of all contract documents and changes made during the course of the project.  He is actively involved in resolution of all disputes that arise during the scope of the projects.  Mr. Doeg is also a member of the Firm’s Fuel Cell & Alternative Energy and commercial litigation practice groups.

Mr. Doeg is a licensed professional engineer in the States of Connecticut and Mississippi.  As an engineer, Mr. Doeg worked for a number of years in the construction industry, during which time he worked in many capacities, including project manager, design engineer, construction manager, traffic engineer and estimator.  He worked in both the public (as an engineer in the U.S. Air Force) and private sectors (as a project manager for a local design/build and construction management firm).

Mr. Doeg is currently serving on the Board of Directors of the American Council of Engineering Companies in Connecticut (ACEC-CT) and Connecticut Society of Professional Engineers (CSPE).  He is a member of the State of Connecticut Codes and Standards Committee.  He is the Vice-President of the Connecticut Bar Association’s Construction Law Executive Committee.

Mr. Doeg frequently lectures on matters involving a wide range of construction issues, including general construction law, construction project contracts and documentation, BIM and architect and engineer liability.  He participates in various seminars sponsored by AIA-CT, ACEC-CT, CSPE, the Connecticut Bar Association, The Construction Institute, Lorman Education Services, National Business Institute, individual clients and numerous other organizations and entities.

He received his J.D. from the University of Connecticut School of Law in Hartford, Connecticut, his M.B.A. from the University of Southern Mississippi in Gulf Park, Mississippi, and his B.S., Civil Engineering, from Duke University in Durham, North Carolina.  He is licensed to practice law in both the State and District Courts of Connecticut, Massachusetts and Rhode Island.

As an architect, planner, urban designer and Past President of AIA New York, Mark Strauss is an advocate for bringing a greater appreciation for architectural and urban design excellence to public policy. A key aspect of his interests and talents lies in developing strategic approaches to assist communities, institutions, and developers to redefine properties in response to urban design, economic, infrastructure, and political concerns. Mark is currently leading a number of Transit Oriented Development (TOD) planning efforts in the Mid-Atlantic region, totaling over ten million square feet and directs FXFOWLE’s architectural and planning projects in the Washington DC Metro Area. Additionally, he has worked with New York State’s Empire Stare Development (ESD) on a vision plan for Niagara Falls, NY and a Downtown Revitalization Initiative for Westbury, New York.

Kate Collignon brings 15 years of private and public sector experience in economic development, real estate, and urban planning, with an emphasis on downtown and waterfront revitalization. Kate provides economic strategies to underpin master plans and negotiates the partnerships necessary for implementation. She has led a number of Downtown Revitalization Initiatives in New York State, for Empire State Development and served as project manager for several of HR&A’s master planning efforts, including a strategic growth and modernization plan for the Research Triangle Park in North Carolina; an award winning master plan for a seven mile stretch of waterfront on the Delaware River in Philadelphia; and a sustainable plan for Union Pier in Charleston, South Carolina. She has also provided project management and strategic real estate advisory services for complex private development initiatives in New York City, including a new stadium for Major League Soccer, and a proposed indoor cycling center.

Through 20 years of detailed architectural and urban design, Marc Wouters has developed his own approach to bringing technology, economic and environmental sustainability, and landscape architecture together to make sure goals like revitalization, resiliency and connected communities are more than just aspirations. They become reality. His unique design process creates urban infill projects, new town centers, city master plans, and new communities. These include the San Ramon City Center Plan, Stamford and Stratford Connecticut TOD Master Plans, the Saskatoon City Centre Master Plan, the new Town of Holmwood in Saskatchewan, Canada, and the Poughkeepsie NY Hudson Riverfront Plan. Several of Marc’s projects have been honored with AIA, CNU, and ULI Awards. A particular focus for Marc is working with shoreline communities to ensure they are ready for the natural disasters that come with bordering the ocean, and give them the tools for a fast recovery.

Katie Lyon is a skilled manager with ten years of planning, economic development and real estate analysis experience in the New York City metropolitan area. Katie specializes in analyzing market conditions, financial feasibility, and economic impacts to execute viable and impactful real estate and economic development projects. As the Project Manager the Westbury Downtown Redevelopment Initiative, Katie led a multi-disciplinary team that included urban designers, landscape architects, engineers, and cost estimators. Katie’s work has also included assessing the impact of capital improvements to New York City public transit assets on the value of properties in the surrounding area and repositioning a large-scale industrial property in New Jersey to attract new office users. Prior to joining BJH Advisors, Katie served as the Deputy Director of Real Estate for the Downtown Brooklyn Partnership where she focused on commercial attraction and revitalization of the primary commercial district in Brooklyn.

Sarah K. Yackel, AICP is a Principal of BFJ Planning with more than seventeen years of experience in land use planning and environmental review. Ms. Yackel has extensive expertise in the preparation of comprehensive plans, revitalization plans, waterfront plans, and zoning regulations throughout the Metropolitan, Mid-Hudson and Capital District regions. In addition, Ms. Yackel heads up BFJ’s environmental review practice and has broad knowledge of the environmental impact review and assessment processes, including the management, preparation and review of environmental review documents at all levels of government, public consultation and scoping, and development of effective mitigation strategies. Ms. Yackel has managed a large variety of projects ranging in size and geography, from large-scale urban redevelopment projects to small scale projects in suburban/rural areas. Ms. Yackel holds a Masters of Science in Urban Planning from Columbia University, Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation.

Michael Pryor is a NYC based architectural and computational designer involved in various major built or in construction works in the US, China, Dubai, and Lebanon and is currently a Designer at Trahan Architects and Design Director for DesignMorphine. In the past, he has worked at SOMA Architects, OLI Architecture, and [AY] Architecture on a range of architectural design projects ranging from museums, housing, restaurants, furniture, products, and prototypes. He was granted The New York Society of Architects Matthew W. Del Gaudio award for excellence in total design upon graduation. Additionally, Michael is the founder of the grasshopper blog [FORMul[a]RCH] and avid grasshopper3d.com forum aide. He has been the tutor to multiple design and parHametric design workshops organized by Rese.Arch, ome About Team Partners Contact 3D-Dreaming, the AA visiting school Paris with [Ay] Studio, MIT, Open Styles Lab,Harvard GSD, and DesignMorphine

Margaret O’Donoghue Castillo, FAIA, LEED AP, is Chief Architect of the New York City Department of Design and Construction. At DDC she oversees a staff of Strategic Initiative Specialists and Design Liaisons with responsibility for both public buildings and civic infrastructure. The Office of the Chief Architects uses the key issues of the administration of Mayor Bill de Blasio – equity, sustainability, resiliency and healthy living (including active design) to define and delineate Design and Construction Excellence 2.0. In 2016, under her leadership, DDC published its Guiding Principles for design, making suggestions for aims and objectives for current and upcoming projects done in partnership with 26 mayoral agencies. Before coming to DDC, Ms. Castillo worked with Helpern Architects for almost two decades, becoming a Principal in 2000. She was the firm’s lead architect for sustainability, historic preservation and building renovation. In 2016 she served as AIANYS President.

An abiding commitment to social justice steers Toni Harp’s career in public service. Elected in 2013, Toni is the first woman and second African-American to serve as Mayor of New Haven. Her drive for inclusiveness, equality, and integrity is the byproduct of resonant, across-the-board life experiences. Raised in Salt Lake City, Toni moved to the south side of Chicago to attend college. She earned a degree and began working for the American Society of Planning Officials. Her lifelong interest in urban planning and how cities work can be traced to that first job. From there, Toni was recruited to study at Yale’s School of Architecture where she earned a Master’s degree. Throughout her tenure in elected office, Toni’s signature issues have never wavered: full access to affordable healthcare, a responsive and effective public safety network, early childhood learning, job creation and economic development, and the creation of a vibrant city.

Dawn Zimmer became the first female Mayor of Hoboken in 2009. Prior to that, she served as a Councilwoman after becoming involved in civic life as an advocate for park space. She was a member of the steering Committee of the Southwest Parks Coalition, and was one of five individuals who were named plaintiffs in a lawsuit that stopped a developer-friendly redevelopment plan that would have added 1,200 high-rise condo units to Southwest Hoboken. Zimmer supported a better approach to redevelopment that included smaller buildings, more park space, traffic controls, restaurants and shops. As Mayor, her priorities include restoring fiscal responsibility and improving quality of life for residents. Mayor Zimmer led Hoboken through several major crises, including Hurricane Irene in 2011 and Superstorm Sandy in 2012, and has developed a comprehensive resiliency and readiness plan to protect the city from flooding, power outages, and other impacts of climate change.

Eugenie L. Birch
Professor Birch is the Lawrence C. Nussdorf Chair of Urban Research and Education. She teaches courses in global urbanization and the doctoral seminar and serves as chair, Graduate Group in City and Regional Planning , co-director, Penn Institute for Urban Research, co-editor, City in the 21st Century Series, University of Penn Press and co-editor, SSRN Urban Research e-journal. With Penn IUR she recently completed a project “Entreprenuership & Innovation in Connecticut’s Higher Education System” for the state of Connecticut.

Professor Birch’s current research focuses on global urbanization with her most recent publications being: Slums, How Informal Real Estate Markets Work, Philadelphia, University of Pennsylvania Press (2016) (edited with Susan Wachter, Shahana Chattaraj); “Midterm Report: Will Habitat III Make a Difference to Global Urban Development?” Journal of the American Planning Association 84:4 (Fall 2016); “The Institutions of Metropolitan Governance,” in D.A. Gomez-Alvarzez, E. Moreno and R. Rajack (eds), Steering the Metropolis: Metropolitan Governance for Sustainable Urban Development (Nairobi: UN Habitat, 2017); “Inclusion and Innovation: The Many Forms of Stakeholder Engagement in Habitat III,” Citiscape (July 2017); “Implementing the New Urban Agenda in the United States, Building on a Firm Foundation,” Informationen zur Raumentwicklung (Information on Spatial Development) (Summer 2017).

Professor Birch has been active in the field’s professional and civic organizations in the United States and abroad. She is president, General Assembly of Partners (GAP), the engagement platform for the implementation of the UN’s New Urban Agenda and associated global agreements, co-chair, Sustainable Development Solutions Network (SDSN) Thematic Group on Cities, and an Associate Editor, Journal of the American Planning Association. In the past, she has been president, Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning; president, Society of American City and Regional Planning History; president, International Planning History Society; and co-editor, Journal of the American Planning Association. She has been a member of the Planning Accreditation Board, having served as its chair from 2004-2006. She has been a member of the editorial boards of Planning Theory and Practice, Journal of Planning History, Journal of Planning Education and Research and Planning Perspectives. In the early 1990s, she was a member of the New York City Planning Commission, and in 2002, she served on the jury to select the designers for the World Trade Center site. She has chaired the Board of Trustees of the Municipal Art Society of New York and is currently a member of the Board of Trustees of the Regional Plan Association of New York.
Professor Birch lectures widely. She has been Visiting Scholar, Queens University Ontario, Canada; Foreign Scholar, University of Hong Kong and Visiting Professor, University of the Witswatersrand, Johannesburg, South Africa. In May 2017, she delivered the keynote address, “Making Cities Safe, Inclusive, Resilient and Sustainable,” at the Dresden Nexus Conference, Dresden, Germany; and “Post Habitat III Stakeholder Engagement: An Update” at the Wilson Center, Washington, DC.

The Association of Collegiate Schools of Planning has given her its three awards: the Distinguished Educator Award in recognition of her teaching and research (2009), the Jay Chatterjee Award for Distinguished Service that “recognizes an individual whose exceptional service, actions and leadership have had a lasting and positive impact on the ACSP”(2006), and the Margarita McCoy Award, “in recognition of her outstanding contribution to furthering the advancement of women in the planning academy” (1994). The Society of American City and Regional Planning History awarded her its Lawrence C. Gerckens Prize (2009) in recognition of her contributions to planning history. The American Planning Association honored her with their APA President’s Award in 2013. This award is given out every other year in recognition of leadership in the field of planning. In 2000, she was elected to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Certified Planners and made a member (honorary) of the Royal Town Planning Institute.

The statement made by Professor Birch at the closing ceremony of the UN Conference on Housing and Sustainable Urban Development (Habitat III) can be found here.

Sam Spata is an architect with 25 years executive experience, leading A+E operations and delivering major projects for both public and private sector clients. Sam is Owner and Principal of Method Lean, a consultancy training Owners, Consultants, Designers and Constructors in the implementation of Lean.

Sam was managing principal of HOK New York for a decade and HOK London for 2 years. A former member of the Lean Construction Institute Board of Directors, Sam Spata advocates for Lean Project Delivery, drawing on his skills as a public speaker, writer and facilitator. He has developed a unique framework, The Lean Progression© to accelerate Lean implementation.

Sam Spata is an Improved Instructor with the Lean Construction Institute and a CES Approved Provider with the American Institute of Architects.

Sam’s project work includes the full-range of delivery methods: Public-Private-Partnerships; Novation; Design-Build; Bridging; and, Integrated Project Delivery.

Jim Wright has practiced architecture for over 35 years, working primarily in the public realm. His projects include multi-family housing, university and social services facilities, and civic infrastructure. He has led renovations of major New York City subway stations, with a strong focus on melding modern interventions with attentive historic preservation. He was design manager for a multi station expansion of the Kolkata, India Metro system. Co-chair of the AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee for 10 years, he currently directs the committee’s advocacy efforts, responsible for creating the recently released AIANY T+I Policy Framework being discussed at this seminar.

Jeffrey Dugan is a partner at Dattner Architects, a leading NYC-based firm well-known for their portfolio of social infrastructure projects that enrich the urban fabric. Jeff has managed the design of major subway station projects such as the 59th Street Columbus Circle Station Complex and the Myrtle Wyckoff Station Complex for the MTA/NYCT as well as PATH station modernization and planning, and airport terminal redevelopment projects for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He has been a co-chair of the AIA New York Chapter’s Transportation and Infrastructure Committee since 2012.

Illya Azaroff, AIA, founding principal +LAB architect PLLC and Assoc. Professor, New York City College of Technology (CUNY), he serves as a Technical Advisor to ASPR-Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response informing the NDFR-National Disaster Recovery Framework. He works with various city and state government agencies on building resilient capacities. He served as a subject mater expert with the Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities and his studio is engaged in resilient planning and design projects including sustainable & resilient prototypes under construction in Breezy Point New York with multiple industry partners #Hurricanestrong. He received 2014 AIA National Young Architect Award, and is Founding co-chair of both the DfRR and the AIA Regional Recovery Working Group. Illya is currently serving on the AIA National Strategic Council 2016-2018. He is an instructor with NDTPC-National Disaster Training Preparedness Center in Hawaii and is certified trainer for CalEMA post disaster assessment (SAP)

Mark Ginsberg FAIA, LEED AP, partner of Curtis + Ginsberg Architects LLP with over 33 years of professional experience in planning, urban design, institutional and housing projects. His expertise in affordable & mixed income housing, resiliency and green design has been recognized through his many lectures at national and local conferences. Mark has led C+GA’s efforts on developments that comprise well over 10,000 units of housing, most of which are affordable and sustainable. He is a past President of the AIA New York Chapter, former co-chair New York New Visions Executive Committee, and an organizer of the New Housing New York Ideas Competition and Legacy Project. He co-chaired the Post Sandy Housing Task force & Vice Chair of the Catskill Center for Conservation and Development, is a member of the New York State Association for Affordable Housing (NYSAFAH) Board of Trustees and is President of Citizen’s Housing and Planning Council.

Kim V. Vierheilig, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is a licensed architect with a Building Design and Construction Specialty. Vierheilig serves as Vice President of LAN Associates, an Engineering, Planning, Architecture, and Surveying firm in Northern NJ.

Vierheilig leads the architecture department at LAN in designing inspirational, functional and comfortable spaces for its educational, senior living and hospitality clients. She is the author of the whitepaper “Breaking out of the Box,” documenting scientific research proving that a holistic building design approach in schools enhances student educational achievement.

Vierheilig oversees the Marketing Department, spearheading numerous marketing initiatives that have increased LAN’s market share and positioned the firm as one of New Jersey’s leader in K-12 school design.

Vierheilig’s was named one of NJBIZ 2017 Best 50 Women in business, Woman Builders Council 2017 Outstanding Woman and NJBIZ 2016 Forty Under Forty. She presently serves as Second VP and WIA Chair for AIA-NJ

Karen is a Principal at SITIO. Her vast experience ranges in scale and typology – she is fully engrossed as an architect and urban designer on civic and cultural, residential, educational and mixed-use projects. Karen’s commitment to design and the profession has resulted in numerous project local, state, and national design awards as well as being presented the AIA Philadelphia Young Architect award.

Karen is the 2017 President-Elect of AIA Philadelphia, and sits on the AIA Philadelphia Executive Committee. Since 2013 she has been the Co-Chair of the Women In Architecture Committee, forming it one of the most active and engaging committees in the Chapter.

Karen serves on the Board of Directors with the Fairmount Community Development Corporation. As a graduate from Philadelphia University, is a faculty member and sits on the College of Architecture and the Built Environment Advancement Council and their Lab for Urban and Social Innovation Board.

With a background as a fine artist, and professional experience as an interior and lighting designer, Alison Nash brings a distinct perspective to the practice of architecture. Her role at DiMella Shaffer includes guiding project teams towards client-driven sustainability goals, tracking and reporting project sustainability metrics, leading education and training in energy modeling, and LEED project administration. Alison has extensive experience with computational techniques for designing high performance buildings and enjoys the continuous learning that is a necessary component to the practice of architecture.

Professional involvement includes serving on the Events Committee of the Boston Society of Architect’s Women In Design group, involvement in the New England region Sustainable Design Leaders, and NESEA (the Northeast Sustainable Energy Association).

Venesa is an Associate at Dattner Architects and registered Architect in NYS, is wholly committed to civic architecture, and encouraging community engagement through design practices. Her interests converge in architecture and public policy where good design, both sustainable and socially conscious, can influence the development of buildings, communities, and neighborhoods within our city. She graduated from City College of New York with a B. Arch in 2005, and is president of the CCNY Architecture Alumni Group. She currently sits on the AIANY Board of Directors as the Alternate Director for Professional Development, serves as Co-Chair of the AIANY Diversity & Inclusion Committee and is on the Advisory Board for the AIANY Women in Architecture committee.

Graciela Carrillo works as a registered Architect for Cashin Associates, P.C, an Engineering firm based in Long Island, NY where she has worked on and lead all scales of urban design, planning and architectural projects. She is in charged of leading municipalities to integrate sustainability features within their projects and manages the project’s LEED administration including commissioning services.

Graciela has committed almost a decade of volunteer leadership service to the AIA, serving four years as the Associate Director for the Long Island Chapter and four years on the Board of Directors as a registered Architect. She is currently the Treasurer of the AIA LI Chapter, as well as the EP Co-Chair. On a National level in 2017, Graciela was appointed as the NY Regional Director (YARD) for the Young Architects Forum (YAF). Graciela obtained her B. Arch in Bogota, Colombia and a Masters in Environmental Planning from Pratt Institute.

Jessica O’Donnell, AIA, is an Architect at Kitchen and Associates, in Collingswood, New Jersey. She has over five years of experience in residential and mixed-use building design, holds an NCARB certificate, and is licensed in Pennsylvania and New Jersey. Jessica is a graduate of Oklahoma State University where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture degree with a minor in Environmental Studies in 2011. During her five years at OSU she was a Division I Equestrian Team member, a member of the American Institute of Architecture Students, and a volunteer with the Architecture Students Teaching Elementary Kids (ASTEK) program.

As a young professional she is committed to developing a community within New Jersey that promotes the professional growth of emerging professionals while fostering comradery among the younger generations within the architecture profession through inclusive events that encompass the different design disciplines.
In addition to her role as Young Architect Regional Director of New Jersey, Jessica currently serves as Secretary for the AIA West Jersey Section of AIA NJ and is also the Chair of AIA New Jersey’s Emerging Professionals Community [EPiC]. As a founding member of EPiC, she has helped shape the community and its efforts to promote the professional growth of emerging architects and provide service to local communities through advocacy, education, and public outreach events.

Stephanie Herring, Assoc. AIA, graduated from the University of South Florida, School of Architecture and Community Design in 2012 with her Masters in Architecture. She has had a passion for volunteering since she was in high school. While studying at the University of South Florida, she founded the Student Women in Architecture (SWIA) organization in her final thesis year. As the president and founder of this organization, she created a mentor-mentee program and forty nine members were recruited in the first year.

Soon after graduating, she moved to Boston to begin her architectural career as an intern at Sasaki Associates. It was at Sasaki that Stephanie gained a better understanding of the design process and typical project management tasks. She aided in design decisions and the production of the drawing sets. Her volunteer spirit continued to flourish as she became heavily involved in the Boston Society of Architect’s (BSA) subcommittee Women in Design. In January of 2015, Stephanie was appointed the Leadership Co-Chair of Women in Design. While she was the Chair, membership grew, the number of volunteers in the subcommittee positions doubled, and now WiD has roughly fifteen events a year.

Currently a designer at Cambridge Seven Associates, Stephanie works on both large and small team projects. She works on different project types, scales and scopes. Envelope development and detailing has been a focus of hers on many of her projects. Stephanie is also a regular guest jury critic at the Boston Architectural College.

Brian is Co-Founder and CEO of a housing startup company called Module. Module is creating affordable, adaptable housing solutions for the 21st century. Before moving back to Pittsburgh, Brian was a Fulbright Scholar in the Dominican Republic where he led an urban design research initiative. He has lectured and given presentations for the American Institute of Architects, the Rockefeller Foundation, and numerous universities in the US and abroad. Brian has design experience in both the for-profit and nonprofit world, working in the Blue Sky Department at Walt Disney Imagineering and serving as an architectural intern at the Gulf Coast Community Design Studio. Brian graduated Summa Cum Laude from North Carolina State University with a Bachelor of Architecture where he started a non-profit organization and was a Finalist for the Harry S Truman Scholarship.

Scott is recognized as a leading professional in financial management, tax and government contract consulting for architectural and engineering firms. He has over 35 years experience working with professional service organizations to help them improve their processes and procedures thereby improving customer satisfaction and increasing profitability.

Illya Azaroff, AIA, founding principal +LAB architect PLLC and Assoc. Professor, New York City College of Technology (CUNY), he serves as a Technical Advisor to ASPR-Assistant Secretary for Preparedness and Response informing the NDFR-National Disaster Recovery Framework. He works with various city and state government agencies on building resilient capacities. He served as a subject mater expert with the Rockefeller Foundation 100 Resilient Cities and his studio is engaged in resilient planning and design projects including sustainable & resilient prototypes under construction in Breezy Point New York with multiple industry partners #Hurricanestrong. He received 2014 AIA National Young Architect Award, and is Founding co-chair of both the DfRR and the AIA Regional Recovery Working Group. Illya is currently serving on the AIA National Strategic Council 2016-2018. He is an instructor with NDTPC-National Disaster Training Preparedness Center in Hawaii and is certified trainer for CalEMA post disaster assessment (SAP)

Burck Schellenberg, AIA, Project Manager at Gensler where he is the co-leader of the New York’s Resiliency Task force, member of the Firmwide Resiliency Committee and the Creative Digital Design Group. He is an active participant in the firm’s Office and Firmwide practice area groups for the Arts and Culture Practice Area and the Education Practice Area. Previously he has worked with Studio Daniel Libeskind (SDL) as Senior Designer, was an Associate at Della Valle Bernheimer and was a designer for GKV Architects. He has exhibited widely as an architect and photographer, including the 2000 Venice Biennale as a member of the Columbia University team representing the United States. In June, 2016 he was confirmed as co-chair of the DfRR.

Jessica Sheridan, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Senior Associate at Mancini Duffy. She manages accounts for financial, technology, and professional services firms. Additionally, Jessica is a NY Regional Representative on the AIA Strategic Council. She is passionate about Resilience and Placemaking.

Kirk brings thirty years of professional experience to his position as CEO/Managing Partner of King + King Architects, LLP. He is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture where he has been teaching Professional Practice and Digital Technology classes every semester for the past twenty-six years. He is uniquely qualified as both a registered architect and a landscape architect and is President-Elect of the New York State American Institute of Architects. In 2003 Kirk received recognition as one of the region’s 40 under 40. Kirk is active in the community serving on several boards including the YMCA of Greater Syracuse (past Chairperson), Francis House, and the Salvation Army where he is currently Vice Chairperson for Budget/Finance & Operations.

Kirk is an alumnus of Syracuse University where he earned a Master of Architecture (’90) and Cornell University (’87) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture.

Joe Hogan is the Vice President of Building Services for the Associated General Contractors of New York State (AGCNYS); a Chapter of the AGC of America. For over 28 years, he has worked as liaison for the Members of AGC before public and private construction users, architects/engineers, and subcontractors. In addition, he regularly reviews and offers commentary on contract documents as well as project delivery and procurement issues.

Mr. Marcella is a licensed architect and Director of Design for the State University Construction Fund. He has over 35 years in both private practice and government work. As the Director of Design, Mr. Marcella oversees Project Managers, who administer capital projects throughout the University System’s 34 campuses.

Under Mr. Marcella’s management, the State University Construction Fund is administering in excess of $2 billion of capital projects throughout the SUNY system.

Since 1996, Mr. Marcella has represented the State University of New York in the Association of University Architects. He is also a member of the National Fire Protection Association, is a certified code enforcement officer, and serves as a neutral in the American Arbitration Association.

Upon graduation in 2011 from NYIT, he became an active member of the AIA by getting involved in the AIANY-Emerging NY Architect committee and worked closely in planning programs that helped bring associate members to participate and collaborate in the committee. He became one of the members in the founding of the Future Now Summit, a bi-annual emerging professional summit that discusses issues and engage young professionals as they navigate the economy and future practice. He was involved in the City of Dreams Pavilion Design Competition, a design built competition for a pavilion that has a net-zero impact in the environment and giving emerging professionals and young architect firms an opportunity to get noticed. Currently as an AIA Brooklyn member, David established the Brooklyn Emerging Professionals Committee (BKEP) giving the opportunity to advocate for its development by establishing programming and events that will help with the future generation of architects.

After graduating from NYIT, he became an active AIA member with his state and local components serving as AIA NYS Associate Director, and the AIA Queens Associate Representative. Working closely with the New York Components Emerging New York Architects Committee. James is presently employed as a Project Manager at the New York City Housing Development Corporation and has had the opportunity to design, develop, and preserve affordable housing in New York City working under the Mayor’s 10 year affordable housing plan. During 2014, James began collaborating with the Pratt Center on the Sandy Helpdesk where he had the opportunity to work with the NYC ‘Build it Back’ program in lending homeowners of Sandy Struck areas with zoning and building consultation moving forward. Through his volunteering and collaborations with the AIA and AIAS, James has had an abundance of career enrichment and professional development. It is his goal to continue this legacy through providing opportunities for growth and development for emerging professionals.

Brandon Warshofsky, AIA was born and raised in New Jersey and attended the College of Architecture and Design at the New Jersey Institute of Technology. He is an active member of the architectural community in New Jersey and is a founding member of the New Jersey Emerging Professionals Community or EPiC. Brandon has worked at Posen Architects in West Orange, New Jersey since 2011, starting out interning while in school and is now a Project Designer who manages multiple projects in New York City and New Jersey. When not studying for his ARE exams, Brandon can be found rock climbing, paddle boarding, or taking photos of the built environment.

Daniel Horn is an established architectural designer focused on community recovery. Living in Lindenhurst in October of 2012, Dan was personally affected by Superstorm Sandy. His personal experience living through the storm has fostered his commitment to building resilience in all coastal communities at risk to future storms. After Sandy, Dan co-organized a grassroots group called Operation Resilient Long Island (ORLI), which had the goal of bringing new resilient ideas to local towns affected by the Storm. They launched the “3C: Comprehensive Coastal Communities” global design competition that brought new ideas resulting in over 60 entries from 20 countries. Dan is now Co-Founder of ORLI+, a rebranded version of ORLI, which has now become a resilient design & community engagement consultancy based in New York City. Dan is also a SEED certified professional and believes that public interest design and resilience should be paramount in all aspects of architecture.

Richard Filloramo is Area Director of Market Development and Technical Services for the International Masonry Institute. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Architecture from Ohio State University and an Associate’s Degree in Construction Technology from Wentworth Institute of Technology. He has more than 41 years of experience in the masonry industry. He also served as the national IMI liaison for building codes and standards. Mr. Filloramo is a member of the Masonry Standards Joint Committee, the code writing body responsible for the Masonry 530 Code. He has served on numerous committees and has been a member of The Masonry Society, National Concrete Masonry Association, Brick Institute of America, Construction Specification Institute, and several other national and regional organizations. He has written many technical papers, spearheaded efforts to educate the industry on new masonry codes and design requirements for masonry construction, and lectured across the country.

Beginning his career with historic preservation and adaptive re-use projects, Scott became acutely interested in the design elements and construction methods that cause buildings to endure and be more sustainable. Since founding Re:Vision in 2002, Scott has led Re:Vision’s interdisciplinary team in designing or consulting on hundreds of innovative green projects, many of which are “firsts” of their kind. Scott is a champion of green building standards and verifications, including LEED, Living Building, Net-Zero Energy, and PassiveHouse. Scott’s engaging and collaborative approach has inspired numerous others to incorporate green thinking into their buildings and lifestyles. Scott was longtime Chair of Philadelphia AIA COTE, is Senior Fellow and Curriculum Advisor within Philadelphia University’s Masters in Sustainable Design program, and is a founding Board Member of Delaware Valley Green Building Council (DVGBC). Scott is a highly experienced facilitator and lecturer and taught best practices for each.

David is motivated to design architecture of consequence that improves the lives of individuals and their communities. Prior to earning his Bachelor of Arts in Architecture at the University of New Mexico and a Master of Architecture with a Certificate in Ecological Architecture at the University of Pennsylvania, David designed and built off-grid and passive solar homes. With this background, David approaches architecture through the eyes of a designer, ecologist, craftsperson, and builder. David is a Certified Passive House Designer, the first elected President of the Greater Philadelphia Passive House Association, and has also been an Adjunct Assistant Professor at Temple University where he taught energy modeling. At Re:Vision, David provides architectural design and high-performance / Passive House consulting services. David has lectured extensively at conferences, schools, and universities.

Mr. Potter focuses his legal practice on representation of design professionals in all phases of the construction process including contracting, allocating risks, pre-claim resolution, mediation, arbitration, and litigation. He provides counsel and representation to architects and engineers on administrative law questions including ethical and professional licensing matters. Tony has acted as general counsel to AIA Pennsylvania from 2003 through present. In 2014, he received AIA Pennsylvania’s Award for Contribution to the Profession by a Non-Architect – the highest award given by AIA Pennsylvania to anyone not an Architect.

Tony frequently provides seminars for design professionals and A/E students on professional licensing and ethical codes of conduct, loss prevention, standard form construction contract documents, and construction litigation. He has conducted accredited ethics sessions at AIA National Convention (2016), universities, in-house seminars, and government agencies including NSA and Delaware State Engineers Board and the County Engineers Association of Maryland.

F. Michael Ayles, FAIA, NCARB is Principal of Business Development at Antinozzi Associates in Bridgeport, CT and is responsible for the firm’s business development strategies and human resource issues. With the firm since 1994, he held the roles of project architect, project manager, and Director of Operations before entering the world of marketing. Mike has served many years as a national leader with the AIA, most recently as Chair of the Center for Civic Leadership, presenting topics at numerous regional/national conferences ranging from A/E/C business development to leadership education. As member of the NCARB, Mike serves as Connecticut’s Architect Licensing Advisor. As a volunteer, Michael is involved with the ACE Mentor Program, SMPS, Connecticut Building Congress, Construction Institute, and his hometown as an elected official on the Board of Finance. He received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Roger Williams University and was elevated to AIA Fellowship in 2017.

Kirk brings thirty years of professional experience to his position as CEO/Managing Partner of King + King Architects, LLP. He is an adjunct professor at Syracuse University’s School of Architecture where he has been teaching Professional Practice and Digital Technology classes every semester for the past twenty-six years. He is uniquely qualified as both a registered architect and a landscape architect and is President-Elect of the New York State American Institute of Architects. In 2003 Kirk received recognition as one of the region’s 40 under 40. Kirk is active in the community serving on several boards including the YMCA of Greater Syracuse (past Chairperson), Francis House, and the Salvation Army where he is currently Vice Chairperson for Budget/Finance & Operations.

Kirk is an alumnus of Syracuse University where he earned a Master of Architecture (’90) and Cornell University (’87) where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Landscape Architecture.

Jessica Sheridan, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is a Senior Associate at Mancini Duffy. She manages accounts for financial, technology, and professional services firms. Additionally, Jessica is a NY Regional Representative on the AIA Strategic Council. She is passionate about Resilience and Placemaking.