Earn up to 6 AIA HSW CEUs
WELCOME
The Architect’s Newspaper iis celebrating the 12th year of the Facades+ conference series. We are thrilled to welcome both new attendees and longtime supporters to the program’s dynamic dialogue. We bring fresh and relevant programming to each city, every year and have an exceptional group of projects and enclosure systems for you to learn about today.
Facades+ Chicago brings together top professionals from the worlds of design, engineering, fabrication, and construction to consider how high-performance envelopes are evolving and transforming the built environment in Chicago, across the US, and around the world while responding to changing codes, climates, technologies, programs, and client expectations across all scales and building typologies.
I’d like to thank our conference co-chair Travis Soberg, Principal at Goettsch Partners, who has brought together today’s amazing program of design leaders. We invite you to connect with presenters and your peers during networking breaks in the Methods+Materials Gallery throughout the day.
Please get to know the industry-leading sponsors exhibiting in the Methods+Materials Gallery and learn how they will help you shape the future of facade design and technology.
Has Facades+ struck a chord with you? Have a look at our upcoming events held in 13 cities across the U.S. & Canada. Visit our website to learn more about our other events and additional opportunities to earn your CEUs.
We are eager to hear from you about how we might improve the Facades+ experience. Talk to us. And please spread the word—help us to continue to grow the Facades+ dialogue and community.
All the best,
Diana Darling CEO/ Creative Director, AN Media Group
DIANA DARLING CEO & Creative Director, The Architect’s Newspaper
DIONNE DARLING VP of Brand Partnerships, The Architect’s Newspaper
MARTY WOOD Program Director, The Architect’s Newspaper
AGENDA
8:00 AM CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST | Methods + Materials Gallery
9:30 AM WELCOME
Dionne Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper
9:40 AM PROGRAM INTRODUCTION: Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
9:45 AM PANEL
Multi-Tasking Facades in a Post-Industrial Landscape
Presenters:
Tom Daly | Valerio Dewalt Train
Matt Gamache | Valerio Dewalt Train
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
10:15 AM PANEL
Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center: Curved Facades for a New Quality of Care
Presenters:
Juan Gabriel Moreno | JGMA
Dan Spore | JGMA
Samra Pecanin | JGMA
José Sanchez | Humboldt Park Health
Chad Showalter | Metal Design Systems
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
10:45 AM PANEL
Fabrication Futures: Advances in Materials for Building Envelope Excellence
Presenters:
Tim Nass | SAFTI FIRST
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
11:00 AM METHODS + MATERIALS BREAK
11:30 PM SPOTLIGHT
From Skyline to Streetscape: Understanding Materiality in High-Rise Buildings
Presenters:
Scott Brackney | Goettsch Partners
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
PANEL
Build Better: Improving Building Skins through Advanced Technology
Presenters:
12:15 PM
Aaron Alterman | STI Specified Technologies
David Kellam | Elemex
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
12:45 PM NETWORKING LUNCH
AGENDA
1:45 PM Table Talks: Peer-to-Peer Breakout Networking Sessions
SPOTLIGHT 1000M: Reaching New Heights
Presenters:
2:30 PM
Philip Castillo | JAHN/ Studio
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
3:00 PM METHODS + MATERIALS BREAK
3:30 PM ROUNDTABLE
Collaboration & Complexity: Trends, Challenges, and Solutions for Delivering Complex Enclosures
Presenters:
Jennifer Suerth | Pepper Construction Group
Paulina Szpiech | Buro Happold
Lucas Tryggestad | Skidmore Owings & Merrill
Andy Hill | Glass Solutions
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
PANEL The Obama Presidential Center
Presenters:
Brian Abell | Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
4:00 PM
Jennifer Dempsey | Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Travis Heim | heintges
Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
4:45 PM CLOSING REMARKS
Dionne Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper Travis Soberg | Goettsch Partners
5:00 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION
SPEAKERS
Co-Chair
TRAVIS SOBERG
Principal / Goettsch Partners
Travis Soberg is a principal at Goettsch Partners, as well as the firm’s director of sustainable design. He joined GP in 1998 and has worked on some of the firm’s most prominent projects. With the growth and expansion of the firm’s international work, Travis has played a pivotal role in leading the technical design direction on large-scale office, hotel and mixed-use projects, with a primary focus on supertall towers. Travis is a member of the AIA and a LEED Accredited Professional. He holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Penn State University.
BRIAN ABELL
Architect / Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Brian Abell joined TWBTA in 2008. Since then, he has managed and been an essential project team member on some of TWBTA’s most complex campus projects. Brian is one of the project team leaders for the 19-acre campus of the Obama Presidential Center. Among other responsibilities, Brian has led the design and implementation of the project’s envelope from concept to construction. Before joining TWBTA, Brian worked at Heintges & Associates as a Building Façade Specialist on various institutional projects, including the Museum of Arts & Design, Atlantic Terminal, and the Brooklyn Botanical Garden Visitor Center.
AARON ALTERMAN
Curtain Wall & Facade Specialist / STI Specified Technologies
Curtain Wall & Facade Specialist for the Strategic Accounts Division of STI Specified Technologies, covering the central United States and Canada. Aaron joined STI Specified Technologies in 2015 and has over 30 years of experience in construction materials. He has conducted firestop trainings for STI, The International Firestop Council and to a variety of groups including; architects, engineers, consultants, code officials, inspectors and all types of trades. He is certified at Level 2 of Firestop Instructional Training (FIT II).
SCOTT BRACKNEY
Senior Associate / Goettsch Partners
Scott Brackney is a registered architect with over 10 years experience in the design and execution of high-rise buildings. As a senior designer, Scott is focused on the complete user experience, working closely with the entire consultant team to develop bold designs that also emphasize functionality and performance. His past projects at Goettsch Partners include Poly International Finance Center, a 14-building mixed-use complex in Guangzhou, and Alcove, a residential tower in Nashville recently recognized with a 2024 CTBUH Award of Excellence for Best Tall Building.
PHILIP CASTILLO
Managing Director / JAHN/ Studio
Philip Castillo, FAIA brings over 30 years of experience working on various building types, including the more complex projects the practice has been engaged with. Philip studied architecture at the Illinois Institute of Technology in Chicago. He began his association with JAHN in 1978. As Managing Director, he works in every project capacity and is responsible for planning, design, management and systems integration, ensuring that the design intent is maintained throughout the process. Philip’s background allows him a unique perspective on buildings with complex programs and systems and a thorough understanding of how a project’s components and details are synthesized within the design concept.
SPEAKERS
TOM DALY
Principal / Valerio Dewalt Train
Tom specializes in simplifying complex problems and building consensus toward solutions. He is a firm leader in project management, technical advising, and in the use of Integrated Product Delivery methods. He has led the implementation of advanced rendering technologies across Valerio Dewalt Train, and is the co-founder of the firm’s Collaborative Design Workshop. His wideranging experience includes the new urban mid-rise residences and transformative office building renovations at 25 W. Main in Madison, Wisconsin, the urban residences Seven27, and restaurants L’etoile and Graze. In addition to sailing and playing soccer, he appreciates photography and spending time with his family.
JENNIFER DEMPSEY
Project Architect / Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects
Jennifer Dempsey joined Tod Williams Billie Tsien Architects (TWBTA) in 2017. She has played a key role on TWBTA’s campus projects including the Hood Museum of Art at Dartmouth College in New Hampshire, which was completed in 2019. Currently Jennifer is one of the project team leaders for the 19-acre campus of the Obama Presidential Center. Among other responsibilities Jennifer has led the coordination of the Museum Tower structure from early design through construction. Before joining TWBTA, Jennifer was a project manager at GLUCK+, a New York City design-build firm, where she managed several residential projects through both design and construction phases.
MATT GAMACHE
Principal / Valerio Dewalt Train
Viewing every task as a puzzle to be solved, Matt’s work is dedicated to thinking and rethinking any challenge. Active with VDT’s Collaborative Design Workshop, he believes that good design is iterative, inquisitive, and gutsy. As a Principal and design leader at Valerio Dewalt Train, he shaped the design of numerous tech campuses, including Google, VMware, and Adobe. He led a project for Juniper Networks that received an AIA Chicago Interiors Honor Award and a Best of Year Award from Interiors Magazine. He is passionate about serving disinvested communities, successfully winning design competitions in Chicago’s Austin neighborhood to bring affordable housing, and catalytic design to spark investment.
TRAVIS HEIM
Senior Associate / heintges
Travis joined Heintges in 2016 and has delivered highprofile projects throughout his career, including world-class academic facilities, landmark institutional buildings, corporate headquarters, healthcare facilities, airport terminals, and luxury private residences. His commitment to developing custom solutions for each project to achieve the client’s vision is grounded in attention to detail from unique project experiences and technical research of building sciences and materials. Travis is a registered architect in New York and holds a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University’s GSAPP and a Bachelor of Science degree in Architectural Studies from Washington State University.
ANDY
HILL
CEO / Glass Solutions
Andy Hill has amassed over 25 years of experience in the construction industry, offering invaluable insights gained through his various roles. He is a resultsdriven, focused, and dedicated professional known for his ability to establish enduring relationships with customers. Andy started his career with Service Glass/Harmon in 1998, where he served as an Estimator and Project Manager before transitioning to Glass Solutions in 2000.
DAVID KELLAM
V.P. of Sales / Elemex
During his time at Elemex Architectural Facades, David has focused on developing the Building Integrated Photovoltaic marketplace. Committed to reshaping and redefining sustainable design, he works to educate the design community on the capabilities of solar technology, not only in power generation but as a unique and attractive design element as well. David encourages his audiences to look beyond conventional solar applications so we can work together to redefine our approach to environmentally conscious architecture.
SPEAKERS
MARIA
MONTEAGUDO MOLINA
Senior Project Designer / JGMA
Maria holds a master’s in architecture from Universitat Politecnica de Valencia and she is licensed in Spain, and has work experience in Spain, The Netherlands and US. She is a Senior Project Designer at JGMA. Maria is an ambitious designer that is interested in exploring the way that architecture can propose new possibilities for contemporary society and existing buildings, influence the communities and built the environment. Her work at JGMA includes the design for SOS Children’s Villages and Cristo Rey St. Martin College Prep, as well as her current work for Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center.
JUAN GABRIEL MORENO President / JGMA
Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA, is an award-winning architect and the President/Founder of JGMA. Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia, and studied architecture at California State Polytechnic University, Pomona. Moreno has been creating provocative works for over 30 years. His portfolio includes projects in the United States and internationally, encompassing a diverse range of public and private works, from community-based projects to complex transportation/aviation projects. In 2010, he launched JGMA to transform Chicago’s diverse communities through his architecture. Since then, JGMA has gained recognition as one of Chicago's most highly acclaimed design firms.
TIM NASS
VP of Sales / SAFTI FIRST
Tim Nass has nearly 30 years of experience in the architectural glazing industry. As the Vice President of Sales at SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of fire rated glass and framing systems, he brings his extensive knowledge and expertise when working closely with architects, consultants, general contractors and glaziers to deliver a code-compliant glazing solution that meets all the aesthetic, performance and budget requirements of the project. Tim also oversees SAFTI FIRST’s global network of architectural sales representatives. Tim Nass is a dynamic presenter and speaker who has been delivering educational presentations to various architecture firms, AIA local chapters, CSI local chapters, at the CSI National Convention and other architectural and glazing industry events. satisfying work.
SAMRA PECANIN
Senior Project Designer / JGMA
Samra is a senior project designer for JGMA. She holds an M. Arch from UIC, and spent time studying abroad in Berlin, Germany. As being a Chicago-native, Samra is passionate about how architecture can positively impact communities within the city. Her work at JGMA includes the design for Esperanza Health Center, as well as her current work for Humboldt Park Health Wellness Center.
JOSEÌ SANCHEZ
President abd CEO / Humboldt Healh Park
José R. Sánchez, President and Chief Executive Officer of HUMBOLDT PARK
HEALTH (HPH), is a senior healthcare executive with over 40 years of experience in the operational, strategic, and fiscal management of multi-faceted healthcare systems. Under his leadership, HPH has maintained financial stability and growth throughout his tenure. Besides consistently exceeding benchmarks in quality, safety, and patient satisfaction, Mr. Sánchez successfully orchestrated the hospital’s preparation for its accreditation survey by The Joint Commission three times. Moreover, the hospital was surveyed and successfully accredited by DNV•GL Healthcare in 2019 and 2020.
CHAD SHOWALTER
Vice President of Sales / Metal Design Systems
Chad Showalter is the Vice President of Sales and started at Metal Design Systems Inc. in 2007. He oversees the Sales and Estimating department, including working closely with the architects and subcontractors across the country on commercial construction projects. Through his 17 years at the company, he has contributed to growing the business into a top national exterior facade fabricator.
SPEAKERS
DAN SPORE
Senior Project Designer / JGMA
Daniel Spore brings with him ten years of applied architectural experience. While Daniel’s passion for architecture is rooted in clever design solutions, he is an expert in developing those initial concepts into completed structures. He has been a working manager through all phases of project delivery, from pre design through construction. In his years of experience he has been involved in various civic, commercial, educational, healthcare, laboratory, and recreational project types. Daniel has worked on a diverse portfolio of buildings throughout the united states and has been a contributing designer on many international design proposals.
JENNIFER SUERTH
Senior Vice President / Pepper Construction Group
As Senior Vice President of Virtual Construction, MEP and Operations Technology, Jen provides strategic direction for Pepper Construction in these areas. It is a critical advisor to project teams on constructability and implementation strategies throughout the early stages of project design through construction and facility management. Jen has more than 16 years of experience in architecture, engineering and construction. She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies and a Master of Architecture in Structures from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. She is a forward-thinking, industry-recognized innovator, continuing to work to pilot new technologies and leverage tools in new ways.
PAULINA SZPIECH
Associate Principal / Buro Happold
Paulina Szpiech is an Associate with BuroHappold and leads the firm’s Midwest Facade Consultancy efforts. With a creative and multidisciplinary approach, Paulina focuses on solutions which meet architect’s and client’s goals. Recognizing the impact façade systems carry in lowering buildings’ embodied and operational carbon, she believes that implementing sustainability goals is a critical parameter throughout all design stages. Her portfolio of work includes national and international projects within the higher education, cultural, residential and commercial sectors. Paulina is also an Adjunct Professor at Illinois Institute of Technology where she teaches a facades-focused course.
LUCAS TRYGGESTAD
Technical Principal / Skidmore Owings & Merrill
Interested in the craft of architecture and the applications of digital design, Lucas specializes in designing and realizing technically complex building systems. A native of Illinois, Lucas draws upon his Midwestern roots, as well as a global portfolio spanning five continents, to apply his contextual knowledge to projects both locally and abroad. His project work includes 100 Mount Street, an office tower that is efficiently designed to minimize the carbon impact of construction, and AMIE 1.0, a research partnership between SOM and the U.S. Department of Energy’s Oak Ridge National Laboratory exploring energy efficiency and the applications of 3D printing.
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