WELCOME TO FACADES+ NEW YORK CITY!
The Architect’s Newspaper is celebrating 13 Years of Facades+ Conferences. We are thrilled to welcome both new attendees and longtime facades fanatics to today’s dynamic event. We bring fresh and relevant programming to each city, and have an exceptional group of projects, people, and expertise for you to learn about today.
Facades+ NYC brings together top professionals from the worlds of design, engineering, fabrication, and construction to consider how high-performance envelopes are evolving and transforming our built environment, and are responding to changing codes, climates, technologies, and client needs.
I’d like to thank our amazing conference Co-Chairs, Christoph Timm, Gabrielle Brainard, and Kwong Yu from SOM, who have brought together today’s program of design leaders. We invite you to connect with the presenters and your peers during networking breaks in the Methods+Materials Gallery and after the event.
Tonight, we are thrilled to be celebrating the first ever Faces of Our City Award in recognition of the best in facade design this year. You’ll definitely want to stick around for it.
Please get to know our sponsors exhibiting in the Methods+Materials Gallery today 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
Conference Organizers:
DARLING CEO / Creative Director, AN Media Group
VP of Brand Partnerships, AN Media Group
TREVOR SCHILLACI Senior Program Associate, AN Media Group
DIANA
MARTY WOOD VP of Events, AN Media Group
DIONNE DARLING
TRUE INNOVATION BEGINS WITH SUSTAINABILITY
THURSDAY SYMPOSIUM
CO-CHAIRS:
CHRISTOPH TIMM
Principal / SOM
Christoph Timm leads SOM’s Enclosure Group, a practice embedded among the design and engineering studios in the firm’s New York office that focuses on the design of building enclosures and facades. With more than two decades of experience in the creative field, Christoph has designed a wide variety of projects that go far beyond architecture to encompass products, furniture, and even streetlights. Christoph has deep expertise in the design and fabrication of high-performance building enclosures, and is particularly interested in how their aesthetically crafted appearances shift under varying lighting conditions. At SOM, Christoph started a construction site visit program that regularly takes young architects to different sites in New York to create a better understanding of the complexities of construction in relation to design. He is deeply engaged with technological innovations in the field and shares his expertise actively at conferences and industry events. He has also lectured on design and building performance-related topics worldwide.
GABRIELLE BRAINARD
Associate Principal / SOM
Gabrielle Brainard is an architect, facade specialist, and educator. She teaches architecture and building science at Columbia GSAPP and Pratt Institute, and previously taught at Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. Her research on high-performance, low-carbon retrofits for multifamily housing has been funded by the New York State Energy Research and Development Authority (NYSERDA) and the AIA Upjohn Research Initiative. Previously, she worked on iconic, high-performance facades as a project manager and facade specialist at SHoP Architects, and as a curtainwall consultant at Heintges Consulting Architects & Engineers. She is active in her local chapter of the AIA Committee on the Environment (COTE), and serves on the Facade Tectonics Institute Education Committee.
KWONG YU
Associate Principal / SOM
Kwong has been leading the facade and technical design efforts in large scale international and domestic projects. His experience includes mixed-use (office/residential/hotel/retail), airport passenger terminal, healthcare, hospitality, adaptive reuse, and super tall office towers.
SYMPOSIUM AGENDA - APRIL 3
8:00 AM CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST | METHODS + MATERIALS GALLERY
9:30 AM WELCOME: Diana Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper
9:40 AM PROGRAM INTRODUCTION: Christoph Timm | SOM
9:45 AM
10:00 AM
CIVIC PERSPECTIVE A New Approach to Sustainability: Circular Design and Construction
Zack Aders | NYC Economic Development Corporation Christoph Timm | SOM
PANEL A New Face for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum: Facade, Form, & Function
Silverio Patrizi | Thornton Thomasetti Lawrence Siu | OMA
Dirk Schulte | Roschmann Group Thierry Landis | SOM
10:45 AM METHODS + MATERIALS BREAK
11:15 AM
ROUNDTABLE Advances in Facade Envelope Materials and Technology
Billy Strait | OldCastle Tim Nass | SAFTIFIRST® Chris Giovannielli | Kawneer Sherry Xuan Yang | SOM
12:00 PM SPOTLIGHT Buttoned Up: Detailing, Materiality, and Performance
Colin Koop | SOM Jack Murphy | The Architect’s Newspaper
12:45 PM PARTNER REMARKS: Alejandro Daras | Neolith SPONSORED BY:
1:00
2:00
2:15
PARTNER REMARKS: Bob Zhang | North Glass SPONSORED
KEYNOTE The Human Form of Architecture: Recipes for Wellbeing and Happiness
Samuli Miettinen | JKMM Architects Jack Murphy | The Architect’s Newspaper
Raymond Shelton | YKK AP Aaron Alterman | STI Specified Technologies Christoph Troska | Kuraray Kwong Yu | SOM
MODERATOR
MODERATOR
3:00 PM PANEL Envelope Excellence: Materials, Capabilities, and Advanced Engineering
3:4 PM METHODS + MATERIALS BREAK
4:10 PM ROUNDTABLE Circularity and the Facade Supply Chain
Sophie Pennetier | Digne Andrea Zani | Permasteelisa North America
Patrick Elmore | Infinite Recycled Technologies Stephen Azierski | Skyline Windows Gabrielle Brainard | SOM
MODERATOR
5:10 PM CLOSING REMARKS: Diana Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper Christoph Timm | SOM
5:00 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION SPONSORED BY: AND
6:30 PM THE FACES OF OUR CITY AWARDS
7:15 PM COCKTAILS & HORS D’OEUVRES
NETWORK: FACADESPLUS PASSWORD: ISLANDEXTERIOR MODERATOR
KEYNOTE SPEAKER SPEAKERS
SAMULI MIETTINEN Founding Partner / JKMM Architects
Samuli Miettinen (b. 1967) is a founding partner of JKMM Architects (f. 1998). In his career he has worked especially as a principal designer of public buildings. As the essence of the design, he emphasizes the importance of architecture, the high quality of the environment and humanity. Miettinen’s personally most significant completed design works are Viikki wooden church in Helsinki 2005, Joensuu University annex building Aurora II (2006), Saunalahti Children’s Centre in Espoo (2011), Travel Centre in Lahti (2016), Bysa & Sandis residential block in Helsinki (2017), the plan for Pohjola’s old headquarters area and the first residential buildings in Helsinki (2013–2021) and the Tammela Stadium hybrid project (2023).
ZACK ADERS
Senior Vice President / New York City
Economic Development Corporation
Zack is an Architect and Senior Vice President at NYCEDC. He leads over $1B of public building projects for the City of New York and advocates for environmental stewardship, strength in community, and building cities that work for all.
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).
STEPHEN AZIERSKI
Architectural Sales / Skyline Windows
A leading member of Skyline’s Volume Sales team, Stephen has been responsible for some of the firm’s most prestigious landmark, OTR, retrofit, and new construction projects including 1 Wall, 25 Water, The Kent, The Park Loggia, and 750 Third Ave. His work is informed by a lifetime of exposure to the trade as a third-generation member of the Skyline family and experience at every level of the organization from installer to PM.
ALEJANDRO DARAS
Global Projects Director / Neolith
Alejandro Daras has an extensive expertise on Rainscreen systems and solutions. Leading Neolith’s international expansion since 2021, he played a key role in the company’s growth. With dual master’s degrees in architecture from Valencia and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Alejandro transitioned from independent architect roles to the Construction Materials industry in 2016.
DIANA DARLING
Conference Director, Cofounder, CEO / The Architect’s Newspaper
Diana Darling is CEO and creative director, and co-founder of The Architect’s Newspaper, which she co-founded with her late husband, Bill Menking, in 2003. Under her leadership, the company has grown into AN Media, with an array of award-winning print and digital publications covering architecture and design news, including AN Interior magazine, which celebrates its 10th anniversary this spring. Diana also founded the Facades+ and TECH+ conferences, and the CE Strong continuing education platform.
PATRICK ELMORE
President of Business Development / Infinite Recycled Technologies
Patrick Elmore is a seasoned sales and business development leader with over 25 years of experience in sales and sales management. As the President of Business Development at Infinite Recycled Technologies, he has played a pivotal role in shaping the company’s growth and impact since its inception in 2017, leading to its official launch in 2020. With a strong expertise in business development and sustainability, Patrick has been instrumental in forging industry partnerships and advancing the mission of glass recycling in the U.S.
CHRIS GIOVANNIELLI
Global Director of Product Management / Kawneer
Chris Giovannielli is Director of Global Product Management for Kawneer, where he has been a leading contributor for more than 25 years. Chris directs product development, positioning and launch strategies across global markets with an emphasis on education and sustainability. His deep expertise on the benefit of Kawneer’s products in the educational setting and how they tie to sustainability in people’s daily lives is highly valued in the industry.
SPEAKERS
COLIN KOOP
Design Partner / SOM
Colin has been the driving force behind some of SOM’s most unexpected projects since joining the firm in the early 2000s. As a founding partner of SOM’s Talent, Equity, Diversity, and Development team, Colin is invested in creating the most productive and inspiring culture for SOM’s talent to grow, prosper and make a lasting impact on the built environment. Commercial Observer included Colin in its 2021 Power 100 list.
THIERRY LANDIS
Associate Principal / SOM
An Associate Principal at SOM, Thierry Landis is a highly experienced technical architect in the New York office, where he has worked on complex museum, education and transportation facilities. With over 27 years of experience, his work includes the National Museum of the U.S. Army, the U.S. Air Force Academy Center for Character & Leadership Development, the Roper Hospital Medical Center, the revitalization of Smithsonian’s Hirshhorn Museum and Sculpture Garden, and technical services for the LACMA Permanent Collection building.
JACK MURPHY
Executive Editor / The Architect’s Newspaper
Jack Murphy is the Executive Editor of The Architect’s Newspaper. Previously, he was Editor of Cite: The Architecture and Design Review of Houston and Adjunct Professor at the Gerald D. Hines University of Houston College of Architecture and Design. He earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a graduate degree in architecture from Rice University. He has worked for award-winning architects in New York City, Houston, Austin, and Boston.
TIM NASS
VP of Sales / SAFTIFIRST®
Tim Nass has nearly 30 years of experience in the architectural glazing industry. As the Vice President of Sales at SAFTIFIRST, 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 SAFTIFIRST’s global network of architectural sales representatives.
SILVERIO PATRIZI
Associate Principal / Thornton Thomasetti
Silverio Patrizi joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2011 and is experienced in the structural analysis and design of different facade systems. He manages design consultation, detail development, specifications, shop drawings review and site inspections. Silverio has performed extensive research on the New York City Energy Conservation Code [NYCECC] and is considered Thornton Tomasetti in-office expert in providing analysis to prove project compliance with the NYCECC.
SOPHIE PENNETIER
Founder / Digne
Sophie holds 17+ yrs of experience in the design and construction of structures and commercial/cultural building enclosures, in Europe and in the United States. Teaching at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, Sophie has founded Digne as a professional runway for her students, as an Academic-Industry hybrid work collaborative.
DIRK SCHULTE
Chief Sales Officer / Roschmann Group
Dirk is an experienced professional in all facets of architectural glazing and facade engineering, manufacturing and construction operations, including strategic planning and corporate management. An expert in sophisticated structural glass facades, custom enclosure solutions and sustainable building envelopes, coupled with a long term global industry & market experience, providing leadership role in customer focused business development, marketing and sales operations.
RAYMOND SHELTON
Chief Sustainability Officer / YKK AP
Raymond is a global business leader with over two decades of experience in strategic communications, sustainability, finance and investor relations across the United States, Japan, and beyond. In his role as CSO, he oversees corporate communications, ESG strategy, and civic engagement to support the company’s ambitious growth and environmental goals. Prior to joining YKK AP America, Raymond held various executive roles with The CocaCola Company, including Executive Officer and Head of Investor Relations and Corporate Communications for Coca-Cola Bottlers Japan, where he contributed to critical transformation efforts for one of the top five Coca-Cola bottlers globally by revenue.
SPEAKERS
LAWRENCE SIU
Senior Associate / OMA
Lawrence Siu is a Senior Architect at OMA New York with extensive experience from ranging from concept design to technical coordination and construction site management. Since joining OMA in 2007, he has worked on projects across diverse typologies, from residential, retail, and office, to museums and exhibition designs. With expertise in cultural and museum programming, design, and construction, Lawrence served as the project architect for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum from competition to completion.
BILLY STRAIT
VP of Business Development / OldCastle BuildingEnvelope
Billy Strait, CSI, VP of Business Development at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE), leads a team collaborating with architects, GCs and developers from concept to completion. With 25+ years in architectural glass and glazing, he champions performance-driven solutions meeting standards like Net Zero and LEED. His team delivers design-assist and design-bid-build projects featuring integrated glass and glazing solutions.
CHRISTOPH TROSKA
Head of Global New Market Development / Kuraray
Christoph pursued studies in core and elemental physics, culminating in his final thesis, which focused on thin film coatings. He began his career in 2000, working for R&D at Applied Films in Hanau. At the conclusion of 2001, he commenced his tenure at Pilkington, where he undertook various roles within the Technical Advisory Service (TAS) and the marketing department. Since 2021, he has been at the helm of the global New Market Development team.
SHERRY XUAN YANG
Associate Principal / SOM
Sherry Xuan Yang is an Associate Principal with over 10 years of design and technical experience at SOM’s New York office. She is an NCARB and LEED certified licensed project architect with an affinity for contextual design solutions, and a strong interest in environmentally- and socially-conscious projects. She specializes in civic and education projects and strategically leads BIM Technology and firmwide carbon accounting at her firm. Operating at both ends of the spectrum, she has spoken at construction industry round tables and critiqued on academic juries at Pratt, Cornell and NJIT.
ANDREA ZANI
Innovation Manager & Sustainability Lead / Permasteelisa North America
Andrea Zani is the R&D Innovation Manager and Sustainability Lead at Permasteelisa North America, where he is responsible for managing and leading the development and delivery of innovative, low-carbon and high-performance facades. He is actively involved in shaping and driving Permasteelisa Group’s decarbonization strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.
BOB ZHANG
Sales Director | North America / NorthGlass
Bob is the Sales Director of Tianjin NorthGlass for North America, the leading fabricator of specialty and oversized architectural glass for the global construction industry. Bob has many years of experience working with quality control department of NorthGlass. Bob was the project manager for Apple Park project in Cupertino, supporting the design team on the glass selection for Apple’s new headquarters. In 2015, Bob came to the US to make more connections with architects and support their designs of future projects with the innovation and capabilities that NorthGlass has to offer.
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FRIDAY WORKSHOPS
WORKSHOPS AGENDA - APRIL 4
WORKSHOPS WILL BE HELD AT THE NEW YORK LAW SCHOOL - 185 W BROADWAY NEW YORK, NY 10013 REGISTRATION OPENS AT 9:00-10:00 AM (MUST PRESENT I.D. AT SECURITY)
TRACK A ENERGY, SUSTAINABILITY, AND RESILENCY
10:00 AM Code, Energy, and Computation: Strategies for Success for Building Performance
Elliot Glassman | CannonDesign Charul Chhabria | CannonDesign
12:30 PM
Facade-isms – Successfully Integrating Facades and Structural Framing Systems within New & Existing Buildings
Justin Den Herder | TYLin Nic Goldsmith | TYLin Hubert Chang | TYLin
2:45 PM Global Solutions for Climate-Responsive Facades
Tobias Keyl | gmp Tommaso Bitossi | Transsolar
TRACK B IN THE DETAILS: FACADE DESIGN, ENGINEERING + PROJECT DELIVERY
TRACK C MULTIMATERIAL FACADES IN PRACTICE
Facades
PEI Architects Alejandro Chinchon | PEI Architects
TRACK D TECHNOLOGY: RESEARCH, DEVELOPMENT & DESIGN TOOLS
10:00 AM Computational Geometry Workshop: Designing a Complex Glass Facade Nick Cameron | Perkins&Will Mario Romero | Perkins&Will Luc Deckinga | Perkins&Will
12:30 PM Facade Glass and Glazing Failures and how to Prevent them
Brian Hubbs | RDH Building Science Wei Lam | RDH Building Science Shu Talun | RDH Building Science
2:45 PM Circular Economy of Facades Materials and Systems
Samuel Berrigan | Arup Joseph McGranahan | Arup
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
ANGEL AYÓN
Principal / AYON Studio
Angel Ayón is the founder and Principal of AYON Studio Architecture • Preservation, P.C. (AYON Studio) in New York City, where he provides comprehensive professional services in the fields of Architecture and Historic Preservation. Mr. Ayón has more than twenty-five years of learning from, advocating for, and ultimately conceiving and overseeing conservation efforts to save and secure our built heritage as a cultural asset for current and future generations.
SAMUEL BERRIGAN
Facade Engineer / Arup
Sam is dedicated to optimizing the lifecycle efficiency of Building Envelopes: saving energy & reducing emissions while contributing to resilient and adaptive architecture. Originating from his dual major in Design Innovation and Society and Building Science, Sam is intrigued by the pivotal role buildings will play in the relationship between humans and a changing environment. Sam has worked on interdisciplinary teams to design and engineer a variety of custom facade systems including low-GWP, post-consumer, and agricultural waste materials, and has engaged in research to unlock lower GWP curtainwall systems in North America.
TOMMASO BITOSSI
Partner / Transsolar
Tommaso focuses on two aspects of climate responsive design: architecture and climate engineering based on his professional value of “sufficiency before efficiency”. His unique perspective on the integrated design process together with his understanding of both the architectural and the engineering approaches facilitate the communication of complex strategies to the design team. Tommaso deeply believes that a decision-making process based on a solid engineered and out-of-the-box thinking leads to resource conscious solutions and high quality built environments.
LAURA BOYNTON
Senior Associate / AYON Studio
As a Senior Associate at AYON Studio, Laura Boynton leverages her considerable industry experience to collaboratively bring teams together in service of each client’s vision. Her work in both disciplines of architecture and preservation has encompassed commercial design, adaptive reuse, renovation, and historic preservation for a variety of public and private organizations. Laura’s design sensitivity and attention to detail are significant assets—for large, complex projects as well as those that require specific repairs or restoration work.
NICK CAMERON
Principal / Perkins&Will
As Perkins&Will’s Director of Digital Practice, Nick takes a big-picture approach to his work, and employs a thorough understanding of how the digital practice enhances and completes the design process. Having spent the first part of his career as a designer, he now views his work as an opportunity to work alongside design teams to put the finishing touches on projects. He loves the fact that while so much of a firm’s process relies on technology, the output is analog. The product is ultimately a space that betters a child’s education, improves the wellness of patients, or enhances the functionality of an office. Nick’s passion lies in perfecting the digital process to maximize these outcomes.
HUBERT CHANG
Senior Enginner / TYLin
Since joining the firm in 2019, Hubert has worked on project types including private residences, healthcare facilities, and academic buildings. Hubert is active in the built environment community, volunteering with organizations including the Structural Engineering Association of New York (SEAoNY) and the International Association of Bridge and Structural Engineers (IABSE), and Open House New York .
CHARUL CHHABRIA
Sustainability Coordinator / CannonDesign
Charul Chhabria, LEED AP BD+C, serves as the Sustainability Coordinator at Cannon Design in New York City. With a passion for sustainable architecture, Charul brings a global perspective to her role. She holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Design from the New York Institute of Design and is a registered architect in India with a Bachelors of Architecture degree
ALEJANDRO CHINCHON
Sustainability Coordinator / CannonDesign
Alejandro rejoined PEI Architects in 2019 as an Associate and in 2020 he was promoted to Senior Associate. Some of Alejandro’s notable work at PEI Architects includes: A high-rise residential tower in Toronto, Canada and the first LEED Gold-certified new BMW dealership in Beijing, China as well as the Museum of Islamic Art Park in Doha, Qatar. His most current work includes the Bank of China Haikou Jiangdong International Financial Building in Haikou, China.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
CRAIG COPELAND
Principal Designer / Pelli Clarke & Partners
Craig Copeland, FAIA’s work on large-scale placemaking projects have transformed cities and communities around the world, including Brookfield Place (formerly the World Financial Center in New York). An award-winning sculptor with a focus on monumental sculpture, Craig was a Fulbright Scholar and visiting artist at the American Academy in Rome. He is the founder of Situcraft in Long Island City, a studio that creates innovative product designs in stone. He holds a Master of Architecture from Yale University and a Bachelor of Arts from the University of Florida.
LUC DECKINGA
Vice President / Thornton Tomasetti
As Digital Practice Manager for Computational Design, Luc brings a programmer’s rigor and designer’s creativity to every area of Perkins+Will’s diverse practice, giving designers new tools to create more sophisticated designs. Trained as an architect, his portfolio now encompasses a wide range of scales and disciplines, from robotic fabrication to environmental simulation and responsive parametric design. Luc’s work pushes at the boundaries of technology and creativity.
GUSTAV FAGERSTROM
Principal / Walter P Moore
Fagerström leads computational modeling for structural and facade engineering at Walter P Moore. He has global experience in all stages of projects in over 10 different countries, having practiced with Urban Future Organization, Kohn Pedersen Fox Associates, UNStudio, and BuroHappold Engineering. His work has been exhibited and published in Europe, the Americas, and Asia and presented at Autodesk University, the Venice Architecture Biennale, CAADRIA, ACADIA, FABRICATE, and the SmartGeometry conference. Currently, he is a faculty member at Pratt Institute and a consultant at PennDesign.
FELIPE FRANCISCO
Technical Design Lead / Studio NYL
Felipe Francisco, AIA is an Architect, Builder, and Fabricator with experience ranging from large-scale commercial and institution projects, medium scale Passive House residential projects, and small scale digital fabrication projects. At Studio NYL Felipe’s role is that of Technical Design Lead for the Boston Office. As part of the facades division, he works with architects, building teams, and contractors to provide expertise on challenging facade systems
ELLIOT GLASSMAN
Building Performance Lead / CannonDesign
Elliot Glassman AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD is an architect specializing in environmentally sustainable design. He is the firm-wide building performance leader at CannonDesign. Elliot obtained his Bachelors of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and earned a Masters of Design Studies degree with a concentration in sustainability from the Harvard GSD. He is licensed in New York State and Connecticut and is accredited in the LEED and Passive House standards.
NIC GOLDSMITH
Founding Director of Lightweight Structures Group / TYLin
Nic Goldsmith, FAIA LEED AP has spent an entire career in the pursuit of designing innovative structures, starting with working in Germany for the Pritzker Prize winning Frei Otto in Germany for 3 years where he collaborated with Peter Rice and Sir Ted Happold. Subsequently Nic founded FTL Design Engineering Studio, then developed a partnership with Buro Happold, called FTL Happold with BH’s first US office in New York. Nic designed many of the legacy FTL projects from the Carlos Moseley Pavilion for the NY Philharmonic to the ASU Skysong in Scottsdale AZ.
JUSTIN DEN HERDER
Principal / TYLin
As Associate and co-leader of a studio for TYLin’s Silman Structural Solutions practice, Justin oversees new construction, renovation, and historic preservation projects of varying scales around the world. Justin was the Editor in Chief of SEAoNY Cross Sections from 2014-2017. He has written articles published in Modern Steel Construction. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and as an adjunct professor, he currently teaches several courses at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College in New York City.
BRIAN HUBBS
Principal / RDH Building Science
Brian is recognized as a practical engineer and researcher who delivers innovative solutions. He is one of the three co-founders of RDH and has a unique blend of theoretical and hands-on knowledge gained from completing hundreds of projects across RDH’s various practice areas. Brian’s experience includes work on both high- and low-rise commercial, institutional, and residential projects in many geographic locations and in virtually all climatic regions in North America.
WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
SILAS JEFFREY
Senior Associate / Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Silas Jeffrey, Senior Associate, has been with Robert A.M. Stern Architects since 2008. Mr. Jeffrey recently served as Project Manager for the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and the Conway School of Nursing at Catholic University of America, both in Washington, DC. Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Jeffrey was a designer for Perkins-Eastman of New York City, where he worked on the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing, China; and a designer for Studio Panzi in Florence, Italy, where he worked on the Palos Verdes Arts Center in Palos Verdes, California.
TOBIAS KEYL
Associate Partner, Berlin / gmp
Tobias Keyl studied at Braunschweig Technical University and joined gmp in 2004. Having worked at the Berlin office for five years he moved to gmp’s Beijing office, from where he returned to Berlin in 2016. He has successfully been in charge of several large buildings, from the competition stage through to completion, and currently manages projects on three continents. His main focus is on large international multidisciplinary projects. Since October 2019 he has been a member of the Industry Advisory Group at Harvard University Graduate School of Design, advising on the future of air travel.
MATT KREBS
Project Executive / High Concrete Group
Matt Krebs, Project Executive at High Concrete Group, has over 16 years of experience with precast concrete. He has been with High Concrete Group for 11 years and has also served as Project Manager and Senior Project Manager. Matt has managed over 100 precast concrete projects, the majority of which are complex, high-end architectural projects. Notable projects he has worked on include PCI Design Award winners 1200 Intrepid, Nassau County Police 8th Precinct, Villanova Pedestrian Bridge, NYCSCA PS IS 667, and Villanova Performing Arts Center.
WEI
LAM
Regional Director – US East, Senior Building Science Specialist / RDH
Wei specializes in the performance and design of building enclosures related to heat, air, and moisture control. He leads RDH’s Northeastern United States team from the Boston office. Wei continues to make inroads in our newest geographic location, overseeing various building enclosure consulting and enclosure commissioning projects. Wei has brought his innovative and direct approach to high-profile projects such as the Maine Medical Center and the Harvard University Art Lab
BILL LAPOINTE
Project Manager / SWI Glass & Metal
With 25 years of experience in the facade and fenestration industry, Bill LaPointe brings extensive expertise in project management, energy-efficient materials, and innovative design solutions. Holding both a Massachusetts Construction Supervisor’s License and a Connecticut Glazier’s License, he has successfully led complex projects that enhance a building’s performance and comfort, while preserving architectural integrity.
TOH TSUN LIM
Partner / PEI Architects
Toh Tsun Lim, AIA joined PEI Architects in 1994, where he has held the position of Principal since 2007, subsequently rising to Partner in 2024. Prior to his tenure at the firm, he served as a design architect in the studio of Paul Rudolph. At PEI, Mr. Lim demonstrated exceptional leadership by successfully managing the design and construction of several prominent large-scale buildings. Currently, Mr. Lim directs multiple projects for the Bank of China, including the Bank of China Shanghai Lingang Mixed-use Development, the Bank of China Guangxi Tower, and the Bank of China Haikou International Financial Building, all slated for completion by 2025
TONY MCCONNELL
Senior Associate / Robert A.M. Stern Architects
Mr. McConnell’s work for commercial clients includes One Water Street, the new headquarters for American Water on the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey; the LEED Platinum Five Crescent Drive, the new offices for GlaxoSmithKline, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Pennsylvania; and designs for two office buildings in Washington, DC. He also worked on the Ocean Course Golf Clubhouse in Kiawah, South Carolina.
Mr. McConnell received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a licensed architect in the State of New York
JOSEPH MCGRANAHAN
Sustainability Consultant / Arup
Joseph McGranahan is a Graduate Sustainability Consultant at Arup. His primary area of research focuses on utilizing emerging digital tools to assess material content, embodied carbon and circularity within the built environment, ranging from the scale of construction assemblies to that of entire cities.
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WORKSHOP SPEAKERS
AIDA MUHIBIC
Designer
/ Pelli Clarke & Partners
Aida Muhibic joined Pelli Clarke & Partners in 2023. She views architecture as a tool for storytelling and collective memory, which inspires works that resonate with communities and preserves cultural narratives.She has worked on a diverse range of projects including residential, hospitality, commercial, and cultural buildings. Her most recent work includes a mixed-use residential and hospitality project on the coast of Santa Monica, California and a Performing Arts Center in Frisco, Texas.
GUILLERMO MURCIA
Principal
/ Meier Partners
Since joining the firm 20 years ago, newly appointed Principal Guillermo Murcia has embraced many roles in urban design, residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. His contributions to the firm range from conceptual aspects of design and development to cultivating strong relationships with clients. Mr. Murcia has nurtured and honed his design and managerial skills within the firm, where he commenced as a Senior Designer. His early collaborations were instrumental in fulfilling the large Czech Republic and Newark projects, followed by a robust conception and design of numerous projects in Latin America, Asia, Europe and the United States.
CHRIS O’HARA
Founding
Principal / Studio NYL
Chris O’Hara is facade director for the Skins Group, a division of Studio NYL, established to provide full service facade design specializing in thermal modeling, moisture/condensation analysis, and in-depth detailing. Although Studio NYL is recognized for its skins work with cutting-edge glass and glazing, their team also specializes in digitally fabricated metal skins, GFRC, reinforced polymers, stone, ultra high performance concrete, terra cotta, and traditional precast. O’Hara is currently working on multiple projects in the Boston area
KYLE O’QUINN
Designer
/ Pelli Clarke & Partners
Kyle O’Quinn joined PC&P in 2022 and has contributed to a range of projects spanning residential, hospitality, life sciences, mixeduse towers, and commercial office buildings. His recent work includes the ground floor renovation of two César Pelli-designed residential towers in Mexico City and a life sciences campus in Long Island, NY. His work is informed by an interest in philosophical and physics-based principles, particularly the ways urban expansion, rural adaptation, and thermodynamics shape the built environment.
SHARON OH
Senior Associate / Meier Partners
Sharon Oh joined the firm in 2012. As a key senior staff member, she has held significant roles as project architect and manager and collaborated on projects ranging from museums and residences to hotels and high-rise buildings. Ms. Oh has been involved with designing projects throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and her extensive experience includes, One United Nations Park residential tower and One Waterline Square tower in New York City, Torre Cuarzo on Reforma Towers in Mexico City, Engel & Völkers Headquarters in Hamburg, the Seamarq Hotel in Gangneung, and JEI Commercial Building in Seoul. She recently led the design as project architect for the Sorol Museum in Gangneung, and also manages a corporate headquarters tower in Seoul.
BRADFORD J. PRESTBO Director- Boston / Studio NYL
An exceptional leader, Bradford J. Prestbo, FAIA, is advancing the profession through his practice, advocacy, and educational efforts in the use of cutting-edge design technologies, high-performance design, and the incorporation of maker culture into the design process. Bradford also finds time to share his knowledge of advanced design technologies, high-performance design, and how maker culture is transforming our practice within the industry. He has practiced internationally, is a sought-after speaker, is frequently interviewed by publishers, and is an educator via his detailing workshops, higher-education classes, design juries, and mentorship of emerging professionals.
MARIO ROMERO
Computational Designer / Perkins&Will
Mario Romero is a computational designer and digital practice manager at Perkins+Will. His work primarily deals in the melding of technology and architecture, including robotics, digital\physical interface design, digital fabrication—specifically 3D printing—and modular building automation and intelligence. Mario previously worked at AS+GG in Chicago and holds a BSArch from University of Illinois Chicago.
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SHU TALUN
Associate Principal / RDH
As a Senior Facade Consultant, Shu Talun brings her passion for the mechanics and science within facade systems to the RDH Boston team. With a Master of Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design, and over 11 years of experience, Shu is uniquely adept at helping clients achieve their aesthetic and building performance goals. She has managed multi-disciplinary design teams on projects ranging between $30m -$50m.
HAJIME TANIMURA
Principal / PEI Architects
Hajime Tanimura is an architect with over 25 years of experience in designing various building types. Since he joined Pei Partnership Architects in 1997, Mr. Tanimura has been project architect for many notable buildings, including the recently completed museum and research center for the Sultan Haji Hassanal Bolkiah Bandar Seri Begawan in Brunei and the new headquarters for China Institute in New York City.
ERIK VERBOON
Principal, Director of Enclosure
Engineering / Walter P Moore
Erik Verboon is the Co-Founder and Managing Director of Walter P Moore’s New York office. Trained in both architecture and engineering, Erik brings deep global experience with a focus on the design of complex and high-performance building envelopes for a wide range of building types. Erik’s role as Practice Area Leader of the firm’s national Enclosure Engineering team is supported by his experience working with a wide variety of facade applications including highperformance, double-skin facades, geometrically complex composite facades, and custom unitized enclosures for both new buildings and existing building retrofits and additions.
ROSS YUDIN
CEO / Synergy NA LLC
Importer of high-performance vacuum insulated glass for exterior commercial and residential construction. VP Sales US glass group WHTB fabricators for interior and exterior complex glass makeup. Key Achievements 21 – Sold Perlstein Glass NYC to Boss Glass, Pinebrook NJ 23 Founding Partner and President Knight Industries 1986, sold to Guardian 1995, as Guardian Carltons largest offline customer at 35. Synergy provided the first Vacuum insulated glass using a ceramic “getter” for a large retrofit project in the US. U of Hartford 1980-1982 AA liberal arts Boston University 1982-1984 BS Business Administration.
Get In Touch
Stephen Azierski | Architectural Sales (347) 920 1859
Stephen Azierski | Architectural Sales (347) 920 1859
sazierski@skylinewindows.com
sazierski@skylinewindows.com
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