Architects

40 Under 40, the Class of 2012

March 28, 2012
32 min read

The 40 young AEC professionals featured here represent the Class of 2012 in Building Design+Construction’s “40 UNDER 40” competition. They were chosen from among 223 applicants to join the 240 previous recipients of this honor, dating to 2006. They range in age from 27 to 39 (as of December 31, 2011, the contest deadline), with a median age of 35. Seventeen of this year’s honorees are women, a high for the program.

They are diverse in their professional and personal interests, as well as in their service to professional societies and such charitable organizations as Habitat for Humanity, the ACE Mentor Program, Engineers without Borders, and Big Brothers Big Sisters. We are proud to present the AEC industry’s next generation of leadership.


Shavon Charlot, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Architect | Sherlock, Smith & Adams, Montgomery, Ala.
Age: 31
BArch, MArch, Tulane University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Design and construction project manager and architect for federal construction projects up to $20 million, including the design-build renovation of Ft. McPherson Buildings 125, 129, and 131; Atlanta Veterans Affairs Medical Center; and Planning Studies in Support of Capital Investment Decision Model, Branch Health Clinics Atsugi and Iwakuni, Japan.

Led sustainable design development of LEED-registered projects and LEED-certified projects, notably the Naval Branch Health Clinic Naval Station, Apra Harbor, Guam, and Naval Replacement Hospital, U.S. Naval Hospital, Guam.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer, Hearts Apart program, Davis-Monthan Air Force Base.

Completed nine-part Architecture Registration exam in six months. 

Presenter, “Sustainability, Efficiency and LEED, Oh My! Planning and Designing Sustainable Health Care Facilities in Challenging Environments,” 22nd Annual Health Facilities Institute Conference.

OFF THE CLOCK
Loves NFL football, especially the New Orleans Saints.

Favorite vacation spot: Las Vegas, for the shows, restaurants, shopping, and nightlife.

Enjoys mysteries, especially Agatha Christie novels.

SECRET LIFE
Was captain of the modern dance team at McDonogh 35 Senior High School, New Orleans.


 

Beau Sanders

Associate/Project Manager GRAEF, Milwaukee
Age: 31
BS, MS, University of Wisconsin-Madison

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Technical team member on Miller Park renovation projects with Uihlein Wilson Architects.

Team member on the foundation design for the 30-story Moderne multifamily high-rise, in Milwaukee.

Designed steel frame for UW-Madison Union South project.

EOR or project designer for Intermodal Train Shed, St. Luke’s Healing Garden, the Fix Office Building. Bayshore Towne Center, the University School of Milwaukee expansion, and Oconomowoc Memorial Hospital expansion.

Led GRAEF’s expansion into the construction of food processing facilities.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Registered PE in Wisconsin, Oregon, and California. Registered SE in Illinois, Oregon, and California.

Head of GRAEF’s Continuing Education program—schedules 20 educational meetings a year for the 75-member group.

ASCE Wisconsin’s Young Engineer of Year.

Participant, PND Chip-for-Charity golf outing (benefiting children with pediatric neurotransmitter disease), Alzheimer’s Association’s Memory Walk, and “Get Up Days” for local Manitowoc charities.

OFF THE CLOCK
Collects vinyl records, with a focus on Bob Dylan. Has seen Dylan in concert 12 times.

Can’t live without: iPhone and beer.

Favorite food: hamburgers—especially when tailgating at a Milwaukee Brewers or Green Bay Packers game.

SECRET LIFE
Parents almost named him Sixto in honor of Sixto Lezcano, a right-fielder for the Brewers from 1974 to 1980.


Andrew Caruso, Associate AIA, CDT, LEED AP BD+C

Head of Intern Development and Academic Outreach | Gensler, Washington, D.C.
Age: 27
BArch, Carnegie Mellon University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Develops human capital strategy across network of >40 global offices and advises firm’s chief executives on emerging talent in the design industry.

Directs early-career talent acquisition, professional development and licensure, academic outreach, student internships, scholarships, and global talent exchange programs.

Named an Associate in 2011.

Andrew Carnegie Society Scholar, Richard Upjohn Fellow, and AIA Henry Adams Medalist.

EXTRACURRICULAR
National president and board chair, American Institute of Architecture Students.

Past board member, AIA and National Architectural Accrediting Board.

Advisory Board, George Washington University; Columbia College of Arts and Sciences, Interior Design Program.

Lecturer, School of Architecture, Catholic University of America.

OFF THE CLOCK
Sings with the Congressional Chorus, Washington, D.C.

Has two iPhones.

SECRET LIFE
At age nine, drew a city plan of his grandmother’s ceramic holiday village collection.


Nicole Dosso, AIA, LEED AP

Associate Director | Skidmore, Owings & Merrill LLP, New York, N.Y.
Age: 37
BArch, Syracuse University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Senior technical architect for a 40-story Boston Properties office tower in Manhattan that has been pre-certified as LEED-CS Gold.

Senior technical architect responsible for developing all contract documents (drawings and specs) establishing building performance parameters and coordinating consulting teams for 3.5 million-sf One World Trade Center in New York City.

Technical architect for Seven World Trade Center, New York City; Kazkommertsbank, Almaty, Kazakhstan; UBS Warburg, Stamford, Conn.; Bear Stearns headquarters, New York City.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Honoree, Professional Women in Construction, for her contributions on rebuilding the WTC site.

Volunteer, Hope Soup Kitchens in New Rochelle, Syracuse, and NYC.

OFF THE CLOCK
Completed 2011 NYC Marathon.

Can’t live without: Great-uncle Joe’s framed Purple Heart from WWI.

Favorite hobbies: photography, swimming.

Favorite vacation spot: Newport, R.I., for a run along the Cliff Walk and view of the Atlantic Ocean

SECRET LIFE
Great-uncle John was one of the first graduates of the Julliard School of Music and head conductor at Radio City Music Hall for many years.

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Brenda Ikerd

Owner/Consultant | Ikerd Consulting LLC, Dallas
Age: 35
BS, Amberton University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Firm named VDC/BIM consultant for the Formula One track under construction in Austin, Texas, the Dallas Arboretum, and Dallas City Performance Hall.

Coauthor, Autodesk’s Educational Curriculum for Structures and BIM.

IKERD Consulting LLC recognized as a minority-owned/woman-owned firm by the state of Texas.

Construction career began in Coahuila, Mexico, in 1994; after moving to the U.S., founded Ikerd Consulting in 2003.

EXTRACURRICULAR
First place, City of Fort Worth Business Competition (2011).

Finalist, Regional Hispanic Contractors Association’s “Rising Firm of the Year” Award (2011).

Presented five different sessions on BIM at Autodesk’s 2011 International Conference.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: photography, puzzles, traveling.

Favorite movies: “Saving Private Ryan” and WWII documentaries.

SECRET LIFE
Collects “Peanuts” comic strips.

Husband William Ikerd was a 2011 40 Under 40 selection.


David Montalba, AIA, LEED AP

Principal | Montalba Architects Inc., Santa Monica, Calif.
Age: 39
BArch, Southern California Institute of Architecture
MArch, UCLA

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Adjunct faculty member, UCLA Department of Architecture and Urban Design.

Since 2004, has grown client base across a broad range of projects, including residential, retail, and mixed-use.

Worked at several Los Angeles-based architecture firms, including Pugh+Scarpa, Daly Genick Architects, Frank Gehry Partners, and others prior to opening his own firm.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Past board member and treasurer, AIA Los Angeles.

Past co-chair, AIA’s Academic Outreach Committee, 2x8 Committee, and Mobius L.A. Committee.

Raised nearly $100,000 for student scholarships on behalf of AIA.

OFF THE CLOCK
Once wanted to be a pro surfer.

Can’t live without: His Uni-ball Vision Elite pen.

Favorite food: everything but radishes.

Grew up in Switzerland, where his grandfather had a construction company and he would play in the gravel beds and material yards—“Very inspiring for an architect.”

SECRET LIFE
In high school, camped out at night in a car in front of his favorite surf spot to be the first to catch a few waves before school.


Jamie Qualk, LEED AP BD+C

Vice President | SSRCx, Nashville, Tenn.
Age: 35
BSCE, Vanderbilt University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages operations, marketing, and business development for the Sustainable Solutions Group. After launching in 2007, the group has been engaged in >50 projects, all LEED-registered.

Author of blogs and podcasts on energy and sustainability for company website.

Lecturer, Building Systems and LEED graduate course, Vanderbilt University.

Adjunct lecturer, Lipscomb University’s Institute for Sustainable Practice.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Author of “Busting the Myth that Green Costs More Green,” which examines how building owners can construct a green building while minimizing upfront costs.

Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity.

Participant, American Cancer Society’s Relay for Life, Oasis Center’s Street Outreach Team, and the Salvation Army’s Angel Tree program.

OFF THE CLOCK
Hosts tailgate parties for Vanderbilt football games.

Favorite vacation spot: Graeagle, Calif.

Enjoys reading, cooking, exercising, concerts.

SECRET LIFE
Grandfather worked on the Mercury space capsule at McDonnell Douglas.

Redshirted on his 7th-grade basketball team.


Anne Timmermans, LEED AP

Associate Project Manager | Heery International, Seattle
Age: 29
BA, MS, University of Washington

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Specialized in designing, planning, and construction phases for the Port of Seattle Aviation Group.

Lead PM on the Remote Consolidated Rental Car Facility (RCF), off-site road improvement project, and Airport Bus Maintenance Facility at Sea-Tac International Airport.

Guided Port of Seattle senior management to pursue first LEED-NC at the RCF (attained LEED Silver). Also collaborating with A/E team during redesign of bus facility, which is also seeking LEED certification.

Joined Heery International in 2004 as an administrative assistant. Within five years, recognized as one of the group’s project management leaders.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Secretary, Construction Management Association of America.

Member, Design Build Institute of America, working toward DBIA certification.

Volunteer for Re-building Together Seattle, which helps homeowners who need assistance in maintaining their homes for safety, warmth, and energy efficiency.

OFF THE CLOCK
Collects vintage 1950s crystal party trays and cups—collection has grown to >50 pieces.

Can’t live without: pink lipstick.

Favorite book from childhood: The House on Mango Street (Sandra Cisneros).

SECRET LIFE
Great-grandfather built windmills in the Netherlands before emigrating to the U.S. in the 1950s.

Bona fide Hulkamaniac (fan of wrestler Hulk Hogan).

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Hao Ko, AIA, LEED AP

Senior Associate, Design Director | Gensler, San Francisco
Age: 39
BArch, University of California, Berkeley
MArch, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Designing new headquarters for PNC Bank, which the owner wants to be “the World’s Greenest High-Rise Building.”

Facilitated Gensler’s expansion into new regions, including China. Helped craft the vision for the Shanghai Tower project, which will be the tallest building in Asia (2,086 feet).

Led 40-person design team for 7.1 million-sf mixed-use casino resort hotel in Macau, China.

Designed PNC Place, one of the first LEED Platinum buildings in Washington, D.C.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Involved in Gensler University, a select group of professionals that examine specific challenges of sustainability and the crafting of cities and urban design.

Selected for Gensler’s Next Generation leadership group that examines the company’s future business strategies.

Active member of AIA, Council for Tall Buildings and Urban Habitat, USGBC.

Guest lecturer and juror, Harvard, MIT, and UC Berkeley.

OFF THE CLOCK
Fluent in French.

Favorite hobby: golf, notably the cypress-tree-lined fairways of the TPC Harding Park in San Francisco.

Favorite vacation spot: Italy’s Amalfi Coast, especially Positano.

Can’t live without: The New York Times.

SECRET LIFE
Completed a one-day 200-mile bike race.

Uncle Charles Kao won the Noble Prize in Physics in 2009.


Elisabeth Malsch

Associate | Thornton Tomasetti, New York , N.Y.
Age: 34
BSCE, MSCE, MPCE, PhD CE, Columbia University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Conducted forensic investigation on I-35 West bridge collapse (Minneapolis) and Sherman Minton Bridge (Louisville, Ky).

Created the Forensic Information Model, an interactive computer graphic model Thornton Tomasetti uses to organize, visualize, and analyze data related to forensic investigation projects.

Alexander von Humboldt Fellow, TU Braunschweig, Germany (2005-2004).

Recipient, Columbia University’s Mindlin Prize (2003) for graduate students with outstanding promise of a creative career in research or practice.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Mentor, Urban Assembly Institute of Math & Science for Young Women.

Adjunct professor, Columbia University

OFF THE CLOCK
Unusual talent: Plays the viola da gamba, a six-string fretted and bowed instrument invented in the 15th century.

Can’t live without: her iPhone, coffee.

Favorite food: well-grilled octopus.

Follows politics like some people follow sports.

SECRET LIFE
Musical taste ranges from Bach to Linkin Park.

Great grandparents founded the town of Alder, Wash., which was later flooded to allow for the construction of a hyrdoelectric dam.


Scott Root, AIA, LEED AP

Director of Integrated Services | Kitchell, Phoenix, Ariz.
Age: 36
BArch, University of Arizona
MCM, Arizona State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Develops integrated services and systems representing >$1 billion in projects, including hospitals, schools, and casinos.

Developed Kitchell Mobile, a proprietary app that provides real-time knowledge transfer between Building Team members; Kitchell Facilities Asset Tool, an online portal of construction closeout materials; Interactive Virtual Tour, used for training and orientation; and Ideation Lab, an online brainstorming portal for Kitchell employees.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Pursuing PhD in construction management at Arizona State University. Will be school’s first Construction Technology Associate later this year.

Volunteer, Big Brothers Big Sisters.

Co-author, “Achieving Sustainability through Building Information Modeling Workflow.”

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite teams: Cleveland Indians, Cleveland Browns, University of Arizona Wildcats.

Enjoys exercising and running marathons.

Favorite food: deep-dish pizza with pepperoni, pepperoncini, and sausage.

Meticulous organizer.

SECRET LIFE
Better than average ping-pong player.

Father-in-law competed in world triathlon championships: “I still can’t beat him at any of the events.”


Jeff Vaglio, PE, LEED AP

Senior Design Engineer | Enclos Corp./Advanced Technology Studio, Los Angeles
Age: 28
BS ARCE, University of Kansas
MArch, University of Southern California

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Engineer of glass façade systems, including >20 extreme building skins, notably Loyola Information Commons, Chicago; 51 Louisiana Ave., N.W., Washington, D.C.; and the Oakland (Calif.) Cathedral.

Graduated first in his MArch class at USC; completing PhD in architecture at USC.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Dissertation research: the aerophysics of double-skin façades, examining the structural implications of lateral load-sharing of the two surfaces.

One of 12 students (of 32,000) to participate in USC’s Diploma in Innovation, recognizing innovators and leaders of exceptional quality.

Winner, R.A. Rogaff Endowment (in honor of Frank O. Gehry, FAIA) and the Oakley Fellowship, USC.

OFF THE CLOCK
Loves being on the racquetball court.

Can’t live without: grapefruit juice.

Favorite food: homemade cracker-crust pizza.

Favorite vacation spot: Bora Bora.

Favorite books: The Lost City of Z (David Grann) and John Muir: Nature Writings.

SECRET LIFE
Descendent of John Witherspoon of New Jersey, a signer of the Declaration of Independence.

[pagebreak]

Jason Freeland, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C

Vice President, Director of Healthcare | Heery International, Atlanta
Age: 36
BArch, University of Kentucky

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Director of Heery’s Healthcare design studio responsible for leading design of healthcare projects from conceptual to schematic design through construction documentation. Projects include master planning of military healthcare facilities as well as private-sector hospitals and academic medical centers.

Provided programming, design, and planning for Aqua Bella Medical Campus, Los Angeles, and Atlanta’s Northside Hospital and Shepherd Center Spinal Center.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Working toward MBA at Emory University.

Musician and performer, 500 Songs for Kids and Not For Sale Campaign.

Design workshop leader and volunteer, Hope Elementary School, Title II Charter School for Underprivileged.

Presenter, Heery University in-house training program.

OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys “circuit-bending”—modifying electronic circuits to produce unpredictable and enjoyable results in processing audio.

Cannot live without a string instrument and amplifier.

Favorite vacation spot: Cinque Terra, five seaside towns on the northwest coast of Italy.

Runner and mountain biker.

SECRET LIFE
Competed in the 1990 U.S. Junior Olympics in Tae Kwon Do.


Krista Sprenger, LEED AP BD+C

Vice President, Director of Sustainability and Projects, Americas | Lend Lease, New York, N.Y.
Age: 35
BS, BA, Regis University, Denver

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leading all sustainability efforts for Lend Lease in the Americas.

Member of the team that positioned Lend Lease to be chosen one of the initial 14 partners in President Obama’s Better Buildings Challenge.

Project director, Horizon Uptown Development, Aurora, Colo. ($1.7 billion sustainable mixed-use project).

Embedded social sustainability into 10 Lend Lease (US) Public Partnerships military housing projects.

Member, Lend Lease Senior Leadership Team, Regional Investment Committee, and Global Sustainability Team.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, World Response Foundation, Aurora (Colo.) Economic Development Board, and Big Brothers Big Sisters Aurora/Montebello Community Resource Board.

Volunteer, World Response Foundation and Transform Asia, educating orphaned girls in Cambodia.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: skiing, hiking, tennis, camping, backpacking, biking, snowshoeing.

Favorite cuisine: Thai.

Favorite movies: “The Three Amigos” and “The Usual Suspects.”

Favorite books: Historical biographies and mysteries.

Goal: ski every continent (except Antarctica) by 2015.

SECRET LIFE
Lifeguard for eight years.


Frank Rygiel, LEED AP

Senior Project Manager | Batson-Cook Company, Tampa, Fla.
Age: 37
BS, East Carolina University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Managing three-year USF Polytechnic Continuing Services contract, which includes teaching, research, academic, administrative, recreation and residence facilities.

Senior project manager for the Portland, a 12-story affordable housing project in St. Petersburg.

Oversaw Stowers Elementary and Barrington Middle School construction, a $31.6 million contract in which two schools were built simultaneously and share kitchen facilities and mechanical systems.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Accepted into Leadership Pasco, a Pasco County, Fla., leadership development program. Helped raise $250,000 for construction of a new K9 facility for the Pasco County Sheriff’s Department.

Completed Ken Blanchard’s Situational Leadership program.

Member, Executive Board, Pasco-Hernando Community College Foundation; Vice Chair, 2012; will assume the chair in 2013.

Sergeant-at-arms, Sunrise Rotary of Wesley Chapel.

Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity of East and Central Pasco.

OFF THE CLOCK
Unusual talent: Can name and locate any part on a 1981 Datsun.

Won a putting contest that put him in the 2010 Transitions Pro-Am playing alongside PGA Tour player Paul Guydos.

SECRET LIFE
Was captain of his high school swim team.


Sherri Privitera, LEED AP, NCARB

Associate Principal | Populous, Kansas City, Mo.
Age: 39
BA, MArch, University of Nebraska

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for planning NCAA Division I athletic projects with a construction value exceeding $4.3 billion since 2006, including collegiate football stadiums, training facilities, and athletic master plans.

Project manager for Baylor University’s new football stadium.

First female architect in the U.S. to be named Associate Principal at Populous.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Guest lecturer, University of Missouri-Kansas City engineering class on design of sports facilities and Purdue University engineering class, “Arena Design 101.”

Member, Populous Philanthropy Committee.

Advocacy Committee member, National Association of Collegiate Women Athletics Administrators.

Board member, Oceans of Mercy, which serves HIV/AIDS-affected children in South Africa.

Volunteer, South Africa Missions, assisting children affected with HIV/AIDS.

Past race director, Run For Mercy 5K & 10K Walk/Run, raising $32,000.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite movie: “National Lampoon’s Christmas Vacation.”

Favorite food: her mother’s fried chicken, pork chops, and mashed potatoes.

Favorite vacation spot: Coronado, Island, Calif.

SECRET LIFE
Can change a tire, brush hog, haul hay, lay shingles, and swing a hammer.

[pagebreak]

Sean Quinn, Associate AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate, Sustainable Design Specialist | HOK, Washington, D.C.
Age: 32
BArch, University of Notre Dame
MS, Catholic University of America

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
HOK’s Energy Leader.

Led or assisted in the design of projects ranging in scale from shelters in rural Mexico to the master plan for a city of 100,000 in Saudi Arabia.

Project manager and lead designer for the HOK/Vanderweil-winning net-zero building retrofit design in the 2011 “Get the Feds to Zero” Next Generation Design Competition.

Conducted thesis research at Oxford University.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Consultant to development projects in East Africa, Architecture for Humanity, Engineers without Borders, and Architecture Sans Frontières.

Co-founded HOK IMPACT, a firmwide strategy to promote architecture as a social service.

OFF THE CLOCK
Has traveled in 45 countries across five continents.

Favorite hobbies: photography, sailing, triathlons, painting.

Favorite reads: The Unbearable Lightness of Being (Milan Kundera) and Plan B: Mobilizing to Save Civilization (Lester R. Brown).

Sailboat racer for 20 years; crewed in the 2008 Star World Championships.

SECRET LIFE
Grandfather studied under Mies van der Rohe.


Joseph Serpe

Vice President | Stalco Construction Inc., Islandia, N.Y.
Age: 33
Certificate in Achievement, Project Management, SUNY Farmingdale Construction
Management Program

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Supervises operations at nearly 30 construction sites. Project executive for all Stalco projects, including the $15 million restoration of Pier A in Manhattan, 60,000-sf LEED Platinum-targeted Battery Park City Community Center, and construction management for 760,000-sf global headquarters for CA, Inc., Islandia, N.Y.

Managed $30 million, 176,000-sf Three Village School District Expansion and Capital Improvement project, covering simultaneous construction of seven schools in three separate locations.

At 29, hired by Stalco as project manager to help build firm’s commercial construction business.

Began career at 18 as a state highways/roads construction inspector.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, CoreNet Global, Long Island chapter.

Member, USGBC New York City and Long Island chapters.

Member, Contractors for Kids.

OFF THE CLOCK
Can’t live without: 7-11 coffee.

Favorite hobbies: baseball, hockey.

Favorite food: Chicken Parmesan.

Favorite vacation spot: Italy.

SECRET LIFE
Has an identical twin brother.


Colin Rohlfing, AIA Associate, LEED AP BD+C

Senior Associate/Sustainable Design Director | HOK, Chicago
Age: 30
BS ARCE, University of Kansas

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Assisted with the formation of the HOK Sustainable Consulting Group in 2009 to provide life cycle services to clients; currently co-leading firmwide sustainable consulting efforts.

Won a 500-building green assessment project with the Chicago Housing Authority.

Coordinated LEED-CI Platinum facilitation of HOK Chicago’s new office space in 2009.

Facilitated sustainable design efforts on >30 sustainable/LEED projects at HOK, including the 6.5 million-sf King Abdullah University of Science and Technology campus in Saudi Arabia, world’s largest LEED-NC Platinum project.

Joined HOK in 2003 as the firm’s first sustainable design intern.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Coordinated HOK Chicago’s efforts in the City of Chicago’s “Green Office Challenge.”

Volunteer, ACE Mentor Program.

Program chair, USGBC Illinois Chapter (2011-2008).

Co-founder, Chicago Biomimicry Group.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: overseas travel—no favorite spot, just likes diversity.

Favorite food: quinoa.

Enjoys Pappy Van Winkles bourbon.

SECRET LIFE
Was once a guest conductor for the St. Louis Symphony Orchestra.


Krisztina Tokes, LEED AP

Director, Facilities Asset Management Branch, Facilities Services Division | L.A. Unified School District
Age: 39
BA, University of Southern California
MCP, University of California, Berkeley

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for daily operations and administration of >100-person Asset Management Branch. Includes initiative to conduct a needs assessment and master plan for each of the District’s 588 school campuses.

Oversaw development of $1.3 billion of new school and modernization projects in South and Southeast Los Angeles.

Project manager for the Grand Avenue Committee, a $3 billion public/private partnership focused on revitalizing downtown Los Angeles.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Fellow, James Irvine Foundation, Sustainable Communities Leadership Program.

Grant winner for academic excellence, UC Berkeley.

First place, Bank of America Affordable Housing Challenge.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: hiking and swimming.

Favorite food: sushi.

Favorite vacation spot: Mammoth Mountains in the Eastern Sierra Mountains.

“As a working mom, sleep qualifies as a definition of relaxation.”

SECRET LIFE
Retired basketball jersey is hanging in her high school gymnasium.

Hopes to see the aurora borealis.

[pagebreak]

Gail Borden, AIA, NCARB

Principal | Borden Partnership LLP, Los Angeles
Director, Master of Architecture Program, University of Southern California

Age: 37
BA, BArch, Rice University
MArch, Harvard University Graduate School of Design

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
AIA Young Architect Award (2011).

Author, Material Precedent: The Typology of Modern Tectonics, Matter: Material Processes in Architectural Production, and Principia: Architectural Principles of Material Form.

Awards: Architecture League of New York’s Young Architect’s Prize (2004), Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA) Faculty Design and Research Awards (four times), William Ward Watkins Traveling Fellowship, AIA Certificate of Excellence, the Chillman Prize, and the John Swift Medal in Fine Arts.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Residencies at the Chinati Foundation, the Atlantic Center for the Arts, and the MacDowell Colony.

2004-2005 American Collegiate Schools of Architecture/AIA Students New Faculty Teaching Award.

Recipient, 2009 Borchard Fellowship.

OFF THE CLOCK
Watches 10 movies a week.

SECRET LIFE
Lived in Tehran for four years as a child until the Revolution in 1980.

Descendent of journalist Gail Borden, a surveyor of the city of Houston and the inventor of condensed milk.


 

Cynthia Dubberley, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate/Architect | Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, New Orleans
Age: 36
MArch, Tulane University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Project manager on largest project in the history of Eskew+Dumez+Ripple, the VA Replacement Center in New Orleans, which includes the rehabilitation of a mid-century office building on the National Historic Register, development of a new central energy plant, and adaptive reuse of the 100-year-old Dixie Brewery.

Project architect, L.B. Landry High School, a LEED for Schools Silver project, 2011 AIA Louisiana Honor Award, 2011 AIA Gulf State Merit Award, and 2011 New Orleans Honor Award. 

Designed a house for the Make It Right program in New Orleans’s Lower Ninth Ward.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, Coliseum Square Association, a neighborhood redevelopment committee.

Volunteers for neighborhood beautification and community garden projects.

OFF THE CLOCK
Brews beer.

Can’t live without: The color purple.

Favorite movie: “The Wizard of Oz.”

Favorite foods: Dark chocolate and foie gras.

Mardi Gras enthusiast: wears a costume and mask, joins in the parades.

SECRET LIFE
Mother once turned down a date with Harrison Ford, before he was famous. Father lost on “Jeopardy.”


 

Jonathan Racek

Director | PlaygroundIDEAS, Bloomington, Ind.
Age: 39
BA, College of the Holy Cross
MArch, Southern California
Institute of Architecture

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Director, PlaygroundIDEAS, a nonprofit organization that trains local people in developing countries to build their own playgrounds; >100 have been constructed, in Cambodia, Peru, and Thailand. Team is responsible for design of low-cost, sustainable, and safe playground and equipment. The playgrounds are constructed using local materials, skills, tools, and ideas.

Lecturer in design studies, Indiana University.

Co-founder and principal for STEW Design Workshop, an architectural and furniture design studio.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Founder, director, and board member, SCI-Arc Arts Outreach, which pairs architectural students with inner-city school children.

Teacher, Teach for America. Taught 37 bilingual Spanish students in Compton, Calif.

OFF THE CLOCK
Learning to play the banjo.

Bakes a great loaf of bread.

Favorite hobby: hiking.

Favorite movies: “Harold and Maude” and “Rushmore.”

SECRET LIFE
Father was the architect and project director for the Federal Reserve Bank in Boston.


 

Christopher Eccleston, LEED AP BD+C

Project Manager/Estimator | Gillis Gilkerson, Salisbury, Md.
Age: 30
BS, University of Maryland, Eastern Shore

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for jobs ranging from small office renovations and additions to multi-million-dollar construction projects.

Leads marketing, estimating, and sales decisions for this mid-size general contractor/construction management firm.

Project manager, University of Maryland Eastern Shore Wicomico Hall Renovation ($3.5 million); American Hotel Suites ($5.8 million); Dough Roller Restaurant ($1.2 million); Perdue Farms Corporate Headquarters LEED renovation.

Building Team member, Salisbury (Md.) Fire Department Headquarters.

Pursuing MBA from Salisbury University.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of Directors Site Selection Committee Chair, Wicomico County Habitat for Humanity.

Board of Directors, Vision Screening Committee Chair, Salisbury Lions Club.

Participant, Cancer Support Community—Delmarva, Junior Achievement, Salisbury Area Chamber of Commerce, Holly Community, Atlantic General Hospital Foundation, and Life Crisis Center.

OFF THE CLOCK
Navy veteran, nuclear machinist mate.

Can’t live without: the Baltimore Ravens.

Favorite vacation spot: Turks and Caicos.

Favorite food: Chinese spare ribs.

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Wendy Fok, RA, LEED AP

Project Manager | Natural Resources Defense Council, New York, N.Y.
Age: 35
BA, University of Texas at Austin

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads NRDC’s High Performance Demonstration Project, part of the Center for Market Innovation, devoted to creating high-performance tenant spaces and base building energy retrofits in commercial office buildings.

Development leader, Jones Lang LaSalle’s energy and sustainability services.

Former director of Design and Construction, Grand Central Terminal in New York City. Introduced a sustainability initiative.

Advocate for Green Central, a program plan to promote sustainable design and operations with properties, including tenant and base building programs.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Her two daughters, ages 3 and 1.

OFF THE CLOCK
Can’t live without: shoes—still has pairs in boxes waiting for “just the right occasion.”

Favorite food: chocolate croissants.

Favorite vacation spot: Fernando de Noronha, Brazil.

Favorite reads: cookbooks, The New Yorker (mostly the cartoons), New York Times real estate section.

SECRET LIFE
Formally trained in French culinary arts.

Completed five marathons.


Ryan Abbott, CPC, DBIA, LEED AP

Science and Technology Group Leader | SUNDT Construction Inc., Tempe, Ariz.
Age: 33
BSE, MBA Arizona State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Managed and directed construction of the $110 million Interdisciplinary Science and Technology Building #4 and the $108 million Bio Design Institute Buildings A and B at Arizona State University.

Named SUNDT’s Employee of the Year (2005) and Engineer of the Year (2003).

Member, Associated General Contractors Construction Leadership Council Steering Committee and Project Delivery National Steering Committee.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer, SUNDT Foundation, donating time, money, and supplies to communities in need.

Board member, Tempe Family YMCA.

Mentor, Big Brothers Big Sisters program in remembrance of brother Kris, who passed away at the age of 20.

Member, Arizona State Young Alumni Council.

Volunteer, Phoenix Lymphomathon.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: running, biking, golfing.

Favorite movies: “Good Will Hunting.” “The Thomas Crown Affair.”

Favorite foods: roasted pork, moros y cristianos (black beans and rice), and plantains.

Grandfather, a polio survivor, started a logging company that is now run by his mother.

SECRET LIFE
Aspires to build a museum and public inspirational space.

Avoids fluorescent lighting when trying to relax.

Can write backwards and upside down.


Brad Benjamin, AIA, CSI, LEED AP BD+C

President/CEO | Radium Architecture, Greenville, S.C.
Age: 39
MArch, BSCSM, BSD, Clemson University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded Radium Architecture in 2011.

Graduate of Leadership Greenville 37, which helped establish firm as Greenville’s first “1% Solution” pro bono design firm.

Responsible for such projects as convention centers, restaurants, community centers, libraries, schools, student activity centers, and building expansion/renovation design.  

Lead project coordinator and architect for $22 million renovation of TD Bank Convention Center, Greenville.

Winner, 2007 AIA Associate Member of the Year Award.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Vice chair, AIA Young Architects Forum; elected chair of 2013
AIA YAF.

Board member, Leadership Greenville and United Way Young Philanthropists.

Founder, Architecture for Humanity Greenville.

Past president, AIA Greenville.

Past Emerging Professionals Director, AIA South Carolina.

Past board member, AIA National Associates Committee.

Past Regional Associate Director, AIA South Atlantic region.

OFF THE CLOCK
A font of useless ’80s music and movie trivia.

Favorite hobbies: skiing, scuba diving.

Favorite food: real Italian gnocchi.

Favorite vacation spot: Fripp Island, S.C.

SECRET LIFE
Can’t live without Starbucks coffee—admits to being addicted.


Christine Schlendorf

Associate Principal | Perkins Eastman, New York, N.Y.
Age: 37
BArch, Syracuse University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages Perkins Eastman’s K-12 Studio. Responsible for delivering public and private school projects in the U.S. and internationally.

Project manager for Avenues, the World School projects, including flagship school in Chelsea, N.Y. Responsible for programming, master planning, and creation of Global Design Guidelines for a network of over 20 international school K-12 campuses accommodating 1,500-1,800 students.

Project manager for Mott Haven campus, a campus of four separate schools that have been labeled the largest single school construction project in New York City history.

Project manager for Dream Charter School where the education approach is rooted in the belief that Health and Wellness are essential to student development.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer with the Peter Schlendorf Foundation, founded in memory of her brother. The foundation has awarded over $80,000 in scholarships.

Board of trustees, Brooklyn Ascend Charter School.

OFF THE CLOCK
Can’t live without coffee—every morning and again at 4 PM.

Favorite cuisine: Italian.

Favorite vacation spot: Florence, Italy.

SECRET LIFE
At the age of 10 attempted to steal a penguin from the Bronx Zoo; still hopes to own one someday.

Father was a national wrestling champion at Syracuse.

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James Henry, AIA, EDAC

Associate Vice President and Design Principal | HDR Architecture, Dallas
Age: 35
BArch, University of Arkansas Fay Jones School of Architecture

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest design principal in HDR’s history when that title was implemented (there are only 12 among the firm’s 1,700 employees).

Design co-leader on Dallas’s $1.27 billion Parkland Hospital, nation’s largest public hospital being constructed in a single phase.

Member of design leadership on the $1.5 billion Cleveland Clinic hospital in Abu Dhabi.

Designed the AIA award-winning Galveston Fire+Beach House.

Provided design for Brookhaven Science and Allied Health Bulding in Farmer’s Branch, Texas.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, AIA Dallas Design Awards.

Volunteer, Salvation Army Red Kettle Holiday Drive, and Comfort Zone, Irving (Texas) Bible Church.

Hurricane Katrina Family sponsor. Organized housing and transport and led fundraising to completely furnish a family’s two-bedroom apartment.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: handyman projects, painting, drawing, hunting, Razorback football.

Favorite movie: “Old School.”

Favorite food: Steak/blue cheese.

Favorite vacation spot: Scottsdale.

SECRET LIFE
Offensive lineman on the University of Arkansas football team for one season before architectural school.


Aimee Alix Fogarty, LEED AP, CHC, HCC

Business Development Manager | Suffolk Construction Co., Falls Church, Va.
Age: 31
BS, Virginia Polytechnic Institute & State University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Healthcare Manager for Suffolk’s Mid-Atlantic region.

Responsible for winning key projects with the University of Maryland, Kaiser Permanente, and Universal Health Systems’ George Washington Hospital.

As an estimator for Turner Construction, managed subcontractor trade estimates totaling $1.2 billion for clients.

Served as business development engineer generating more than $750 million of work for Turner.

Senior project engineer with Centex Construction (now Balfour Beatty) on the E. Barrett Prettyman U.S. Courthouse Annex, Washington, D.C.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Led Associated General Contractors’ first Healthcare Executive Forum.

Founding member, Lean Construction Institute’s National Chapter Region.

Advisory board member and alumni chair, Virginia Tech Myers-Lawson School of Construction.

Past president, Society of American Military Engineers (SAME), Northern Virginia Post.

Recipient, SAME “Young Member of the Year” Award and “National Young Member” Medal.

OFF THE CLOCK
Completed three marathons.

Unusual talent: expert at Wii and Xbox Kinect dance games—“Haven’t lost a game yet.”

SECRET LIFE
Addicted to rearranging her living room.


 

Neri Oxman

Assistant Professor, Media Arts and Sciences, MIT Media Lab | Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge
Age: 36
PhD, Presidential Fellow, MIT
Department of Medical Sciences, Hebrew University, Jerusalem
Hebrew Medical School
Architectural Association (RIBA 2), Faculty of Architecture and Town Planning, Technion Israel

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads Mediated Matter research group at MIT Media Laboratory, exploring how digital design and fabrication technologies can transform the design and construction of objects, buildings, and systems.

Designed a “living-synthetic constructed” chaise longue that adjusts to body load.

EXTRACURRICULAR
ICON’s Top 20 Most Influential Architects and Fast Company’s 100 Most Creative People.

Work exhibited at the Smithsonian, Centre Pompidou, MOMA, Boston’s Museum of Science, FRAC Collection, 2010 Beijing Biennale.

Recipient, Graham Foundation Carter Manny Award and International Earth Award for Future-Crucial Design.

OFF THE CLOCK
Swims in Walden Pond.

Favorite read: At the Mountains of Madness (H.P. Lovecraft).

SECRET LIFE
Served in the Israeli Air Force (first lieutenant).


Vincent Grippo

Chief of Staff | New York City Department of Buildings, New York, N.Y.
Age: 35
BA, University of Virginia
MA, Boston College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees the Budget, Administration, IT, Strategic Planning, and Community Partnerships divisions at an agency with >1,000 inspectors, engineers, plan examiners, and professionals responsible for safety and compliance in >975,000 buildings and construction sites in New York City.

Launched Quick Response program, which codes construction permits to allow greater access to information about ongoing work.

Oversaw the NYC Cool Roofs program, which coated >2 million sf of rooftops with white reflective materials, and urbancanvas, a new initiative to beautify construction sites with artwork.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Graduate, New York City Leadership Institute.

Patrick J. Duncan History Award, Boston College.

Volunteer, Our Lady of Pity Parish, Staten Island, supporting community programs and religious education for second graders.

OFF THE CLOCK
Hosts dinner every Sunday with extended family—five-courses, seven hours.

Can’t live without: His iPad.

Favorite hobbies: cooking, traveling, football (New York Giants), baseball (Mets), skiing, and history.

Favorite foods: linguini in clam sauce, lemon pasta.

SECRET LIFE
Vincent D. Grippo Elementary School in Brooklyn is named after his father.

[pagebreak]

Amy Wincko

First Vice President, Construction Operations | Tishman Construction Corp., an AECOM Company, New York, N.Y.
Age: 37
BSCE, University of Virginia

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Developed role of Construction Analyst and built the corporate analysis department at Tishman, focusing on the legal, financial, and physical aspects of all construction projects.

Critical in the contract negotiations, monitoring of 1WTC, Transportation Hub, Vehicle Security Center, and at-risk projects WTC 3 and 4.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Winner, Professional Women in Construction’s Corporate Achievement Award.

Liaison, Urban Assembly of School for Design and Construction.

Coordinating in-house training of Tishman personnel in preparation for LEED exam.

Volunteer and fundraiser, American Cancer Society.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: running, cooking, spending time with family.

Enjoys spending time at the Jersey Shore.

Favorite book: The Great Bridge: The Epic Story of the Building of the Brooklyn Bridge (David McCullough).

SECRET LIFE
Appeared with fiancé/future husband on “Who Wants to Be a Millionaire” (the Play to Pay for Your Wedding episode).


Carlos Gonzalez, PE, LEED AP BD+C

Vice President | Clark Construction Group, San Diego
Age: 37
BSCE, MSCE, San Diego State University
MBA, University of California, San Diego
Real Estate Management Certificate, Harvard Business School

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees construction operations, preconstruction, and business development in Clark’s San Diego region.

Project experience on the construction of >$1 billion in projects: Naval Hospital Camp Pendleton, Pacific Beacon, Caltrans District 11 Headquarters, the VA Hospital Seismic Retrofit, UC Irvine McGaugh Hall Vivarium, PETCO Park.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Safety Trained Supervisor, Council on Certification of Health Environmental and Safety Technologists.

Board member and house captain, Rebuilding Together San Diego.

Mentor, ACE Mentor Program.

Advisory Board, SDSU Civil Engineering Department.

Team mentor, ASC Construction Management Competition.

Chair, AGC San Diego Foundations for Success Committee

Co-chair, Clark Construction’s “Clark Cares” Golf Tournament: helped raise >$2 million for San Diego charities.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: hiking, the beach, skiing, soccer.

Favorite food: rib-eye steak.

SECRET LIFE
His father grew up in a remote town in Mexico, moved to Guadalajara, where he became a doctor. His mother once sold food door-to-door, became an accountant for a large corporation.


Nathan Stevens, PE

Senior Project Manager | Stanley Consultants, Abu Dhabi
Age: 35
BSCE, University of Iowa

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Directs culturally diverse staff of 20 in Abu Dhabi on confidential military projects. Responsibilities include all phases of design and construction of military bases.

Master planner for training ranges, helicopter hangars, storage facilities, airports, and bulk fuel storage depots. Received numerous project management awards for this work between 2009-2011.

As a structural engineer, involved in a variety of infrastructure-related projects, both domestically and internationally.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Successful racer in the UAE Karting circuit. Set a new lap record for his class at the Al Ain Raceway, UAE.

Plans to travel with his wife throughout North and South America in a van.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: mountain biking, snowboarding, traveling, investing, remodeling.

Favorite movie: “Exit Through the Gift Shop.”

SECRET LIFE
When filling out hotel and guesthouse ledgers, has been known to write fictitious answers under the section that asks for “Occupation.” Was a “Wizard” in Laos, and a “Tomb Raider” during a stay in Cambodia.


Peter Rumpf, LEED AP

Integrated Construction Manager | Mortenson Construction, Chicago
Age: 33
BArch, University of Illinois

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
BIM expert and Building Team member for the $1 billion Ann & Robert H. Lurie Children’s Hospital, Chicago, the tallest children’s hospital (23 stories) in the world (opening June 9).

Responsible for leveraging technology and virtual design construction across Operating Group’s projects.

Created an internal Web 2.0 communications tool to improve the company’s ability to share and document best practices and lessons learned.

Lead manager in pilot program utilizing iPads and Vela Field Manager to assist in the punch list and commissioning phase of construction.

Co-author, “BIM Protocol Manual,” to leverage BIM VDC for delivery of the Lurie Children’s project.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Founding member, Chicago BIM–IPD Group.

Recipient, Richard H. Driehaus Preservation Award.

Two-time recipient, Mortenson Construction Pinnacle Award for Ingenuity.

Lead mentor, ACE Mentor Program.

Participant, Kohl’s Steps Up for Kids fundraiser.

OFF THE CLOCK
Expert whistler.

Enjoys making furniture.

Favorite vacation spot: Kauai, Hawaii.

SECRET LIFE
Owns a bowling pin from the actual bowling alley where “The Big Lebowski” was filmed.

[pagebreak]

Karen Colby, LEED AP

Lean Champion, Senior Project Manager | Gilbane Building Co., Providence, R.I.
Age: 36
BSCE, Case Western Reserve University

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads Gilbane’s Lean and Integrated Project Delivery initiatives.

Authored “Lean Playbook,” featuring a Lean strategy kickoff guide and tips on implementing Lean construction projects; also developed Gilbane’s Lean portal.

Project experience: InterLink at T.F. Green Airport; GTECH headquarters; Amgen, Inc.; Cox Communications corporate headquarters and call center; and Fidelity Investments.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Winner, Thomas and William Gilbane Excellence Award, New England Builders of the Year, CMAA Project Achievement New England, and America’s Transportation Award in the Innovative Management Category.

Member, Core Group, Lean Construction Institute of New England Community of Practice.

Soup kitchen volunteer, Our Lady of Czestochowa, Coventry, R.I.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite movie: “Monty Python and the Holy Grail.”

Favorite food: chef’s tasting menu with beer pairings.

Favorite vacation spot: Block Island, R.I., during the fall bird migration.

Takes long runs in order to relax.

SECRET LIFE
Avid birder.

Beta tester for new chocolate products.


Sara Beardsley, AIA, LEED AP

Senior Architect | Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture, Chicago
Age: 32
BArch, Illinois Institute of Technology

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leading design efforts on AS+GG’s Yongsan project, two super-tall towers (1,476 and 1,082 feet) in Seoul, Korea.

Led firm’s modernization and greening of Chicago’s Willis Tower.

Team member on the design and development of the Kingdom Tower, the >3,000-foot structure under construction in Jeddah, Saudi Arabia.

Played critical role in the design of the Federation of Korean Industries headquarters in Seoul, the Incheon International Airport in Korea, the Verde Offices, and the Chicago Central Area Decarbonization Plan.

As technical studio head at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, contributed to the design of Trump International Hotel & Tower in Chicago and led renovation design of Mies van der Rohe’s Dirksen Federal Building.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Recipient, AIA Young Architects Award, 2011.

Winner, Dubin Family Young Architect Award, AIA Chicago, 2010.

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: traveling to national parks, photography, and drawing.

Favorite movie: “Gattaca.”

Skydiver.

SECRET LIFE
Almost became a structural engineer instead of an architect.


Jerry Crawford, LEED AP

Special Projects and Interiors Division Manager | Turner Construction Company, Dallas
Age: 33
BSCE, University of Texas at Austin

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees construction projects and interior spaces ranging from $100,000 to $20 million.

Responsible for >$1 billion in subcontractor awards as purchasing manager; has overseen >$200 million in volume as operations manager.

Career involvement in >75 construction and renovation projects—office spaces, data centers, financial institutions, and education projects.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Participant, ACE Mentor Program and Community in Schools.

Mentor, Dallas Independent School District, Greater Dallas Chamber.

Member, Leadership Dallas, North Texas USGBC, TEXO Construction Association, Texas Real Estate Council.

OFF THE CLOCK
Can’t live without: warm weather.

Favorite hobbies: travel, attending sporting events.

Favorite movie: “Rudy.”

Favorite vacation spot: Hawaii—two trips to three islands in the last five years.

SECRET LIFE
Enjoys horse racing.

Grandfather, Jack Crawford, Sr., was a professional racecar driver.


Lori James, IIDA, LEED AP ID+C

Interior Designer/Project Manager | SmithGroupJJR, Detroit
Age: 30
BA Interior Architecture, Lawrence Technological University
Interior Design, St. Clair College

ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named associate and promoted to interior design team leader for SmithGroupJJR’s Detroit office.

Led 10-month design and construction schedule for transforming a 130,000-sf industrial warehouse into a research and manufacturing center for GE’s Research and Aviation Division.

Led interior design efforts for the University of Louisville’s 280,000-sf, eight-story Clinical Translational Research Building, the first LEED-certified building on campus, which won awards from AIA Detroit, AIA Kentucky, Kentuckiana Masonry Institute, and the National Council of Structural Engineers Association.

Interior designer for $13.5 million, 43,000-sf Saguaro Building at Mesa (Ariz.) Community College’s Red Mountain Campus.

EXTRACURRICULAR
Leader, Detroit Office Earth Fair, 2007-2008.

Lead advisor, SmithGroupJJR’s Exploring Post 2005-2008.

SmithGroupJJR leader, We Care initiative to benefit local Boys & Girls Clubs of America (sponsored by Herman Miller).

OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite hobbies: knitting, yoga, hiking.

Favorite food: Grandma’s German pancakes.

Favorite vacation spots: Sedona, Ariz., and Blue Ridge, Ga.

SECRET LIFE
Can’t live without: her family’s German shepherd puppy, Deegan. BD+C

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