Architects
40 Under 40 winners: Meet the architects
By Julie Higginbotham, Senior Editor
April 7, 2014
24 min read
In our April 2014 issue, the editors of BD+C named the winners of the 9th Annual "40 Under 40" competition. Of the up-and-coming AEC professionals to be named to the class of 2014, over half make their living in the architecture profession, ranging from healthcare facilities specialists to master planners to experts in technical design and research.
To view the entire class of 2014, see our 40 Under 40 landing page.
This year’s winners will be invited to join their 40 Under 40 peers—as well as other young professionals nominated by their firms—for three days of career development at BD+C's 4th Annual Under 40 Leadership Summit in New York, September 17-19.
For more information, contact David Barista, BD+C Editor-in-Chief, at 847.954.7929 or [email protected].
Architechie
RACHEL RIOPEL WILEY, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Central Region BIM Director
HDR, St. Paul, Minn.
AGE: 32
BS, North Dakota State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Former CAD coordinator with DLR Group, where she taught LEED AP prep classes while learning Revit on her own. Joined HDR in 2008 as a Digital Design Technology Analyst; promoted to Project Architect–Best Practices Development. In 2013, named Central Region BIM Director––HDR’s youngest (and first female) BIM Director.
Led creation of HDR’s Level of Development document, resulting in the Model Progression Baseline, which defines the minimum BIM deliverable. Led development of HDR’s Project Execution Plan for management of VDC.
Registered Architect in Minnesota.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, AIA Minnesota (co-chair, Intern Development Program; state convention planning team; past co-chair, Emerging Professionals Group; Architect Registration Exam Review Sessions instructor; member, Architects in Commerce Research Initiative Taskforce).
Board member, Minnesota Revit Users Group.
Member, US Army Corps of Engineers Industry BIM Committee.
Member, Building SMART Alliance and National BIM Standard V3.0 Standard Practice Subcommittee and Technical Committee.
OFF THE CLOCK
Passions: fitness, photography, yoga, cooking, wakeboarding, hiking, trap shooting, and music.
SECRET LIFE
Thirteen-year veteran of the family’s catering business. Recently took over HOTdish Products, a spinoff company that designs and sells patented chafing dishes.
Boston Booster
JUSTIN CRANE, AIA
Associate, Cambridge Seven Associates
Cambridge, Mass.
AGE: 36
AB, Harvard University
MArch, Massachusetts Institute of Technology
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Project architect with significant experience in academic, civic, and hospitality work. Representative clients: Bowdoin College, Hard Rock Café, Kraft Group (New England Patriots owner). Recent projects: Giant Ocean Tank renovation (200,000 gallons) and exterior master plan for New England Aquarium; new science center and building renovations at Westfield (Mass.) State University.
Founder, Common Boston, a volunteer organization that connects architects with the general public and explores progressive ideas in design. Co-chaired the group from 2005-2011, including development of festival and tour events (www.commonboston.org).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board president, Learning by Design in Massachusetts (nonprofit spun off from the Boston Society of Architects, focused on K-12 architecture and design education). Assisted in facilitating the group’s transition after achievement of 501(c)(3) status.
Chair, BSA Ethics Committee (2012). Regular contributor to ArchitectureBoston journal.
Ran Boston Marathon in 2011 to benefit the nonprofit WalkBoston. Augmented his fundraising by leading walking tours around his Cambridge neighborhood.
OFF THE CLOCK
Has hiked more than 1,000 miles of the Appalachian Trail, mostly solo. “Hiking the AT did a lot to reinforce my appreciation of the kindness strangers often show toward one another.” One such gesture: getting a Snickers bar “from someone I would probably never meet again.”
SECRET LIFE
Grandfather Bill Hume was a cartoonist in the Navy newsand published several cartoon books about American servicemen in Japan after World War II (“Babysan,” “Babysan’s World”). “These would be considered completely politically incorrect now,” Crane says. “He went on to make animated films, including one used to teach Disney artists how to animate. I like to believe I received some of his artistic talent.”
Healthcare Guru
PRAJAKTI “PJ” GLASCO, AIA, ACHA, LEED AP BD+C
Senior VP/Senior Project Planner
FKP Architects, Houston
AGE: 38
BArch, Dr. Bhanuben Nanavati College of Architecture, Pune, India
MArch, University of Houston
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Certified by the American College of Healthcare Architects at age 38. Portfolio includes about 1.7 million sf of built healthcare facilities and 2.5 million sf of planned facilities. Has special expertise in the design of cancer-care environments. Created an oncology planning guide that won an award from the Society for Marketing Professional Services in 2012.
Representative clients: Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia; St. Vincent’s Health System, Birmingham, Ala.; Harris Health System, Houston; University of Arkansas for Medical Services, Little Rock; University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston; Texas Children’s Hospital, Houston.
Registered architect in Texas.
AIA School Medal and Achievement of Merit for Excellence, Gerald D. Hines School of Architecture, University of Houston. Class valedictorian.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, AIA Houston Committee on Architecture for Healthcare (2011).
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity and Search’s House of Tiny Treasures (early childhood activities for children whose parents are working to break the cycle of homelessness).
Home tour docent, Rice Design Alliance.
OFF THE CLOCK
Stays busy with two-year-old twin daughters, but also enjoys yoga, cooking, and complicated cross-stitch work. “My husband says that just looking at the patterns I work with gives him a headache.”
SECRET LIFE
Won a gold medal in a national taekwondo tournament in India at age 14.
Emerging Architects' Advocate
ERIN MURPHY, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
Director, Emerging Professionals
American Institute of Architects, Washington, D.C.
AGE: 33
BArch, Syracuse University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hired by Robert A.M. Stern shortly after completing college. Later recruited by the AIA as Director of Emerging Professionals, working with the National Associates Committee (interns, nonlicensed professionals) and the Young Architects Forum.
Projects include organizing the Emerging Professionals Leadership Summit (2014) and the 2012 YAF Summit20; developing the AIA Emerging Professionals Toolkit (used by AIA components nationwide to help interns become licensed architects); and revising and updating the Emerging Professionals Companion.
Licensed Architect in New York.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer designer, NYC Leukemia & Lymphoma Society Black Tie & Black Jack event, which has raised >$300,000 a year for the LLS.
OFF THE CLOCK
Vinyasa yoga and spinning enthusiast. Favorite meal: penne á la vodka.
SECRET LIFE
“I can hit a really straight golf ball, though never much farther than 75 yards.”
Speed Demon
ANTHONY CATALDO, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Director, Commercial Architecture
Ware Malcomb, San Ramon, Calif.
AGE: 36
BArch, Cal Poly Pomona
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Over 11 years at the firm, progressed from drafter to job captain to project manager to studio manager and now office director in San Ramon. Firm provides planning, architecture, interior design, graphic design, and civil engineering services to commercial, corporate, and public clients worldwide.
Grew a single fast-food restaurant renovation into a continuing account involving more than 60 restaurants.
Representative clients: Sears, Toyota, Mercedes-Benz, Home Depot, IKEA.
Licensed Architect in California.
EXTRACURRICULAR
President, AIA East Bay Chapter (2012).
Director, AIA California Council (2011-13).
UC–Berkeley Portfolio Reviewer for scholarship program (2011-13).
Advisor, 2008 Livermore (Calif.) Planning/Building Process Review.
OFF THE CLOCK
Has run the Kaiser Permanente San Francisco half marathon four times, raising funds for nonprofits that promote a healthy lifestyle. Enjoys runs around Lake Chabot.
Studied in Florence, Italy, during college and says it’s still one of his favorite vacation spots. “I love walking through the Renaissance city, hearing the beautiful language, and taking in the beautiful architecture. There is a little gelato shop downtown that you can’t beat!”
SECRET LIFE
Favorite read: Road and Track magazine. “I can quote the horsepower and the specifications for all the latest exotic cars at any given time.”
Wellness Wunderkind
ZACHARY BENEDICT, AIA, RD, NCARB, LEED AP
Partner
MKM architecture + design,
Fort Wayne, Ind.
AGE: 33
BS, BArch, MArch,
Ball State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Benedict studied urban sociology in graduate school before joining MKM, a firm focused on design for healthcare and wellness. His research shaped MKM’s “Lifelong Village” initiative, exploring the connections between aging Baby Boomers and rural downtown revitalization. Became the firm’s youngest managing partner in 2012, at age 31. Oversees brand and communication strategies while continuing to participate in design and research.
Facilitated a national study entitled “Community AGEnda: Improving America for All Ages,” in 2013, supported by the Pfizer Foundation and Grantmakers in Aging.
Ball State University College of Architecture and Planning Alumni Award of Outstanding Achievement, 2013 (youngest person ever to receive the award).
Registered Architect in Indiana and Michigan.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Created partnership between Ball State and local AIA Chapter to initiate and oversee more than 120 student projects focused on the redevelopment of Fort Wayne.
From 2005-09, was one of three managing directors of AB417, a think tank aimed at social and community problems. Currently serves as Chair of Fort Wayne’s Downtown Improvement District, the largest economic improvement district in the state.
Board service: Greater Fort Wayne Inc. Metro Chamber Alliance, Fort Wayne Museum of Art, Northeast Indiana Passenger Rail Association, Northeast Indiana Green Building Coalition, Friends of the Parks of Allen County.
OFF THE CLOCK
Loves listening to music; owns every Tom Waits album ever made.
Spends most free time with sons aged three and five: “My hobbies tend to revolve around dinosaurs and ‘Despicable Me.’”
SECRET LIFE
Great-grandfather owned a Chicago car dealership and customized bulletproof cars for Al Capone.
Master of High Performance
JON PENNDORF, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate
Perkins+Will, Washington, D.C.
AGE: 36
BS, MArch, The Catholic University of America
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Involved in the management and high-performance design of corporate, commercial, civic, academic, government, and mixed-use projects. Currently managing repositioning efforts for multiple office buildings and complexes in D.C., Maryland, and Virginia.
Representative projects: Asia Trail at National Zoological Park, Wakefield (Va.) High School (LEED Gold targeted), Flint Hill High School, Oakton, Va. (winner, Presidential Citation for Sustainable Design from AIA/DC).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Volunteer, DesignDC Conference & Expo (Planning Committee member, 2008-11; Planning Committee chair, 2013; organizer, Emerging Architects Afternoon).
Helped launch (with Steelcase Furniture) work+dc, a multi-workshop study dedicated to the future of workplace design.
Member, AIA Washington, D.C., Chapter (board of directors, 2008-13; member, 2012 National Convention Steering Committee; founder, Emerging Architects Committee; founder, AIA/DC Mentoring Workshop; founder, AIA/DC Emerging Architects Award).
Regional director, AIA Young Architects Forum.
Chair, DC Habitat for Humanity Public Relations Committee.
OFF THE CLOCK
Travel aficionado, foodie. “I seek out local, authentic places to eat everywhere I go. I also like to find new small-batch gins.” Favorite vacation spot: Outer Banks of North Carolina.
SECRET LIFE
Competitive ballroom dancer in college: “Somewhere I have the ribbons to prove it.”
Mentor by Design
WYATT FRANTOM, AIA, LEED AP
Associate and Senior Architectural Designer
Gensler, Los Angeles
AGE: 39
BS, The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture
MArch, Rice University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Frantom is a Senior Designer in the firm’s Commercial Office Building studio, with a staff of more than 70. Expertise includes workplace, high-rise, mixed-use, and exterior façade systems. Recent projects: Sunset Media Center, Hollywood (reposition of an exisiting 22-story tower); NBCUniversal Broadcast Center, Studio City (150,000 sf broadcast HQ).
In a previous position as Senior Designer at HOK, Frantom worked on such projects as the King Abdullah University of Science and Technology and the 400-meter Capital Market Authority headquarters tower, both in Saudi Arabia.
Honors: 2014 AIA Young Architects Award; AIA COTE Top Ten Green Projects Award; The Chicago Athaneum’s International Architecture Award; the International Sustainable Campus Network’s Sustainable Construction Award.
Registered Architect in Texas and California.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Communications Director, AIA National Young Architects Forum Advisory Committee. Editor-in-Chief of Connection, the official bimonthly publication of the YAF.
Graduate Design Studio Advisor, University of Southern California. Formerly held faculty appointments at the University of Houston (Adjunct Design Studio Professor, Assistant Research Professor).
Co-founder, Houston Mod, a nonprofit group promoting knowledge and appreciation of modern architecture and design in Texas (secretary, vice-chair).
OFF THE CLOCK
Into fitness activities and hiking. Favorite reads: detective novels by Raymond Chandler.
SECRET LIFE
Closet is organized by the ROYGBIV rainbow system, “with very little O and Y and even less V.”
Tower of Power
Ben Tranel (right) with Art Gensler.
BEN TRANEL, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Associate, Firmwide Technical Director, Global Design & Delivery Director
Gensler, San Francisco
AGE: 39
BA, Washington University in St. Louis
MArch, Columbia University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads Gensler’s technical design for high-profile, high-performance buildings incorporating research on efficient technologies, materials, and systems.
Current projects: the 632-meter Shanghai Tower, the super-green Tower at PNC Plaza (Pittsburgh), a San Francisco high-rise for Tishman Speyer, and a half-million-sf headquarters for visual technology company NVIDIA in Santa Clara, Calif.
Oversees the firm’s design and delivery efforts in Asia and the Pacific Northwest.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board member, Tranel Properties (family-owned real estate business).
Visiting faculty and/or critic, University of California–Berkeley, Academy of Art University, Pratt Institute, New Jersey Institute of Technology, Fordham University, Columbia University.
OFF THE CLOCK
Classically trained pianist who enjoys improvisational composition. Also enjoys woodworking, furniture making, skiing, hiking, board games, and cycling across the Golden Gate Bridge from San Francisco to the Marin Headlands.
Favorite flick: Wim Wenders’ “Der Himmel über Berlin.” “The sense of time and space in the movie as the camera moves through the city is quite architectural and moving.”
SECRET LIFE
Grew up on a beef cattle ranch in rural Montana; still keeps a horse there.
Voice of Young Architects
JENNIFER WORKMAN, AIA
Associate
Good Fulton & Farrell, Dallas
AGE: 33
BArch, University of Texas at Austin
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Lead architect for the firm on high-rise residential, cultural, retail, and mixed-use projects. Collaborated with the California office of Morphosis Architects on the design of the Dallas’s Perot Museum of Nature and Science.
Representative projects: The Alexan, Dallas (250,000-sf multifamily residential); Arlington (Texas) Highlands East (100,000-sf retail center); Frisco (Texas) Family YMCA (24,000-sf community center and gym).
AIA Awards: Young Architect Award, 2013; College of Fellows Chancellor Cup, 2011; Dallas Chapter Associate of the Year, 2004.
Registered Architect in Texas.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, AIA Young Architects Forum, Dallas Chapter (revived through her leadership after having been abandoned). Communications Advisor to national YAF Advisory Committee, editing the bimonthly Connection magazine.
Chair, AIA Young Architects Forum (national, 2012); leader, YAF Summit20.
Membership VP and board member, Texas Society of Architects (has served on Continuing Education, Membership and Services, and Honors committees).
Volunteer, Girl Scouts of North Texas and The Family Place (serving victims of domestic violence).
OFF THE CLOCK
Cultivates an organic vegetable garden.
SECRET LIFE
Dad once played keyboard for Great Southern, a side project of Dickey Betts of the Allman Brothers. Her family nickname, “Jenny,” comes from a character in the group’s album “Atlanta’s Burning Down.”
Geometric Genius
ANDREW WITT
Research Advisor, Gehry Technologies, Los Angeles
Assistant Professor in Practice, Harvard University
AGE: 36
BS, BA, Brigham Young University
MArch, Master of Design Studies, Harvard University Graduate School of Design
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Trained in architecture, mathematics, philosophy, and the history of design. Hired in 2007 by Gehry Technologies, where he helped found the company’s Europe office, in Paris. Expertise includes research on advanced architectural geometry tools, Web 2.0 concurrent design systems, fabrication automation, generative detailing, optimization, and cloud computation for environmental simulation.
Founder and Director, Harvard University Geometry Lab, developing automated systems for building design and construction, including robotics.
In June 2014 will begin a position as Assistant Professor in Practice for Harvard, focusing on the relationship between design, science, and technology (architectural technology, bespoke machinery, custom automation, technology startups).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Frequent lecturer on advanced architectural technologies at Princeton, MIT, Yale, USC BIM Futures Conference, and Revit Technology Conference.
Published author, notably in Advances in Architectural Geometry.
OFF THE CLOCK
Collects perceptual and drawing instruments––camera lucidas, stereoscopes, ellipsographs, planimeters.
Favorite location: Muhu Island off the coast of Estonia.
SECRET LIFE
Possesses an extensive knowledge of the history of chocolate.
Planetwide Planner
SARAH HOLSTEDT, LEED AP
Associate Principal
Callison, Seattle
AGE: 32
BArch, Oklahoma State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Won Callison’s Co-op Scholar internship in 2005 and left with a full-time job offer. Awarded the OSU School of Architecture’s Caudill Travelling Fellowship and studied cultural venues in Europe for two months before joining Callison, initially providing design support for projects involving regional retail centers, mixed-use developments, and large-scale master plans. Promoted to Associate Principal within six years, Holstedt has helped design more than 236 million sf worldwide.
Representative projects: Khams Shamat retail center, Damascus; IKANO Mega Bangkok West; Cairo Festival City; Outlet Collection, Auburn, Wash.; IKEA Mega Active Mall, Moscow; The Red Sea Astrarium, Aqaba, Jordan.
Henry Adams/AIA School Medal of Honor (for the highest GPA in a graduating class).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Active participant in the International Council of Shopping Centers.
ACE Mentor and team leader for Callison’s work with high school students.
Co-chair of the firm’s Community Outreach Committee. Co-led Callison’s team in three years of Gingerbread House design/build activities, benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Treasurer and choir member, Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard, Wash.
OFF THE CLOCK
Holstedt periodically works as a summer camp counselor at Heartland Presbyterian Center in Kansas City, Mo. “Having campers recount their experiences back to me years later reinforces the fact that we can have an impact on the lives of those around us.”
Karaoke singer; competitive soccer and volleyball player.
SECRET LIFE
Collector of Barbra Streisand movies. Favorite is “’What’s Up, Doc” for its car chase.
Seniors' Ally
ALANNA CARTER, LEED AP
Director, Health and Science Studio
RSP Architects, Minneapolis
AGE: 38
BS, University of Minnesota
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded RSP’s senior living design services; now leads a team of 30 in healthcare and environments for aging. Has grown firm’s business in the sector to 20% of RSP’s revenue.
Current projects: Seventy-One-Ten Health Style Campus, Kansas City, and a sister facility in Billings, Mont. Sites include an ambulatory hospital, hotel, arena, fitness center, retail, restaurants, and senior living.
Speaker, Environments for Aging Conference and Senior Living Summit.
Published author on topics involving design for healthcare and senior living.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Participant, Leadership Twin Cities, a nine-month program developed by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce examining critical needs facing the Twin Cities community.
Founder and past president, Minnesota Chapter, Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments. Culture Change Steering Committee, Aging Services of Minnesota.
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Gillette Children’s Ronald McDonald House, Feed My Starving Children, and St. Olaf’s “Teach a Man to Fish” program (distributing seeds and gardening advice to disadvantaged families).
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys outdoor recreation, even during Minnesota winters: snowshoeing, hiking, and sitting round the campfire near the family cabin.
SECRET LIFE
Loves sewing, a.k.a. “getting my ‘Project Runway’ fix.” Clothes, curtains, pillows, blankets, “anything.”
Latin Leverage
DULCE MARIA TORRES-RUIZ, ARQ.
LEED AP BD+C, AIA INTERNATIONAL ASSOC.
Healthcare Practice Leader for Mexico and
Central America
HKS, Dallas
AGE: 35
BArch, Diploma of Interior Architecture, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
After two years with a Mexican architecture firm, joined HKS’s new Mexico City office in 2003. Four years later, moved to the Dallas HQ, where she rose from Project Architect and Medical Planner to Practice Leader for Mexico and Central America. Initiated a partnership between HKS and healthcare provider Methodist International to provide services to international clients. Has worked in Bulgaria, China, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Chile, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Representative projects: Pacifico Salud Clínica El Golf, Lima (303,000-sf, 300-bed hospital master plan expansion); Couva (Trinidad) Children’s Hospital and Training Center (290,000-sf, 230-bed hospital and 90,000-sf nursing school); Ciudad Hospitalaria Panamá, Clayton (3.1 million-sf medical city).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Mexican Society of Architects and Mexican Society of Architects Specialized in Healthcare.
Member, AIA Dallas (Emerging Leaders Program graduate; Latinos in Architecture Program).
President, Homeowner Association Board, The Colonnade at Turtle Creek.
Volunteer, Hearts and Hammers home repair program (2012).
OFF THE CLOCK
One-time competitive swimmer. Finished the Toyota U.S. Open Dallas Triathlon in 2010. Passions: real estate investing, residential interior design.
SECRET LIFE
Claims she can tell the gender of a pregnant woman’s child just by looking at the woman’s hands. “So far I have 100% accuracy, even with twins of differing genders.”
Citizen Architect
JOSEPH S. IMAMURA, ASSOC. AIA, ASLA, AICP, PMP, LEED AP
GSA Office of the Chief Architect, Washington, D.C.
Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
AGE: 36
BS, MArch, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, and current PhD candidate, all at Texas Tech
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hired as a Special Assistant to the Chief Architect at the GSA in 2007, Imamura has held multiple positions within the agency, including work on the 2008 Presidential Transition Team, managerial support in the Construction Excellence program, and urban planning and public outreach. Has overseen more than 50 public meetings in cities where GSA was working on projects. In 2012, led the GSA Geographic Information System initiative to develop a Web-based map tool that illustrates the agency’s property portfolio. Currently supports the GSA National Design Director for Landscape Architecture.
Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech. Teaches online courses for junior- and senior-level students in the Department of Integrative Studies.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Independent research in public architecture and emergency preparedness, including current dissertation work.
American Planning Association Ambassador, working with high school and college students considering careers in planning.
Founders Forum Fellow, American Society of Public Administration (2014).
Official proposal reviewer, Texas Tech University Arts and Humanities Graduate Research Conference.
OFF THE CLOCK
Self-proclaimed news junkie and political wonk. Favorite reads: political biographies, including Allan Greenberg’s George Washington, Architect.
SECRET LIFE
“As a kid, I rode my bike around our neighborhood and drew a plan of the subdivision, so my friends and I could map out a route on Halloween to target homes that would hand out the most candy.”
Meditative Artist
SARIKA BAJORIA
Founding Principal, Architect
Per-forma Studio, NYC
AGE: 37
MArch, University of
Pennsylvania
BA, Luther College, Iowa
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A Calcutta native, Bajoria studied physics, math, and art at the undergrad level before earning her MArch degree. After stints at Kieran Timberlake, Spacesmith, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill, founded Per-forma Studio in 2010. The practice serves commercial, hospitality, retail, residential, and institutional clients, including nonprofits and underserved communities, and emphasizes the integration of design, architecture, research, and art.
Awarded permanent residency status in the U.S. through the EB-1 process, requiring applicants to demonstrate “extraordinary ability” at the “top of the field of endeavor.”
Representative projects: 700,000-sf tower and retail development, Mumbai; 8,000-sf Kadampa Meditation Center NYC (pro bono); 50,000-sf Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata; 20,000-sf flagship store for a luxury retailer in Dubai.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Serves as jury member for student reviews at University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Pratt University, and City College of New York.
Founding Director, Architecture for Humanity, New York Chapter (designs projects pro bono for nonprofits and underserved communities). Work includes a master plan for an orphanage campus in Indonesia and projects for THE POINT Community Development Corp., South Bronx, and ABC No Rio nonprofit artists’ collaborative, New York City.
Member, IvyLife International (co-chair, Mumbai Chapter), Penn Alumni, USC Real Estate Group NY, Indian Real Estate Network.
OFF THE CLOCK
Practices meditation; currently training to become a Buddhist meditation teacher. “My practice helped me understand that being ‘busy’ or ‘stressed’ is a state of mind and I have a choice in how to respond.”
Mixed-media artist (oil, collage, watercolor, colored pencil, chalk).
SECRET LIFE
Acquired a degree in Indian classical vocal music at age 16; plays the harmonium and tanpura.
Environmental Exponent
SUSAN HEINKING, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP O+M
VP/Sustainability Leader
VOA Associates Inc., Chicago
AGE: 33
BS, Southern Illinois University
MArch, University of Oregon
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During undergrad and grad school, Heinking worked full-time as a residential contractor, tutor, graphic artist, and graduate teaching assistant. Hired by HOK, she progressed from Architectural Technician to Project Architect to Sustainable Design Manager in five years. Coordinated green assessments for 62 Chicago Housing Authority properties.
At VOA, leads sustainable design efforts for nine offices worldwide. Promoted to VP in 2012. Has 15 LEED projects in the works and has facilitated more than 50 LEED projects during her career, resulting in 2.4 million sf of Silver-certified, 1.5 million sf of Gold-certified, and 9,000 sf of Platinum-certified space.
Winner, 2013 USGBC Emerald Award and 2013 AIA Chicago SustainABILITY Honor Award.
Registered Architect in Illinois.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Frequent conference presenter (USGBC Illinois Chapter, AIA Chicago, HUD Conference). Active in development of Chicago’s Energy Use Benchmarking & Transparency Ordinance. Currently creating a related application for energy benchmarking data and verification.
Active with the Retrofit Chicago Commercial Buildings Initiative and ACE Mentors program.
Proposal reviewer, USGBC Greenbuild conference.
Organized VOA’s community service event in 2013, designing and installing six environmental learning gardens for Chicago Public School students with special needs. Raised more than $75,000 in donations for this effort.
OFF THE CLOCK
The mother of two-year-old triplets, Heinking enjoys listening to music, playing soccer, and reading Google News. “For a mother of triplets, sleep is the ultimate form of relaxation.”
SECRET LIFE
Loves escaping to camp in the woods. “As long as there are trees, a hiking trail, and a campfire, I’m happy.”
Cinematic Savvy
CORTNEY KIRK, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP
Project Manager
Copley Wolff Design Group, Boston
AGE: 36
BS, Syracuse University
Master of Landscape Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
After completing a degree in TV, radio, and film production, Kirk moved to Boston and began photographing urban spaces, which eventually inspired her to earn a master’s in landscape architecture. Spent four years at Payette Associates, where her projects included planning 30 acres of a 460-acre liberal arts campus for Aga Kahn University in Pakistan, and two facilities for the VA Boston Healthcare System. Joined Copley Wolff in 2012.
Now working on seven projects in four states, including a campus green for UMass Amherst, a Jewish temple in Omaha, and a luxury high-rise in downtown Boston.
Adjunct faculty, Boston Architectural College (2008-present). Received a grant for the purchase of cameras and video editing software for students in a new workshop course combining filmmaking and design.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Past member, Payette Women in Design and Young Designers Corps, including Canstruction events benefiting the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Member, Architecture for Humanity Boston (landscape consultant in joint initiative with City Growers, developing an organic urban farm).
Volunteer, Parkolation Project involving VSA Massachusetts (the state organization on arts and disability) and Boston Green Academy (a specialty high school). Park(ing) Day event resulted in design for a parklet in collaboration with at-risk teens.
Member, American Society of Landscape Architects, Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Boston Society of Architects.
OFF THE CLOCK
A “super-taster” who can detect flavors that most people don’t pick up on; dabbles in home brewing. Enjoys snowboarding and making pizza.
SECRET LIFE
As an undergrad, wrote an analysis of the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” comparing the characters to Jeffersonian Democrats and Hamiltonian Federalists.
Roving Registrant
JASON CHANDLER, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
VP/Director of Project Management
Epstein, Chicago
AGE: 36
BS, MS, MArch, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Helping to implement Epstein’s transition to a project/market-based structure. Directs all of Epstein’s Project Managers; member of the firm’s Senior Operations Committee.
Representative projects: SC Johnson Fortaleza Hall & The Commons, Racine, Wis.; Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital Building 13 Renovation, Hines, Ill.; multiple locations for Medline Industries.
Registered Architect in 26 states.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Active in the AIA, Design-Build Institute of America, USGBC Chicago Chapter, and the Project Management Institute. Member of several AIA Knowledge Communities, including the Committee on the Environment and Young Architects Forum. Board member, Global Design Alliance.
Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity and Civic Consulting Alliance (including pro bono work for the Chicago Transit Authority). Community service in Racine, Wis., while working on a three-year project for SC Johnson.
Regular presenter at university classes and industry organizations.
Peer reviewer, BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference.
OFF THE CLOCK
Chandler has visited 47 U.S. states and five continents, and lived in Paris for a year. Prefers mountains and waves, and is particularly fond of Ireland and Germany’s Autobahn: “I’ve had the opportunity to drive Audis, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs, but the first car I drove on the Autobahn was a four-cylinder Dodge Grand Caravan.”
SECRET LIFE
Owned a 1972 American LaFrance pumper fire truck in college—“a perfect tailgate machine.”
Eagle Scout.
Mixed-Use Multitasker
AMY THERESA MOCKAPETRIS
Project Designer, Associate
Development Design Group, Baltimore
AGE: 32
BFA, BArch, MArch, Savannah College of Art and Design
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Finished three degrees in five years in Savannah while also working an average of 30 hours a week and restoring a historic home. Worked at two design firms in Washington, D.C., completing projects for Andrews Air Force Base and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Joined DDG in 2006; now works primarily on mixed-use projects. Since promotion to Associate (2012) has completed several international projects and assumed responsibilities in employee training (company procedures, software programs, architectural codes).
Representative work: Peninsula Town Center, Hampton, Va. (75 acres, 1.2 million sf mixed use); Dalian (China) 100 complex (14 city blocks, luxury multifamily towers and private residences plus commercial, education, and support facilities); Pondok Indah Grand Mall 3, Jakarta (224,000 sm of retail, restaurant, entertainment, residential, and office space).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Chesapeake Branch (regular and women’s builds).
Alumni Advisory Board, Savannah College of Art and Design.
Volunteer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
OFF THE CLOCK
Avid gardener; maintains rare iris plants descended from those brought over from Scotland by her great-grandmother.
Wine collector; currently has 300 catalogued bottles.
SECRET LIFE
Music trivia whiz; can name and sing back most songs after hearing only a few notes or lines. “Thanks to my parents’ love of music, I have memorized almost every popular song between 1960 and 1990.”
Community Dynamo
KEVIN J. SINGH, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Professor, School of Architecture
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston
AGE: 39
BArch, Ball State University
Master of Building
Construction,
Auburn University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined Louisiana Tech faculty in 2006. As Director of the school’s Community Design Activism Center, conceived South of California Avenue project, which gives architecture students the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on community-
oriented projects. Currently establishing a tax-exempt nonprofit to serve the SOCA neighborhood, with the goal of building a community center.
Presented his research at the AIA’s Walter Wagner Forum and a podcast on the AIA Website (www.aia.org/practicing/AIAPodnet/pod_walterwagner).
Led the University Design Assistance Center, which allows architecture students to consult on campus construction projects (2006-12).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Gulf States Regional Liaison, AIA Young Architects Forum (2009-10).
Participant, AIA YAF Summit20 (2012).
Co-chair and founder, USGBC Northeast Louisiana Chapter.
Lead Instructor, HabiTECH design-build program (partnership between the Louisiana Tech School of Architecture and North Central Louisiana Habitat for Humanity, 2012-13).
Board member, Association for Community Design.
OFF THE CLOCK
Founding member, Piney Hills Cyclists club.
Raised >$10,000 for cancer research biking solo from San Diego to Charleston, S.C.
SECRET LIFE
Can’t live without: Faber-Castell e-motion black wood mechanical pencil.
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