An avocado rancher, an Ironman triathlete, a star college quarterback, and a semi-retired mountain guide are among the 40 brightest stars in the AEC universe—and they're all under age 40.
They and 36 others have been chosen by the editors of Building Design+Construction from among 244 outstanding entrants in our second annual “40 Under 40” competition.
All 40 excel in their professional roles as architects, engineers, contractors, designers, and AEC business developers, while giving back to their communities and professional societies.
And somehow these remarkable young professionals still find time off the clock to expand their horizons.
To meet the next generation of leadership in the AEC industry, please turn the page.
Christopher O'Hara, 33
Principal
Studio NYL, Boulder, Colo.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS PE
EDUCATION
BS CE, University of Notre Dame
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded structural engineering firm in 2003.
Specializes in structural glass and tension structures; also experienced in conventional structures, façade and structural glazing projects, theatrical rigging, and amusement park rides.
Collaborates with top design firms, including Studio Daniel Libeskind, Rafael Viñoly Architects, and Studio/Gang.
Currently engineering glass sidewalks and exterior staircases.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Guest lecturer, architecture and engineering studios, Colorado University at Boulder and Denver.
Presented design workshops on structural glass and other engineering systems for the AIA 10x10 lecture series.
Following 9/11, worked with Structural Engineers Association of New York to assess structures at Ground Zero.
OFF THE CLOCK He and his wife Elizabeth are expecting their first child in March. Most exciting trip: Tikal, Guatemala. Cooks to relax. Favorite dish: salmon with a pink cream sauce.
Secret life: Met his wife in college, asked her for a date a decade later.
Jeffrey A. Gouveia, 37EVP and general managerSuffolk Construction Company Inc.BostonEDUCATION BS, Fordham UniversityACCOMPLISHMENTS Oversees “Group 1,” firm's largest division, with annual revenues of $50 million and some of the firm's biggest projects in the residential, hospitality, and commercial sectors. Established the firm's Florida division; spent eight years making the firm Southeast Florida's largest general contractor. Worked at family's concrete business for two years after college until personally recruited by Suffolk Construction CEO John Fish.RECENT PROJECTS $38 million Boston Opera House restoration Six-star Mandarin Oriental Boston 28-story Archstone Boston Common apartment towerEXTRACURRICULAR Led firm's efforts to revitalize an East Boston neighborhood for hometown edition of ABC's “Extreme Makeover” television show.OFF THE CLOCK Utilizing his construction background to help his community renovate its 100-year-old Milton (Mass.) Library. Favorite book: The Giving Tree , by Shel Silverstein.
Secret life: Master of totally useless '80s trivia.
Leigh Stringer, 35
VP and advance strategies practice leader
HOK, Washington, D.C.
EDUCATION
BArch, MArch, MBA, Washington University in St. Louis
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Mid-Atlantic leader for workplace strategy and facility planning.
Increased D.C. office sales by 300% and project profits by 50%.
Heavily involved in WorkPlace 2020, the GSA's workplace strategies and processes initiative.
Lead facility planner on the U.S. Capitol Complex Master Plan; lead programmer on GSA's central office headquarters relocation and the Department of Homeland Security Program of Requirements.
European and Middle East work focused on planning, design, and project management for higher education, corporate, institutional, and private-sector projects.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Faculty member, CoreNet Global Learning.
Frequent guest lecturer and recognized workplace strategist.
OFF THE CLOCK
Runs online dating service (www.ActForLove.com) with her husband, whom she met online. A portion of the site's proceeds goes to activist causes and charities.
This workplace strategist's favorite movie: “Office Space.”
Secret life: Related to Pocahontas on both sides of her family.
Frank Hayes, 39
VP, Institutional Group
Shawmut Design and Construction, Boston
EDUCATION
Certificate, Executive Education Program, Harvard Business School
AD CE, University of Massachusetts, Lowell
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages $200 million, 153-person division that accounts for approximately one-third of firm's revenue.
Named chief of operations at Harvard Business School at 35. Responsible for the school's capital construction projects, as well as the school's facility maintenance, food service, and general operations.
Executed Harvard Business School's $175 million master plan, which added an executive education center, student center, and classroom building, along with numerous building renovations.
RECENT PROJECTS
New College Theatre, Harvard University, Boston
Sculpture Building, Yale University, New Haven, Conn.
OFF THE CLOCK
Relaxes by taking his 23-foot boat out on Lake Sunapee in N.H.
Favorite book: Leadership Is an Art, by Max Dupree.
Favorite music: Irish Gaelic Clannad.
Volunteers with several community organizations, as well as with his church.
Secret life : Grew up in a family of 13 children.
Tracy Tafoya, 37
Principal, Interior Design
OZ Architecture, Denver
EDUCATION
BS, Colorado State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Involved in firm's leadership and management, assuming COO responsibilities; currently a rotating board member.
Divides time between project design and studio management and the management of human resources, facilities, and professional development.
Interior design expertise focused on office, education, and multifamily markets, including numerous historic and adaptive re-use projects.
RECENT PROJECTS
Welton Place, in line to be Denver's first LEED multifamily project.
University of Colorado molecular cellular developmental biology building, Boulder.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Developed “OZ University,” the firm's professional development program.
Teaches internal LEED preparatory classes.
Implemented “Greening of OZ” programs, including bike rack installation, car pooling, and wind-energy purchasing.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite read: The Kite Runner, by Khaled Hosseini.
An avid skier, her sights are set on tackling her first double black diamond-rated trail.
Volunteers for several community service organizations.
Secret life: Does one-handed cartwheels.
Mark C. Waggoner, 31
Senior associate
Walter P Moore, Austin, Texas
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS PE
EDUCATION
MS SE University of Texas, Austin
BS CE, Washington University in St. Louis
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Key structural engineer for firm's most significant projects, including four NFL stadiums with retractable roofs.
Founding member of firm's Research and Development Group. Guided development of first vibration performance criteria for structurally framed playing fields.
Conducts peer reviews and structural studies for firm's pro stadium projects.
RECENT PROJECTS
Reliant Stadium, Houston
Arizona Cardinal's University of Phoenix Stadium, Glendale, Ariz.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Received firm's 2006 Javier F. Horvilleur Outstanding Young Engineer Award.
President, Structural Engineers Association of Texas, Austin, 2006-07.
Control group member, Progressive Collapse Committee, ASCE Structural Engineering Institute.
OFF THE CLOCK
Toured Europe as Structural Engineering Fellow on a Skidmore, Owings & Merrill Foundation award.
Can't live without an 11-win season by the University of Texas Longhorns.
Secret life: Played Division III NCAA tennis at Washington University.
Michael Jansen, 37
President, CEO
Satellier LLC, Chicago
EDUCATION
MPhil Architecture, University of Cambridge
BArch, Yale University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In 1999, founded Chicago-headquartered outsourcing design studio in New Delhi, India. The 200-person firm projects a 75% annual growth rate for the next five years.
Secured business from 14 of the world's top 30 AEC firms. Support services include architecture, interior design, BIM, 3-D visualization, structural engineering, and MEP engineering.
Under his leadership, the firm has completed more than 2,000 international projects, including skyscrapers, airline terminals, healthcare facilities, hotels, education facilities, and high-end condominiums.
Planning the firm's 2007 expansion within the U.S. and into China.
OFF THE CLOCK
Studied Chinese landscape painting and calligraphy at the Beijing Central Academy of Fine Arts, China.
Designs high-end furniture, which has been exhibited at London's Victoria and Albert Hall.
Favorite read:The Gift: Imagination and the Erotic Life of Property , by Lewis Hyde.
Has traveled to more than 70 countries.
Secret life: Can play six different kinds of guitar.
Christopher Russo, 38
VP, Design & Construction
National Basketball Association, New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BS CM, Syracuse University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages NBA's design and construction projects. Liaison between NBA teams, architects, developers, and contractors on sports arena development.
Manages facility operations department; responsible for NBA's global offices and its broadcast and production facilities.
Created NBA's Arena Facility Standards.
Oversaw design and construction of the NBA Store in New York and the NBA City restaurant at Universal Studios in Orlando, Fla.
Instrumental in reopening the New Orleans Arena following Hurricane Katrina.
RECENT PROJECTS
Bobcats Arena, Charlotte, N.C.
FedEx Forum, Memphis, Tenn.
Toyota Center, Houston
EXTRACURRICULAR
Recipient, World Trade Center Award for Exceptional Service from the Port Authority of N.Y. and N.J., for reconstruction work on the World Trade Center following the 1993 terrorist bombing.
OFF THE CLOCK
Activities: mountain biking, photography, woodworking, and astronomy.
Prepares Italian Sunday dinners using family recipes for sauce and meatballs.
Secret life: Rode a luge down the Great Wall of China.
Gregory A. Mella, 37
Principal
SmithGroup, Washington, D.C.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
MArch, Catholic University
BA, Colgate University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads firm's Washington, D.C., sustainable design practice.
Helped environmental task force successfully advocate a sustainable design for the Washington Nationals' new stadium.
Authored the Sustainable Design Guidelines for the University of Connecticut, Storrs, which will guide the school's $1.3 billion building campaign.
RECENT PROJECTS
Clemson University's Sandhill Research and Education Center, Pontiac, S.C. Targeting LEED Platinum.
James Lee Sorenson Language and Communications Center, Gallaudet University, Washington, D.C. Targeting LEED Platinum.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-chair, The Architecture of Sustainability conference co-sponsored by the AIA Committee on Design and the AIA Committee on the Environment.
Adjunct Advisor Group member, AIA Committee on the Environment
OFF THE CLOCK
Motivation: karma and the belief we're all the sum of our actions.
Secret life: Cooks Indian, Chinese, and Thai cuisines.
Abby Vogen Horn, 37Senior project manager, commercial programsEnergy Center of Wisconsin, Madison, Wis.EDUCATION BA, Lawrence UniversityACCOMPLISHMENTS Manages nonresidential and new construction efforts. Responsible for program design; technical resources; and national outreach on daylighting, green building, and energy efficiency. Program manager for “Focus on Energy,” a three-year new construction program with a $1.1 million annual budget. Helped create the Daylighting Collaborative; continues to support and promote the organization's work.EXTRACURRICULAR Sits on state's commercial energy code committee; provides legislative testimony. Frequently speaks and writes on daylighting, energy efficiency, and sustainable building. Board member, Wisconsin Green Building Alliance and AIA WisconsinOFF THE CLOCK She and husband Ed are expecting their first child in July. Member of the National Ski Patrol; volunteer ski instructor at the Highlands of Olympia in Oconomowoc, Wis. Rides a Ducati Monster Dark 620ie. Can fall sleep anywhere; has bunked in her pickup at conferences to save on business expenses.
Secret life: Grandfather, Edward Johnston, invented the ready-made pie crust.
Vimal H. Parikh, 38
VP and principal
Ingenium Inc., Houston
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, SE, LEED AP
EDUCATION
MS CE, Rice University
MTech CE, Indian Institute of Technology
BE CE, Maharaja Sayajirao University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded structural engineering firm Ingenium in 2002.
Total career portfolio includes projects valued at more than $1 billion and totaling more than 10 million sf.
Developed original software programs to simplify concrete and steel structural system designs. The programs have reduced project man-hours by 90%.
RECENT PROJECTS
Steel structure for Cesar Pelli-designed Cira Centre, Philadelphia.
Glass support structure for Frank Gehry-designed Walt Disney Concert Hall, Los Angeles.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Authored several articles on engineering practices and trends for highly active seismic regions.
Member: Structural Engineering Institute, American Institute of Steel Construction, American Concrete Institute, and the American Society of Civil Engineers.
OFF THE CLOCK
Member of his temple's Board of Trustees, championing educational and senior citizen programs.
Secret life: Plays cricket.
Peter T. Belisle II, 39
President
Jones Lang LaSalle, Los Angeles
EDUCATION
BS CE, MBA, UCLA
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads 850-person Project and Development Services group for the Americas. Manages $5 billion in project volume; grew revenue by 33% in 2006.
Responsible for client management, fiscal performance, and strategic leadership for all U.S. initiatives; helps coordinate worldwide activities with Asia-Pacific and European regions.
Oversaw division's expansion into specialty areas such as healthcare, hospitality, stadiums, and mixed-use properties.
Helped develop multi-site project management system, which opened new revenue opportunities for the firm.
RECENT PROJECTS
Orange Bowl, Miami
Madison Square Garden, New York
High Museum of Art, Atlanta
OFF THE CLOCK
Member of Velo Club La Grange Westwood, one of Southern California's largest and oldest cycling clubs.
Organized two Jones Lang LaSalle cycling teams for the mountain bike race “24 Hours of Adrenaline.”
Favorite book: Good to Great: Why Some Companies Make the Leap and Others Don't , by Jim Collins.
Secret life: Bikes 100 to 140 miles per week.
D. Reid Middlebrooks, 31
Principal consultant
Apollo BBC, Bellaire, Texas
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BS ME, University of Texas
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founding member, shareholder, and the engineering consulting firm's principal consultant.
Manages the Building Commissioning Group—one of the firm's most successful divisions.
Technical expert in mechanical engineering, HVAC evaluation and design, and IAQ evaluation and improvement.
Leading forensic engineer; experienced in diagnosing and resolving construction and operations issues. Provides expert litigation support.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of Directors, USGBC Greater Houston Chapter.
Member, Events Committee, USGBC North Texas Chapter, Dallas.
Member, USGBC Central Texas Balcones Chapter, Austin and San Antonio.
OFF THE CLOCK
Spent a week in post-Katrina New Orleans with the National Historic Trust canvassing neighborhoods and helping homeowners remediate flooded homes.
BBQ is a religion in Texas, and he's a devout follower who enjoys grilling thick steaks with a spicy marinade.
Secret life: Family's 195-pound watermelon held the Guinness World Record for 44 years.
William B. Kussro, 38
Director of structural and civilengineering
Giffels Inc., Southfield, Mich.
PROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS
PE, SE, CCS, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BS, MS CE, Michigan State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages 30-person department of structural and civil engineers and CAD designers working on industrial and commercial projects.
Involved in firm's marketing, project estimating, staffing, and management efforts.
Structural engineer on Ford's new Dearborn (Mich.) Truck Plant, which has a 10-acre green roof—the world's largest.
Designed innovative composite structure with staggered steel trusses for $275 million MotorCity Casino complex, Detroit.
Delivers frequent in-house presentations on emerging technologies, new materials, and building code updates.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Licensed engineer in 42 states.
Member, NCSEA Code Advisory Committee on General Building Materials and Loads.
OFF THE CLOCK
Family time: boating on Michigan's Lake Leelanau.
Watches ESPN, considers SportsCenter the greatest television show ever.
Favorite book: The Shining , by Stephen King.
Favorite movie: “A Nightmare on Elm Street.”
Secret life: Slalom water skis.
J. Brent Hughes, 30
Project architect
Gresham Smith and Partners
Nashville, Tenn.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Tennessee
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Recognized as a leading healthcare designer focused on patient safety.
Project architect for St. Joseph's Community Hospital, West Bend, Wis., a showcase facility designed with innovative patient safety concepts. Design won the 2005 Top Ten Award: Most Innovative Facilities in Healthcare from the Center for Innovation in Health Facilities.
Helped create new hire orientation program for architects entering firm's healthcare studio.
RECENT PROJECTS
Doctors Memorial Hospital, Bonifay, Fla.
Amery Regional Medical Center, Amery, Wis., a LEED-registered project.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Mentors high school students interested in architecture, construction, and engineering.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite read:The Catcher in the Rye, by J.D. Salinger.
Considers his seven-year-old niece his hero because her thoughts and artwork reflect limitless creativity.
Volunteers for Habitat for Humanity.
Secret life: Cornerback for architectural flag football team The Arch Enemies.
Albert Bicol, 37
Associate partner
Cobalt Engineering
Vancouver, B.C.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PEng, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BS ME, University of Manitoba
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named associate partner within 18 months, making him one of Canada's youngest engineering firm partners.
Oversees the firm's U.S. business, successfully doubled its market share.
Credited with securing new work and new clients for nontraditional engineering services.
Spearheading firm's energy and thermal comfort modeling efforts.
Promotes sustainable concepts and champions Net Zero energy/greenhouse gas design.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Performs USGBC reviews of projects applying for LEED; also reviews projects applying for Canada Green Building Council certification.
Winner: Acknowledgement Award from the Holcim Foundation for Langara College library.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite read: How to Practice: The Way to a Meaningful Life , by the Dalai Lama.
Top getaway: Northern Manitoba, Canada, where he has seen the Northern Lights and wild polar bears.
Secret life: Can navigate anywhere in the world without using a map.
Aaron D. Gillmore, 34
VP, Development
Actus Lend Lease, Nashville, Tenn.
EDUCATION
MS EE, University of California, Berkeley
BS CE, California Polytechnic State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Senior developer, team leader for 20 of the firm's military residential master planned developments. Combined construction value: $2 billion.
Led firm's business development efforts on $340 million, 1,564 residential units at Los Angeles AFB and Peterson and Schriever AFBs, Colorado Springs, Colo.
Directed business development and deal structuring team for $310 million development for 2,065 units at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Ariz., and at Holloman Air Force Base, Alamogordo, N.M.
Key member on firm's $2.3 billion, 10-year plan for 7,900 units on Hawaii's Oahu island, the government's largest privatization project.
EXTRACURRICULAR
1993-1999, U.S. Navy, Civil Engineer Corps Officer.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite book: A Brief History of Time , by Stephen Hawking.
Ideal vacation: body surfing with his three children at Bellows Air Force Station Beach, Oahu, Hawaii.
Enjoys snowboarding, mountain biking, running, football, and basketball.
Secret life: Moved five times in the last seven years.
David P. Callan, 31
VP and director of sustainable design and high-performance building technology
Syska Hennessy Group, Chicago
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, CEM, LEED AP
EDUCATION
MS CE, Illinois Institute of Technology
BS AE, Drexel University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest principal at the 650-person firm.
Responsible for design and analysis of high-performance mechanical and electrical building systems.
Relocated to Chicago in 2006 to open the firm's “Center of Excellence,” which focuses on high-performance building technology.
Responsible for projects totaling $1.1 billion in construction value during his decade with the firm.
Recently helped land a major $700 million sustainable healthcare project.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Wrote the GSA's Facility Standards PBS P100 mechanical engineering chapter, 2005 edition.
GSA Design Excellence national peer reviewer.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite book: The Fountainhead, by Ayn Rand.
Used to perform in a folk group with his parents and twin brother. Currently plays guitar in several Irish music groups.
Secret life: Member of the Polar Bear Club, the famous bathers who take a frigid dip every New Year's Day.
Kenneth Osmun, 38
President
Wight Construction, Darien, Ill.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, DBIA
EDUCATION
BS ME, Oakland University
Navy Civil Engineering Corps Officer School
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to group president within seven years. Helped the firm achieve a 10-fold increase in construction volume over the last seven years.
Leading design-build advocate, winning the firm several awards from the Design-Build Institute of America. Frequently speaks on the topic with students in Northwestern University's project management graduate program.
Retired military officer, having served 10 years in the Navy. Oversaw program goals, budget, master schedules, and procurement plan for the $250 million Base Realignment and Construction (BRAC) program at the Great Lakes (Ill.) Naval Training Center. Led the project's largest individual project: $63 million Bachelors Enlisted Quarters, the Navy's first design-build project.
OFF THE CLOCK
Served in Operation Desert Storm.
Enjoys watches Saturday morning cartoons with his two children.
Avid swimmer, bicyclist, and runner.
Secret life: Completed the Madison, Wis., Ironman Triathlon, finishing 170th out of 2,439 elite athletes.
Sissy Nikolaou, 37
Associate, director of geo-seismic department
Mueser Rutledge Consulting Engineers New York, N.Y.
PROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS
PE
EDUCATION
MS, PhD, State University of New York, Buffalo
Diploma SE, National Technical University, Athens, Greece
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Department director and project manager for projects exceeding $1 million.
Expanded firm's services to include seismic investigations and site-specific analysis.
Developed methodology for evaluating liquefaction susceptibility for NYC School Construction Authority; recommendations adopted by NYC Building Department's Seismic Committee.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Won the Prakash Prize for Excellence in Practice of Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering, 2004.
Primary editor for Geotechnical Earthquake Engineering: Practical Aspects, currently under development.
Involved in post-9/11 recovery efforts, evaluating slurry wall stability.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite book: Freedom or Death, by Nicos Kazantzakis.
Favorite food: red mullet with lemon.
Secret life: Loves the movie soundtrack for “Don Juan DeMarco.”
Michael D. Williams, 36
President
Liquid Design, Charlotte, N.C.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BArch, University of Tennessee, Knoxville
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Co-founded boutique firm Liquid Design in 2000. Portfolio includes public- and private-sector work ranging from interior design and space planning to building design and project management.
Pursues unusual and challenging projects, including Charlotte's first modern/minimalist multifamily development.
Lead architect and master planner for the $32 million U.S. National Whitewater Center, a 312-acre recreation and training complex with 12-million-gallon man-made rapids and a 20,000-sf mixed-use facility.
RECENT PROJECTS
24-unit Domus Townhomes on the Green, Charlotte, N.C.
Charlotte (N.C.) Rescue Mission long-term master plan
130,000-sf Wesley Chapel Town Village, Wesley Chapel, N.C.
OFF THE CLOCK Enjoys kayaking and mountain biking. Campfires with family and friends include Olympian kayaker Scott Shipley, who regales the group with stories of near-death experiences. Favorite read: The Pillars of the Earth , by Ken Follett.
Secret life: Recently climbed famed Smith Rock in Terrebonne, Ore.
Carolyn S. Ferguson, 39PresidentThe Lentz Group, HoustonPROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS FSMPS, CPSMEDUCATION BA, Texas Tech UniversityACCOMPLISHMENTS Leads seven-person, $1 million marketing firm focused on AEC clients. Serves as the firm's creative director, project manager, and marketer. Project work includes newsletters, corporate brochures, corporate identities, Web site design, direct mail campaigns, and special marketing materials. Created 52-page architecture firm brochure that won “Best of Show” at the 2006 SMPS National Marketing Communications Awards.EXTRACURRICULAR Board of directors, chapter delegate, Society for Marketing Professional Services. Named SMPS Fellow, 2005, the youngest person to earn the designation. Garnered 40 regional and nation design awards. Frequent speaker at industry events.OFF THE CLOCK Favorite book: Pride and Prejudice , by Jane Austen. Favorite movie: “Love Actually.” Family's Jackalope, a mythical creature that's part jackrabbit part antelope, is secretly passed around and hidden within family members' homes. Dabbles in interior decorating
Secret life: Won the 1989 Toga Queen pageant at Texas Tech University.
Darryl G. Rogers, 39
Principal
Rogers Krajnak Architects Inc.
Columbus, Ohio
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA
EDUCATION
BArch, The Ohio State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Entered private practice in 2000; in 2001 merged his private practice with another to create Rogers Krajnak Architects. Firm's focus: religious, education, healthcare, corporate, and residential projects.
Established RKA Mentoring Program, giving the firm's staff an opportunity to learn from its four architects through discussions, workshops, and team presentations. Won the 2006 AIA Award of Excellence in Professional Continuing Education.
EXTRACURRICULAR
2003 Liturgical Design Honor Award, Interfaith Forum on Religion Art and Architecture.
Guest critic, The Ohio State University Knowlton School of Architecture.
OFF THE CLOCK
Played a round of golf at the Old Course, St. Andrews, Scotland.
Youth soccer coach for Columbus East Soccer Association.
Loves deconstructing and reconstructing the 1920s home he shares with his wife Kim and two children (ages 7 and 11).
Secret life: Can juggle a soccer ball with his feet, thighs, and head for minutes at a time.
Jonathan Massey, 35
VP
Corgan Associates, Dallas
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS AIA
EDUCATION
BArch, MArch, University of Texas, Arlington
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Responsible for developing and delivering firm's U.S. and foreign aviation projects. Previously operated from firm's joint-venture London office leading European and Middle Eastern projects.
Lead consultant, managing 20-person team to create a master plan for Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. Conducted airport damage assessment immediately following Hurricane Katrina.
Served as firm's sole representative for the aviation competition to design the Royal Airwing Facility for Dubai International Airport, UAE, the hangar for the royal family's six private 747s.
Project manager and lead designer for the competition to design the first Airbus A380-specific Maintenance Base for Dubai International Airport.
Oversaw installation of bomb detection equipment at JKF International Airport immediately following 9/11.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite book: Atlas Shrugged , by Ayn Rand.
Favorite food: pizza.
Secret life: Restored a1967 Ford Mustang fastback.
Carla da Costa, 36DirectorTishman Speyer, New York, N.Y.EDUCATION MS, Polytechnic University BE, Pratt InstituteACCOMPLISHMENTS Manages many of the firm's largest projects. Responsibilities include coordinating design teams, negotiating contracts, overseeing day-to-day construction activities, and project completion. Project manager for the new Yankee Stadium's structural component work valued at more than $100 million. Helped American Institute of Steel Construction and software companies create BIM construction standards.RECENT PROJECTS 42-story, 856,000-sf Hearst Tower, New York The Chrysler Center upgrade (including the 1.2-million-sf Chrysler Building), New York 25-story, 375,000-sf 222 East 41st Street, New York
OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteers for several community outreach programs focused on helping teens and young adults.
Enjoys crafts: makes her own party favors, crochets baby blankets.
Favorite book: Fortune Is a Woman , by Elizabeth Adler.
Favorite musical group: Air Supply; their music helped her endure late-night college studying.
Secret life: Fluent in Spanish and Portuguese.
Steven M. Schnur, 32SVPDuke Realty Corporation, ChicagoEDUCATION BS, MS, Northwestern UniversityACCOMPLISHMENTS Manages the firm's Chicago office portfolio and 95 associates. Responsible for land acquisition, development, redevelopment, marketing and leasing, joint ventures, and asset acquisition. Directed more than $500 million in acquisitions and initiatives, nearly doubling firm's total commercial real estate sf since 2003. Currently oversees 3.3 million sf of commercial real estate valued at $650 million. Expanded firm's suburban holdings, creating one of Chicago's largest suburban office real estate portfolios.EXTRACURRICULAR Past president, National Association of Industrial and Office Properties. Board member, Northwestern Gridiron Network; the Athletics Initiative Fund. Member, Chicago Office Leasing Brokers Association.OFF THE CLOCK Favorite book: Jack: Straight from the Gut , by Jack Welch and John A. Byrne. Favorite movie: “Hoosiers.” Taught his children (ages 4, 2, 1) to cheer for the Northwestern Wildcats (college football) and the Chicago Bears (NFL).
Secret life: QB of the Northwestern Wildcats; played in the 1996 Rose Bowl and the 1997 Citrus Bowl.
Robert Benson, 36
Senior associate
4240 Architecture, Chicago
EDUCATION
MArch, MIT
BS University of Illinois, Urbana-Champaign
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Design leader for the firm's Chicago studio. Projects include corporate offices, interiors, churches, public pavilions, urban design, and mixed-used facilities.
Special projects include designing clients' signage, stationery, and Web sites.
Designs in-house marketing collateral and publications.
RECENT PROJECTS
Culver Studios, Albuquerque, N.M.
Shanghai Playboy Club, China
Department of Homeland Security's customs and border patrol facility, Van Horn, Texas.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Adjunct assistant professor, University of Illinois at Chicago.
Co-president, Chicago Architectural Club.
Member, Committee on Architecture, Art Institute of Chicago, 2004-05.
OFF THE CLOCK
Spent the summer of '96 at the Ecole D'art Americaines de Fontainebleau, France.
Wants people to demand the same high performance from architecture that they demand from automobiles.
His hero: Batman, because he relied on intellect rather than super powers.
Secret life: Personal photography was the subject of a solo exhibit at Chicago's TOJO Gallery.
Daniel P. McConaghy, 39
SVP, regional manager
Gilbane, Providence, R.I.
EDUCATION
MBA, Babson College
BA, Harvard University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Oversees day-to-day and strategic operations for New England region.
Responsible for the firm's 10 largest business units and 450 employees.
Grew region's revenues from $590 million to $810 million, accounting for about 25% of firm's total profits and sales.
Oversaw opening of firm's new Boston office and the launch of Special Projects Group in 2004; currently one of the firm's most profitable groups per employee.
Named project manager for New England region at 35, making him the youngest regional manager in firm history.
RECENT PROJECTS
University of Rhode Island dormitories, Kingston, R.I.
GSA Federal Building and Courthouse, Providence, R.I.
Jordan Hospital, Plymouth, Mass.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Developed in-house John J. McCoy Award to recognize employee accomplishments.
OFF THE CLOCK
Plays basketball and golfs as much as possible.
Loves '80s Rock & Roll, especially Tom Petty and Aerosmith.
Credits his wife Jeanine with being a fantastic cook, but claims he makes the best Mac & Cheese.
Secret life: Captain of the 1989 Harvard baseball team.
C. Cannon Reynolds, 36Project manager, architectNiles Bolton Associates, AtlantaPROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS AIAEDUCATION BS, MArch, Georgia Institute of TechnologyACCOMPLISHMENTS Manages a team of architects and consulting engineers responsible for projects ranging from $4 million to $60 million. Expertise: resort, conference, education, religious, performing arts, and recreation projects. Recognized troubleshooter, having recently guided a troubled, year-long master planning project to winning 87% voter approval at its referendum. Participates in the firm's business development, marketing, and recruitment.EXTRACURRICULAR Overhauled and now heads firm's mentoring and intern development programs, increasing new licensees by 400%. Recruited by AIA Georgia to institute its young architect education programs. Performs significant pro-bono work.OFF THE CLOCK Semi-retired mountain guide; climbed extensively in the Teton, Wind River, and Cascade ranges.Alpine skier. His hero: Maverick businessman Yvonne Chouinard, founder of Patagonia Inc., because of his success as a design innovator, visionary, and environmentalist.
Secret life: Met his wife on a blind date; married her exactly one year later.
Jim Nicolow, 38
Director of sustainable development
Lord Aeck & Sargent, Kalamazoo, Mich.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
MArch, BArch, University of Michigan
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads sustainable design initiatives and chairs two sustainable design taskforces. Serve as firm-wide resource for all projects incorporating green design.
Secured projects the firm might not otherwise have landed, including Southface Energy's Eco Office, for which he also secured $2 million in product donations.
Grows the firm's technical expertise by making strategic hires; recently brought daylighting analysis and energy modeling capabilities in-house.
Helped develop Labs 21 Energy Performance Criteria, referred to as “LEED for Labs.”
EXTRACURRICULAR Established “LAS Green Team,” an in-house initiative to research and promote green design. Developed and delivers green training programs; brings in outside speakers for staff development. Frequent lecturer and conference presenter.OFF THE CLOCK Known as Mr. Green Jeans. Water skier in the summer, cross-country skier in the winter. Favorite author: Kurt Vonnegut, Jr.; he appreciates the author's gently cynical outlook on life and his sense of humor.
Secret life: Can walk on his hands.
Michael Squarzini, 36VP, principalThornton Tomasetti, New York, N.Y.PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS PEEDUCATION MS SE, University of Minnesota BS CE, Manhattan CollegeACCOMPLISHMENTS Youngest principal at 500-person engineering and design firm. Managed design teams for numerous healthcare, commercial, education, and sports projects. Active in the firm's global management strategies; helps implement formal leadership programs to develop future firm leaders. Advisor to the firm's Board of Directors Finance Committee.RECENT PROJECTS $1.02 billion Yankee Stadium, Bronx, N.Y. $90 million Pepsi Center, DenverEXTRACURRICULAR Has taught senior structural design course at Manhattan College since 1994. Taught “Design of Large Scale Structures,” Princeton University, 1997-2002. Secretary, board member, Structural Engineers Association of New York.OFF THE CLOCK Greatest non-work achievement: raising two well-mannered boys (ages 6 and 9). Favorite writer: George F. Will, particularly enjoys his book Men at Work: The Craft of Baseball .
Secret life: Lives in Dutchess County, N.Y., the same place he grew up.
Roger W. Lautz, 37
Associate VP, director of mechanical engineering
HGA Architects and Engineers, Milwaukee, Wis.
PROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS PE
EDUCATION
BS ME, University of Wisconsin
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Director of firm's Milwaukee, Wis., mechanical engineering department.
Promoted to associate vice president in 2006, earning ownership stake in the firm.
Personally researched, designed, specified, and commissioned more than 200 projects. Expertise in healthcare projects.
Chairman of the firm's marketing committee, member of the firm's mechanical and engineering council.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, WHEA code committee.
Member, Advocacy and Technologies Committee, American Society of Healthcare Engineering.
OFF THE CLOCK
Passionate about hockey, having skated, played, coached, or officiated since age two.
Favorite food: salted cashews or other fancy nuts.
Organized charity event that raised $60,000 to fund defibrillators for Milwaukee-area high schools.
Secret life: Great-grandfather was a chemist who developed dyes for World War I German military uniforms.
F. Michael Ayles, 38
Director of business development
Antinozzi Associates, Stratford, Conn.
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS AIA
EDUCATION
BArch, Roger Williams University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined the firm in 1994 as intern architect; promoted six times. Helped double the size of the now 30-person architecture and interior design firm.
Design experience includes banks, offices, schools, and healthcare facilities. Serves as project manager for certain key clients.
Architect liaison for the firm's continuing education programs.
Spearheads the firm's philanthropic and volunteer efforts.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Chair, AIA Young Architects Forum, 2004.
Founded Emerging Architectural Community (EAC) for the state's interns and young architects.
Member, AIA Committee on Leadership Education Advisory Group.
Frequent speaker and guest lecturer.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite food: a toss-up between his mother's mac & cheese and fresh-baked chocolate chip cookies.
Enjoys a pint of Guinness with good friends at his local Irish pub.
Aiding the Soundview Family capital campaign to raise funds for his community YMCA.
Secret life: Can't live without Hershey's Special Dark chocolate.
Michaella Wright Wittmann, 37
SVP and director, sustainable design services
HDR Architecture, Portland, Ore.
PROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS
LEED AP
EDUCATION
BS Arts, EE, University of San Diego
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founder and director of firm's sustainble design services group. Work involves more than 20 LEED projects for governmental, institutional, and private clients.
Leads firm's new cross-function initiative to incorporate sustainability into all client services.
Helped land significant $1.3 billion, eight-year contract with the Oregon Department of Transportation.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Advisory board member, Greenguard Environmental Institute.
Helped create the U.S. Green Building Council's LEED rating system.
Participates on firm's long-term strategic planning team.
Frequent speaker and author of numerous articles on sustainable issues.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite musician: trumpeter Chris Botti.
Favorite foods: Organic, locally sourced items that support the local economy and sustainable practices; she also thinks they taste better.
Enjoys SCUBA diving, most recently off the island of Bonaire.
Secret life: Climbed Mount St. Helens in summer 2006.
Wes Rimes, 25
Project manager
BE&K, Government Group
Birmingham, Ala.
EDUCATION
Anticipated J.D., fall 2009, Birmingham School of Law
BS CE, University of Alabama
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to project manager and site supervisor in 2004. Previously interned with the firm during high school; hired as a start-up field engineer upon college graduation.
Second employee hired for firm's newly formed Government Division. Project manager on firm's $15 million Belle Chase, La., Hurricane Katrina relief project.
Manages process improvement projects at the Pine Bluff Chemical Demilitarization Plant, Pine Bluff, Ark., with total aggregate value of $5 million.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Recruit for Inroads, an internship organization that matches minority candidates with positions in corporate America.
Firm representative at the 2006 Diversity Summit, an annual Birmingham event that promotes diversity in companies operating within the community.
OFF THE CLOCK
Ideal vacation: any white sand beach in the Caribbean.
Activities: basketball, golfing, and working out.
Secret life: Can easily unscramble the Rubix Cube.
Edward E. Peck, 38
Principal
AMC Engineers, Anchorage, Alaska
EDUCATION
BS EE, University of Washington
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Firm's youngest principal.
Expertise in electrical system design for commercial, institutional, and industrial buildings, with emphasis on healthcare, laboratory, and school projects.
Provides oversight and project reviews for firm's mid-level engineers. Serves as a mentor to the firm's youngest engineers.
Designed and implemented interactive maintenance program for the $100 million Alaska Native Medical Center (ANMC) project, Anchorage.
Founded his own consulting firm in 1997 to handle 12-month contract with ANMC.
EXTRACURRICULAR
President-elect, Alaska Society of Healthcare Managers and Engineers.
CSI Certified Document Technologist.
Won 2002 International Illumination Design Award, Regional Award of Merit, Teeland Middle School, Wasilla, Alaska.
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite activities: date nights with his wife Jody, playing Monopoly with his four children (ages 9, 6, 4, and 18 months).
Summer: camping and fishing; winter: skiing/snowboarding and ice fishing.
Grandfather homesteaded in Alaska working as a railroad telegraph operator.
Secret life: Diagnosed with leukemia at six; accepted into an experimental treatment program that saved his life.
Robert Lavey, 37
Principal
Perkins + Will, Los Angeles
PROFESSIONAL CREDITIALS
AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BArch, California State Polytechnic University, Pomona
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founding member of firm's California practice.
Helped develop office's K-12 practice. Involved in planning, managing, and designing education projects valued at more than $1 billion.
Named Higher Education Market Sector Leader for the firm's Los Angeles office. Responsible for university and community college projects in California and the Southwest.
RECENT PROJECTS
Patriot High School, Riverside, Calif.
St. Bonaventure Parish School, Concord, Calif.
Oregon Health Sciences University, Portland, Ore.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Frequent guest lecturer.
Contributed to books Planning and Designing Schools and Daylighting: Performance and Design .
OFF THE CLOCK
Favorite meal: burger, fries, and chocolate milkshake from In-N-Out.
Activities: mountain biking, volleyball, body surfing, and camping.
Artistic pursuits: photography; sketching with pencil, charcoal, and ink.
Secret life: Avocado rancher.
Ryan Bixler, 34
SVP
HITT Contracting Inc., Atlanta
EDUCATION
BS, Radford University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Heads 40-person Atlanta office, delivering projects ranging from base buildings to large corporate projects. Employees under his leadership routinely earn promotions.
Promoted to VP in 2005 and named senior VP in 2006.
Personally delivered projects totaling more than three million sf and valued at more than $250 million.
Atlanta office projects won five 2006 “Excellence in Construction” awards from the Associated Builders & Contractors.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Organized effort to aid his client UBS in rebuilding its Gulfport, Ms., office following Hurricane Katrina.
Initiated in-house recycling program that raised $25,000 for an employee diagnosed with cancer.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hits the golf course as often as possible; admits to a 13 handicap.
When not golfing, he enjoys relaxing on the beach with a cool drink.
Great-grandfather was George A. Graham, a semi-pro baseball player for the early 20th-century Western League whose career was sidelined by a knee injury. He then became a professional golfer.
Secret life: Aspires to compete on the hit TV show “American Idol.”
Thomas J. Trenolone, 36
Senior architect, director of commercial projects
Randy Brown Architects, Omaha, Neb.
(as of Jan. '07: project designer, HDR Architecture, Omaha, Neb.)
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
AIA, LEED AP
EDUCATION
MArch, University of Kansas
BA, University of Nebraska
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Portfolio of U.S. and international projects includes more than 20 AIA award winners.
Design team leader for the U2 Landmark Tower, Dublin, Ireland; Hinoki-cho Performing Arts Center, Tokyo; and the USCE Center, Belgrade, Serbia.
Designed AIA Honor Award-winning Allwine Prairie Research Center for the study of the burning of native prairies; partnering with the University of Nebraska on the facility's capital fundraising campaign.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Authored “Speed, Sex, Firepower” study on creativity within automotive, fashion, and military organizations.
Founded Design Alliance Omaha, a social/academic organization to nuture the community's interest in design.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hardcore fan of the University of Nebraska Cornhuskers and the University of Kansas Jayhawks.
Secret life: Sci Fi fan, loves Star Trek, Star Wars, and Battlestar Gallactica.
Jeff Pratt, 34
Associate principal
KJWW Engineering Consultants, Chicago
PROFESSIONAL CREDENTIALS
PE, LEED AP
EDUCATION
BS ME, Iowa State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named manager of the Chicago office at 27, making him the firm's youngest-ever branch manager. Grew the office from 4 employees to 50 in six years.
In 2005, named the firm's youngest associate principal. Responsibilities include: project director and manager, quality control, marketing, staff mentoring, department training, and accounting.
Involved with firm's strategic planning committee, which is responsible for maintaining the firm's ranking as one of the nation's top 20 engineering firms.
RECENT PROJECTS
$100 million Niles Township High School expansion, Skokie, Ill.
$90 million Blue Chip Casino, Michigan City, Ind.
$50 million advanced chemical technology lab, University of Illinois at Chicago.
OFF THE CLOCK
Earned college money via finish carpentry and furniture making. Still creates Mission-style furniture using his grandfather's tools.
Loves homemade tacos.
Secret life: Enjoys building, modifying, and running gas-powered remote-control trucks with his nine-year-old son.