They're the top young leaders of the commercial design and construction industry—40 outstanding individuals who have excelled not only in their chosen fields of work but also in service to their clients, their firms, their professions, and their communities.
Meet the BD+C 40 Under 40 Class of 2019!
See Also: BD+C's 40 Under 40 Class of 2018
► Melody Ablola ► Paola Moya
► Mike Aziz ► Anita Woolley Nelson
► Jeb Bair ► Luke Newell
► Ryan Calahan ► Jonathan Ninnis
► Shaun Carvalho ► Stacey Olson
► Michelle Chavey ► Jennifer Osei-Abebrese-Heltsley
► Shannon Coomes ► Sarah Pearlstein
► Nicholas Fair ► Michael Rechnitz
► Kelsey Gauger ► Bryan Roof
► Jared Green ► Michael Saccone
► James Isom ► Peter Schermerhorn
► Luke Johnson ► David Snell
► Zack Lamp ► Rebecca Sninski
► Andrew D. Lehrer ► Susan Stabler
► Lulu Li ► Bobby Teachey II
► Erica LiBritz ► Kari Thorsen
► Bradley Lockwood ► Collin Tsui
► Tyler McManaman ► Kristen Tuerk
► Jeffrey Meyers ► Mindy Viamontes
► Stephanie Mitrovic ►Gia Zapattini
engineering Virtuoso
Ryan Calahan, PE, NCEES, ASHRAE, ASPE, LEED AP
Principal
FEA CONSULTING ENGINEERS | Henderson, Nev.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS, Architectural Engineering, University of Wyoming
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Registered PE in 14 states.
Director, FEA’s M/P/FP engineering department.
Engineered >30,000 hotel rooms.
Supervised engineering of world’s first LEED Gold casino (Rivers Casino, Des Plaines, Ill.)
Board of Governors, ASHRAE of Southern Nevada.
Guest Member, Nevada State Board of Engineers.
EXTRACURRICULAR
ASHRAE chapter trip to Guatemala: installed PVs, battery packs, lights, and ceiling fans in 20 homes.
Mentor, Boys & Girls Clubs of Southern Nevada.
Volunteer, Get Outdoors Nevada trail cleanup.
OFF THE CLOCK
Flag football ("recently retired"); now basketball.
Swim lessons for daughter McKinley (6) and son Ben (3).
SECRET LIFE
Played cornerback forUniversity of Wyoming Cowboys (1999-2002).
He proposed to his wife, Casey, in a Cayman Islands lighthouse.
GEOTECHNICAL WIZARD
Jared Green PE, DGE, MASCE
SENIOR ASSOCIATE, VICE PRESIDENT
LANGAN | PHILADELPHIA
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
MSCE (geotechnical), University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign
BSCE, Syracuse University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of the youngest ever inductees into the ASCE Academy of Geo-Professionals (2019).
Promoted to Senior Associate/Vice President (2016).
Leads multidisciplinary engineering projects in Manhattan, Brooklyn, and Philadelphia.
Commencement Keynote Speaker for the Class of 2017, College of Engineering and Computer Science, Syracuse University.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Micropile Technical Committee, Deep Foundations Institute.
Board of Directors, American Council of Engineering Companies, New York.
Advisory Board, Department of Civil and Environmental Engineering, Syracuse University.
Chair, ASCE Metropolitan Section – Geotechnical Group.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys LEGOs with sons Lukewinston (12) and Jonathan (10) and daughter Cassandra (7) and cooking with his physician wife, Camille.
SECRET LIFE
Red-green colorblind.
Has donated >2 gallons of blood.
Michelle Chavey AIA, ALEP
Partner, Educational Design Director
HOLLIS + MILLER ARCHITECTS | Kansas City, Mo.
AGE: 37
EDUCATION
MS, Architectural Management, University of Kansas
BArch, Kansas State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
The firm’s first and only female Partner.
One of only 251 Accredited Learning Environment Planners in the world.
Distinguished Service Award, Association for Learning Environments (A4LE).
Has worked on >200 school projects.
Learning by Design Grand Prize Award for Olathe (Kan.) West High School.
Pursuing EdD in educational leadership at Kansas State.
EXTRACURRICULAR
President, A4LE Kansas City chapter.
A4LE KC Board Member since 2015.
Co-lead, Cookie Construction, AIA Kansas City and Girl Scouts, to help girls explore design and construction.
Fundraiser, Ronald McDonald House.
OFF THE CLOCK
Helped convert her family’s farm to a sustainable hydroponic environment growing 15 varieties of herbs.
Enjoys yoga and baking, plus arts and crafts with daughter Emma (4).
SECRET LIFE
Won the Little Miss Kansas pageant at age 3; voted “most photogenic” in Little Miss USA competition.
CAPITAL PLANNING MAESTRO
Bryan Roof CCM, LEED GA
Director – Program Management
CUMMING CORPORATION | Raleigh-Durham, N.C.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BBA, Business and Marketing, Radford University College of Business and Economics
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Director and Program Executive, Wake County Public Schools System’s Facility Design & Construction and Real Estate Services, which encompasses seven departments.
Manages the school district’s seven-year, $2.5 billion Capital Improvements Plan. Developed its Strategic Improvement Initiatives, revised its cost models, and created a new Strategic Projects Department.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Construction Management Association of America (N.C. chapter).
North Carolina Star Program, for implementing safety and health management systems.
Participant, Leadership Raleigh (Raleigh Chamber of Commerce).
Member, Association for Learning Environments (N.C. chapter).
OFF THE CLOCK
Youth sports coach.
Enjoys the arts and working the fields on a tractor.
Habitat for Humanity, Wake County Public Schools team; Watchdog Dad Volunteer, Wake County Public Schools.
SECRET LIFE
Both parents worked on NASA’s Space Shuttle program.
Grandfather was a paratrooper with the 11th Airborne Division whose raid on Los Banos in the Philippines during World War II liberated 2,147 internees.
Wife Katie was enshrined in the Radford Athletics Hall of Fame.
Mindy Viamontes AIA, OAA, NCARB
Senior Project Architect
EXP | Chicago
AGE: 37
EDUCATION
BArch, Kansas State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Senior Project Architect, $2.1 billion Chicago Transit Authority Red and Purple Line Modernization (largest capital project in CTA history).
Project Manager, CTA 95th Street Terminal and five other CTA stations.
Project Manager, Dallas/Fort Worth Airport ETAM Campus Master Site Plan.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Mentor to 12 high school students in the Engineering Futures Program.
Director, AIA Chicago Board of Directors; Chair, AIA Chicago 150th Anniversary Committee.
Past Board Member, Angelic Organics Young Professionals Association Board (promotes sustainable communities).
Past President, Chicago Women in Architecture.
OFF THE CLOCK
Urban hiking with her husband, Mike.
Self-taught fashion designer; creates items for her retired greyhound, Biki.
SECRET LIFE
Has not driven a car in 14 years.
Took up ballet at age 34.
Lulu Li, AIA
Senior Architectural Licensed Professional
Skidmore, Owings & Merrill | Chicago
AGE: 31
EDUCATION
MArch, Harvard University
BArch, Yale College, Yale School of Architecture
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Envisioned a new environment for cyber security pedagogy for the U.S. Naval Academy’s Hopper Hall.
Helped reimagine the role of the college library for The Milstein Center at Barnard College.
AIA/ALA Library Building Award, The Milstein Center (2019).
One of 24 participants in the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation’s 2018 Emerging Leaders Program.
Prix Versailles Special Prize Exterior Award.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Society for College and University Planning (North Atlantic Region).
Volunteer supervisor for SOM’s internship program.
Founded and developed Bikenapped, an online, user-generated platform that maps bike thefts.
OFF THE CLOCK
Co-founded and operates Akron Street, a direct-to-consumer furniture brand and studio.
SECRET LIFE
Studied piano for 13 years; ATAM New England Piano Champion (2003).
Melody Ablola MSC, CMILT
Senior Logistics Consultant
arup | San Francisco
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
MSc, International Transport and Logistics, University of Glamorgan
BS/BA, Industrial & Systems Engineering, University of San Diego
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Helped develop the waste and deliveries management strategy for the 3,000-unit London 2012 Olympic Athletes Village.
Helped deliver first-of-its-kind automation design for the Zappos.com distribution center, Shepherdsville, Ky.
Helped create fully autonomous solutions for Masdar City (Abu Dhabi), including an underground tunnel network for distribution.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Named role model by Connect Out, Arup’s LGBTQ resource group.
Senior Member, Institute of Industrial Engineers.
Chartered Member, Institute of Logistics and Transport.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hosts Bring Your Own Vinyl community events in Oakland.
Avid gold panner.
SECRET LIFE
Can balance a pile of rocks into a towering sculpture.
Played guitar (Fender Sunburst Telecaster) in an all-girl ska band in high school.
Bradley Lockwood AIA, MBA
Vice President/Managing Principal of Higher Education
Moseley Architects | Raleigh, N.C.
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
MBA, Old Dominion University
BArch, Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Advanced from new graduate to Vice President in <10 years.
Established relationships and made new inroads with >20 higher-ed clients in first 18 months as VP.
Managing the first-ever design-build project for the North Carolina Community College System.
Managing the largest emergency project in the history of the University of North Carolina System as a result of Hurricane Florence.
Earned MBA while working full time.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, North Carolina Coalition to End Homelessness.
Volunteer, Food Bank of Central & Eastern North Carolina.
Volunteer, Cleworth Architectural Legacy of the Denver Architectural Foundation.
OFF THE CLOCK
Latest project is restoring a 1979 Jeep CJ7 Golden Eagle.
Owns 14 guitars; built an acoustic guitar from scratch.
SECRET LIFE
Great-grandfather ran a speakeasy in Newburgh, N.Y., during Prohibition.
Can trick rope; performed at amusement parks as a kid.
Collin tsui PENG
Global Manager, Performance Solutions
FLUOR | Houston
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
BSc, Schulich School of Engineering, University of Calgary
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Manages group that lowers installed cost via metrics and benchmarking.
Leads Fluor’s “Time on Tools” studies to optimize construction execution.
Global Operations Coordinator for Fluor’s SVP of Construction & Fabrication.
Coach, Fluor “Innovation Unwrapped” hackathon/intrapreneurship event.
Co-author, Fluor Advanced Work Packaging Practice.
Co-founder/Chair, Fluor's Emerging Leaders Group, Calgary.
Founder, Construction Industry Institute (CII) Connect, Houston.
Developed business case for pilot integrated scaffold program (saved $10 million for client).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Industry Advisory Board (Construction Management), University of Houston.
Member, Deployment Committee, CII.
Led Fluor partnership with University of Calgary Engineering Students’ Society.
OFF THE CLOCK
Magic the Gathering card game player.
Chases the family cats with wife Joey and daughters Hazel (6) and Chloe (4).
SECRET LIFE
Learned to fly as a Royal Canadian Air Cadet.
Jennifer OSEI-ABEBRESE-HELTSLEY
Senior Project Manager
IU Health | Indianapolis, Ind.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BSCE/SE, Southern Illinois University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Owner’s Technical Representative, $1.1 billion Indianapolis International Airport project.
Project Manager for $100 million IU Health Saxony Hospital.
Senior Project Manager on the multi-billion-dollar Adult Academic Health Center of the Future Project.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of Directors/Volunteer Chair, Rebuilding Together Indianapolis.
Committee Member, Junior Achievement JobSpark and Indiana Subcontractor Association.
Ambassador to Indiana Construction Roundtable – Building Your Future.
Habitat for Humanity’s Women’s Build Week (5 years).
OFF THE CLOCK
Met her 104-year-old grandmother for the first time on vacation in Ghana, in 2011.
SECRET LIFE
Known as “The Queen of Pop-A-Shot” among her friends.
Met husband, Josh, while both were working on the Indianapolis International Airport project.
MEDICAL MARVEL
Susan Stabler
Vice President and Healthcare Division Manager
Brasfield & Gorrie | Birmingham, Ala.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS, Building Construction, Auburn University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
In her 16 years with the firm, has managed ~40 projects totaling >$500 million, notably the $207 million Grandview Medical Center, Birmingham.
Oversees the Birmingham office’s Healthcare Group, which executes $150 million/year in construction.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board Member, American Heart Associate Go Red for Women Executive Team, Red Mountain Theatre Company, St. Vincent’s Foundation, Ronald McDonald House (operations/strategic planning committee), and Baptist Health Foundation events committee.
Founder, Co-chair, Brasfield & Gorrie’s Operational Women’s Resource Group.
Co-chair of the firm’s Diversity and Inclusion Steering Committee.
ABC Future Leaders in Construction.
Managed 500 Brasfield & Gorrie volunteers and 42 subcontractors in a fundraising effort for the YWCA.
OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteered at American Red Cross’s Ground Zero aid station after 9/11.
Married, with three children.
Member, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
SECRET LIFE
Her father modeled underwear for a department store while in college.
EDUCATION REJUVENATOR
Luke Johnson, AIA
Associate Vice President/Design Leader
CANNONDESIGN | Buffalo, N.Y.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
MArch, BS, University at Buffalo
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Heads design of the firm’s 200-person Buffalo office.
Youngest design leader in the >1,000-person firm.
As chair of education programming, over 980 public school children in Western N.Y. have been engaged in Architecture + Education programming.
Merit Awards, AIA Western New York/Buffalo (2013, 2016).
Community Service Award, AIA Western New York/Buffalo (2015).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Vice President/Chair of Education Programming, Buffalo Architecture Foundation (BAF).
Chair, Buffalo Architecture Foundation Architecture + Education Program, partnering with Buffalo Public Schools, University at Buffalo, Buffalo State College, and Villa Maria College.
Chair, Buffalo Architecture Foundation Native American Outreach Program, partnering with Lakeshore Central School District, UB National Organization of Minority Architecture Students.
Panelist, New York State Council on the Arts.
Volunteer, Junior Achievement of Western New York.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys hiking, camping, and outdoor meat smoking.
Studied architecture for five months in Antwerp, Belgium.
SECRET LIFE
Didn’t speak a word until age three; first words: “Watch out, she bite you!” ("she" being the family cat).
Great-great-grandfather was part of the Underground Railroad.
Luke Newell dbia, leed ap
Vice President, Central Area Manager
DUNN BUILDING COMPANY | Birmingham, Ala.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
Executive MBA, Owen Graduate School of Management, Vanderbilt University
BS, Construction Science, Auburn University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Earned MBA commuting 400 miles roundtrip from Birmingham to Nashville while working full time with two children at home.
Trained and hired staff for the addition of satellite offices in Athens and Saraland, Ala.
Helped increase company revenues 58% and profits 168% (2014 to 2018).
Estimated over 200 projects ($682 million of work) and managed 30 projects ($20 million in revenue).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Program Chair, DBIA South Central Region.
Vice President, Firehouse Ministries Shelter Senior Board.
Group Leader, Cahaba Park Church, Birmingham.
Mentor, Cornerstone Schools of Alabama.
Member, Kiwanis Club of Birmingham.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hunts deer, pheasant, quail, and duck.
Golfer, Peloton bike competitor.
SECRET LIFE
Ran a 75-mile adventure race across the Andes in Argentina and Chile.
Kari Thorsen IIDA, NCIDQ, LEED AP
Principal
Zgf Architects | Seattle
AGE: 37
EDUCATION
BS, Interior Design, University of Wisconsin–Madison
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Current projects: Seattle Children’s Hospital, Building Care: Diagnostic and Treatment Facility; and Cincinnati Children’s Hospital Medical Center Critical Care Tower expansion/addition.
Recent behavioral health spaces: Swedish Medical Center–Ballard, Behavioral Health Unit, Seattle; St. Joseph Medical Center Behavioral Health Unit, Tacoma, Wash.
Green Belt, Lean Certification for Facilities Design.
EXTRACURRICULAR
IIDA Mentor, Seattle Pacific University.
Member, Outreach Committee, AIA Academy of Architecture for Health.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys hiking, daily yoga.
Baking with her daughter, Eleanor.
SECRET LIFE
She and her husband met the Dalai Lama on a pilgrimage to India and Nepal.
Was on her college crew team.
SUSTAINABILITY ADVOCATE
Stacey Olson CID, LEED FELLOW
Associate
Gensler | Newport Beach
AGE: 38
EDUCATION
BA, Art History, University of California, Irvine
AA, Interior Design, Interior Designer’s Institute of Newport Beach
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
One of the youngest LEED Fellows in the world (270 worldwide).
Fitwel Ambassador.
EcoDistrict AP (only 234 worldwide).
Director of Sustainable Design, Southwest Regional Design Resilience Leader and Sustainability Specialist.
Designed systems to conserve >5 million gallons of potable water annually across eight projects.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Stewardship Champion, Asset Network for Education Worldwide (ANEW), for outstanding dedication to social/environmental sustainability.
Director of Education, NEWH–The Hospitality Industry Network.
Has developed >150 education sessions.
OFF THE CLOCK
Loves painting, camping.
Captain of an American Poolplayers Association women's billiards team.
SECRET LIFE
Makes her own vegan butter and makeup remover.
Avid animal rights supporter.
Jeb Bair
Superintendent
HASELDEN CONSTRUCTION | Fort Collins, Colo.
AGE: 32
EDUCATION
Bachelor of Applied Science in Construction Management, Colorado State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Named superintendent at age 26.
Instrumental in beta-testing and implementing Haselden’s new project management software.
Team leader, Haselden Continuous Improvement Committee; member, Haselden Innovation Committee.
Organized three Sense of Belonging events for the firm’s craft laborers.
Self-funds a scholarship for construction management students, which Haselden matches.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Co-chair, AGC of Colorado Future Leaders Forum steering committee.
Board Member, AGC of Colorado.
Program Leader, AGC Construction Connections (mentor program for high school students).
Mentor/Volunteer, Colorado State University “CM Cares” Service Learning Program (2013-present).
Team leader, Haselden’s Extreme Community Makeover Day (neighborhood beautification in Denver).
OFF THE CLOCK
Slalom water skier.
Camping, off-roading.
SECRET LIFE
Was a semipro snowmobile racer in high school.
Peter Schermerhorn
Former President and CEO
TRIAX TECHNOLOGIES | Norwalk, Conn.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
JD, Stanford University
BA, History, Brown University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
As CEO, he grew company revenues twentyfold from 2015 to 2019.
Launched Spot-r solution in 2017, which provides real-time worker and equipment location, safety data, and safety and evacuation alerts.
Key partnerships: United Rentals, Bosch Power Tools, Gilbane Building Company, and Travelers Insurance.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Construction Institute, Professional Women in Construction (New York), and Chief Executive Network.
Board Member, Saint Nicholas Society of the City of New York (cofounded by Washington Irving).
Executive Board Member, Children’s Day School, Riverside, Conn.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys skiing, triathlons, golf, trap anskeet shooting, home brewing, and sailing (member, New York Yacht Club).
SECRET LIFE
He comes from an Old Dutch family that has lived in the New York City area since the 1640s.
HEALTHCARE TRENDSETTER
Rebecca Sninski
Project Manager
CBRE | Washington, D.C.
AGE: 30
EDUCATION
BS, Health Policy & Administration, Pennsylvania State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Managing all phases of delivery for 22 projects totaling $50 million in value.
Youngest female management team member for two healthcare systems.
Creating a Safety Liaison program for >80 employees, three hospitals, and multiple ambulatory sites.
Project Manager on the design of a new type of emergency department entrance with safe, secure access.
EXTRACURRICULAR
President, National Capital Region Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE).
Created a five-year strategic plan to increase ASHE chapter membership.
OFF THE CLOCK
Volunteer, Pet Rescue Alliance.
Gardening, wine tasting, hiking with fiancé and her Anatolian shepherd.
SECRET LIFE
First college graduate in her family.
Can speed read.
BUSINESS IGNITER
Shannon Coomes
President
HILL FIRE PROTECTION | Franklin Park, Ill.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS, Industrial Engineering, University of Illinois at Chicago
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since joining her firm in 2010, has grown revenue in both construction and services from $3.6 million to $29.2 million in 2018.
Often worked three jobs at a time to pay for her college education.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Vistage peer mentoring organization; nominated for Leadership Award in 2018.
Board Member, Girls in the Game (nonprofit that empowers girls).
Presenter, Purdue University’s Building Construction Management program.
Co-chair, American Cancer Society Black & White Ball: raised $500,000.
Member, National Fire Sprinkler Association Illinois; assisted on committee for a new local chapter (2012).
OFF THE CLOCK
Wife and mother of a daughter (8) and son (5), both into sports.
Skis, takes Pure Barre classes.
SECRET LIFE
Owns—and uses—five Hula Hoops.
Michael Rechnitz
Project Executive
CLARK CONSTRUCTION GROUP | Seattle
AGE: 37
EDUCATION
MS, Construction Management, Colorado State University
BS, Duke University
EMBA, University of Virginia Darden
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Chair, Clark’s Regional Operations Group, Western Region.
Recent projects: Design-build services for the $755 million Sea-Tac International Arrivals Facility, which features a new elevated sterile corridor 32 feet above the aircraft apron level; and CHCF Stockton (Calif.) Health Facility, a first-of-its kind design-build prison/hospital spanning 34 buildings over 50 acres.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Past Member, Economic Advisory Commission, City of Fort Collins, Colo.
Board Advisor, Pullman Firefighters Charitable Foundation.
Volunteer, Lecturer, Competition Host, Associated Schools of Construction.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys baking French sourdough ficelle for his wife and two children.
Participates in the Murph Challenge charity event—one-mile run, 100 pull-ups, 200 pushups, 300 squats, and another mile run wearing a 20-lb vest.
SECRET LIFE
Drove cattle through the Colorado Rockies as a child.
PROJECT PIONEER
David Snell Aia, LEED AP BD+C
Senior Associate
Prellwitz Chilinski Associates | Boston
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
BArch, MArch, Northeastern University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Rose from co-op student to youngest Associate and Senior Associate in the firm.
Recent projects: Allston Green District (sustainably designed multifamily community), including PCA’s first LEED Platinum buildings; and “Serenity,” PCA’s first high-rise apartment building.
Led design of the firm’s first boutique hotel, The Revolution Hotel, Boston.
Has helped bring in 10 projects worth $500 million in construction value in three years.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Committee member, St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital “Toast to St. Jude” fundraiser, Boston.
Longtime supporter, Children’s Advocacy Center of Suffolk County.
OFF THE CLOCK
Plays guitar (and ukulele) in the firm’s band, “Revit Clash.”
Enjoys traveling with his wife, Jes, and sons Fitz (4) and Finley (1).
SECRET LIFE
His college band opened for Gavin DeGraw in the mid-2000s.
He’s an Eagle scout.
Gia Zapattini AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Project Designer, Associate
PERKINS+WILL | Miami
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
MArch, University of Kansas
Master of Interior Architecture and Product Design, Kansas State University
Kansas City Design Center, Fellow
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
President, AIA Miami—the chapter’s youngest president in >80 years.
AIA Miami Architect of the Year (2016-2017).
Leads Perkins+Will Miami Social Responsibility Initiative.
Helped grow the Perkins+Will Miami Interiors Practice from $80,000 to >$2 million in less than three years.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board of Directors, AIA Miami.
Board of Directors, ACE Mentors, Miami.
OFF THE CLOCK
500-hour certified yoga instructor.
Has traveled to 41 countries and 39 U.S. states.
Volunteers at Nicklaus Children’s Hospital, Miami, with her dog, Blue (who serves as a therapy pet).
SECRET LIFE
Speaks Spanish, Portuguese, a little Italian, and Guarani.
S+T Genius
Stephanie Mitrovic AIA, NCARB, IIDA, NCIDQ
Studio Leader, Science & Technology
SmithGroup | Phoenix
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
MArch, Arizona State University
BFA, Interior Design, Virginia Commonwealth University
Capstone Thesis, “Urbanism and Public Interest,” Universidad Torcuato de Tella, Argentina
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest Studio Leader across SmithGroup’s 15 offices.
Major projects: USDOE LEED Platinum National Renewable Energy Laboratory – Energy Systems Integration Facility, Golden, Colo.; Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency’s Forensic Identification Laboratory, Oahu, Hawaii; $140 million HQ for Axon, Scottsdale, Ariz.
Member, SmithGroup Emerging Leaders Program.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Steering Committee Member, Women United | Valley of the Sun United Way.
TGen Ambassador, Translational Genomics Research Institute Foundation.
Team Leader, Alzheimer’s Association Memory Walk.
Council Member, Arizona State University Alumni Foundation.
OFF THE CLOCK
Did “NASCAR Driving Experience.”
Skydiver, scuba diver.
Has visited 52 countries.
SECRET LIFE
Flew to Europe in an Air Force C-5 cargo jet at age 10.
Brother is an F-16 pilot; father is a retired Air Force colonel.
shaun Carvalho
Vice President of Safety
SHAWMUT DESIGN AND CONSTRUCTION | Boston
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS, Safety Studies, Keene State College
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Appointed VP of Safety in December 2018; manages a team of 15.
Since he joined the firm, in 2003, Shawmut has won AGC Safety Awards every year, and won the National AGC Safety Award in 2019.
Formed a partnership with Blue Cross Blue Shield to develop an opioid toolkit program—only GC firm in the pilot.
Oversaw rollout of innovative safety technologies such as Smartvid.io, which uses AI to achieve desired jobsite behaviors.
EXTRACURRICULAR
OSHA-authorized instructor.
American Red Cross CPR and First Aid authorized instructor.
Certified for hazardous work operations and emergency responses.
Member, Construction Safety Roundtable of Eastern Massachusetts, Safety Executives of New York, and American Society of Safety Professionals (NYC).
OFF THE CLOCK
Attending his four kids’ athletic events.
Golfer, skier.
SECRET LIFE
Captained his high school soccer team, Warwick, R.I.
Zack Lamp ASSOC. AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Vice President
HKS | Dallas
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
MArch, University of Texas at Arlington
BSc, Architecture, Texas Tech University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to Vice President (2019).
Leads studio in cross-sector collaboration projects (infusing design strategies and knowledge from all sectors at HKS) totaling $3 billion dollars.
AIA Advanced Leadership Program (2019).
TREC Associate Leadership Council (2017).
Merit Award for Excellence in Design, AIA Maryland Chapter; IES Illumination Award of Merit, both for MGM National Harbor Hotel and Casino (2018).
Design Director for the HKS team on the 350-sf Kasita modular micro-home.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Founding Member, HKS Xchange Fellowship Program.
HKS Emerging Leader.
Volunteer, The Real Estate Council Dallas Catalyst Project.
OFF THE CLOCK
Fishing, hunting, golfing, skiing, camping, hiking, kayaking with his family.
SECRET LIFE
Has caught a fish on a fly rod in 14 states (only 36 to go!).
planner extraordinaire
Mike Aziz AIA, LEED AP
Director of Urban Design
COOPER ROBERTSON | New York, N.Y.
AGE: 38
EDUCATION
MArch Savannah College of Art and Design
BS Architecture, University of Maryland
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Youngest Director-level member at firm.
Project manager for master planning 880-acre Hunters Point/Candlestick Point redevelopment, San Francisco.
Author of Reshaping Gentrification: An Urban Design Proposal for the Redevelopment of Columbia Heights.
Helped draft Mississippi’s first form-based SmartCode early in his career.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Adjunct Professor/Visiting Critic: Columbia University, Bard College, and University of Pennsylvania.
Led planning (with Riverkeeper) that identified 135 projects to restore water and ecosystems for New York’s Newtown Creek and Flushing waterways.
Professional affiliations: ULI, SCUP, Congress for New Urbanism, AIANY Planning and Urban Design Committee, NYC Waterfront Alliance.
OF THE CLOCK
Founded one of the oldest and largest co-ed soccer clubs in Brooklyn, N.Y.
Indoor rock climber.
Married, with two young children.
Rehabbing his family’s 179-year-old Dutch colonial home.
SECRET LIFE
Built a replica of Star Wars’ Millennium Falcon using 1,245 LEGO pieces.
Tyler McManaman
Senior Project Manager
MANHATTAN CONSTRUCTION | Norman, Okla.
AGE: 35
EDUCATION
BS, Construction Science, University of Oklahoma
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Since joining the firm in 2016, has been project manager on 10 projects, six as preconstruction leader.
While at Beck, helped renovate the Wayne N. Aspinall Federal Building & U.S. Courthouse, Grand Junction, Colo., the GSA’s first LEED Platinum net-zero energy building listed on the National Register of Historic Places.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Norman Resource Board Chair, Big Brothers Big Sisters of Oklahoma (2019); nominated for Big Brother of the Year for Colorado (2014).
United Way of Norman, Young Leaders Society; Norman Rotary Club.
University of Oklahoma Construction Science Professional Advisory Board.
Board Member, Norman NEXT (local Chamber of Commerce branch for under-40 professionals).
Volunteer, Project Search, which offers job experience for high schoolers with disabilities.
OF THE CLOCK
FAA-certified drone pilot.
Married, with two children (6, 3).
Hikes, camps, off-roads in his Jeep.
SECRET LIFE
Has hiked three “14ers” (peaks >14,000 feet) in Colorado: Mt. Elbert, Mt. Bierstadt, and Quandary Peak.
SUPER STRATEGIST
Anita Woolley Nelson
Chief Strategy Officer
SKANSKA USA BUILDING | New York, N.Y.
AGE: 38
EDUCATION
MBA, University of Nevada, Las Vegas
BA, English/Communication, Wake Forest University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined Skanska in June 2019, leading effort to identify, develop, and implement the company’s strategic goals.
Previously at AECOM: Led strategy, marketing, and communications for Construction Services Group, with 14,000 personnel in 25 countries.
Helped quadruple the group’s revenues to $8 billion in 4½ years.
Led strategic analysis, acquisition, and integration of AECOM’s key construction assets.
Promoted five times in 15 years with AECOM and Tishman Construction.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Board Member, Women Builders Council.
Helped create the Women Build New York event.
OFF THE CLOCK
She and husband Eric designed and built their Hudson River Valley house.
SECRET LIFE
Directed a comedy troupe in college.
Can still tap dance.
She was the mascot of the Long Branch (N.J.) High “Green Wave.”
REPOSITIONING SPECIALIST
jonathan Ninnis
Oc DEVELOPMENT MANAGEMENT
New York, N.Y.
AGE: 37
EDUCATION
BSArch, New Jersey Institute of Technology
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded OCDM in 2015; has grown the firm to >40 employees and $100 million in annual revenue.
Recent projects: retail repositioning of 195 Broadway and redevelopment of 575 Fifth Avenue, a 540,000-sf commercial office building.
Has completed >$800 million in projects across 4.5 million sf in his career, for such clients as JP Morgan, Beacon Capital, and NYU Langone Medical Center.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Dean’s Council, Hillier College of Architecture and Design, New Jersey Institute of Technology.
Board Member, Empire Ball, Diabetes Research Institute Foundation fundraiser.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys skiing, boating, landscaping, and woodworking..
SECRET LIFE
Proud native New Yorker, but now lives in the Garden State.
HUMANITARIAN DESIGNER
Paola Moya ASSOC. AIA, NOMA
Founder, CEO, Creative Director
MOYA DESIGN PARTNERS | Washington, D.C.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BSc, MArch, Catholic University of America
Finance certificate, Wharton Finance for Executives, University of Pennsylvania
AA, Architecture, Montgomery College
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded own firm in 2017; now 20-member staff.
Board member, District of Columbia Building Industry Association.
ULI Washington Leadership Program.
Exhibitor/Presenter, World Humanitarian Summit, Istanbul (2016).
Juror, AIA Innovation Awards (2017).
Speaker, AIA National Conference (2018); Keynote Speaker, NOMA Annual Conference (2014).
Milton F. Clogg Outstanding Alumni Achievement Award, Montgomery College (2018).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Supplied pro bono design services to nonprofits addressing homelessness, empowering young women, and supporting victims of domestic violence.
Past Advisory Board Member, Catholic University Graduate Architectural Real Estate Program.
OFF THE CLOCK
Muay Thai, jiu-jitsu enthusiast.
SECRET LIFE
Avid marathoner—and salsa dancer.
FLEET ENTREPRENEUR
Michael Saccone
Co-Founder, Chief Product Officer
TRUX | Waltham, Mass.
AGE: 27
EDUCATION
BS, Computer Science and Mathematics, Northeastern University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Started TRUX—a software firm that helps dump truck owners manage their fleets—with his cousin, at age 24.
Company has grown from two people to >60 in less than 18 months (currently 80 full-time employees).
TRUX has grown from three metros in 2018 to 19 markets in 2019.
TRUX named a Top 10 ConTech solutions company for 2019 by CIO Applications magazine.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Yoga instructor.
OFF THE CLOCK
Spent five years building a 15-foot wooden rowboat from scratch.
Loves photography, mountain hiking, and camping in remote areas.
SECRET LIFE
Father, two uncles, and grandfather all owned construction companies.
Once took a two-month solo road trip around the country, camping and hiking in national parks.
ZONING ORACLE
Erica LiBritz AIA, LEED AP
Senior Associate
cetraruddy | New York, N.Y.
EDUCATION
BArch, Syracuse University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
2019 AIA Young Architect Award.
Zoning expert on complex NYC projects.
Helped secure approvals on the assemblages of sites and air rights transfers for 30 East 29th Street, and ULURP approvals for 45 Broad Street and 77 Commercial Street.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Pencil Partnership volunteer, teaching young STEM students about design.
Volunteer, ACE Mentor Program.
Heads CetraRuddy’s involvement in the AIANY Women’s League and ULI NY Women’s Leadership Initiative.
OFF THE CLOCK
Renovates houses on a budget with her architect husband.
SECRET LIFE
Speaks Italian.
Learned to throw pottery from her husband and his grandfather, a professional potter.
ELECTRIFYING MOTIVATOR
Nicholas Fair
Principal, Senior Electrical Engineer
CONSULTING ENGINEERING SERVICES | Middletown, Conn.
AGE: 34
EDUCATION
BSEE, Norwich University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Rose from Intern to Principal in less than 13 years.
Earned degree at night while working full time.
As Team Leader, tripled the size of the firm’s first remote office in five years.
Helped bring in Boston’s TD Garden arena as an MEP client for the firm.
Instrumental in positioning the firm as an agricultural design specialist.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Lighting Protection Institute.
HERS-accredited professional.
OFF THE CLOCK
Hunts and fishes; belongs to Ducks Unlimited, National Wild Turkey Foundation, and Trout Unlimited.
Hikes and camps with wife, Amy, and children, Hunter and Braelynn.
Mentor, Big Brothers/Big Sisters.
SECRET LIFE
Holds a national title for competitive co-ed cheerleading.
His father set the then–world open sea dive record (1,148 feet) in 1975 as a Navy saturation diver.
ROCK-SOLID DESIGNER
Kristen Tuerk Aia
Architect/Project Manager
HMC ARCHITECTS | San Diego
AGE: 32
EDUCATION
MArch, California State Polytechnic University
BA Design, University of California, Davis
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Earned California architect’s license before age 30 without having to retake a single exam.
Since joining HMC in 2014, she has completed >40 school and healthcare projects and a women’s detention/reentry facility.
Vice-chair, HMC Emerging Leaders Forum.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Community tutor and mentor.
OFF THE CLOCK
Loves to hike, mountain bike, backpack, snowboard, and snorkel.
Plays golf, disc golf, sand volleyball, tennis, and kickball.
SECRET LIFE
Played “Miss Josephine” in her roommate’s film, “Father’s Day Breakfast.”
Geology nerd and rock-hound.
DIVERSITY DEFENDER
Bobby Teachey II LEED GA
Project Manager
BROWNSTONE CONSTRUCTION GROUP | Charleston, S.C.
AGE: 36
EDUCATION
MS, Project Management, Keller Graduate School of Management
BSCE, North Carolina Agricultural and Technical State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Developed the Brownstone Institute, providing workshops for >40 minority-owned construction firms.
Wrote and implemented a successful Diversity & Local Participation Plan for Small, Women, and Minority-Owned subcontractors.
Managed and built >3.5 million sf and $2 billion of facilities and infrastructure in the Southeast and eastern U.S.
Staff sergeant for eight years in the Army Reserve; served in Operation Iraqi Freedom (2003-2004).
EXTRACURRICULAR
College Initiative Chair, National Society of Black Engineers, Charleston.
Board/School Co-Leader, ACE Mentors Program of Greater Charleston.
Leadership Charleston, Class of 2019.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys exotic food history tours with his wife, Shiante.
SECRET LIFE
Played trombone, tuba, baritone, and percussion in high school.
Drove >30,000 miles in Operation Iraqi Freedom with Transportation Battalion.
Andrew D. Lehrer PE, ASHRAe, LEED AP
Practice Leader, High Performance Buildings Group
ESD | Chicago
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BSME, Washington University in St. Louis
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Leads ESD’s work in corporate headquarters, adaptive reuse, building repositioning, and R&D sector.
Major projects: Google HQ, Spertus Institute, Motorola Mobility, Willis Tower podium, Wintrust Arena, 330 N. Wabash & 333 S. Wabash, Obama Presidential Center, all Chicago; Masdar Headquarters, Abu Dhabi.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Executive Board, ACE Mentor Program.
External Advisory Board Member, Washington University in St. Louis Department of Mechanical Engineering and Materials Science.
Fundraising Committee, Rivendell Theatre (women’s theatrical ensemble).
Volunteer, Greater Chicago Food Depository.
OFF THE CLOCK
Completely renovated his family’s 1908 Craftsman Foursquare home.
Exploring forest preserves with his wife, Liza, their children, Benji (5) and Alice (1), and Fergi, their Corgi-Lab.
Photographer, guitar hobbyist.
SECRET LIFE
His father’s uncle, Robert N. Lehrer, chaired the School of Industrial & Systems Engineering at Georgia Tech.
Sings a capella; met Liza at a mixer for a cappella singers in college.
TECHNOLOGY PATRON
Kelsey Gauger
Director–Smart Labs
SUFFOLK CONSTRUCTION | Boston
AGE: 27
EDUCATION
BA, History/Anthropology, Williams College
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Promoted to Director at age 26.
Oversees regional innovation for >50 teams using latest jobsite technology.
Has run 19 pilots of technology initiatives in the last year—IoT sensors, reality capture, AI, and VR.
Participant, Suffolk Emerging Talent series.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Hosts “Smart Labs, Smart Kids” for various nonprofits.
Cofounder, The Abigail Club (young women’s social club in Boston).
OFF THE CLOCK
Big Sister at Big Sister Boston.
Big Brother Big Sister Young Professional Executive Committee, Boston.
Weekend golfer.
SECRET LIFE
Her family has owned the Fleming Farm, Antrim Township, Pa., since the 1800s, where Cpl. William Rihl was the first Union soldier killed north of the Mason-Dixon line (June 22, 1863).
Sarah Pearlstein LEED GA
Senior Project Manager
BRAILSFORD & DUNLAVEY | Washington, D.C.
AGE: 30
EDUCATION
BSCE, Bucknell University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Managed $400+ million in PK-12 projects in the District of Columbia Public Schools modernization program.
Directed fast-track $65 million, 4,200-seat Washington Wizards arena and practice facility.
Joint City-Schools Facility Investment Task Force, City of Alexandria, Va.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Youngest Board Member, Women in Construction.
WIC Program Committee Member since 2015; WIC Scholarship Chair.
Youngest Member, ACE Mentor Board (D.C. affiliate); Judge, ACE Mentor student competition; mentored >40 high school students in ACE program.
Engineer in training; ASHE Health Care Construction certificate; Construction Quality Management (USACE).
OFF THE CLOCK
Completed two half-marathons.
With husband Eli, trains their boxer mix rescue dog, Hermione.
SECRET LIFE
Has traveled to 19 countries; favorite locale: Cartagena, Colombia
POWERHOUSE MANAGER
James Isom
Commercial Construction Group Manager
BURNS & MCDONNELL | Kansas City, Mo.
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS, Construction Science & Management, Kansas State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Helped grow the company’s commercial construction business from $10 million in 2011 to $300 million today.
Helped implement a design-build process that cuts >30% off commercial project delivery schedule.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Civic Advisory Council, Park University, Parkville, Mo.
Executive Board Member, National Institute of Construction Excellence; focus: student workforce development.
Volunteer, i-Build (exposes >2,500 students to AEC careers).
Volunteer/Team Leader, Burn & McDonnell’s “Battle of the Brains” competition for high school STEM students.
Greater Kansas City Chamber of Commerce Centurions Leadership Program.
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys golf, water sports, hunting waterfowl and upland game birds.
Married, three children under age 10.
SECRET LIFE
His grandfather, Buck Isom, played for South Carolina in the first-ever Gator Bowl, 1946.
Jeffrey Meyers AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C
Ceo
DS ARCHITECTURE | Cleveland, Ohio
AGE: 39
EDUCATION
BS Architecture, MArch, Certificate of Urban Design, Kent State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined David Sommers & Associates at age 22; made Partner at age 29.
Named CEO of renamed DS Architecture in 2016.
Created five studios, built staff to >30.
Has grown revenues 10X in nine years.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Advisory Board, Kent State College of Architecture and Environmental Design (2014-2017).
Past Chair, Main Street Kent (Ohio).
Greater Cleveland Partnership Diversity & Inclusion Committee; Heritage Ohio; Sagamore Hills (Ohio) Board of Zoning Appeals (2015-2016).
President, Kent Junior Chamber of Commerce (2011-2013).
Member, Kent Area Chamber of Commerce (2011-2018).
OFF THE CLOCK
Top 5% finisher in Boston Marathon.
Ultimate Frisbee player for 12 years; played on first professional team.
Sand doubles volleyball player.
SECRET LIFE
He’s an identical twin.
His grandfather landed in France on D-Day, earned a Bronze Star.