Colin Koop

Design Partner

SOM

Colin has been the driving force behind some of SOM’s most unexpected projects since joining the firm in the early 2000s.

A focus on the human experience is the foundation of Colin’s design philosophy, which he applies across a range of project types including education, transportation, culture, workplace, and urban planning. Clients and collaborators appreciate his genuine interest in understanding the complexities of each project and confronting and resolving these challenges through rigorous dialogue.

Colin’s designs for MIT Stephen A. Schwarzman College of Computing and for a habitat on the Moon both demonstrate his passion for science, technology, and human-centered design. His relentless attention to detail and an emphasis on the best possible user experience are behind SOM’s design for the Walt Disney Company’s New York City headquarters at 4 Hudson Square. The monumental National Museum of the U.S. Army, which opened to the public in January 2021, allows visitors to experience the story of the oldest branch of the United States military from a soldier’s point of view. Colin also brought the design for Moynihan Train Hall in New York to the finish line, which has been hailed as one the most important U.S. infrastructure projects of the century. Most recently, Colin led SOM’s competition-winning designs for the 2026 Olympic Village in Milan and for The New York Climate Exchange, a new, net-zero-energy campus on Governors Island that will be a first-of-its-kind international center for developing solutions to the climate crisis.

As a founding partner of SOM’s Talent, Equity, Diversity, and Development team, Colin is invested in creating the most productive and inspiring culture for SOM’s talent to grow, prosper and make a lasting impact on the built environment. Commercial Observer included Colin in its 2021 Power 100 list.

Guillermo Murcia

Principal

Meier Partners

Since joining the firm 20 years ago, newly appointed Principal Guillermo Murcia has embraced a wide number of roles in urban design, residential, hospitality, and commercial projects. His contributions to the firm range from conceptual aspects of design and development to cultivating strong relationships with clients. Mr. Murcia has nurtured and honed his design and managerial skills within the firm at which he commenced as a Senior Designer. His early collaborations were instrumental in the fulfillment of large projects in the Czech Republic and Newark, followed by a robust period of conception and design of numerous projects in Latin America, Asia, Europe and the United States. Some notable exemplars include the Seamarq Hotel and JEI Commercial Building in South Korea, the Vitrvm Residential Towers in Colombia, the SoMa Master Plan in Newark, One Waterline in New York and Parkview in Prague. He currently oversees several projects in South Korea and Spain, including the recently completed Sorol Art Museum in Gangneung, South Korea

Sharon Oh

Senior Associate

Meier Partners

Sharon Oh joined the firm in 2012. As a key senior staff member, she has held significant roles as project architect and manager and collaborated on projects ranging from museums and residences to hotels and high-rise buildings. Ms. Oh has been involved with designing projects throughout North America, Europe, and Asia, and her extensive experience includes, One United Nations Park residential tower and One Waterline Square tower in New York City, Torre Cuarzo on Reforma Towers in Mexico City, Engel & Völkers Headquarters in Hamburg, the Seamarq Hotel in Gangneung, and JEI Commercial Building in Seoul. She recently led the design as project architect for the Sorol Museum in Gangneung, and also manages a corporate headquarters tower in Seoul. Prior to joining the firm, Ms. Oh collaborated with several design offices across the United States and South Korea since 2007. She participated in significant projects such as the Korean Embassy in Tokyo, The Federation of Korean Industries tower in Seoul, and the Yeosu Exposition 2012 Performing Arts Center. She earned her degree at Otis College of Art and Design in Los Angeles, California.

Silverio Patrizi

Associate Principal

Thornton Thomasetti

Silverio Patrizi joined Thornton Tomasetti in 2011 and is experienced in the structural analysis and design of different façade systems. He manages design consultation, detail development, specifications, shop drawings review and site inspections. Silverio has performed extensive research on the New York City Energy Conservation Code [NYCECC] and is considered Thornton Tomasetti in-office expert in providing analysis to prove project compliance with the NYCECC. He collaborates with multiple practices across the firm, providing expertise in thermal performance analysis, structural glass analysis, cladding and glazing material selection, and detailing of custom façade systems.

Elliot Glassman

Building Performance Lead

CannonDesign

Elliot Glassman AIA, LEED AP BD+C, CPHD is an architect specializing in environmentally sustainable design. He is the firm-wide building performance leader at CannonDesign.
Elliot obtained his Bachelors of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology and earned a Masters of Design Studies degree with a concentration in sustainability from the Harvard GSD. He is licensed in New York State and Connecticut and is accredited in the LEED and Passive House standards.

In his professional career, Elliot has worked on several types of projects as an architect and high performance building consultant including multi‐family residential, mixed‐use buildings, commercial, religious/institutional, medical, athletics, and hospitality. Elliot’s work incorporates a variety of building simulation tools with parametric design techniques in order to generate environmentally responsive design solutions.
Elliot is a board member of the Connecticut Green Building Council, in addition to serving on the Mayor’s Climate Council in Stamford. He also teaches at Columbia’s Graduate School of Architecture Planning and Preservation, Pratt Institute, and City Tech.

Charul Chhabria

Sustainability Coordinator

CannonDesign

Charul Chhabria, LEED AP BD+C, serves as the Sustainability Coordinator at Cannon Design in New York City. With a passion for sustainable architecture, Charul brings a global perspective to her role. She holds a Master of Science in Urban and Regional Design from the New York Institute of Design and is a registered architect in India with a Bachelors of Architecture degree.

Advocating for integration of regulations, sustainability, and cutting-edge design, Charul offers practical strategies for creating environmentally friendly structures that go beyond mere compliance.

Drawing from her rich background she enjoys working on different scales, from macro to micro. Moreover, Charul’s focus extends to navigating local building codes, particularly Local Law 97, and understanding their parallels to sustainability certification pathways. She aspires to be at the forefront of devising strategies for buildings to not only comply with local codes but also surpass them in terms of efficiency and sustainability.

Diana Darling

CEO & Creative Director

The Architect’s Newspaper

Darling is CEO, creative director, and co-founder of The Architect’s Newspaper, celebrating its 20th year. The A|N media company consists of print and digital publications covering architecture and design news, as well as the Facades+ and TECH+ conferences. As A|N’s publisher, Darling won the AIA National Collaboration Award, Grassroots Preservation Award, and ASLA NY’s President’s Award. She began her publishing career as director of print production for The Gap’s European markets. She holds a BS from The University of Texas at Austin.

Jack Murphy

Executive Editor

The Architect’s Newspaper

Jack Murphy is the Executive Editor of The Architect’s Newspaper. Previously, he was Editor of Cite: The Architecture and Design Review of Houston and Adjunct Professor at the Gerald D. Hines University of Houston College of Architecture and Design. He earned an undergraduate degree in architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a graduate degree in architecture from Rice University. He has worked for award-winning architects in New York City, Houston, Austin, and Boston. His writing has appeared in Places Journal, Dwell, Architectural Record, The Architect’s Newspaper, Texas Architect, Cite, PLAT, Paprika!, New York Review of Architecture, The Houston Chronicle, and SF Gate, among other publications. He was Co-Editor-in-Chief for PLAT 7.5 Oversharing and PLAT 8.0 Simplicity and Assistant Editor of Totalization, edited by Troy Schaum and published by Park Books. He lives in Brooklyn.

Jennifer Cass

Senior Vice President of Capital Program

NYC Economic Development Corporation

Jennifer Cass is the Senior Vice President of Sustainability and Resilience of the Capital Program of the New York City Economic Development Corporation where she leads a diverse portfolio of projects that enhance NYC communities. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Environmental Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute and is a licensed professional engineer in New York and California. Ms. Cass has a mission to drive economic and sustainable growth in the New York. With over 20 years of experience in the public and private engineering sector, she specializes in the confluence of sustainable and resilient design and construction of large complex infrastructure projects such as NYC Ferry, UN Esplanade, and the Clean and Circular Construction program.

Lawrence Siu

Senior Associate

OMA

Lawrence Siu is a Senior Architect at OMA New York with extensive experience from ranging from concept design to technical coordination and construction site management. Since joining OMA in 2007, he has worked on projects across diverse typologies, from residential, retail, and office, to museums and exhibition designs. With expertise in cultural and museum programming, design, and construction, Lawrence served as the project architect for the Buffalo AKG Art Museum from competition to completion. His cultural experience also includes an expansion to the Quebec National Museum in Canada and Faena Forum in Miami Beach.

Angel Ayón

Principal

AYON

Angel Ayón, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB is the founder and Principal of AYON Studio Architecture • Preservation, P.C. (AYON Studio) in New York City, where he provides comprehensive professional services in the fields of Architecture and Historic Preservation. Mr. Ayón has more than twenty-five years of learning from, advocating for, and ultimately conceiving and overseeing conservation efforts to save and secure our built heritage as a cultural asset for current and future generations. His experience with Modern architecture includes the rehabilitation and exterior enhancement of Frank Lloyd Wright’s Solomon R. Guggenheim Museum for which he was the project architect between 2004 and 2008 (prior to founding AYON Studio). Among other organizations, he is a member of Docomomo_US and its local chapter Docomomo New York/Tri-State, the Historic Preservation Committee of The Municipal Art Society of New York, the Board of Advisors of the Historic Districts Council, the Board of Trustees of the Preservation League of New York State and Save Harlem Now! He was awarded the 2015 James Marston Fitch Mid-Career Fellowship to undertake the research presented in this book. Mr. Ayón holds a professional degree as an Architect (1995) and a M.Sc. in Conservation and Rehabilitation of the Built Heritage (1998) from the Higher Polytechnic Institute “José Antonio Echeverría” in his native Havana, Cuba, and a Post-Graduate Certificate in Conservation of Historic Buildings and Archaeological Sites (2002) from Columbia University in New York.

Justin Den Herder

Principal

Tylin

A prolific writer and lecturer, Justin is passionate about the profession and seeks out opportunities to share his experience and learn from others.
As Associate and co-leader of a studio for TYLin’s Silman Structural Solutions practice, Justin oversees new construction, renovation, and historic preservation projects of varying scales around the world.
Justin was the Editor in Chief of SEAoNY Cross Sections from 2014-2017. He has written articles published in Modern Steel Construction. He is a member of the American Society of Civil Engineers, and as an adjunct professor, he currently teaches several courses at the Bernard and Anne Spitzer School of Architecture at City College in New York City.

Bob Zhang

Sales Director | North America

North Glass

Bob is the Sales Director of Tianjin Northglass for North America, the leading fabricator of specialty and oversized architectural glass for the global construction industry.

Bob has many years of experience working with Quality Control department. Bob was the project manager for Apple Park project in Cupertino, supporting the design team on the glass selection for Apple’s new headquarters. In 2015, Bob came to the US to make more connections with architects and support their designs of future projects with the innovation and capabilities that Northglass has to offer.

Alejandro Daras

Global Projects Director

Neolith

Global Projects Director at NEOLITH, Alejandro has an extensive expertise on Rainscreen systems and solutions. Leading NEOLITH’s international expansion since 2021, he played a key role in the company’s growth. With dual master’s degrees in architecture from Valencia and the Illinois Institute of Technology, Alejandro transitioned from independent architect roles to the Construction Materials industry in 2016. His career spans Valencia, Munich, Chicago, New York, and Dallas, understanding of architectural intricacies on a global scale.

Aaron Alterman

Curtain Wall & Facade Specialist

STI Specified Technologies

Curtain Wall & Façade Specialist for the Strategic Accounts Division of STI Specified Technologies, covering the central United States and Canada.

Aaron joined STI Specified Technologies in 2015 and has over 30 years of experience in construction materials. He has conducted firestop trainings for STI, The International Firestop Council and to a variety of groups including; architects, engineers, consultants, code officials, inspectors and all types of trades. He is certified at Level 2 of Firestop Instructional Training (FIT II).

Chris Giovannielli

Global Director of Product Management

Kawneer

Chris Giovannielli is Director of Global Product Management for Kawneer, where he has been a leading contributor for more than 25 years. Chris directs product development, positioning and launch strategies across global markets with an emphasis on education and sustainability. His deep expertise on the benefit of Kawneer’s products in the educational setting and how they tie to sustainability in people’s daily lives is highly valued in the industry. He has been featured in Metropolis and Green Building and Design, and recently was the member spotlight for the Air Barrier Association of America. Chris earned his Executive MBA from University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business in 2021. (13) Christopher Giovannielli | LinkedIn

Sophie Pennetier

Founder

Digne

Sophie holds 17+ yrs of experience in the design and construction of structures and commercial/cultural  building enclosures, in Europe and in the United States.

Teaching at SCI-Arc in Los Angeles, Sophie has founded Digne as a professional runway for her students, as an Academic-Industry hybrid work collaborative.

Laura Boynton

Senior Associate

AYON Studio

As a Senior Associate at AYON Studio, Laura Boynton leverages her considerable industry experience to collaboratively bring teams together in service of each client’s vision. Her work in both disciplines of architecture and preservation has encompassed commercial design, adaptive reuse, renovation, and historic preservation for a variety of public and private organizations.

Laura’s design sensitivity and attention to detail are significant assets—for large, complex projects as well as those that require specific repairs or restoration work. She earned a Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and an Architecture degree from the State University of New York, Buffalo. Laura was the editor of Reglazing Modernism ― Intervention Strategies for 20th Century Icons and the co-author of “Reglaze or Replace? VIG as an Alternative to Window Replacement.”

Tim Nass

VP of National Sales

SAFTI FIRST

Tim Nass has nearly 30 years of experience in the architectural glazing industry. As the Vice President of Sales at SAFTI FIRST, leading USA-manufacturer of fire rated glass and framing systems, he brings his extensive knowledge and expertise when working closely with architects, consultants, general contractors and glaziers to deliver a code-compliant glazing solution that meets all the aesthetic, performance and budget requirements of the project. Tim also oversees SAFTI FIRST’s global network of architectural sales representatives.

Tim Nass is a dynamic presenter and speaker who has been delivering educational presentations to various architecture firms, AIA local chapters, CSI local chapters, at the CSI National Convention and other architectural and glazing industry events.

Alberto Alarcon

Marketing Specialist

Chris Gall

Business Development Manager

Oldcastle Building Envelope

Chris Gall is Business Development Manager at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE), North America’s leading vertically integrated manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of architectural hardware, glass and glazing systems. He is a technical product professional dedicated to working directly with architects from ideation to completion of projects using traditional and design / assist project delivery.

Chris has over 35 years of experience in the design, testing and product development for exterior facades. This includes product development in the General Services Administration (GSA) and Department of Defense (DoD) with a focus on new product and field testing, and product cross-over to meet many different applications. Chris also has extensive experience in Hurricane Impact Products, Security Glazing, ASTM/FPA & TAS, Building Forensics, and LEED Compliance and Documentation.

Prior to OBE, Chris spent decades in the building products industry, and began his career at U.S. Aluminum, an OBE subsidiary business brand, where he spent nearly 15 years.

Richard Whittington

Northeast Technical Sales Consultant

YKK AP

Since joining Erie in 2016, Whittington injects a blend of technical expertise and a passion for design into the firm. After graduating with a Bachelor of Industrial Design from Carleton University, he started as a 3D product designer with Erie where he developed a technical knowledgebase of facade systems. He advanced his career into Sales and Marketing, where he engages high-profile clients and partners to conceptualize and develop effective facade solutions.

Silas Jeffrey

Senior Associate

Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Silas Jeffrey, Senior Associate, has been with Robert A.M. Stern Architects since 2008. His institutional projects for the office include the LEED-Platinum, Net-Zero Kohler Environmental Center at Choate Rosemary Hall in Wallingford, Connecticut; the Inman Welcome Admissions Center and Dwight C. Schar Hall for the McEwen School of Communications, both at Elon University in Elon, North Carolina; a new STEM classroom building at the St. Mark’s School of Texas in Dallas, Texas; the Hancock Center for Mathematics and Computer Science and the Natural Sciences & Allied Health Building at Marist College in Poughkeepsie, New York; and a new clinic and laboratory building for the College of Dentistry, and new buildings for the Department of Theater and the Timashev Family School of Music, all at The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. His planning work for the office includes master plans for the Arts District and University Square precinct, both at The Ohio State University. His commercial work for the office includes a new headquarters building for American Water in Camden, New Jersey.

Mr. Jeffrey recently served as Project Manager for the McCourt School of Public Policy at Georgetown University and the Conway School of Nursing at Catholic University of America, both in Washington, DC.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. Jeffrey was a designer for Perkins-Eastman of New York City, where he worked on the Chinese Academy of Science in Beijing, China; and a designer for Studio Panzi in Florence, Italy, where he worked on the Palos Verdes Arts Center in Palos Verdes, California.

Mr. Jeffrey graduated from Tulane University with a Bachelor of Arts degree and received his Master of Architecture degree from Syracuse University. He is a registered architect in the State of New York.

Tony McConnell

Senior Associate

Robert A.M. Stern Architects

Tony McConnell, Senior Associate, joined Robert A.M. Stern Architects in 2006. His institutional work includes the renovation and expansion of The Hewitt School in Manhattan; Uncommon Charter High School and Achievement First Brooklyn High School in Brooklyn; the 750-seat Hoover Dining Hall at DePauw University; Dwight C. Schar Hall and the Steers Pavilion for the McEwen School of Communications at Elon University; two new residential colleges at Yale University; the LEED Platinum George W. Bush Presidential Center at Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas; Schwarzman College, the residential and academic center for the Schwarzman Scholars at Tsinghua University; two projects at Villanova University including the 1,135-bed Lancaster Avenue student residences, and the new Performing Arts Center; and three projects at Marist College including the Natural Sciences & Allied Health Building, the 789-bed North Campus Housing project, and the Steel Plant Studios, the new home for the College’s Fine Art and Fashion programs within a renovated and expanded historic industrial building.

Mr. McConnell’s work for commercial clients includes One Water Street, the new headquarters for American Water on the Camden Waterfront in Camden, New Jersey; the LEED Platinum Five Crescent Drive, the new offices for GlaxoSmithKline, at the Philadelphia Navy Yard in Pennsylvania; and designs for two office buildings in Washington, DC. He also worked on the Ocean Course Golf Clubhouse in Kiawah, South Carolina.

Prior to joining the firm, Mr. McConnell worked with Cornerstone Architects of Grand Rapids, Michigan where he contributed to the design of the Grand Rapids Children’s Museum and the Fitzgerald, a former YMCA building converted into high-end condominiums in downtown Grand Rapids.

Mr. McConnell received his Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Notre Dame. He is a licensed architect in the State of New York.

Bradford J. Prestbo

Director

Studio NYL

An exceptional leader, Bradford J. Prestbo, FAIA, is advancing the profession through his practice, advocacy, and educational efforts in the use of cutting-edge design technologies, high-performance design, and the incorporation of maker culture into the design process.

Bradford also finds time to share his knowledge of advanced design technologies, high-performance design, and how maker culture is transforming our practice within the industry. He has practiced internationally, is a sought-after speaker, is frequently interviewed by publishers, and is an educator via his detailing workshops, higher-education classes, design juries, and mentorship of emerging professionals.

Bradford is actively involved in the AIA, and has been elevated to the College of Fellows for his notable contributions to the advancement of the profession of architecture. He is part of the leadership group in the AIA’s Technology in Architectural Practice Knowledge Community, and founded the Boston Society of Architect’s MakeTANK Knowledge Community, where he currently serves as the National Director.

Education
Bradford holds a degree from Syracuse University School of Architecture.

Felipe Francisco

Technical Design Lead

Studio NYL

Felipe Francisco, AIA is an Architect, Builder, and Fabricator with experience ranging from large-scale commercial and institution projects, medium scale Passive House residential projects, and small scale digital fabrication projects. At Studio NYL Felipe’s role is that of Technical Design Lead for the Boston Office. As part of the facades division, he works with architects, building teams, and contractors to provide expertise on challenging facade systems.

As a charter member and co-chair of the Boston Society of Architect’s MakeTank Knowledge Community, he has played a lead role in many of the committee’s efforts in the greater Boston area. This includes advocacy for STEM education and the development of a digitally fabricated model of the City of Boston for display at the Boston Society of Architects. His work has been exhibited at Architecture Boston Expo, deCordova Sculpture Park and Museum, and World Maker Faire in NYC, and published in Architect’s Newspaper and Architecture Boston Magazine. In his spare time, he is a gravel cyclist, bike-packer, and backpacker.

Luc Deckinga

Digital Practice Manager

Perkins & Will

As Digital Practice Manager for Computational Design, Luc brings a programmer’s rigor and designer’s creativity to every area of Perkins+Will’s diverse practice, giving designers new tools to create more sophisticated designs. Trained as an architect, his portfolio now encompasses a wide range of scales and disciplines, from robotic fabrication to environmental simulation and responsive parametric design. Luc’s work pushes at the boundaries of technology and creativity.

Mario Romero

Computational Designer

Perkins&Will

Mario Romero is a computational designer and digital practice manager at Perkins+Will. His work primarily deals in the melding of technology and architecture, including robotics, digital\physical interface design, digital fabrication—specifically 3D printing—and modular building automation and intelligence. Mario previously worked at AS+GG in Chicago and holds a BArch from University of Illinois Chicago.

Nick Cameron

Principal

Perkins&Will

As Perkins&Will’s Director of Digital Practice, Nick takes a big-picture approach to his work, and employs a thorough understanding of how the digital practice enhances and completes the design process. Having spent the first part of his career as a designer, he now views his work as an opportunity to work alongside design teams to put the finishing touches on projects. He loves the fact that while so much of a firm’s process relies on technology, the output is analog. The product is ultimately a space that betters a child’s education, improves the wellness of patients, or enhances the functionality of an office. Nick’s passion lies in perfecting the digital process to maximize these outcomes.

Matt Krebs

Project Executive

High Concrete Group

Matt Krebs, Project Executive at High Concrete Group, has over 16 years of experience with precast concrete. He has been with High Concrete Group for 11 years and has also served as Project Manager and Senior Project Manager. Matt has managed over 100 precast concrete projects, the majority of which are complex, high-end architectural projects. Notable projects he has worked on include PCI Design Award winners 1200 Intrepid, Nassau County Police 8th Precinct, Villanova Pedestrian Bridge, NYCSCA PS IS 667, and Villanova Performing Arts Center.

Prior to joining High Concrete group Matt was a Project Manager at a modular precast company. He has a BS in Civil Engineering with a concentration in Construction Management from Penn State University. He will be graduating from the Leadership PCI program in February 2025.

Chris O’Hara

Founding Principal

Studio NYL

O’Hara is facade director for the Skins Group, a division of Studio NYL, established to provide full service facade design specializing in thermal modeling, moisture/condensation analysis, and in-depth detailing. Although Studio NYL is recognized for its skins work with cutting-edge glass and glazing, their team also specializes in digitally fabricated metal skins, GFRC, reinforced polymers, stone, ultra high performance concrete, terra cotta, and traditional precast. O’Hara is currently working on multiple projects in the Boston area.