Agenda

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.

Jim has worked within the Building Products Industry his entire career since graduating from Merrimack College in 1985. He has been with YKK AP since 2019 working as the New England Architectural Sales Representative. He finds this part of his career to be the most challenging and interesting. Helping today’s Architectural Professionals to solve complex Façade problems and design issues to be very satisfying work.

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.

John Dalzell, AIA, LEED Fellow, is Senior Architect for Sustainable Development at the Boston Planning & Development Agency where he leads and contributes to sustainable development, green building, and climate resiliency policies and programs including the Zero Net Carbon Building Zoning Initiative , Interagency Green Building Committee, Mass Timber Accelerator , E+ Green Building Program , and numerous strategic area planning initiatives.

Lara Pfadt, AIA , LEED AP BD+C, CPHC has 23 years of experience in preservation, adaptive reuse and new construction projects for higher education, government and the private development projects. Lara brings expertise and a passion for sustainable design and serves as the firm’s Sustainability Strategist. She has a demonstrated track record with systems integration as it relates to sustainable practices and the role it plays in preserving and reusing existing and historic buildings. Lara is currently the co-chair of the BSA Committee on the Environment (COTE) and is also a member of the Boston Society of Architects (BSA), the American Institute of Architects, Boston Preservation Alliance, Member, Built Environment +, Northeastern Sustainable Energy Associate (NESEA), and Association for Preservation Technology Northeast Chapter (APTNE). She formerly served on the Town of Wellesley Planning Board. Lara is Registered Architect in Massachusetts and is LEED Accredited Professional. She graduated from the Virginia Polytechnical Institute and State University with a Bachelor of Architecture in 2000.

Michelle Fennell, LEED AP BD+C has over 14 years of experience in HVAC engineering, energy, and sustainability. As a Senior Associate of BR+A, she has been involved in the engineering of HVAC systems, energy modeling, and sustainable project management on many project types, including corporate, research, academic, and healthcare facilities. Michelle is a LEED Accredited Professional, and active member of the American Society of Heating, Refrigerating and Air-Conditioning Engineers and the International Institute of Sustainable Laboratories New England Chapter. Michelle was named one of Engineered Systems Magazine’s 20 to Watch: Women in HVAC.

Emily R. Hopps is a Principal at consulting engineering firm Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc. (SGH) and the Division Head for SGH’s Waltham, MA Building Technology Group. A versatile leader and mentor, Emily contributes to SGH and the engineering profession in many ways and especially enjoys work that requires team collaboration, sensitivity to architectural character, and creative solutions to diverse and challenging technical issues. ​She has experience in design, investigation, restoration, commissioning, and construction administration of historic and contemporary buildings. She specializes in building enclosure systems, including waterproofing, wall systems, windows and curtain wall, and roofing.

Mr. Neely is Vice President at Gale Associates, Inc and Director of the Building Enclosure Consulting and Commissioning Group. Mr. Neely is a certified Building Enclosure Commissioning Provider and is actively involved with supplying design review analysis and managing building enclosure commissioning and testing services for new construction and renovation projects. Mr. Neely is a past President of the Boston Building Enclosure Council and assisted the National Institute of Buildings Science in the development and presentation of the building enclosure training program.

Chris has over 14 years of real-world experience working closely with inspectors, glazing contractors, and specialty firestop contractors throughout DC and N VA developing a solid reputation as a technical resource for perimeter fire containment solutions on a wide range of projects types including CLT Mass Timber.

Prior to his role as Façade and Curtain Wall Specialist for the Eastern US and Canada, Chris was the Territory Manager for DC, MD, and VA.

As Global Director, Sustainability & ESG, Sneh Kumar is responsible for the development and execution of strategy to deliver an increasingly sustainable product offering to customers and stakeholders. He is focused on product design and certification, along with supply chain transparency, and optimization of the overall manufacturing footprint to achieve Arconic’s sustainability commitments. With more than 20 years in the building products industry, Sneh has been involved in the commercialization of over 40 high-performance building facade products and has received multiple patent grants. He is a visionary leader with proven abilities to solve complex and relevant problems to unlock business value. Sneh has been actively involved with industry associations, architects and customers and has served on the Board of the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC). He is an invited speaker and panelist at multiple industry conferences.

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.

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.

As a Senior Façade Consultant, Shu Talun brings her passion for the mechanics and science within facade systems to the RDH Boston team. With a Master of Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design, and over 14 years of experience in Architecture, Fabrication, and Building Envelope Consulting, Shu provides clients with a balanced approach to achieving architectural distinction and cost aware optimization. She has managed multi-disciplinary design teams on projects ranging between $30m – $90m. Recent projects include Seaport Circle Parcel H, Volpe Redevelopment, UCSF New Hospital at Parnassus Heights and 1700 Alberni.

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.

Monte has over 20 years of design and management experience on projects ranging from small adaptive reuse to international competitions. Through each project Monte focuses on exceeding client expectations, developing aesthetically purposeful designs, community-based interaction, and creating thoughtful building systems through critical thinking of each element. Monte has been a Boston area native throughout his 20 years of architectural engagement; and brings nuanced experience in tackling the challenges of executing projects in urban contexts and navigating the complexities of municipal and civic processes.

As part of his engagement in the city and its civic discourse, Monte has been a guest critic at the Boston Architectural College, Wentworth Institute of Technology, and Northeastern University. He was also a faculty member of the Boston Architectural College for over 7 years.

Alex Yoon is Director of Design at Monte French Design Studio. His work across the last 12 years runs the gamut of housing: designing new single-family homes, retrofitting Boston triple-deckers, infilling urban lots with midrise multifamily, and recently overseeing the construction of Boston’s first ground-up mass timber structure, a 7 story Passive House multifamily. His experience in the breadth of Boston housing has underscored and girded his commitment to crafting a better built environment across all scales, seeking strategic solutions and developing better practices to provide high impact, low carbon products. Whether in small steps or giant leaps, he is passionate about the role that architecture plays in the larger process of city building and place making. Alex earned his Master in Architecture from the Harvard GSD and his BA in Architecture from the University of Florida.

As founding partner of Haycon, Patrick Haydon is a construction industry veteran with more than 20 years of design, construction, and development experience. With a passion for streamlined sustainable and high-performance building, Patrick’s broad-based knowledge provides clients with integrated solutions, ultimately providing more cost-effective results, faster. Haycon has become a well-regarded local firm with a reputation for quality, wherein Patrick encourages initiative and forward-thinking amongst his team of Engineers, Project Managers, and Construction Superintendents. Patrick operates as Project Executive, helping foster a culture of growth and advancement.

Lori Ferriss, AIA, PE, LEED AP BD+C is a Principal and Director of Sustainability and Climate Action at Boston-based education design firm Goody Clancy. She leads architecture and preservation projects and research investigations for premier educational institutions that are renewing heritage campuses while advancing climate action goals. She brings an integrated approach with professional experience as an architect, structural engineer, and conservator. She is the 2023 Chair of the AIA Committee on the Environment, a Steering Committee representative of the Climate Heritage Network, and an expert member on the ICOMOS International Scientific Committee on Energy, Sustainability and Climate Change.

Leonard Lopate brings a wealth of experience in mixed-use, commercial office, and institutional buildings to his work at SOM. As a technical expert, he collaborates directly with clients, engineers, contractors, and fabricators to realize the design vision and minimize environmental impact. His strong attention to detail throughout the documentation process ensures quality workmanship and thorough deliverables on each of his projects.

Jongwon Lee, AIA joined SOM in 2009 and has led a wide range of projects, from higher education buildings to large transportation centers. With his technical expertise, he guides projects from concept design through construction administration, focusing on providing creative design solutions for fabrication and constructability. Sustainability and tectonics are essential to his work, and he has used a variety of new materials, including timber, copper, and aluminum, in designing the details and geometry of a number of buildings around the world. Some of the most notable works in his portfolio include New Futura in Singapore, The Milstein Center at Barnard College, and the Wellesley College Science Complex.

Michelle has 30+ years experience with a dedication to planning and design of higher education facilities. She provides leadership to a talented and high performance team, accomplishing a wide range of projects at the beautiful and diverse Wellesley College campus.

Tom is a principal and design leader at Leers Weinzapfel Associates, recipient of the national AIA Firm Award and among ARCHITECT magazine’s Top 50 firms in the US since 2015. His projects include the John W. Olver Design Building at UMass Amherst, Adohi Hall for the University of Arkansas, and the Center for Engineering, Innovation & Sciences at Wentworth Institute of Technology. He designs buildings to be welcoming, transparent, and sustainable, reflecting our values of diversity, democracy, and care for our environment. He is a national leader in mass timber design in both practice and education and has worked closely with researchers and structural engineers to gain mastery over this “new/old” technology. His designs at UMass Amherst and the University of Arkansas are pioneering works of mass timber architecture in the country. Over the past five years, he has been invited to speak on this emerging subject at conferences and seminars world-wide including Canada, Costa Rica, Korea, and the United States. Tom also teaches design studios focusing on mass timber and has juried design reviews throughout the country.

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.

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.

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.