Agenda

Darling is CEO and cofounder 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+ 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

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.

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.

Eric Lacroix in consistently recognized throughout the design community and construction industry for his firestop expertise, especially in terms curtain wall perimeter fire barrier systems where he is considered the “Industry Specialist”. Eric has over 20 years of real world experience serving as an invaluable resource on many of largest, most complex high profile projects around the world. He works closely with inspectors, glazing contractors, and curtain wall consultants as a trusted advisor during the design, fabrication, construction and installation of a wide range of curtain wall projects. Eric’s wealth of knowledge and experience ensures the project stays on budget and gets done right the first time. He continuously adds value throughout the process, from conception to construction, to close out. Prior to his role as Director of Strategic Accounts, Eric was the STI Firestop Regional Manager, covering the Southeastern United States, Latin America, the Caribbean, South America, and Mexico.

John Rovi has nearly two decades of progressive experience in the fenestration and exterior façade industry. His roles in project management, facade consulting, and most recently in architectural business development for Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope® provide a wide breadth of industry expertise. John frequently presents technical yet easy-to-understand topics to the architectural community, engineers, developers, and owners. His audiences have ranged from 15 to 1,250 people spanning five countries. Over the past nine years, John has also written the blog “Mind Your Business” for USGlass Magazine, providing practical advice on sales, presentations, marketing, and how to drive success both personally and professionally.

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.

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.

Sneh is the Product manager for Kawneer’s Curtain wall, Window-wall, Sun-control, Finishes and Arconic Architectural Products. With ~20 years in this industry, Sneh has gained deep building envelop domain expertise and helped in commercialization of 40+ high-performance building façade products. Sneh is an actively engaged externally with industry organizations, architects, and customers. https://www.linkedin.com/in/snehkumar/

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.

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.

Lawrence Wisbeski is a technical field representative with an extensive portfolio of projects for research and healthcare institutions, including more than 20 separate specialty labs throughout the United States. Over the past 30 years, he has managed the design and construction of complex technical projects both in private practice and as an owner’s representative for large institutions.

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.

Darling is CEO and cofounder 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+ 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