Speakers

Emily Goldenberg is a designer, manager, and team-builder with over 10 years of experience on a diverse range of projects. Her work focuses on engaging partners and project teams in the design process to develop design solutions that advocate for its users and prioritize the conservation and health of our planet.

In her role as a Design Director at MASS, Emily has worked across a diverse scales and range of project typologies in conservation, education, and healthcare. She has contributed to a number of projects, including the National Memorial for Peace and Justice, the New Redemption Hospital, and African Leadership University. Most recently, she spent four years in the Kigali office leading the design and construction supervision of the recently opened Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund.

Prior to working at MASS, Emily was a Designer at Sasaki Associates. She received her Master of Architecture at Roger Williams University, where she was awarded the Master’s Thesis award for her work on informal architecture and slum redevelopment for a potters community in Dharavi, India.

Chris has always enjoyed tackling large problems, with the motivating belief that technical innovation and craft traditions can be united in an architectural idea, and that design can support the global need for conservation.

Since joining MASS Design Group in 2018, Chris has focused on complex projects and delivery methods. He spent four years in the Kigali office, leading the design and construction of the Rwanda Institute for Conservation Agriculture and the Western Serengeti Research Centre for the Grumeti Fund in Tanzania. He has contributed to or managed a number of projects at MASS, including the New Lots Branch of the Brooklyn Public Library, Haven Domestic Violence Shelter, Children’s Services Roxbury, Caddo Childcare Center, 110 Ocean Housing, among others.

As a Design Director, Chris leads the Building Integrity group, developing standards, tools, and resources that ensure each building throughout MASS’s portfolio embodies technical excellence and reflects its mission.

Prior to MASS, Chris worked on campus-centered projects including Harvard’s ArtLab and the Cleveland Museum of Art Maintenance Building.

Enjoying sharing his love of construction specifications (among other things), Chris has been an adjunct professor of graduate studios at the Boston Architectural College and Roger Williams University and shared his experiences speaking at conferences. He attended Roger Williams University where he received a Bachelor and Master in Architecture.

AIA, LEED AP, CPHC

Derek was constantly drawing as a kid. At restaurants he would take full advantage of the paper place mats, using them as his medium for sketches and elevations. His creativity and love of problem solving naturally led him to architecture school, where the broader exposure of the disciplines further fueled his passion. While in school, Derek traveled to several of Europe’s capitals, which opened his eyes to not only other cultures and ways of building, but also how these cities have evolved over time and how their vitality has been influenced by design. This experience shaped the way he approaches his projects – he strives to create buildings that are resilient and capable of withstanding the test of time.

As the leader of Boston’s Corporate and Commercial practice, Johnson merges his expertise in adaptive reuse and ground-up design. Derek’s work philosophy is focused around the idea that “you never get a second chance to make a last impression.” His dedication to projects from the initial design phase through the completion of construction ensures that design goals are accomplished, and client goals and expectations are adequately matched.

AIA, LEED AP BD+C, PHIUS

Matt approaches his practice with a spirit of adventure that parallels his love of travel and the outdoors. Viewing each project as a unique opportunity for exploration and discovery, his novel approach responds to the specific qualities of a place and his clients’ individual aspirations. He sees the design process as analogous to hiking in the mountains, propelled by his desire to find what lies around the next bend or the perspective offered from a distant peak. By undertaking new endeavors with this spirit of curiosity and discovery, Matt unlocks the potential to discover unforeseen possibilities.

Matt begins each project by constructing its individual narrative, developing a framework of experiences and ambitions for the client and the community that will guide the design team. He views architecture as a civic responsibility, and each project as an engaging and meaningful intervention that can transform a place and the experience of people.

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.

Brian White is the Technical Manager for the Americas Insulating Glass team at H.B. Fuller Company, where he manages research and development and technical service for North America. Brian has been with H.B. Fuller for 10 years, starting as a scientist developing insulating glass sealants and gaining experience and familiarity within the fenestration industry. Currently, he is active in the Insulating Glass Manufacturer’s Alliance (IGMA), Insulating Glass Certification Council (IGCC), American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), and supports activities in ASTM and the National Glass Association (NGA). He earned his B.A. in Biochemistry from St. John’s University in Collegeville, MN and his Ph.D. in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota.

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.

Chris has been involved with the construction industry for the past 23 years and worked professionally in architecture for 9 years prior. At Longboard he is Business Development Manager for the Northern US, and he is proud to offer architects a sustainable and high-quality façade system for commercial projects. In his spare time, he enjoys happy moments with his wife Karen as well as carpentry projects on their historic home. He also enjoys gardening, running, and playing guitar.

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).

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.

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.

I have been in the design and construction industry for over 25 years serving the architectural and corporate real estate markets. My experience in this industry spans contract furniture, architectural & design, construction management and product and brand development.

I have always been focused on helping architects and businesses build beautiful spaces, including
positions at top companies such as Herman Miller, Allsteel, KI and DORMA Americas.

I am passionate about building relationships that can contribute to the success of my firm and my connections as Architectural Specialist for CRL in the northeast.