Agenda

Dionne Darling

VP of Brand Partnerships

The Architect’s Newspaper

Dionne Darling has been with The A|N Media Group for over six years. As VP of Brand Partnerships and Associate Publisher, she manages A|N’s Texas headquarters and handles accounts in the West, Southwest and Europe territories. Dionne has over 28 years of direct B2B sales, management and business development experience.

Geoff Pettis

Direct Architectural Sales Representative

Safti First

Geoff focuses on providing the architectural and glazing communities technical, code, and product information on the company’s complete line of fire, ballistic, and other specialty glazing and framing systems, including Safti First’s new curtainwall and pre-glazed door lite kits. Geoff’s experience covers 18 years in architectural fenestration applications and across a wide range of commercial building. Geoff comes with experience collaborating with leading glazing contractors and architects, providing expertise in every phase of the process, from initial planning of the design to the project’s final execution.

Cory Dear

Vice President

Corgan

Studying architecture in both Italy and Portugal, Cory offers a diverse background and believes design should be sensitive to and inspired by place. “When we respond to obvious geographic circumstances, solutions can feel tired, cheesy, or pandering — my favorite contextual clues are typically found in the small details which can provoke surprising results and a chance to be fresh,” he explains.

In his more than sixteen years as an architect with Corgan, Cory has provided a unique perspective by collaborating on designs for multi-dimensional commercial projects including the Wells Fargo and Toyota Headquarters as well as the American Airlines Credit Union, winner of the Texas Society of Architects Design Award. His role as a leader is to propel Corgan’s design output, nurture our culture, and provide numerous platforms for our team members to contribute their valuable input. 

The following beliefs guide Cory’s design practices: 

– Artistic prompts invite non-standard responses. 

– Gray areas support life’s interesting moments (as opposed to black-and-white thinking). 

– Collaboration uncovers diverse design approaches. 

– Deadlines create momentum. 

Cory says the architect choreographs the user experience through sensing how people are constantly “on the move” and ever-growing and changing. “It’s exciting to be a small part of guiding a practice in motion rather than one that is ossified in place and afraid of change.” 

Ian Zapata

Principal

Corgan

RA, LEED AP

Ian Zapata is Corgan’s Director of Design, leading the growth and recognition of the firm’s design presence and guiding Corgan’s engagement with the design community. With over 25 years of experience, he is known for his ability to create compelling, transformative designs while building lasting client relationships. Ian believes every project—big or small—deserves the same level of attention and care. His thoughtful collaboration and passion for meaningful design make him a true mentor and leader.

He is inspired by the description of cities as “ships that ferry one generation to the next,” a concept that has fueled his love of travel to learn how people have, over time, solved the problems of daily life.  He’s learned that good design is the skillful solution to a problem, but great design goes further—it solves problems while forging meaningful connections with people. At its core, it’s about human experiences, and everything we create is built around that principle.

Ian’s experience spans planning and design for major airport, hotel, office and corporate headquarters projects. He’s led a global practice focused on building transformation and is devoted to advancing our understanding of how we can future-proof our cities, create work destinations that drive engagement, navigate the complexities of ESG, and build a carbon-neutral future. 

Ian earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. He has served on the board of the Dallas Architecture Forum since 2012, where he has been President of the Board and chair of the Dallas Design Symposium.

Emily Liu

Director, Planning and Development

City of Dallas

Emily Liu is a national leader in urban planning and design with 30 years of professional experience spanning Texas, Kentucky, Illinois, and Ohio. She currently serves as the Director of Planning and Development for the City of Dallas. Previously, Ms. Liu served as the Planning Director for Louisville Metro Government in Kentucky for more than a decade. Liu possesses broad expertise across various aspects of urban planning and development, encompassing long-range planning, zoning, housing, transportation, development review, urban design, and historic preservation. Among her many achievements is her pivotal role leading Louisville’s acclaimed Zoning Reform initiative, which has been recognized as a model for other cities.

Arturo Del Castillo

Assistant Director, Preservation & Urban Design

City of Dallas

Arturo Del Castillo is an architect, urban designer and planner with extensive professional experience in both private and public sectors accross the U.S., Mexico, Southern Asia and Western Europe. His professional experience has focused on creating sustainable community masterplans, high density mixed-use developments, urban infill and neighborhood redevelopment projects, great urban spaces, and the full range of retail sector planning and design of stores, urban retail districts and retail driven mixed-use developments. He is currently based in Dallas and San Francisco.

Varun Kohli

Principal, Director of Sustainability

Corgan

For more than two decades, Varun has served as a leader in integrating environmental analytics and sustainable design into the practice of architecture. From urban scale resiliency and decarbonization to major commercial, education, aviation, and mixed-use development projects, he has served an educator for the future of the practice and a leader on banner projects both domestically and internationally. As Director of Sustainability at Corgan, Varun provides leadership for high-performance projects and strives to maximize environmental sustainability and social equity while addressing climate change adaptation and resiliency at the building and urban scale. He recently authored a chapter in Energy Modeling in Architecture; A practice guide, published by RIBA and currently serves on the board of ‘Pokhrama Foundation,’ working to build a net-zero school to provide K-12 education in a remote region of northern India.

Matt McDonald

Principal

Corgan

Matt has become a master at managing the scale and complexity of large corporate headquarters projects. His role leading the design of headquarters for Fortune 500 companies like Kubota—which earned LEED Gold certification—and Charles Schwab has contributed to his reputation as a leader who always goes the extra mile for clients. Matt is drawn to the psychological challenges inherent in architecture. His desire to create spaces where people want to be is coupled with the knowledge that this means different things to different people. Uncovering the psychological underpinnings of what makes people enjoy and draw inspiration from a space—these are the things that motivate him. Matt is responsible for the overall direction of commercial practice at Corgan—from new business to our strategic approach, execution, and growth markets—and leads his team through all phases of design, production, and construction.

Ron Stelmarski

Principal

Perkins&Will

Stelmarski’s experience spans all disciplines, including architecture, interiors, brand experience, and urban design. In addition to management of large, multidisciplinary design teams, he is active in the academic and professional arena, lecturing, publishing articles, and serving on design juries, as well as editing the Perkins&Will publication, Ideas+Buildings. Sowing the seeds of inspiration from museums and book design to complex mixed-use projects and university designs, Stelmarski’s leadership signals the next step in the evolution of Perkins&Will from an architecture firm to an interdisciplinary design practice.

Aubrey Hartman

Principal

HKS

Aubrey Hartman is a Principal and Studio Design Leader, Hospitality at HKS. She has expertise in Hospitality, Mixed-use and Commercial projects. Because Aubrey knows and appreciates the profound impact that a project can have on a community, she has a keen interest in understanding cultural roots to create authentic experiences for guests. Her designs have been honored by the AIA and ULI.

Alejandro Daras

Vice President of A&D Projects

Neolith

Alejandro Daras is Vice President of A&D Projects at Neolith and has 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. 

Trevor Elliott

Director of Branch Sales – West Region

YKK AP

Trevor Elliott is the Director of Branch Sales – West Region for YKK AP America, leading strategic growth, operations and customer partnerships across the Western U.S. With more than 20 years in commercial façade systems and manufacturing leadership, he focuses on advancing high-performance building envelope technologies, improving sustainability outcomes, and enabling innovation in the AEC community.

Ben Michiels

Regional Sales Manager

Kingspan Panels – Benchmark

Ben Michiels is a Regional Sales Manager for Kingspan Benchmark, specializing in architectural insulated metal panels. With more than 25 years of experience in the commercial roofing industry, he offers a well-rounded perspective shaped by 12 years as a contractor and 18 years on the manufacturing side. His primary territory has been the South Central United States, though his role has also taken him across much of the country. Ben’s hands-on background enables him to bridge the gap between design intent and real-world constructability, helping project teams deliver practical, cost-effective solutions. Known for his collaborative and approachable style, he keeps technical conversations productive—and refreshingly human. Outside of work, he can often be found on a golf course or tennis court, depending on which sport is cooperating that day.

Brad Bell

Associate Professor, Architecture

The University of Texas at Arlington

Brad Bell is an Associate Professor at The University of Texas at Arlington. He also directs the Digital Architecture Research Consortium (DARC) at UT Arlington. His research interests include innovative material applications and the integration of advanced digital technologies into the architectural design process with a focus on the use of digital fabrication and cast materials.

Josh Zabel

VP Business Development

Kreysler & Associates

Josh Zabel is COO with Kreysler & Associates. He has been with K&A since 2005, and he has performed a variety of roles in Digital Fabrication, Business Development, and Program Management. Zabel established the digital workflows that led to the success of projects, such as the SF MoMA facade, Bing Concert Hall, Red Rabbit in the Sacramento Airport, and recently the facade for the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles. He has an M.Arch from UC Berkeley with a focus on computer science. With nearly 20 years of experience in digital fabrication and composites, Zabel seeks to leverage the potential these technologies have in the growth and sustainability of the construction industry.

Chad Porter

Partner

HKS

Chad Porter is a Partner at HKS and Global Practice Director, LINE (Laboratory for INtensive Exploration). He is dedicated to enhancing design through the use of innovative technologies and leading teams that emphasize innovation. Chad also built the firm’s award-winning design practice in Singapore before moving back to Dallas in 2019 and he currently leads a graduate design studio at the University of Texas – Arlington.

Andrew Pries

Director of Innovation + Technical Sales

Boston Valley Terra Cotta

Andrew Pries, Director of Innovation + Technical Sales at Boston Valley Terra Cotta, holds a BS in Architecture from the University at Buffalo and a Master of Architecture from the University of Michigan. With a focus on design development and leveraging diverse fabrication methods to expand the applications of terra cotta, he has played a pivotal role in high profile projects such as the Orange County Museum of Art (OCMA) and 120 Stockton. As one of the coordinators of the Architectural Ceramic Assemblies Workshop (ACAW), Pries spearheads design development with the workshop teams, as well as the fabrication and construction of successful mockup assemblies.

Aaron Alterman

Consultant Support Specialist – US & Canada

STI Specified Technologies

Aaron joined STI in 2015 as a Territory Manager in the Gulf South.  In 2018, he was promoted to the Curtain and Facades Specialist role, working with glaziers, fabricators, curtain wall consultants and perimeter fire containments contractors in the Midwest, Gulf Coast, Texas and Central Canada.   In 2024, Aaron became the Curtain Wall and Facades Consultant Support Specialist for North America, working with curtain wall consultants, architects, engineers and code officials.   

With over 30 years in a variety of fields in construction, Aaron has become a critical partner for many of the top CW Consultants in North America.  With his knowledge and expertise of perimeter fire containment systems for all types of construction including Mass Timber, backpan or non-backpan glazing systems, precast, GFRC, and Steel Stud/EIFS assemblies, Aaron can assist from design conception to project close out while meeting critical life safety requirements for a better project outcome.

Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Aaron is now a proud resident of the great city of New Orleans.

Felicia Santiago

Architect

Gensler

Felicia Santiago’s career encompasses a range of project types including retail, churches, courthouses, data centers, and other mission critical and government facilities. Her passion for protecting and celebrating a community’s art, history, and culture for current and future generations guides a dedication to stewarding a building’s legacy, authenticity, and purpose. Passionate about the intricate and inherent interconnection of all building systems, communities, the past, present, and future; Felicia believes the impact of every project is far bigger than its footprint and is committed to ensuring the success of every project for the greater benefit of the community at large.

Felicia leads technical efforts of a project and participates actively in all phases to ensure design elements are expertly detailed, cost-effective, and responsibly executed. Her technical architectural proficiency in various project types is amplified by a steady patience, clear and direct communication, excellent organization skills, and talent for synthesizing complex information into succinct strategies. Felicia’s thorough knowledge of fusing old and new in resilient and environmentally conscious ways makes her an invaluable asset for the most complex design challenges. She is a collaborative leader and a point of contact amongst various stakeholders, keeping everyone on track to execute a client’s vision in a timely and responsible fashion.

Jeffrey Kobes

Principal, Diagnostics

Walter P. Moore

Jeff specializes in forensic and preservation engineering within our Diagnostics group, focusing on services related to the enclosure and structure of existing and historic buildings, including investigating structural issues, and resolving façade access and fall protection challenges. With over a decade of experience, Jeff is an expert in forensic and preservation engineering, adept at analyzing structural problems and developing customized solutions for diverse building types. He brings extensive knowledge in the enclosure and structure of existing and historic buildings, combining thorough investigation with innovative problem-solving.

Robert Graustein

Director

KPF

Bob’s global perspective, attention to detail, and over 20 years of experience inform his work designing projects in diverse geographic locations from Texas to Singapore. Working across varied sectors and scales, his portfolio includes urban plans, mixed-use developments, office towers, and academic facilities. Whether for a single building or an entire neighborhood, Bob seeks to establish new connections between program types and the public realm. Leading the expansion of KPF’s portfolio in Texas, Bob has been central to the design of a number of significant mixed-use developments in Austin and Dallas.

Adam Perkins

Vice President of Operations

Harmon Inc

Adam Perkins is Vice President of Construction Operations for Harmon’s South Central Territory, leading facade delivery across the Dallas, Houston, and Austin markets. Having started his career as a Project Coordinator, he has advanced through progressive leadership roles while helping drive Harmon’s growth in Texas. Perkins brings deep experience in curtain wall and architectural glazing systems, overseeing complex, large-scale projects from preconstruction through installation. He is known for building high-performing teams, strengthening customer partnerships, and driving operational excellence, with a strong focus on developing next-generation leaders while delivering technically demanding facade solutions.

Michael Alost

Senior Vice President

KDC

Development and architect veteran Michael Alost is responsible for all aspects of KDC’s development process. He oversees project management, resource allocation, design, construction management, financing and more for client projects. Alost is responsible for the ongoing development of CityLine, a 186-acre, mixed-use, transit-oriented development in Richardson, TX. His previous KDC ventures include handling development tasks for the 457,404 square-foot Frost Tower in San Antonio and the 100-acre Toyota North American Headquarters campus in Plano, TX. Current development projects include the Parkside Tower in downtown Dallas, and the new Research and Innovation project for Texas A&M, located in Fort Worth Texas.

Michael Lister

Sr Project Manager.

Austin Commerical

Dionne Darling

VP of Brand Partnerships

The Architect’s Newspaper

Dionne Darling has been with The A|N Media Group for over six years. As VP of Brand Partnerships and Associate Publisher, she manages A|N’s Texas headquarters and handles accounts in the West, Southwest and Europe territories. Dionne has over 28 years of direct B2B sales, management and business development experience.

Cory Dear

Vice President

Corgan

Studying architecture in both Italy and Portugal, Cory offers a diverse background and believes design should be sensitive to and inspired by place. “When we respond to obvious geographic circumstances, solutions can feel tired, cheesy, or pandering — my favorite contextual clues are typically found in the small details which can provoke surprising results and a chance to be fresh,” he explains.

In his more than sixteen years as an architect with Corgan, Cory has provided a unique perspective by collaborating on designs for multi-dimensional commercial projects including the Wells Fargo and Toyota Headquarters as well as the American Airlines Credit Union, winner of the Texas Society of Architects Design Award. His role as a leader is to propel Corgan’s design output, nurture our culture, and provide numerous platforms for our team members to contribute their valuable input. 

The following beliefs guide Cory’s design practices: 

– Artistic prompts invite non-standard responses. 

– Gray areas support life’s interesting moments (as opposed to black-and-white thinking). 

– Collaboration uncovers diverse design approaches. 

– Deadlines create momentum. 

Cory says the architect choreographs the user experience through sensing how people are constantly “on the move” and ever-growing and changing. “It’s exciting to be a small part of guiding a practice in motion rather than one that is ossified in place and afraid of change.” 

Ian Zapata

Principal

Corgan

RA, LEED AP

Ian Zapata is Corgan’s Director of Design, leading the growth and recognition of the firm’s design presence and guiding Corgan’s engagement with the design community. With over 25 years of experience, he is known for his ability to create compelling, transformative designs while building lasting client relationships. Ian believes every project—big or small—deserves the same level of attention and care. His thoughtful collaboration and passion for meaningful design make him a true mentor and leader.

He is inspired by the description of cities as “ships that ferry one generation to the next,” a concept that has fueled his love of travel to learn how people have, over time, solved the problems of daily life.  He’s learned that good design is the skillful solution to a problem, but great design goes further—it solves problems while forging meaningful connections with people. At its core, it’s about human experiences, and everything we create is built around that principle.

Ian’s experience spans planning and design for major airport, hotel, office and corporate headquarters projects. He’s led a global practice focused on building transformation and is devoted to advancing our understanding of how we can future-proof our cities, create work destinations that drive engagement, navigate the complexities of ESG, and build a carbon-neutral future. 

Ian earned a Bachelor of Environmental Design from Texas A&M University. He has served on the board of the Dallas Architecture Forum since 2012, where he has been President of the Board and chair of the Dallas Design Symposium.