Alejandro Daras

Global Projects Director

Neolith

Global Projects Director at Neolith, Alejandro Daras 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. 

Michael Zanotelli

Facade & Curtain Wall Specialist – Western US & Canada

STI Specified Technologies

Michael has over 20 years of real-world experience on many of largest, high profile projects throughout the Western United States. Through his knowledge and expertise, Michael developed a solid reputation working closely with inspectors, glazing contractors, and curtain wall consultants as a trusted resource on a wide range of curtain wall projects.
Michael is committed to ensure your project stays on budget and gets done right the first time from conception to close out. Prior to his role as Façade and Curtain Wall Specialist for the Western US and Canada, Michael was the Western United States and Hawaii Regional Manager.

Andrea Zani

Innovation Manager & Sustainability Lead

Permasteelisa North America

Andrea Zani is the R&D Innovation Manager and Sustainability Lead at Permasteelisa North America, where he is responsible for managing and leading the development and delivery of innovative, low-carbon and high-performance façades. He is actively involved in shaping and driving Permasteelisa Group’s decarbonization strategies to achieve carbon neutrality by 2040.

Andrea holds a Masters degree and PhD in Building Engineering from the Politecnico di Milano, Italy. He is a member and co-chair of the Society of Façade Engineering North America Hub, is active in Façade Tectonics Institute (FTI) advocacy and is a member of its Embodied Carbon Working Group. He also collaborates with LBNL Window Group, CBE Berkeley and other research centers on several research activities.

Michelle Murray

Architectural Sales Representative

SAFTI First

Michelle Murray has over 15 years of experience in the architectural glazing industry. As the Architectural Sales Representative at SAFTI FIRST®, she brings her extensive knowledge and expertise of fire rated glazing systems and fenestration in general when working closely with architects, specifiers, glazing contractors and code officials. Michelle is a dynamic presenter and speaker who has been delivering our AIA-registered presentation to various architecture firms, AIA local chapters, CSI local chapters, and at other architectural and glazing industry events.

Andreas Hafner

Managing Director

Seele Inc

Andreas Hafner is Managing Director of seele GmbH, responsible for strategic development, sales, and innovation. He joined seele in 1993 as a student trainee and advanced through roles in project and sales management as well as international leadership positions. In 2016, he became Managing Director of seele GmbH and, in 2018, President of seele, Inc. and seele canada. Andreas holds a degree in mechanical engineering (Dipl.-Ing.) from the Technical University of Munich and has led renowned façade projects across Europe and North America.

Michael Steinhuelb

Vice President

Seele Inc

Michael Steinhuelb is Vice President of seele, Inc. and seele Canada, responsible for directing and providing overall management of seele, Inc. He first joined seele group in 1999 as the first Project Manager for international projects, and re-joined the company  in New York City with seele, Inc. in 2015. Michael is a licensed architect and holds all contractors‘ licenses for seele, Inc. and seele Canada in the United States and in Canada.

James Richärd

Partner

Richärd Kennedy Architects

James Richärd, FAIA is an internationally recognized, award-winning lead designer who leverages context, materiality, and tectonics to create powerful and evocative spatial experiences. With his integrative approach to design, and a focus on civic work, he is sought out and known for inspiring projects that enrich the communities they serve – whether a global international hub or a rural neighborhood. He has specialized expertise in the design of academic and community libraries, diplomatic campuses, and academic research facilities.

Over the past decade, he has designed and constructed a multitude of Diplomatic campuses and facilities around the world, including new embassies, consulates and diplomatic compounds in Qatar, Brazil, Mexico, Mauritius, India, Indonesia, and China, among others.

Jim has been named an Emerging Voice by the Architectural League of New York and Architect 50 by Architect magazine eight years running. He has been the recipient numerous international/national design awards, including the University of Arizona Alumni of the Year, AIA Arizona Firm of the Year Award, the AIA Arizona Architect’s Medal, and an AIA Fellow. With Jim’s design leadership, the firm’s work has been featured in more than 30 publications.

With nearly forty years dedicated to his practice and studio in the heart of Phoenix, he has been a guest lecturer and critic for several architectural institutions as well as public owners including the General Services Administration (GSA) and the U.S. Department of State, where he is also an adjunct Industry Peer Advisor for State’s Industry Advisory Group. Committed to advancing the practice of architecture and realizing its profound impact on the imagination and human spirit, Jim remains engaged in mentorship and advocacy in his home state of Arizona and internationally.