Andrew Pries, Technical Sales Director 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.

Bob joined Northglass in 2012. For the first two years He worked on the technical side, then moved to project management and worked on the Apple Park project. In 2015, He came to the US and started the Northglass US office in New York, working more closely with architectural consultants and various contractors. He has worked on more than 100 projects at most of the major cities in the US and had a lot of experience with glass technology.

Colin Mangham focuses on the scale and adoption of innovations across the built environment. With USGBC California, he connects emerging technologies with market demand to accelerate progress toward net zero. Rooted in entrepreneurial business development, he has spent more than three decades in senior leadership roles, including four as Chief Marketing Officer, guiding global brands through strategy, growth, and reinvention, contributing to more than $500 million in revenue and helping raise over $85 million in growth capital.

With the Net Zero Accelerator (NZA), he has mentored more than 100 companies, supporting commercialization, investor readiness, and market deployment at scale. He is also a co-founder of companies including Morpho Energy, advancing solar, storage, and efficiency across commercial and industrial portfolios. A TEDx speaker and frequent lecturer on nature-based innovation at universities including UCLA, USC, Reutlingen University in Germany, and the University of Helsinki, his work aligns innovation, human behavior, and systems thinking to drive measurable, lasting impact.

Over his 40+ year career span, Rocky Rockefeller has built a base of knowledge and expertise that spans the creative demands of the design process to the technical and managerial requisites for construction and business. A respected mentor to emerging architects, he is known for his broad knowledge and long- standing service on the AIA board. His firm, Rockefeller Partners, is celebrated for pioneering the conversion of underutilized Los Angeles high-rises into housing, setting a statewide standard for adaptive reuse. This innovative work showcases Rocky’s versatility in navigating complex project types.His award-winning portfolio includes historic restorations, high-rise housing, boutique hotels, custom homes, resorts, entertainment venues, restaurants, and commercial spaces. Through his hands-on project leadership and ongoing advocacy for revitalizing long-neglected buildings, Rocky has made lasting contributions to both the profession and the community.

Dana Getman is a Principal at SHoP Architects in New York City, where she has led some of the firm’s most complex and impactful work for more than 18 years, including the master planning of Essex Crossing, a 2 million–square-foot mixed-use development, and the signature supertall residential tower at 111 West 57th Street. A California native, she has recently focused on projects in the Southwest, including Habitat, a residential, office, and commercial development in Los Angeles scheduled to open this year, and the John S. McCain Library and Museum at Arizona State University, along with other regional work.

Dana holds a Master in Architecture from Yale University and a Bachelor of Architecture from Cornell University, where she currently teaches architectural design. She is a member of ULI’s National University Development and Innovation Council and a member of the Urban Planning Committee at the Municipal Art Society of New York.

Frank Zhong, Assoc. AIA, is an AETS Application Engineer Technical Scientist for Dow Chemical Corp. He oversees the West Region of USA and Mexico including Hawaii and Alaska. He is part of the HPB High Performance Building Solutions, Frank graduated from the University of Texas with a degree in Bachelor of Science Architecture, specialties include innovation to improve design freedom, increase energy efficiency, design assistance and support, building enclosure, waterproofing and testing enclosure performance.

Gijs Libourel is a key leader on RDH’s Structural and Facade Engineering team with more than 25 years of international experience delivering complex, high-profile projects across the United States, Europe, and the Middle East. Known for blending architectural vision with engineering precision, Gijs designs innovative, sustainable structures and enclosures that meet the highest standards of performance, safety, and aesthetics.

He has led multidisciplinary teams on several significant cultural, commercial, and institutional projects, from the Lucas Museum of Narrative Art in Los Angeles to a luxury resort development in Saudi Arabia. Gijs is experienced in directing facade engineering operations, with his portfolio spanning structural design, seismic analysis, and advanced material applications. He has built a reputation for solving technical challenges through creative, holistic design strategies.

As a Professional Engineer in California and Connecticut, Gijs has taught and served as a reviewer at leading institutions such as Stevens Institute of Technology, UCLA, Cornell, Columbia, and NJIT, and has published work on automation in curtain wall design and seismic facade movement mitigation.

Isabelle Paparo is a Senior Façade Engineer in Arup’s Los Angeles office, with a background in structural engineering and materials science. On the LAX Metro Transit Connector project, she led Arup’s façade efforts during the construction phase. The project received multiple design awards across architecture, sustainability, engineering, and landscape architecture from organizations including AIA Los Angeles, USGBC California, ACEC, ASLA Southern California, WUF, and the Los Angeles Business Council.

Originally from Germany, Isabelle holds an MSc from RWTH Aachen University and a PhD from the University of Cambridge. Her doctoral research focused on GFRP sandwich panels for façade applications. After transitioning from academia to industry, Isabelle has worked as a project manager overseeing the structural design of building enclosure systems and structural glass. In this role, she has contributed to a range of complex projects, including high-profile corporate campuses in California for Google.

Since joining WJE in 1998, Jeffrey Caldwell has worked in the WJE Princeton, Boston, and Los Angeles offices. During this time, he has focused on the assessment, preservation, repair design, and implementation of restoration programs for a variety of building structures.

Jeff has investigated several hundred structures in a wide range of projects. Investigations have involved conditions of distress and deterioration in a variety of materials, including concrete, steel, masonry, and wood. The majority of his experience includes investigative work and design of repairs for structural and building envelope systems. He has also participated in a wide variety of bridge investigations, instrumentation/monitoring programs, and facade investigations.

John Gralewski became a key team member of Johnson Fain in 2017 with several years of previous professional experience. He has worked on a variety of project types including high-rise, multi-family residential towers, mixed-use developments, education campuses, commercial offices, private residences, civic buildings; and institutional projects. John’s technical role on projects includes consultant coordination, as well as producing accurate drawings to develop projects from the earliest stages of visualization to complete constructible documents. John is adept at seamlessly melding high design with practical knowledge of code requirements and construction practices.

Joseph Schettino is an Assistant VP and Department Head for Building Enclosures at WSP in LA. With more than 16 years of experience in architecture, engineering, and building enclosure consulting, he specializes in translating architectural intent into high‑performing, constructible solutions with a focus on air, water, and thermal performance. Joseph leads an incredibly talented team of professionals advising clients from early design through construction on enclosure detailing, risk mitigation, project-specific system integration. His early professional career, focused on existing building forensics and restoration, fostered his curiosity about historic and modern construction methods, and sharpened the diagnostic insight he now uses to develop durable, effective solutions for both new and existing buildings. His diverse project portfolio includes healthcare, institutions, sports and entertainment venues, commercial and mixed‑use developments, research facilities, government projects, and more. Joseph is committed to advancing high‑performance, sustainable enclosure strategies that deliver reliable long‑term building performance.

Ken Bernstein is a Principal City Planner for Los Angeles City Planning, where he leads the department’s Office of Historic Resources. He serves as lead staff member for the City’s Cultural Heritage Commission, has overseen the completion of SurveyLA, a multi-year citywide survey of historic resources, and has led the creation of a comprehensive historic preservation program for Los Angeles. He also oversees the Department’s Urban Design Studio and has previously directed other policy planning initiatives, including work on Community Plan updates, housing policy, and mobility planning.

He previously served for eight years as Director of Preservation Issues for the Los Angeles Conservancy. He has a Master’s Degree in Public Affairs and Urban and Regional Planning from Princeton University and a B.A. in Political Science from Yale University. He is the author of the book Preserving Los Angeles: How Historic Places Can Transform America’s Cities (2021).

Lisa Rammig is the Director of Eckersley O’Callaghan's West Coast offices in San Francisco and Los Angeles. She initially joined EOC to support the firm’s emerging facade engineering group in London. After playing a key role in its remarkable growth, she led the expansion of EOC’s presence on the West Coast.

Lisa has overseen numerous high-profile projects, including Google’s California campus and several flagship Apple retail stores. She also leads EOC’s R&D efforts, driving innovation in glass design, technology, and circularity. Holding a PhD from TU Delft, Lisa remains deeply involved in academia through various research and teaching engagements.

In 2022 she cofounded CircuClarity, a global initiative dedicated to creating a circular economy within the glass and facade industry. She has emerged as a thought leader at the intersection of design, engineering, and sustainability. The platform brings together fabricators, manufacturers, architects, engineers, and researchers to catalyze industry-wide change, promoting collaboration, transparency, and the adoption of regenerative design practices.

As a seasoned professional with 5 years of dedicated experience in the US facade industry, Mark brings a wealth of expertise to his role as a Regional Facades Sales Manager for Cosentino.

Working closely with accounts across the West and Northwest, Mark has established himself as a trusted advisor and partner in delivering top-tier building solutions.

His tenure with global leaders in building products has honed his abilities to navigate the complexities of the industry while staying at the forefront of innovative technologies and trends.

With a passion for excellence and a commitment to driving success, Mark thrives in a dynamic environment where he can leverage his strategic insights and industry knowledge to exceed expectations.

Whether fostering client relationships, leading sales initiatives, or spearheading market expansion efforts, he is dedicated to delivering unparalleled value and driving forward the future of facades.

Maya White-Turre AIA is a Senior Associate Architect with Gruen Associates Architecture, Planning, Interiors, Landscape. At Gruen she was project manager on the LAX Metro Transit Connector for eight years. The project won design awards in architecture, sustainability, engineering, and landscape architecture from the AIA Los Angeles, USGBC CA, ACEC, ASLA Southern California, WUF, and the LA Business Council. Maya is a licensed architect in California and chair of the AIA CA Embodied Carbon Working Group. Prior to joining Gruen Associates she worked on multiple award winning projects and was a senior architect at OMA Rotterdam and Project Designer at Morphosis. Maya has additional experience as a project manager in construction and adjunct professor. Prior to beginning her career Maya received a BA from Harvard College and Master of Architecture from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Natasha Appel is a Business Development Manager at EJOT, bringing over two decades of experience in architecture and façade systems. With a deep-rooted passion for building science, design, and high-performance building envelopes, she works closely with partners and clients to promote ventilated façade systems and EJOT solutions across the industry.

A graduate of The University of Texas, Natasha holds both a Bachelor of Science and a Master of Architecture. She began her career in architectural practice, developing a strong foundation in design, documentation, and project coordination. Her professional experience spans small- and large-scale commercial projects worldwide, consistently balancing technical precision with architectural intent.

Natasha later transitioned from traditional architectural practice into façade specialization, where she now leads EJOT’s façade and rainscreen business development efforts across North America. Her work bridges engineering, design, and construction, supporting project teams through early development, code compliance, and system optimization.

Known for her technical rigor, collaborative approach, and practical problem-solving, Natasha brings valuable insight into the performance, constructability, and sustainability of façade systems. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and Associate Member of the AIA, with a strong commitment to advancing durable, high-performance, and resilient building envelopes.

As Design Partner-in-Charge, Nathan Bishop AIA, LEED AP oversees the firm’s major projects with a focus on social inclusivity, climate change, and resetting relationships between buildings and shared public space. Across a variety of project types, from multi-family housing to community placemaking, Nathan has expanded the firm’s design capacity and integrated new technologies into design and practice. He teaches and lectures in design, architectural history and theory, and cultural studies, and has served on the Board of Directors for the LA Forum for Art and Architecture. Nathan recently served as a Director on the AIA Los Angeles Board, and remains actively engaged in outreach to bring more diversity into the profession.

Nate Wittasek is a fire protection engineer who brings a practical, science-based approach to developing fire resistance and wildfire resilience strategies for buildings and campuses. His work blends performance-based fire engineering, building science, and code strategy to address complex risks in both new construction and existing facilities. Nate’s background spans academia, the fire service, failure analysis, hazardous materials, and fire life safety engineering, with project experience across North America, Europe, Asia, and the Middle East. He works closely with project teams to evaluate fire exposure, ignition pathways, material performance, and system reliability—particularly in wildfire-prone regions where prescriptive approaches may fall short. Nate supports academic, institutional, cultural, residential, and infrastructure projects by clarifying risk, aligning design intent with regulatory requirements, and advancing resilient, pragmatic fire protection solutions.

Olin McKenzie is strongly influenced by his experience of cities— the spaces, patterns, and buildings that contribute to the novelty and wonder of urban living. His architectural sensibility is deeply invested in restraint and clarity. For Olin, rich, layered work can be most powerfully achieved through an economy of design moves.

When he joined SOM in 2006, Olin initially worked in the education sector, with key projects including the Raffles American School in Iskandar, Malaysia, and a collection of student activity and athletic facilities for the new Kuwait University. He later went on to design some of SOM’s most dynamic and influential transportation projects—including Brightline, encompassing three passenger rail stations in South Florida, and the Philadelphia 30th Street Station District Plan.

A human scale and distinct visual identity are throughlines in Olin’s work. From the curving glass facade which masks the structural columns at Pendry Manhattan West to the locally sourced timber screens that enable passive shading and air flow at the Raffles American School, Olin is known for finding unexpected formal and material solutions that enrich a building’s function and surroundings.

Olivier Sommerhalder is a design director at Gensler’s LA office with experience in a variety of project types in the U.S., South America, Asia, Middle East and Europe. He believes in using building technology and building science as means to drive progressive architecture which contributes to a rigorous process to create contextually appropriate, holistic designs. As a leader in Gensler research, he has played a significant role in the R&D of High Performance Envelopes which focuses on design issues related to performance of buildings. His current research is on embodied energy of buildings comparing different project types with a focus on lifecycle. Olivier’s prior experience includes award winning work at Burckhardt & Partner in Zurich on such projects as the Wukesong Cultural and Sports Center for the Beijing Olympics and the MFO Park in Zurich. He has taught at the University of Southern California on envelope design and served as visiting critic and guest lecturer at USC, Cal Poly Pomona, UCLA and the ETH in Zurich. Olivier holds an Executive Master in Design Culture from the University of Arts, Media and Design in Zurich, a Master in Architecture from the Southern California Institute of Architecture and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Applied Sciences in Brugg-Windisch, Switzerland.

Stan Su is HKS Architects’ Practice Design Director/Facades – Vice President with 30 years’ experience in the architectural and technical design of complex enclosures. Stan’s past work includes the development of innovative, performance-driven & sustainable design excellence projects across the United States of America, Asia, and the Middle East.His portfolio embodies a commitment to applied research, systems innovation, and the digital process in a holistic design approach. His leadership & collaborations with project teams ensure that design quality is upheld throughout all project phases. Stan’s prior work experience includes posts at Advanced Structures INC, Gehry Partners LLC, Buro Happold Façade Engineering, and Morphosis Architects. He is a graduate of the Rhode Island School of Design and frequently serves as a guest lecturer at UCLA and USC.

Thomas Miller leads the Special Projects and Technical Consulting teams at Forster’s headquarters in Romanshorn, Switzerland. He began his career 25+ years ago as an architect at Siemens AG and later held a role in Business Development at Germany-based Dormakaba. He went on to manage complex, high-end façade projects across the USA, Europe, and Asia for several renowned European façade companies. Among his most notable Façade achievements are the Museum of Fine Arts in Boston, the Renzo Piano Pavilion at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth, the iconic glass and roof structure of the Steve Jobs Theater at Apple Park in Cupertino and the United Imaging Campus in Shanghai.

With a deep expertise in building envelopes and a strong passion for design, Thomas collaborates closely with architects, developers and engineers to deliver bespoke solutions using Forster’s unique steel systems.

Todd Thongeiam joined Johnson Fain in 2019 and has over 25 years of professional architecture experience. He has worked nationally and internationally on a variety of project types including multi-family residential buildings, commercial offices, transit-oriented development, civic buildings, and hospitality projects. As a senior associate, his role includes project coordination, development and implementation of cohesive drawing sets, and overseeing projects from design development to construction documentation and construction administration. He has played an instrumental role in some of the firm’s most significant buildings, including Century City Center (Century City, California) and Figueroa Eight (Los Angeles, California). Throughout his career, Todd has furthered his skillset through his experience and is a certified Construction Documents Technologist.

Thomas Silva, AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, is a licensed architect with more than 45 years of experience delivering technically complex, design driven projects across the United States. He currently serves as Project Director, Design at Webcor Builders, where he aligns architectural vision with cost, schedule, constructability, and regulatory strategy from early concept through completion.His work spans healthcare, higher education, science and technology, cultural institutions, and residential projects. Thomas has contributed to major developments including Lucile Packard Children’s Hospital at Stanford, the UC Merced 2020 campus expansion, and high-performance research laboratories at Stanford and multiple University of California campuses.He brings deep experience in integrated project delivery, large scale campus planning, and the coordination of multidisciplinary teams on complex building programs for P3, Design-Build and CMAR project deliveries.

As Design Director for the US West region, Yan leads with a focus on excellence and a commitment to fostering a vibrant culture across the organization. With a diverse portfolio spanning higher education, healthcare, civic and justice, cultural, science and technology, hospitality, and housing sectors, Yan brings a multidisciplinary lens to each project.

Yan is known for championing biophilic design, embodied carbon reduction, and the integration of art and architecture. His approach is rooted in the belief that his work is a process of discovery where meaning emerges through geometric and material exploration; it is not defined by a singular aesthetic, but by a conviction in the mission, resulting in expressive, functional, and culturally resonant architecture.