Speakers

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Kais Al-Rawi, AIA

Senior Associate and Enclosure Design Leader, Walter P. Moore

Kais works at the intersection of architecture, engineering and technology with expertise in solving complex building challenges through digital design. Based in Los Angeles, he is the Enclosure Design Leader at Walter P. Moore for the west-coast. His experience has been leveraged on a number of high-profile projects including SoFi Stadium, Lucas Museum of Narrative Art, San Diego Airport T1 redevelopment, West Gates at LAX, Daily’s Place, New Orleans Aiport, Orange County Museum of Art among others. He is the 2020 recipient of Walter P. Moore’s Javier F. Horvilleur Outstanding Young Professional Award, and the first Architect to receive it in the firm's history. He is a subject matter expert in computational design and its implementation in the AEC industry from concept to construction.

Session: Raising the Roof: The Story Behind SoFi Stadium’s Colossal Canopy Enclosure

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Hassan Anifowose, PhD Candidate

Architect, BIM/VR Specialist, Texas A&M University and SwiftWall

Hassan is an architect and the Co-Founder of Chronos Studeos. He is well-known for outstanding 3D visualization projects in the design and construction industry. With a solid background in leadership and entrepreneurship, Hassan is constantly working on the edge. He completed his Masters in Environmental Design (Architecture) and graduated from the University of Lagos in 2012. He consults for SwiftWall in Michigan, working on temporary construction barriers at several airports. He has worked on several projects including Mitsubishi and Suzuki Showrooms, Standard Chartered Bank HQ parkade and the construction supervision of the Circle Mall. Hassan’s professional practice and project management experience continues to drive his passion and commitment towards people and process improvements.

Session: Interactive Virtual Construction for Business & Training

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Peter Babian, SE, PE

Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Peter is the Building Technology Division Head for the Chicago office at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH). His 20 years of experience includes designing, investigating, and rehabilitating a variety of building enclosures and structures. Peter's projects involve exterior enclosure consulting for new construction, rehabilitating existing structures and enclosures, historic preservation, building enclosure commissioning, investigating non-performing building enclosures, and providing expert services related to construction litigation. Peter chairs the Technical Activities Committee at The Masonry Society and serves on the Executive Committee and Board of Directors. He is also on the Board of Directors of the Chicago Building Congress and Landmarks Illinois.

Session: Four Ways to Optimize Prefabricated Building Enclosures

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Kristen Blankenship, CSI

Architectural Specifications and Sustainability Lead, IFS Coatings

Kristen has worked in the industrial materials and coatings industry for over 20 years. She has a BS in chemistry and worked for many years behind the bench formulating coatings. Over the past six years Kristen has focused on the sales and marketing of value added, long-life resins and coatings. She currently helps educate architects and specifiers on how to use sustainable powder coatings, and she is engaging with the architectural community on how to align the realities and limitations of technology with the aspirational goals of the green movement in an effort to produce high performing, equitable solutions that are sustainable for the long term.

Session: How Specifying Powder Coatings Contributes to Sustainable Design

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Ben Caldwell, CSI, CCS®, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Associate Principal and Specification Writer, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Ben an Architect at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM), licensed in New York, California, and Connecticut. He is a member of SOM’s Senior Technical Team and SOM’s in-house Specification Department, with over 30 years of experience in materials research, specifications, building science, and technical design on all types of building projects in the United States and abroad. Ben is active in AIA, CSI, and NFPA. He is a Principal on NFPA “Fire Tests” and “Structures, Construction, and Materials” Standards Committees including the NFPA 285 Standards Committee.

Session: Decarbonizing Projects: Saving the World, One Specification at a Time

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Henry H. Chamberlain, APR, FASAE, CAE

President and Chief Operating Officer, Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International

In his role as president and chief operating officer, Henry Chamberlain directs the staff of the Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) International. Founded in 1907, BOMA International is a federation of 86 US local associations and 19 global affiliates. The leading trade association for commercial real estate professionals, it represents the owners, managers, service providers, and other property professionals of all commercial building types, including office, industrial, medical, corporate, and mixed-use. BOMA International is the partner that individuals in the commercial real estate industry choose so they can maximize value for their career, organization, and assets. Its mission is to advance a vibrant commercial real estate industry through advocacy, influence, and knowledge.

Session: Peering Into the Future: Prepare for Impact

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Monique Colas

Senior Specifications Specialist, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Monique joined the SOM New York City office as a Specifications Writer in 2020. Monique's academic and early professional background focused on materials science, building pathology, and the preservation of historic structures. In addition to her participation in the SOM Specifications group, Monique has been involved in researching ways to select and specify more sustainable materials. She is also assisting with updates to firmwide master specifications as a result of this research. Monique has been particularly excited to be able to share her knowledge of historic preservation with her team members on a variety of projects involving existing buildings, and is exploring how adaptive reuse can be used to further our sustainability goals.

Session: Decarbonizing Projects: Saving the World, One Specification at a Time

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Scott Conwell, FCSI, CDT®, FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Director of Industry Development and Technical Service, International Masonry Institute

In his 27 years with IMI, Scott has emerged as a leader in the masonry and tile industry and in the architectural community. He is a prolific LinkedIn geek, posting content three times per week, including short and long form posts and articles. He is the creator and drafter of IMI’s Masonry Detailing Series, an online collection of graphics which sets the standard for masonry architectural details. He consistently authors articles on masonry and tile for design and trade journals, and he has delivered over 1,000 accredited seminars to design professionals, contractors, and students all over the world, always teaching from the perspective of converging constructability with design theory. Scott is a licensed architect, a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, and a Fellow of the Construction Specifications Institute.

Session: Build Your Brand, Tell Your Story: Social Media for Design and Construction Professionals

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Paul Doherty, CSI, AIA, IFMA Fellow, DFC Senior Fellow

President and CEO, The Digit Group (TDG)

Paul is President and CEO of TDG, a Singapore-registered Smart City real estate development and investment company. As seen on Bloomberg TV, acknowledged by CNBC as one of America's Business Titans and reported by Forbes as “Changing the World”, Paul is an award-winning architect. a Senior Fellow of the Design Futures Council and a Fellow of the International Facility Management Association (IFMA). Concurrently, Paul is the co-founder and producer of the critically acclaimed AEC Hackathon. Paul’s current work includes the design, planning, construction and operations of Smart Cities around the world.

Session: Increasing the Value of Specifications in a Smart Contracts World

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Amber Duco, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Project Architect, Hasenstab Architects

Amber is a Registered Architect and sustainability specialist at Hasenstab Architects. She has worked on various LEED certified projects and is guiding the sustainability committee to align Hasenstab with the goals of the 2030 Challenge. She has primarily worked in higher education and research and development laboratory markets.

Session: Carbon and Our Ability to Reduce Its Footprint

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Steve Etelamaki, CSI, CDT®, CCCA®

Senior Construction Administrator, Quality Assurance Manager, Specifications Manager, Plunkett Raysich Architects

With over 30 years of experience, Steve has a vast knowledge of what it takes to get a building built. As Specifications Manager, Steve oversees the firm's master specification and product database. He is constantly working with product representatives to make sure that PRA's specifications are up to date and meet product guidelines. As Quality Assurance Manager, Steve reviews every drawing set that is produced by PRA to ensure that it is constructable and coordinated. Steve performs construction administration on a number of PRA projects with an emphasis on educational buildings.

Session: Six Steps to Successful Construction Administration

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Regan Everhard, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Project Architect, Hasenstab Architects

Regan is a Registered Architect and LEED AP BD+C at Hasenstab Architects. She has worked on various LEED certified projects and is a member of Hasenstab’s Sustainability Committee. Work she has been a part of includes 7-12 schools, the Akron Zoo, and laboratory markets.

Session: Carbon and Our Ability to Reduce Its Footprint

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Rowan Georges, CSI, AIA

Senior Associate Principal and Specification Writer, Skidmore, Owings & Merrill

Rowan is a Senior Associate Principal at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. He also serves on the Board of Directors of the Architectural Glass and Metal Certification Council (AGMCC). Leading the Specifications Group in the firm’s New York office, Rowan oversees the development and production of specification documents for all of the New York office’s projects. Since joining SOM in 2005, he has developed extensive experience working on high-rise and supertall commercial and mixed-use towers, schools, and healthcare facilities. With experience on numerous overseas projects, he has developed an acute understanding of working collaboratively with local clients, fabricators, and stakeholders to leverage regional conditions to meet international quality and performance standards. Rowan brings the real-world experience essential to defining the material qualities necessary for turning designs into well-built structures.

Session: Decarbonizing Projects: Saving the World, One Specification at a Time

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Rose Hall, PE, CRIS

Vice President, Head of Construction Innovation, AXA XL

Ms. Hall is the Vice President, Head of Construction Innovation for AXA XL North America Construction. Rose provides leadership in construction innovation via the implementation of business process ecosystems, technology, unique insurance solutions, and enhanced customer service initiatives across all lines of business. Her role is dedicated to supporting AXA XL’s construction customers’ innovation efforts and technological maturity, and by extension, advancing the construction industry to new heights in this fourth industrial revolution. Rose is a thought-leader, ambassador, and spokesperson for AXA XL, and co-founder of the AXA XL Construction Ecosystem. She has 20+ years of practical experience in engineering, construction project management, and risk management with Turner Construction Co, and as an expert witness and litigation support consultant with WCD Group, now a Gallagher Bassett company.

Session: The 'Three Horizons' Framework for Innovation: Understanding Current and Future Technologies

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Cynthia Heimann, CSI, CDT®, CCCA®, AIA

Associate Principal and Specification Writer, Skidmore, Owings & Merril

Based in the Washington DC office, Cynthia joined SOM in 2018 as a member of the Senior Technical Team and an in-house specification writer. With over 20 years of experience as a licensed architect, she has been an integral part of many design teams for a variety of building types in SOM's recent portfolio in the US and abroad. Additionally, her focus in the last couple of years has been to coordinate the technical team's efforts as the firm worked towards SOM's objective to reduce carbon and chemicals from materials and assemblies listed in the firm's specification masters. Cynthia is a past president, and current active member of the Northern Virginia Chapter of CSI.

Session: Decarbonizing Projects: Saving the World, One Specification at a Time

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Rebecca Herkes, PE

Consulting Engineer, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.

Rebecca is a consulting engineer in the Building Technology division of Simpson Gumpertz & Heger’s (SGH) Chicago office. Rebecca has six years of consulting experience with SGH and two years of construction management as an owner’s representative. Rebecca has managed SGH projects including building enclosure consulting for new construction, investigating building enclosure failures or non-performance, and repairing or rehabilitating existing building enclosures.

Session: Four Ways to Optimize Prefabricated Building Enclosures

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Jacqui Hogans, CDT®

Project Manager, McGinnis Chen Associates

Jacqui is a Project Manager at McGinnis Chen Associates, a San Francisco-based building envelope consultancy. Jacqui’s career emphasis has been on conditions assessment and building pathology, materials selection and specification, construction administration, and building envelope enhancement of historic and existing contemporary buildings. Jacqui's work includes the restoration of major landmarks throughout the United States, as well as routine maintenance projects and capital improvement programs.

Session: Fix It, Don't Forget It: Post-Restoration Maintenance Programs

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Jennifer Keegan, AAIA

Director, Building and Roofing Science, GAF and Siplast

Jennifer is the Director of Building & Roofing Science for GAF, focusing on overall roof system design and performance. Jennifer has over 20 years of experience as a building enclosure consultant specializing in building forensics, assessment, design and remediation of building enclosure systems. Jennifer provides technical leadership within the industry as the Chair of the ASTM D08.22 Roofing and Waterproofing Subcommittee, and the education chair for IIBEC; and as an advocate for women within the industry as an executive board member of National Women in Roofing and a board member of Women in Construction.

Session: Parapet Perplexities: Water, Air, Thermal & Vapor Control

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Corey Kurek, CSI, CDT®, Assoc AIA

Construction Administrator, Plunkett Raysich Architects, LLP

Corey is a construction administrator in PRA's Milwaukee office. Corey is part of a team that translates design into successful construction projects. She is responsible for field visits to ongoing construction sites and working with clients and construction managers to bring designs into reality. Corey values the opportunity to help clients attain their goals and live their vision. She work to ensure that contractors are using the right materials, codes are met, and standards are satisified. Corey has over ten years of experience in the industry. She has worked on projects throughout the country.

Session: Six Steps to Successful Construction Administration

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Tessa Lau, PhD

Founder and Chief Executive Officer, Dusty Robotics

Dr. Tessa Lau is an experienced entrepreneur with expertise in AI, machine learning, and robotics. She is currently Founder/CEO at Dusty Robotics, a construction robotics company building robot-powered tools for the modern construction workforce. Prior to Dusty, she was CTO/co-founder at Savioke, where she orchestrated the deployment of 75+ delivery robots into hotels and high-rises. Previously, Dr. Lau was a Research Scientist at Willow Garage, where she developed simple interfaces for personal robots. She also spent 11 years at IBM Research working in business process automation and knowledge capture. More generally, Dr. Lau is interested in technology that gives people superpowers and building businesses that bring that technology into people’s lives. Dr. Lau was recognized as one of the Top 5 Innovative Women to Watch in Robotics by Inc. in 2018 and one of Fast Company’s Most Creative People in 2015. Dr. Lau holds a PhD in Computer Science from the University of Washington.

Session: The 'Three Horizons' Framework for Innovation: Understanding Current and Future Technologies

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Jeffrey Martin, RRC, RRO, CIT, CEI (AWCI and EDI)

Partner, Fortress Building Envelope Consulting, Inc.

Jeff grew up in the commercial roofing business and learned all aspects of roofing, sheet metal, and related construction including owning his own roofing firm for 12 years. He obtained numerous certifications over the years and has been on the consulting side for 11 years as the owner of two companies. Jeff has passed the RRC, RRO, past CDT, Infrared Thermography Level 1, EIFS Inspector with AWCI, EIFS and Level 1 & 2 wall inspector with the Exterior Design Institute. He is past chapter member of the Carolinas Roofing and Sheet Metal Contractors Association and past president of the Greenville chapter of CSI.

Session: The Myth of the Roof Warranty

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Melissa Payne, BECxP, CxA-BE

Manager Enclosure System Solutions, Tremco CPG, Inc.

Melissa possesses a strong foundation in industry standards related to commissioning processes, building science, construction observation, performance testing, and construction of building envelope systems. Her owner representative, consulting experience, forensic work, commissioning provider background, and manufacturer involvement gives her an all-enveloping perspective of the design and construction industry. Currently, she works collaboratively with design and construction trades to promote the integrity and performance of building enclosures. As Manager of the Enclosure Systems Solution team at Tremco CPG, she provides design review and risk mitigation services, product recommendations, and assistance with project-specific details for system terminations and transitions.

Session: Specifying the Commissioning Trifecta

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Jason Puestow, CSI, CDT®, CCCA®, AIA, NCARB

Partner, Plunkett Raysich Architects

Jason is a Partner at PRA who oversees the construction administration studio of the entire firm. The firm, with four offices located nationwide, has design and building projects all over the country. He is recognized as an expert in construction administration. Jason is passionate about developing projects that improve the environment and lives of people.

Session: Six Steps to Successful Construction Administration

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Heather Rice, CSI, CDT®, CMTT

President, Smart Concrete Technologies, LLC

Heather Rice has worked in some aspect of the flooring industry for the last 20 years. She has worked for two major flooring contractors as well as three major manufacturers. Rice is considered an expert by her peers in all things flooring, including moisture mitigation and leveling. Her extensive knowledge of the industry and what manufacturers have to offer make her a resource to the AEC community. In 2017, she branched off on her own to establish Smart Concrete Technologies. What started as a company that independently tested concrete slabs for owners, architects, general contractors and flooring contractors has grown to independent product representation, flooring inspection, technical solutions and installation.

Session: How to Manage Moisture in Concrete: The Good, The Bad, and The Ugly

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Casey Robb, FCSI, Distinguished Member, CCPR®, CDT®

President and Business Development Consultant, C.F. Robb Consulting Services, LLC

Casey has 35 years of construction product experience in architectural promotion, commercial market strategy, and specification development with many of top building product manufacturers (BPMs). He has provided numerous motivational seminars, product presentations, and business development training with a variety of BPMs and industry associations. Prior to becoming a business development consultant in private practice, he was Director of National Specifications for Kingspan Insulated Panels and National Commercial Business Development Manager for DuPont. He has also served on various commercial market segment teams in new product development, channel strategy, and route to market tactics supporting national product rollouts and initiatives. He is currently serving as Past-Chancellor of the CSI College of Fellows. Casey promotes the practice of being a “trusted adviser” to those we serve. He has developed a strong professional acumen with top AECO leaders, building product manufacturers, and industry associations at the executive level throughout North America.

Session: The Product Rep Roundtable: The Future of Our Role

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Elias Saltz, FCSI, CDT®, CCS®, SCIP

Senior Specifier, Conspectus, Inc.

Elias is an Illinois Licensed Architect, a Certified Construction Specifier, CSI Chicago Past President, and current president of CSI North Central Region. He is also the SCIP Secretary. Elias has written construction specifications for private and Government clients, using various project delivery methods. Projects included multi-family residential, historic preservation, hospitality, healthcare, and institutional and commercial facilities. He consults on constructability, building envelope detailing issues, code issues, materials selection, cost comparison, and general coordination, from schematic design through contract administration. He has a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture degree from Washington University in Saint Louis and a Master of Architecture from Miami University.

Session: Real-World Applications for UniFormat® Project Specifications

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Hugh Seaton, CSI

General Manager, CROSSWALK®

Hugh is General Manager of CROSSWALK®, the suite of standards-based software products that are powering project delivery tools across the building lifecycle. Prior to Crosswalk, Hugh has worked as general manager and founder of a number of software companies, from VR elearning to AI construction applications. A former tech marketing executive and marketing professor, Hugh brings decades of technology experience to the built environment, and a passion for the standards and professional community of CSI.

Sessions: CROSSWALK® for Professionals: CSI Standards at Your Fingertips, The 'Three Horizons' Framework for Innovation: Understanding Current and Future Technologies

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Kristin Westover, PE, LEED AP O+M

Technical Manager, Specialty Installations, GAF

As a Technical Manager, Kristin is a strategic partner to the sales force focusing on the defined market of cold storage low-slope roofing and the development of long term relationships as it relates to this business. She works closely across multiple teams to provide insight, education, and best practices to ensure GAF has the necessary information to effectively lead in this space as well as supports GAF’s efforts in other specialty markets.

Session: Parapet Perplexities: Water, Air, Thermal & Vapor Control

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Andrea Zawodny, CSI, CDT®, CCS®, LEED-AP

Senior Specification Writer, HOK Kansas City

Andrea is a Senior Associate and Senior Specification Writer for the architecture firm, Hellmuth, Obata, & Kassabaum (HOK). She has 27 years of construction industry experience, and 22 years of experience in specification writing, procurement documents, contract document preparation, and construction contract administration activities. She is a Certified Construction Specifier and currently writes specifications for projects produced by HOK's Kansas City office. Andrea is also a heck of a baker.

Session: Specifying From Scratch

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Bryan Ziga, CSI, CCS®, Associate AIA

Project Manager, Prime AE Group

Bryan isn’t yet a Registered Architect and he’s never done a LEED certified project. He is CSI CCS certified and knows he can do his part to promote sustainable design one specification at a time.

Session: Carbon and Our Ability to Reduce Its Footprint