Advancement Council

Principle, Workplace Studio Leader, SmithGroup
smithgroup.com

"Conversational" is how George describes his style of leading the Workplace Studio in SmithGroup’s Detroit office. "In today’s world of increasingly complex projects, it can be a challenge to include all of the diversity of voices involved," says George. As a business leader who fosters open dialog with team members and clients, he strives for new approaches to business practices by assembling, mentoring, and encouraging forward-thinking and innovative project teams.

"Thinking about the process as a conversation helps to maintain a connection to the work for everyone," George adds.  He recalls receiving some wisdom that has stuck with him: "Perfection is the enemy of excellence. Once you have advanced an idea to an excellent outcome, there can be a paralyzing chasm between that and the pursuit of perfection." That might prove to be good advice for George himself, should he ever get around to pursuing his desire to collect and restore vintage automobiles. "Top on my list would be a 1967 Pontiac GTO."

George’s specialties include Architecture, Sustainable Design, Commercial Office Buildings, Corporate Headquarters and Campuses, Corporate Interiors, Government, Workplace, Government Office, Public and Civic.

Principal, Nelson, formally Cope Linder Architects (CLA)
cope-linder.com

A national leader in building envelope technology, Cheryl directs much of Nelson’s technical side of the practice, from code and constructability reviews to complex building envelope performance analysis. She is a strong communicator and a natural motivator.

Cheryl has more than 25 years of experience in hospitality, mixed-use, office, and retail design. In addition to leading all phases of project development, Cheryl coordinates staffing assignments and promotes firm-wide sustainability practices. She admits design and construction are in her genes; the daughter of a contractor and entrepreneur, Cheryl solidified her appreciation for development, business, and thoughtful construction detailing at an early age.

Cheryl sits on the AIA Technical Design for Building Performance Advisory Group, NIBS Building Enclosure Technology & Environmental Council Executive Committee and National Executive Committee, Architectural Glass Institute Advisory Board, and Glasscon Global Scientific Committee. She co-chairs the Building Enclosure Council Philadelphia Chapter and the BEST5 (Building Enclosure Science & Technology) Conference 2018, and she chairs the Thomas Jefferson University College of Architecture and the Built Environment Advancement Council, where she works with the executive dean and industry professionals to guide university advancement in design, construction management, and sustainability. Cheryl holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Temple University and is registered in PA. She joined CLA in 1984.

Principal, SITIO architecture + urbanism
sitioau.com

Karen was inducted as the 2018 President of AIA Philadelphia. Prior to her election as President, Karen served as a member of the Board of Directors, the Executive Committee, and Co-Chair of Women in Architecture. Karen, a past recipient of the AIA Philadelphia Young Architect Award, expands AIA’s mission of design advocacy and peer mentorship as Principal for SITIO. 

Karen is a Principal at SITIO architecture + urbanism, where she focuses on delivering design excellence to multifaceted projects. Her vast experience ranges in scale and typology – she is fully engrossed as an architect and urban designer on civic and cultural, residential, educational, and mixed-use projects. Karen’s commitment to design and the profession has resulted in numerous project design awards as well as pas recipient of the AIA Philadelphia Young Architect Award. Karen was the 2018 President of AIA Philadelphia, Co-Chair of the AIA Philadelphia Women In Architecture Committee, and currently sits on the AIA Philadelphia Board of Directors and their Executive Committee. Also, she serves her community on the Board of Directors with the Fairmount Community Development Corporation. As a graduate from Thomas Jefferson University, Karen has stayed connected with the University as an adjunct faculty member and now sits on the College of Architecture and the Built Environment Advancement Council as well as their Lab for Urban and Social Innovation Board.

Associate, MV+A Architects
mva-arch.com

As an associate at MV+A Architects, Wayne Broadfield manages a broad portfolio of projects from large grocery store interiors to complete shopping center façade renovations. Wayne not only focuses on his relationships with his clients but looks to create a solid foundation for future architects. At the invitation of his alma mater, then Philadelphia University, Wayne sits on the College of Architecture and the Built

Environment Advancement Council at Thomas Jefferson University to discuss the school’s next generations of students. He also mentors and guest critiques at the University of Maryland’s School of Architecture, teaches classes via the Washington Architecture Foundation ‘Architecture in School’ program, and lobbies at regional legislative advocacy programs on Capitol Hill, discussing the need to assist with growing student loan debt for graduate architects. In 2015, Wayne served as president of AIA Potomac Valley and as treasurer of AIA Maryland in 2016.

Principal and Practice Leader, Array Advisors
array-architects.com

Jonathan has dedicated his career to not only transforming healthcare systems for clients but also their facilities’ design. As a Principal and Lean facilitator, Jonathan infuses process improvement into each step of the process. His passion for problem-solving drives him to challenge traditional solutions and approaches. He tailors the project approach for each client to understand their organization and develop improvements to support and enhance them. Jonathan is most excited about developing new tools to help engage stakeholders, drive consensus, and increase value for capital projects. “It is my mission to empower everyone I work with to find the best solution.”

Design Manager, Principal, Gensler
gensler.com

Jim serves as a member of the Gensler Management Committee, as well as a Principal in their Philadelphia office. He has led projects for clients ranging from financial services firms to high technology companies, to educational institutions. Jim applies his extensive design and workplace knowledge to ensure that the right talent and design approach are brought to every project. He is passionate about transforming his clients’ goals into a holistic design vision that is customized to serve their needs. Jim is well versed in the integration of sustainability with the built environment, having completed more than two million square feet of LEED®-certified projects. He is on the Board of Directors of the Baltimore Design School and is an active member of the Mid-Atlantic Chapter of CoreNet Global, Urban Land Institute Philadelphia, the American Institute of Architects and the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Jim is a Registered Architect who earned his Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Catholic University of America.

President, CD & Associates, Inc.
cdandassociatesinc.com

Lisa has more than thirty years of experience in pharmaceutical, healthcare, and commercial design/build. Her ability to find the balance between practical uses of space while maintaining the clients' desired image, has been the key to success in many CD & Associates projects. Her watchful eye throughout a project allows her to ensure the desired design and architectural results. Lisa's strong design background has made her a vital player and gained her recognition and respect from her peers.

Managing Principal, Klein & Hoffman
kleinandhoffman.com

Scott is Managing Principal of Klein and Hoffman's Philadelphia office, where his responsibilities include general financial oversight, serving as Principal Architect, and representing the firm within the professional community while expanding business development opportunities in the region. 

In the professional community, Scott served the Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter AIA as their Secretary and President. Scott now serves on the Executive Board of AIA Pennsylvania and Chairs the Government Affairs Committee and Education Subcommittee. He also serves AIA National as a member of its Corporate Architects Facility Managers (CAFM) Advisory Group. Scott has presented on Facilities Management topics for Higher Education at DVAPPA, AICUP, and SCUP conferences, and served on a panel addressing Impacts on the Practice of Architecture at the July 2016 AIA States Government Network conference in Washington, DC.

Principal, Deisgnblendz LLC
designblendz.com

Brian is a natural-born leader and entrepreneur. During his third year of architecture school, he started a blog called Designblendz that focused on collaborating different principles of design. What began as a fun escape from school work with his friends, soon began picking up traction from local firms. In no time, the team started receiving architectural and visualization jobs, including renderings and hand-built models. After graduating in 2013 from Thomas Jefferson University (formerly Philadelphia University), everyone set off into the real world and took on their “dream” jobs in different corporate firms. Designblendz remained a side hustle, but Brian had a vision. In 2014 he quit his steady full-time job and jumped headfirst into building his startup from his row home bedroom.

Fast forward to 2019, and Brian oversees 32 employees between two offices. Designblendz was recognized as the 9th Fastest Growing Company in the region by the Philadelphia Inquirer’s 2018 Philly 100. Designblendz is a one-stop-shop for any design-build project and also offer all architectural services, 3D visualizations, web marketing, and general construction services. Brian also has a passion for teaching and loves to help drive others to success. Whether he is speaking in front of thousands of people, mentoring 1-on-1, or business coaching a small group of upcoming entrepreneurs, he captivates his audience with his energetic truth-telling stories. Brian never stops learning, tinkering, and innovating and is addicted to creating a business that improves the built environment as a whole.

Senior Director of Architecture, CDA&I
cdaandi.com

Cecelia founded CDA&I in 1992 with an emphasis on integrated architecture and interior design and client advocacy. Like the hint of Kentucky drawl that graces Cece’s words, her design skills and client relations are warm and deliberate. A background in fine art and psychology lets her develop design concepts emphasizing color, context, and the individual personality of each client. Cece’s charismatic leadership guides clients confidently through the challenges of commercial, institutional, and civic projects of all sizes. Through 20 years of managing CDA&I and its work, Cece has become known for her forward-thinking, holistic approach and for the architecture and relationships cultivated along the way.

Project Designer, Philadelphia Center for Architecture and Design

Erike is a designer, connector, and tactical urbanist. For almost a decade, her career has been as an architectural designer and project manager on renovation and alteration work for public buildings, higher education, and commercial spaces. However, in addition to her day job, Erike has focused on her true passions based on the belief that design should be accessible to all—from postcards, toys, a parking spot, or window display to mixed-use buildings. She has showcased her continued enthusiasm through volunteering and participating with many of Philadelphia’s design-based organizations. Erike has had her art, photography, and pottery displayed and published in Artist Wanted/See.Me - EXPOSURE, Art Takes Times Square; Art House Co-op’s A Million Little Photographs, the Art by Architects Exhibition, Philadelphia Photo Day, and the Fairmount Arts Crawl. She recently curated Philadelphia’s entry to the Outside the Box Exhibition featured in the Toronto Design Offsite Festival and WantedDesign Brooklyn (in May). She also dabbles in the design and creation of homemade kids toys and household goods and has had her products featured at the 2017 DesignPhiladelphia Pop-Up Shop, Nesting House South Philadelphia, and Circle of Hope’s Art Shop.

Erike completed a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in Photography from Thomas Jefferson University, formally Philadelphia University, and studied abroad in Rome, Italy. She previously worked for other local small/mid-sized architecture firms and the U.S. General Services Administration. Erike has served on the Philadelphia Center for Architecture and Design Board, Infill Philadelphia’s Play Space Ad Hoc Committee, Jefferson Alumni Board and the College of the Built Environment Advancement (C-ABE) Council, the AIA Philadelphia Board of Directors, and AIA Philadelphia Emerging Architects Committee as the Marketing & Communications, Design Competitions and Spooktacular chair, and co-chair Fast Forward >> Philly (a DesignPhiladelphia event). Erike has several accolades, including Jefferson’s Young Alumni Achievement Award, AIA Philadelphia Volunteer of the Year Award, the first AIA Pennsylvania Associate Award for demonstrating professional and civic leadership, and was honored in the inaugural cohort of Philly Girls Do Good—recognizing and celebrating women leaders in design and community development.

Executive Director, Green Building United
usgbc.org

Alex is the Executive Director of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council. Alex has worked in urban sustainability and real estate development in the Philadelphia region for the past ten years. Before joining DVGBC, Alex was Policy and Program Manager for the City of Philadelphia Mayor's Office of Sustainability, where he led implementation and progress tracking for Greenworks Philadelphia, the city's comprehensive sustainability framework. He also managed the city's energy benchmarking and disclosure program and green building policy portfolio.

Alex is a LEED AP and holds a Master’s degree in Sustainable Design from Thomas Jefferson University, formerly Philadelphia University, where he is an Adjunct Professor in the College of Architecture and the Built Environment.

President, IEI GROUP LTD.
ieigroup.com

Rosemary is the president and founder of IEI Group and has been a business owner for over 25 years. Designated a 2007 "Women of Distinction" by the Philadelphia Business Journal and a 2010 recipient of the Fairleigh Dickinson University PINNACLE, her expertise in management, marketing and design has directed IEI to be ranked regularly in the Top 200 Interior Design firms.

Rosemary's knowledge and expertise in design, facilities management, and business operations set the firm apart from a traditional design firm. She has personally managed over 3 million SF of contracts in the past year and has been responsible for managing, budgeting, and cost containment for projects in above $25 million. Her leadership of staff and client involvement are both professional and personalized.

Executive Vice President, EwingCole
ewingcole.com

As executive vice president of EwingCole, Keith focuses on developing the talent and building the processes that elevate design and drive technical quality across the firm. He supports research efforts within the firm as well as the development of innovative workflows that routinely deliver excellent results. Keith leads the design and delivery effort for projects within the sports, entertainment, and education practices. As a managing principal, he is instrumental in defining the scope and program for projects at the outset and follows through with a focus on technical rigor and design sensitivity. Before serving in his role as EVP, Keith served as a studio director within the firm’s Philadelphia office. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from Lehigh University and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania. Keith joined the firm in 2003.

President, TN Ward Company
tnward.com

Tom joined TN Ward Company in 1998 and today serves as executive in charge of daily operations providing hands-on management of estimating, procurement, accounting, safety, and construction services. Before joining TNW, Tom held executive positions with two national construction companies. He brings over 35 years of experience delivering projects through a variety of delivery methods, including construction management, design/build, and general contracting. Tom offers exceptional expertise in value-add preconstruction services, including engineering and constructability analysis for a wide range of building or facility types.

Principal and Technical Director, HYL Architecture
hylarchitecture.com

William is a Senior Technical (Project) Architect, with three decades of professional experience, and is an expert in building science and project delivery. William has a well-established track record in overseeing the design and construction of high-quality corporate and government real estate projects from beginning to end. He manages teams with extensive experience in producing sustainable, creative, state-of-the-art solutions for new developments and building refurbishments. William initiates, develops, and monitors methods of technical production, technical content, quality assurance, and construction phase services to ensure a holistic, consistent approach to the delivery of professional design services. He provides technical support, project budgeting and scheduling to meet client goals and objectives.

Senior Vice President, Building Stantec
stantec.com

As senior vice president, Anton fosters a commitment to design excellence and the growth of Stantec’s design culture. He remains actively engaged in the marketing and design of projects, with a particular focus in the civic sector. He is a strong proponent of interdisciplinary integration in design and is the co-author of 10M: Toward an Integrated Approach to Design, on the topic. Anton’s portfolio of work includes: Cleveland Institute of Art – McCullough Building Redevelopment, Carnegie Mellon University Doherty Hall Arts Wing, Miami University – School of Engineering and Applied Science, Jindal Steel Works (JSW) World Headquarters in Mumbai, India, Cornell University - Physical Sciences, Children's Hospital of Philadelphia, Pediatrics Rehabilitation and the Al Mafraq Hospital in Abu Dhabi, UAE.

Principal, WRTdesign
wrtdesign.com

Joe's commitment to sustainable design throughout his 28-year career has deeply influenced WRT's approach to design. Leading up to his appointment as the firm’s Managing Principal in 2007, Joe’s project work included a wide range of historic and adaptive reuse buildings, throughout which he threaded sustainable principles. Joe is part of the core leadership of WRT’s national housing practice, with a particular focus on affordable housing and senior living. He has won numerous awards, most recently for the $4.6-million Blue Ball Dairy Barn in New Castle, Delaware, a historic and adaptive reuse project that garnered both a Gold LEED rating and the highest Honor Award from The American Institute of Architects in Philadelphia. From 2010-2012, Joe served as Chairman of the Board of the Delaware Valley Green Building Council, a nonprofit membership organization whose mission is to transform the Delaware Valley through sustainable and environmentally responsible planning, design, construction, and operation of the region’s buildings, landscapes, cities, and communities.

Director and Principal, Ewingcole
ewingcole.com

Chairwomen and Chief Executive Officer, C.H. Briggs Company

Julia is Chairwoman and Chief Executive Officer of C.H. Briggs Company, a Board Director and leader in the distribution industry. With expertise in strategy, governance, mergers and acquisitions, technology, supply chain, and the residential and commercial construction industries, Julia has led C.H. Briggs for over 25 years. The company is one of the nation’s largest independently owned distributors of specialty building materials. Customers include manufacturers, architects, and designers of specialty building products. The C.H. Briggs team has successfully integrated six acquisitions expanding the C.H. Briggs footprint throughout the East Coast.

Strategic use of new technology and culture as a competitive advantage has established the company’s reputation as an innovator and Julia’s reputation as a thought leader in the industry. She is currently a Director with the Federal Reserve Bank of Philadelphia, a Board member of Eastern States Group, a Trustee at The College of Wooster, and Board Chair of the Philadelphia Forum of Executive Women Foundation. She has a gubernatorial appointment to the Pennsylvania Early Learning Investment Commission. Julia is a member of Women Corporate Directors, Young Presidents’ Organization (YPO), and The Committee of 200, a global organization of women entrepreneurs, executives, and board members. She also serves on the Advisory Boards of Modern Distribution Management, Springboard Enterprises, and ARZU Studio Hope.

Principal, Francis Cauffman
fcarchitects.com

With more than three decades of experience dedicated exclusively to leading teams, designing, planning, and managing healthcare facilities projects, particularly for complex acute environments, Ken is an asset and strategic advisor to his clients. To ensure a well-coordinated and successful project plan for his client’s intricate environments, Ken works closely with the engineering and construction teams to develop design solutions for each project. Ken is well-versed in healthcare trends, guidelines, life and safety requirements, and the functional programming needs of each area of the healthcare facility. With his experience developing expansion plans for Academic Medical Centers and major Medical Systems, new buildings, and numerous complex renovation projects, Ken is uniquely able to advise his clients with creative solutions to get the best value for their projects. His leadership role has resulted in the completion of dozens of large-scale healthcare projects. Ken takes pride in client satisfaction and ensures that each project the firm takes on is supported by a team with the expertise needed to complete the project successfully.

President, Macintosh Engineering
macintosheng.com

Principal and Practice Leader, Interior Design, Array Architects
array-architects.com

As a founding Principal of the firm, Pat has been an integral part of Array Architects’ evolution. She has been at the forefront of advancing the role of interior design beyond the confines of applied color, pattern, and texture into a more holistic approach focused on patient safety, empowerment, culture change, and improved outcomes. This approach maximizes the potential for an ideal ‘patient-as-guest’ experience.

President, O'Donnell & Naccarato
o-n.com

Tony serves as O’Donnell & Naccarato’s President, responsible for all aspects of the firm’s operational leadership. He joined the firm in 1988, was promoted to Project Executive in 1994, and named a partner in 2004. Tony’s contributions to the firm and within the local design and construction community earned him the role of Vice President, which he held from 2004-2013. He earned a degree in Civil Engineering from Villanova University in 1988 and holds memberships in numerous professional organizations. Tony is a longtime volunteer with the ACE Mentor Program Eastern Pennsylvania Chapter. He served as Board Chair from 2003-2013 and remains a member of the National Board of Director’s Leadership Council.

Principal and Director of Design, HOK
hok.com

With more than 20 years of experience in the design community, Kai has provided programming, planning, and design for a wide variety of companies and institutions. He has specialized expertise in the design of corporate and higher education spaces. Kai ensures that HOK’s design teams develop the most successful solutions for each client, which encompasses responding to their specific needs while creating spaces that are both functional and beautiful.

President, RHJ Associates
rhjassoc.com

Michael has been practicing architecture since 1999. He is involved with the design and construction of residential health care facilities, manufacturing facilities, office buildings, shopping centers, and personal conceptual projects. Michael is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards, and PA Council President for the Society of American Registered Architects.

Design Director and Principal, Gensler
gensler.com

Peter has extensive knowledge and experience in base building design, master planning, and interior architecture. As Design Director in our Baltimore office, Peter leads several practice areas, including Commercial Office Buildings, Critical Facilities, and Education. A multifaceted designer, he helped build an interdisciplinary studio where he partners with clients to deliver thoughtful, award-winning projects. Peter is passionate about design and is leading the development of methodologies for the firm that harnesses the power of design to transform our communities positively. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and has served on the organization’s Design Awards Committee. He currently sits on the Board of Morgan State University’s Friends of Architecture at Morgan. Peter is active as an academic critic with Maryland Institute College of Art and The Catholic University of America. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Maryland and a Master of Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.

Principal, Langan
langan.com

Michael is an experienced Principal with a demonstrated history of working in the civil engineering industry. He is skilled in Land Development, Urban Planning, Mixed-Use, Comprehensive Planning, and Sustainable Design.

Michael is a strong education professional with a Master of Fine Arts (MFA) focused on Landscape Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania.

President / CEO, Strategic Planning Initiatives, LLC
spiadvisors.com

As founder and president of Strategic Planning Initiatives, LLC (SPI), Ed started the company in 2008 and has maintained the ability to service Manufacturing and Service Organizations in the growth of their technology-driven, compliant businesses in many ways. Ed is a Registered Architect in 24 states across the United States, working not only in North America but internationally in Europe, the Middle East, and South America. His career has spanned Design, Construction Management, and Corporate Facility Management for a Fortune 50 corporation. Ed’s professional network of consultants spans virtually every aspect of today's business world that relates to their operations. From his 40 years working in and around business client leadership and owners, Ed has gained the perspective of "walking in our client's shoes”, which enables Ed and his advisors to learn and understand their daily needs and future expectations rapidly.

From July 2015 to December 2017, Ed also worked as adjunct faculty for Jefferson's East Fall's campus.

Principal, AGW Communications
agwdesigncommunications.com

Amanda founded AGW Communications in 2003 to provide strategic and integrated communication services to the architecture, engineering, and construction community. AGW Communications helps clients develop strategy, produce compelling collateral, win awards, publish their work, and think about communication as creatively as they approach building design and construction.

Educated in both architecture and communication, Amanda has built a career and practice helping design professionals communicate better. She bridges the worlds of communication and construction, able to understand and articulate technical concepts. Amanda works with senior leadership and marketing staff at client firms, sharing best practices, and empowering them to think differently about communication

Principal, Tantillo Architecture
https://tantilloarchitecture.com/

Christopher Tantillo has been practicing architecture for over thirty years. Growing up on the beach at the Jersey shore, he developed a profound appreciation for how nature shapes the landscape through the wind and the tides. The patterns and textures found in the dunes and shoreline shaped by the sunlight as it changed throughout the day impart a rhythm that inspires his understanding of architecture and design. Using materials and shapes that build upon textural rhythms that catch the light and animate the built environment are themes that he has been exploring throughout his career. 

He received his Bachelor of Fine Arts degree from Grinnell College, and he received his Master of Architecture degree from Washington University in St. Louis. He has since received numerous design awards, is the founder and Principal-In-Charge of Tantillo Architecture and is currently a licensed architect in 13 states across the US.