Trained in architecture, mathematics, philosophy, and the history of design. Hired in 2007 by Gehry Technologies, where he helped found the company’s Europe office, in Paris. Expertise includes research on advanced architectural geometry tools, Web 2.0 concurrent design systems, fabrication automation, generative detailing, optimization, and cloud computation for environmental simulation.
Founder and Director, Harvard University Geometry Lab, developing automated systems for building design and construction, including robotics.
In June 2014 will begin a position as Assistant Professor in Practice for Harvard, focusing on the relationship between design, science, and technology (architectural technology, bespoke machinery, custom automation, technology startups).
Frequent lecturer on advanced architectural technologies at Princeton, MIT, Yale, USC BIM Futures Conference, and Revit Technology Conference.
Collects perceptual and drawing instruments––camera lucidas, stereoscopes, ellipsographs, planimeters.
Favorite location: Muhu Island off the coast of Estonia.
Possesses an extensive knowledge of the history of chocolate.
Planetwide Planner
SARAH HOLSTEDT, LEED AP
Associate Principal
Callison, Seattle
AGE: 32
BArch, Oklahoma State University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Won Callison’s Co-op Scholar internship in 2005 and left with a full-time job offer. Awarded the OSU School of Architecture’s Caudill Travelling Fellowship and studied cultural venues in Europe for two months before joining Callison, initially providing design support for projects involving regional retail centers, mixed-use developments, and large-scale master plans. Promoted to Associate Principal within six years, Holstedt has helped design more than 236 million sf worldwide.
Representative projects: Khams Shamat retail center, Damascus; IKANO Mega Bangkok West; Cairo Festival City; Outlet Collection, Auburn, Wash.; IKEA Mega Active Mall, Moscow; The Red Sea Astrarium, Aqaba, Jordan.
Henry Adams/AIA School Medal of Honor (for the highest GPA in a graduating class).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Active participant in the International Council of Shopping Centers.
ACE Mentor and team leader for Callison’s work with high school students.
Co-chair of the firm’s Community Outreach Committee. Co-led Callison’s team in three years of Gingerbread House design/build activities, benefitting the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation.
Treasurer and choir member, Trinity United Methodist Church, Ballard, Wash.
OFF THE CLOCK
Holstedt periodically works as a summer camp counselor at Heartland Presbyterian Center in Kansas City, Mo. “Having campers recount their experiences back to me years later reinforces the fact that we can have an impact on the lives of those around us.”
Karaoke singer; competitive soccer and volleyball player.
SECRET LIFE
Collector of Barbra Streisand movies. Favorite is “’What’s Up, Doc” for its car chase.
Seniors' Ally
ALANNA CARTER, LEED AP
Director, Health and Science Studio
RSP Architects, Minneapolis
AGE: 38
BS, University of Minnesota
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Founded RSP’s senior living design services; now leads a team of 30 in healthcare and environments for aging. Has grown firm’s business in the sector to 20% of RSP’s revenue.
Current projects: Seventy-One-Ten Health Style Campus, Kansas City, and a sister facility in Billings, Mont. Sites include an ambulatory hospital, hotel, arena, fitness center, retail, restaurants, and senior living.
Speaker, Environments for Aging Conference and Senior Living Summit.
Published author on topics involving design for healthcare and senior living.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Participant, Leadership Twin Cities, a nine-month program developed by the Minneapolis Chamber of Commerce examining critical needs facing the Twin Cities community.
Founder and past president, Minnesota Chapter, Society for the Advancement of Gerontological Environments. Culture Change Steering Committee, Aging Services of Minnesota.
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Gillette Children’s Ronald McDonald House, Feed My Starving Children, and St. Olaf’s “Teach a Man to Fish” program (distributing seeds and gardening advice to disadvantaged families).
OFF THE CLOCK
Enjoys outdoor recreation, even during Minnesota winters: snowshoeing, hiking, and sitting round the campfire near the family cabin.
SECRET LIFE
Loves sewing, a.k.a. “getting my ‘Project Runway’ fix.” Clothes, curtains, pillows, blankets, “anything.”
Latin Leverage
DULCE MARIA TORRES-RUIZ, ARQ.
LEED AP BD+C, AIA INTERNATIONAL ASSOC.
Healthcare Practice Leader for Mexico and
Central America
HKS, Dallas
AGE: 35
BArch, Diploma of Interior Architecture, Universidad Nacional Autonoma de México
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
After two years with a Mexican architecture firm, joined HKS’s new Mexico City office in 2003. Four years later, moved to the Dallas HQ, where she rose from Project Architect and Medical Planner to Practice Leader for Mexico and Central America. Initiated a partnership between HKS and healthcare provider Methodist International to provide services to international clients. Has worked in Bulgaria, China, India, Mexico, Costa Rica, Honduras, Panama, Chile, Peru, and Trinidad and Tobago.
Representative projects: Pacifico Salud Clínica El Golf, Lima (303,000-sf, 300-bed hospital master plan expansion); Couva (Trinidad) Children’s Hospital and Training Center (290,000-sf, 230-bed hospital and 90,000-sf nursing school); Ciudad Hospitalaria Panamá, Clayton (3.1 million-sf medical city).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, Mexican Society of Architects and Mexican Society of Architects Specialized in Healthcare.
Member, AIA Dallas (Emerging Leaders Program graduate; Latinos in Architecture Program).
President, Homeowner Association Board, The Colonnade at Turtle Creek.
Volunteer, Hearts and Hammers home repair program (2012).
OFF THE CLOCK
One-time competitive swimmer. Finished the Toyota U.S. Open Dallas Triathlon in 2010. Passions: real estate investing, residential interior design.
SECRET LIFE
Claims she can tell the gender of a pregnant woman’s child just by looking at the woman’s hands. “So far I have 100% accuracy, even with twins of differing genders.”
Citizen Architect
JOSEPH S. IMAMURA, ASSOC. AIA, ASLA, AICP, PMP, LEED AP
GSA Office of the Chief Architect, Washington, D.C.
Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech University, Lubbock
AGE: 36
BS, MArch, Master of Urban Planning, Master of Landscape Architecture, and current PhD candidate, all at Texas Tech
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Hired as a Special Assistant to the Chief Architect at the GSA in 2007, Imamura has held multiple positions within the agency, including work on the 2008 Presidential Transition Team, managerial support in the Construction Excellence program, and urban planning and public outreach. Has overseen more than 50 public meetings in cities where GSA was working on projects. In 2012, led the GSA Geographic Information System initiative to develop a Web-based map tool that illustrates the agency’s property portfolio. Currently supports the GSA National Design Director for Landscape Architecture.
Adjunct Professor, Texas Tech. Teaches online courses for junior- and senior-level students in the Department of Integrative Studies.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Independent research in public architecture and emergency preparedness, including current dissertation work.
American Planning Association Ambassador, working with high school and college students considering careers in planning.
Founders Forum Fellow, American Society of Public Administration (2014).
Official proposal reviewer, Texas Tech University Arts and Humanities Graduate Research Conference.
OFF THE CLOCK
Self-proclaimed news junkie and political wonk. Favorite reads: political biographies, including Allan Greenberg’s George Washington, Architect.
SECRET LIFE
“As a kid, I rode my bike around our neighborhood and drew a plan of the subdivision, so my friends and I could map out a route on Halloween to target homes that would hand out the most candy.”
Meditative Artist
SARIKA BAJORIA
Founding Principal, Architect
Per-forma Studio, NYC
AGE: 37
MArch, University of
Pennsylvania
BA, Luther College, Iowa
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
A Calcutta native, Bajoria studied physics, math, and art at the undergrad level before earning her MArch degree. After stints at Kieran Timberlake, Spacesmith, and Skidmore Owings & Merrill, founded Per-forma Studio in 2010. The practice serves commercial, hospitality, retail, residential, and institutional clients, including nonprofits and underserved communities, and emphasizes the integration of design, architecture, research, and art.
Awarded permanent residency status in the U.S. through the EB-1 process, requiring applicants to demonstrate “extraordinary ability” at the “top of the field of endeavor.”
Representative projects: 700,000-sf tower and retail development, Mumbai; 8,000-sf Kadampa Meditation Center NYC (pro bono); 50,000-sf Indian Chamber of Commerce, Kolkata; 20,000-sf flagship store for a luxury retailer in Dubai.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Serves as jury member for student reviews at University of Pennsylvania, Columbia University, Pratt University, and City College of New York.
Founding Director, Architecture for Humanity, New York Chapter (designs projects pro bono for nonprofits and underserved communities). Work includes a master plan for an orphanage campus in Indonesia and projects for THE POINT Community Development Corp., South Bronx, and ABC No Rio nonprofit artists’ collaborative, New York City.
Member, IvyLife International (co-chair, Mumbai Chapter), Penn Alumni, USC Real Estate Group NY, Indian Real Estate Network.
OFF THE CLOCK
Practices meditation; currently training to become a Buddhist meditation teacher. “My practice helped me understand that being ‘busy’ or ‘stressed’ is a state of mind and I have a choice in how to respond.”
Mixed-media artist (oil, collage, watercolor, colored pencil, chalk).
SECRET LIFE
Acquired a degree in Indian classical vocal music at age 16; plays the harmonium and tanpura.
Environmental Exponent
SUSAN HEINKING, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP O+M
VP/Sustainability Leader
VOA Associates Inc., Chicago
AGE: 33
BS, Southern Illinois University
MArch, University of Oregon
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
During undergrad and grad school, Heinking worked full-time as a residential contractor, tutor, graphic artist, and graduate teaching assistant. Hired by HOK, she progressed from Architectural Technician to Project Architect to Sustainable Design Manager in five years. Coordinated green assessments for 62 Chicago Housing Authority properties.
At VOA, leads sustainable design efforts for nine offices worldwide. Promoted to VP in 2012. Has 15 LEED projects in the works and has facilitated more than 50 LEED projects during her career, resulting in 2.4 million sf of Silver-certified, 1.5 million sf of Gold-certified, and 9,000 sf of Platinum-certified space.
Winner, 2013 USGBC Emerald Award and 2013 AIA Chicago SustainABILITY Honor Award.
Registered Architect in Illinois.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Frequent conference presenter (USGBC Illinois Chapter, AIA Chicago, HUD Conference). Active in development of Chicago’s Energy Use Benchmarking & Transparency Ordinance. Currently creating a related application for energy benchmarking data and verification.
Active with the Retrofit Chicago Commercial Buildings Initiative and ACE Mentors program.
Proposal reviewer, USGBC Greenbuild conference.
Organized VOA’s community service event in 2013, designing and installing six environmental learning gardens for Chicago Public School students with special needs. Raised more than $75,000 in donations for this effort.
OFF THE CLOCK
The mother of two-year-old triplets, Heinking enjoys listening to music, playing soccer, and reading Google News. “For a mother of triplets, sleep is the ultimate form of relaxation.”
SECRET LIFE
Loves escaping to camp in the woods. “As long as there are trees, a hiking trail, and a campfire, I’m happy.”
Cinematic Savvy
CORTNEY KIRK, RLA, ASLA, LEED AP
Project Manager
Copley Wolff Design Group, Boston
AGE: 36
BS, Syracuse University
Master of Landscape Architecture, Rhode Island School of Design
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
After completing a degree in TV, radio, and film production, Kirk moved to Boston and began photographing urban spaces, which eventually inspired her to earn a master’s in landscape architecture. Spent four years at Payette Associates, where her projects included planning 30 acres of a 460-acre liberal arts campus for Aga Kahn University in Pakistan, and two facilities for the VA Boston Healthcare System. Joined Copley Wolff in 2012.
Now working on seven projects in four states, including a campus green for UMass Amherst, a Jewish temple in Omaha, and a luxury high-rise in downtown Boston.
Adjunct faculty, Boston Architectural College (2008-present). Received a grant for the purchase of cameras and video editing software for students in a new workshop course combining filmmaking and design.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Past member, Payette Women in Design and Young Designers Corps, including Canstruction events benefiting the Greater Boston Food Bank.
Member, Architecture for Humanity Boston (landscape consultant in joint initiative with City Growers, developing an organic urban farm).
Volunteer, Parkolation Project involving VSA Massachusetts (the state organization on arts and disability) and Boston Green Academy (a specialty high school). Park(ing) Day event resulted in design for a parklet in collaboration with at-risk teens.
Member, American Society of Landscape Architects, Boston Society of Landscape Architects, Boston Society of Architects.
OFF THE CLOCK
A “super-taster” who can detect flavors that most people don’t pick up on; dabbles in home brewing. Enjoys snowboarding and making pizza.
SECRET LIFE
As an undergrad, wrote an analysis of the movie “Fast Times at Ridgemont High” comparing the characters to Jeffersonian Democrats and Hamiltonian Federalists.
Roving Registrant
JASON CHANDLER, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP
VP/Director of Project Management
Epstein, Chicago
AGE: 36
BS, MS, MArch, University of Illinois at Urbana–Champaign
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Helping to implement Epstein’s transition to a project/market-based structure. Directs all of Epstein’s Project Managers; member of the firm’s Senior Operations Committee.
Representative projects: SC Johnson Fortaleza Hall & The Commons, Racine, Wis.; Edward Hines Jr. VA Hospital Building 13 Renovation, Hines, Ill.; multiple locations for Medline Industries.
Registered Architect in 26 states.
EXTRACURRICULAR
Active in the AIA, Design-Build Institute of America, USGBC Chicago Chapter, and the Project Management Institute. Member of several AIA Knowledge Communities, including the Committee on the Environment and Young Architects Forum. Board member, Global Design Alliance.
Volunteer: Habitat for Humanity and Civic Consulting Alliance (including pro bono work for the Chicago Transit Authority). Community service in Racine, Wis., while working on a three-year project for SC Johnson.
Regular presenter at university classes and industry organizations.
Peer reviewer, BUILDINGChicago/Greening the Heartland conference.
OFF THE CLOCK
Chandler has visited 47 U.S. states and five continents, and lived in Paris for a year. Prefers mountains and waves, and is particularly fond of Ireland and Germany’s Autobahn: “I’ve had the opportunity to drive Audis, Mercedes-Benzes, and BMWs, but the first car I drove on the Autobahn was a four-cylinder Dodge Grand Caravan.”
SECRET LIFE
Owned a 1972 American LaFrance pumper fire truck in college—“a perfect tailgate machine.”
Eagle Scout.
Mixed-Use Multitasker
AMY THERESA MOCKAPETRIS
Project Designer, Associate
Development Design Group, Baltimore
AGE: 32
BFA, BArch, MArch, Savannah College of Art and Design
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Finished three degrees in five years in Savannah while also working an average of 30 hours a week and restoring a historic home. Worked at two design firms in Washington, D.C., completing projects for Andrews Air Force Base and the Federal Emergency Management Agency.
Joined DDG in 2006; now works primarily on mixed-use projects. Since promotion to Associate (2012) has completed several international projects and assumed responsibilities in employee training (company procedures, software programs, architectural codes).
Representative work: Peninsula Town Center, Hampton, Va. (75 acres, 1.2 million sf mixed use); Dalian (China) 100 complex (14 city blocks, luxury multifamily towers and private residences plus commercial, education, and support facilities); Pondok Indah Grand Mall 3, Jakarta (224,000 sm of retail, restaurant, entertainment, residential, and office space).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Member, National Trust for Historic Preservation.
Volunteer, Habitat for Humanity, Chesapeake Branch (regular and women’s builds).
Alumni Advisory Board, Savannah College of Art and Design.
Volunteer, Baltimore Symphony Orchestra.
OFF THE CLOCK
Avid gardener; maintains rare iris plants descended from those brought over from Scotland by her great-grandmother.
Wine collector; currently has 300 catalogued bottles.
SECRET LIFE
Music trivia whiz; can name and sing back most songs after hearing only a few notes or lines. “Thanks to my parents’ love of music, I have memorized almost every popular song between 1960 and 1990.”
Community Dynamo
KEVIN J. SINGH, AIA, LEED AP BD+C
Associate Professor, School of Architecture
Louisiana Tech University, Ruston
AGE: 39
BArch, Ball State University
Master of Building
Construction,
Auburn University
ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Joined Louisiana Tech faculty in 2006. As Director of the school’s Community Design Activism Center, conceived South of California Avenue project, which gives architecture students the opportunity to collaborate with multidisciplinary teams on community-
oriented projects. Currently establishing a tax-exempt nonprofit to serve the SOCA neighborhood, with the goal of building a community center.
Presented his research at the AIA’s Walter Wagner Forum and a podcast on the AIA Website (www.aia.org/practicing/AIAPodnet/pod_walterwagner).
Led the University Design Assistance Center, which allows architecture students to consult on campus construction projects (2006-12).
EXTRACURRICULAR
Gulf States Regional Liaison, AIA Young Architects Forum (2009-10).
Participant, AIA YAF Summit20 (2012).
Co-chair and founder, USGBC Northeast Louisiana Chapter.
Lead Instructor, HabiTECH design-build program (partnership between the Louisiana Tech School of Architecture and North Central Louisiana Habitat for Humanity, 2012-13).
Board member, Association for Community Design.
OFF THE CLOCK
Founding member, Piney Hills Cyclists club.
Raised >$10,000 for cancer research biking solo from San Diego to Charleston, S.C.
SECRET LIFE
Can’t live without: Faber-Castell e-motion black wood mechanical pencil.