2023 Mid Summer Conference Speakers

CONFRONTING A CRISIS

FRIDAY | 8:00a – 9:00a

MIKE COSGROVE, HON. AFF. AIAMI

As PCIA’s President and CEO, Mike has established a reputation as being a hands-on, problem-solver for his clients’ insurance and risk management needs, and he assists in training their staff to reduce their firm’s professional services risks. His expertise includes risk evaluation and insurance placement, contract reviews and negotiations, assistance with mergers and acquisitions and international project pursuits. Read more. 

CRAIG THOMPSON

Craig Thompson’s, a Principal in the Detroit office, practice includes more than 25 years of experience in the area of construction and commercial litigation. He represents architects, engineers, surveyors, owners, contractors, construction managers, sureties and insurers in all facets of construction-related claims and disputes, including litigation, mediation and arbitration. Additionally, his practice includes representing individuals and businesses in contract negotiations, collections, liens, intellectual property rights...Read more. 

REPORT ON NATIONAL STUDY ON ARCHITECT CONTRACTOR RELATIONS

FRIDAY | 9:00a – 10:00a

KEN WISEMAN

Ken likes to describe himself as a “curious fellow” which perfectly defines his approach to developing creative solutions spanning his distinguished career. Above all else, Ken is place maker who conceives, refines and implements innovative, Living-Centered design solutions for clients. He has a substantial record of innovative award-winning places that solve serious environmental, technological, functional and contextual challenges. Read more. 

AIA/AGC ECONOMISTS

FRIDAY | 10:00a – 11:00a

JENNIFER RISKUS

Jennifer Riskus is the Director of Market and Economic Research at The American Institute of Architects. In this role, she works closely with Kermit Baker, the AIA Chief Economist, and leads the Architecture Billings Index, a leading indicator of nonresidential construction spending, as well as the major biennial Compensation Survey and AIA Firm Survey report. Read more.

MACRINA WILKINS

Macrina Wilkins works as senior research analyst for the Associated General Contractors of America (AGC), the leading trade association for the construction industry. She analyzes industry trends and compiles data products on the construction labor, spending and material markets. Ms. Wilkins graduated from Cornell University with a B.S. degree in human development and is currently pursuing a B.A. degree in economics at George Mason University. Read more.

DENNIS CARIGNAN

Dennis Carignan joined the Granger team in 1998 and is currently President. He has a Bachelor of Science in Construction Management from Michigan State University, a Master’s in Business administration from the University of Michigan and is accredited as an AGC Associate Constructor. Building and remodeling are passions of his, things he does frequently at home and at his cottage. Read more.

ANDREW DUNLAP AIA, CDT, NCARB, LEED AP

Andrew Dunlap is a Principal at SmithGroup and leads their Building Technology Studio. His primary work experience is in the analysis and development of building enclosures, specializing in the evaluation of airtightness, hygrothermal performance, and energy efficiency. His work includes evaluating existing buildings, investigating problem buildings, revitalizing historic structures, and the design and consultation of new and specialty facades. Read more.

FORD EXPERIENCE CENTER IN DEARBORN MICHIGAN

SATURDAY | 9:00a – 10:00a

ROBERT AYDYKOVIC

Aydukovic’s career spans 34 years in the construction, real estate, economic development, and education sectors. He currently serves as a teacher and administrator at Michigan State University’s Construction Management Program. Courses include Commercial Methods and Materials, Real Estate Finance, Construction Business Development and Construction Contracts. Read more.

KARL DAUBMANN, AIA

Karl Daubmann is Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at LTU where he teaches courses in leadership and digital design. His design practice DAUB (design, architecture, urbanism, building) focuses on expanding the relationship between design, technology, and practice. He is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. Read more.

DAN PITERA, FAIA

Dan Pitera, FAIA, NOMA, Hon. FALA is Dean of the University of Detroit Mercy School of Architecture + Community Development and is currently serving as Treasurer of AIA Michigan Board of Directors. Dean Pitera was a 2004-2005 Harvard University Loeb Fellow. During his time as Executive Director (2000-2019), the DCDC received the National AIA’s 2017 Whitney M. Young Jr. Award for social justice and was included in the 2017 Curry Stone Design Award’s National Social Design Circle. Read more.

RON HENRY, AIA

As Senior Vice President at Sachse Construction, Ron Henry is responsible for building new customer relationships, achieving financial growth, and establishing and executing business strategy. Ron’s extensive industry experience spans the institutional, higher education, healthcare, and commercial markets. His deep understanding of construction, architecture, engineering, and real estate position him as a versatile and esteemed leader. Read more.

JEFFREY HAUSMAN, FAIA

Jeff brings more than 30 years of experience as an architect, with a portfolio that includes university facilities, R&D laboratories, industrial plants, office buildings and museum displays. As Director of SmithGroup's Detroit and Pittsburgh office, he is also responsible for leading strategic initiatives, continuing the firm's legacy of design and technical excellence, and maintaining a high level of client satisfaction. Read more.

MACKINAC ISLAND COTTAGE TOUR

SATURDAY | 11:00a – 1:00p

GENE HOPKINS, FAIA

Principal and co-founder of HopkinsBurns Design Studio, Gene is a nationally recognized leader in historic preservation architecture who has received numerous awards for his contribution to architecture, including the prestigious Gold Medal from AIA Michigan in 2003 and the Gold Medal from AIA Detroit in 2006. Gene has extensive experience in the restoration and rehabilitation of hundreds of structures listed on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more.

TAMARA BURNS, FAIA, LEED AP

Principal and co-founder of HopkinsBurns Design Studio, Tamara has over 25 years of leadership and management experience providing design services for a variety of structures (new, existing and historic) and project types, including mixed use, commercial, residential, retail, laboratory renovations, world headquarters facilities and community master planning. Read more.