2026 ARCHIFUSION SPEAKERS

OUR PROPOSAL SAID WHAT!?

THURSDAY | 9:15a – 10:15a

Mike Cosgrove, Hon. Aff. AIAMI leads PCIA as a hands-on problem solver, guiding clients through complex insurance and risk management challenges. His work spans insurance placement, risk evaluation, contract review, staff training, and advising on mergers, acquisitions, and international projects. 

A recognized leader in the industries PCIA serves, Mike is active in professional associations, serving on boards, chairing committees, and supporting events like the AIA Michigan Mid-Summer Conference, the Michigan Architectural Foundation, and ACEC of Michigan’s Engineering and Surveying Excellence Gala. Read more.

WHO BUILDS YOUR DESIGN? UNDERSTANDING FORCED LABOR IN TODAY’S CONSTRUCTION INDUSTRY

THURSDAY | 10:30a – 11:30a

Phillip Bernstein, FAIA is the Deputy Dean and a Professor in the Practice at the Yale School of Architecture, where he teaches courses in professional practice, technology, entrepreneurship, and supply chain. He is a former vice president at Autodesk, where he was responsible for the company’s Building Information Modeling strategy that included the development of the Revit platform. Prior to Autodesk Phil was an associate principal Cesar Pelli & Associates where he managed many of the firm’s most complex commissions including projects for the Mayo Clinic, Washington National Airport, UCLA, and Goldman Sachs. Read more.

Luis C.deBaca is a professor from practice at the University of Michigan Law School. He led US government activities in the global fight against contemporary forms of slavery during the Obama administration. As Ambassador at Large to Monitor and Combat Trafficking in Persons, C.deBaca updated statutes created after the Civil War and through the 13th Amendment to develop the victim-centered approach to modern slavery that has become the global standard for combating human trafficking. In the Civil Rights Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ), C.deBaca investigated and prosecuted complex criminal cases, negotiated labor...Read more.

CALL AND RESPONSE: CLOSING THE LOOP ON HEALTHY WORKPLACE DESIGN

THURSDAY | 11:30a – 12:30p

Christopher Heine AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP

As a Sustainability Strategist at one of the leading national architecture and engineering firms, SmithGroup, Mr. Heine has championed the design of more than 20 LEED certified buildings, positively impacting the sustainable future for Detroit and beyond. Chris is a LEED and WELL accredited professional and shares his passion for sustainability as co-chair of the AIA Detroit Committee on the Environment (COTE). Was named A Notable Leader in Sustainability by Crain’s Detroit magazine in 2022. Read more.

Katy Liang, AIA, LEED GA

Katy Liang is a Technology Strategist leading SMITHGROUP’s Data Analytics team, where she works across markets to deliver customized technology and analytics solutions aligned with client goals. She partners closely with design teams to support the collection, organization, and visualization of design data throughout the project lifecycle. Her work includes research on occupancy satisfaction using environmental sensor data, as well as the development of tools for programming data management and spatial visualization. Katy holds a Certificate in Data Science...Read more.

KEYNOTE: HOW TO WIN BUSINESS WITH STORYTELLING

THURSDAY | 1:30p – 3:00p

Lee Schneider draws on a multi-decade career in storytelling, media-making, and education to help architects, design professionals, and startup founders use storytelling to transform complex concepts into projects that get funded.

For the past 10 years, he has taught a popular graduate-level media-making class at the University of Southern California (USC) School of Architecture. He has taught workshops at the University of Minnesota College of Design and at Public Architecture. As the founder of Red Cup Agency, an award-winning podcast production agency, Lee has developed a storytelling masterclass called the...Read more.

MAKING GOOD ON MASS TIMBER’S PROMISE: COLLABORATIVE DESIGN FOR OPTIMAL RESULTS

THURSDAY | 3:00p – 4:00p

Anna Anderson, AIA Lord Aeck Sargent, is an Architect with over 20 years of experience. She is experienced in domestic and international architecture with various facility types including commercial, industrial, educational and public infrastructure projects. Anna graduated from Poznan University of Technology with M.Sc. in Architecture and Urban Planning, LEED AP BD & C. She is dedicated to integral design, driving innovation and ensuring that design solutions can be achieved and maintained in the long term. Anna promotes sustainable design goals embracing that responsive design should minimize the negative impact on the environment. Read more.

Jared Coffin, AIA is a Design Principal leading Hanbury’s Clemson office, bringing over 30 years of architectural experience to projects nationwide. His portfolio spans a wide range of higher education work, from small-scale interventions to complex, large-scale initiatives. For the past decade, Jared has concentrated on how the built environment can support and enhance student well-being. A passionate advocate for mass timber, he has been an active member of Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute since 2016. Guided by a strong design vision and a drive for innovation, Jared has delivered numerous award-winning projects. Read more.

Jeff Winslow, AIA

With 12 years at Neumann/Smith Architecture and 27 years in the industry, Jeff Winslow offers a wealth of experience and a broad architectural background. Driven by a “do whatever it takes” attitude and a passion for the details, Jeff is the type of project manager you want to have in your corner. He is inspired by working on service-minded teams that strive to provide the best possible design for the client.  Jeff sees each project as an opportunity to raise the bar for his firm. Jeff is inspired by providing sustainable solutions for his clients. As Neumann/Smith’s resident mass timber expert...Read more.

Calista Rockwell

Calista is the Outreach Specialist at MassTimber@MSU- a Michigan State University program that mobilizes research, education, outreach, communications, policy, and partnerships to advance sustainable mass timber construction and manufacture in Michigan, the Great Lakes region and beyond. In her role, she works to engage with communities throughout Michigan about mass timber benefits, its momentum in the state, and successful applications. Through strategic outreach and resource-sharing, she ensures that communities have the information and tools needed to...Read more.

THE GORDIE HOWE INTERNATIONAL BRIDGE

THURSDAY | 4:15p – 5:15p

Erik Behrens, Dipl.-Ing. Arch, ARB, RIBA

Erik Behrens is an emerging international Architect and Creative Director at AECOM. His work is signified by ambitious designs, many defying traditional architectural conventions. He has designed numerous architectural projects for a high-profile client base including leading patrons of the Art and Design World such as James Dyson and Karl Lagerfeld. His most notable built work includes the conversion of the iconic London Waterloo Eurostar Terminal into a commuter rail station and new cultural hub, the landmark structures Gordie Howe International Bridge...Read more.

Michael Griffie, J.D., AECOM

Michael Griffie currently serves as the Detroit Metro Leader for AECOM, an American multinational infrastructure consulting firm, and is an experienced leader and attorney with a background that crosses sectors, including education, government, nonprofit, and corporate environments. Griffie began his career in the classroom as a high school English teacher, later becoming a high school principal. While serving as a principal in Detroit, Griffie attended law school in the evenings, and, upon completion, began practicing law at Butzel Long. A recipient of the Super Lawyers Rising Star...Read more.

I THOUGHT YOU HAD IT COVERED! UNIQUE PERSPECTIVES ON DELEGATED DESIGN

FRIDAY | 9:00a – 10:00a

Patty Boyle, AIA 

As the Corporate Director of Architecture for SmithGroup, Patty is responsible for establishing the general direction and strategies for delivery of architectural services across the firm.  With over 30 years of experience, Patty also serves as a Senior Project Architect, leading integrated teams, and collaborative partnerships to deliver some of the firm’s most complex work.  Patty obtained her Bachelor of Architecture from the Illinois Institute of Technology.  Patty has served in leadership roles for AIA Detroit and is currently serving as the Michigan representative on the AIA Strategic Council. Read more.

Andrew Dunlap, AIA

As SmithGroup’s leading Exterior Envelope Specialist, Andrew Dunlap leads their Building Technology Studio and is a Senior Principal with over 25 years of experience. 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.

IN PURSUIT OF HEALTHIER MATERIALS

FRIDAY | 10:00a – 11:00a

Andrew Queenan

Andrew believes passionately in the ability of architects to lead our world toward a brighter, environmentally sound, and just future. In addition to striving for great design, he applies the fundamentals of building physics and sustainability to all of our projects. This role in our firm is critical in championing the commitment to integrated design practices, sustainable business practices, and industry-leading research across a very diverse body of project types. After many years of successful practice and commitment to the industry, Andrew was awarded the 2020 Young Architect of the Year...Read more.

RESTORING A NATIONAL LANDMARK – DETROIT’S GUARDIAN BUILDING

FRIDAY | 11:15a – 12:15p

Zachary Rusu, AIA

As an integral member of SmithGroup's Building Technology Studio, Zachary brings over 15 years of experience in architecture with a focus on exterior enclosures and many projects focused on historic preservation and restoration. His knowledge spans roofs, masonry, windows, curtain wall, skylights, general wall cladding, and waterproofing. He has worked with client's such as the General Services Administration, Smithsonian Institution, University of Michigan, and others while performing restoration work on buildings on the National Register of Historic Places. Read more.

THE HUDSON’S DETROIT PROJECT: ARCHITECTURE FOR A SAFER, HEALTHIER, AND MORE CONNECTED CITY

FRIDAY | 1:30p – 12:15p

BUREAU OF CONSTRUCTION CODES CODE UPDATES

FRIDAY | 2:45p – 3:45p

Jonathon Paradine

Jon Paradine serves as Division Administrator for the Building Trades within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes.  In this leadership role, Jon oversees a comprehensive range of construction-related regulatory programs across multiple sections, including building, electrical, mechanical, and plumbing inspections. With over 20 years of public service in code enforcement and construction regulation, Jon has held a variety of leadership positions within LARA. Read more.

Renee Tober

Renee Tober serves as the State Administrative Training and Education Manager, for the Building Trades Division within the Michigan Department of Licensing and Regulatory Affairs (LARA), Bureau of Construction Codes.  In this leadership role, this section is responsible for planning, developing, conducting, and evaluating all internal and external training and public information related to the suite of building codes. This involves collaborating with subject matter experts on curriculum and content, coordinating logistics, moderating events, recruiting participants, and conducting...Read more.