AI IN ARCHITECTURE
Kurt founded Urban Colab Architecture, L.3.C., his design practice, in 2021, focusing on community-based affordable housing, historic preservation, and sustainable design projects. Current projects include 74 units of affordable housing in Flint, Michigan, historic preservation of the Flint Masonic Temple and Paterson Building in downtown Flint, and custom residential projects focused on energy efficiency. Kurt has been awarded the AIA National Young Architect Award in 2017, AIA Michigan Young Architect Award in 2015, and Building Design and Construction Magazine’s 40 under 40 in 2018. His 3D artwork has been displayed in nationally and internationally juried exhibitions NET ZERO BY THE NUMBERS
Aaron is an Associate in PBA’s Corporate and Government market sector group. As a mechanical engineer, his responsibilities include providing mechanical design, equipment sizing and selection, and energy modeling for LEED and Net Zero compliance. Comfortable with complex and multidisciplinary projects, Aaron has advanced skills in AutoCAD MEP and Autodesk Revit, a building information modeling (BIM) software. His 7 years of project experience at PBA has primarily focused on new construction high rise, corporate office building renovations, adaptive reuse, and municipal facilities. Aaron presented to the 2022 Summer MiAPPA Conference “Moving Your Campus Towards Net Zero and Carbon Neutrality” and was a featured speaker at the September 2022 Detroit ASHRAE meeting. His blog/article credits include:
Aaron holds a Master of Science in Mechanical Engineering degree from the University of Michigan and is a licensed engineer (PE) in the State of Michigan. STAIRS, STEP UP YOUR GAME  Paul Dannels FAIA In his role at SDI Structures, Paul conceives innovative structural solutions for buildings on behalf of both aspiring and accomplished architects. His many clients value his ability to quickly grasp complex architectural intentions and effectively render them in structural form. Paul served as the 2014 President for AIA Michigan. He has taught at the University of Detroit and Lawrence Technological University. Karlene’s passion is speaking to groups about how to improve communications, culture and well-being in the workplace. She is a certified Everything DiSC® Trainer and presents sessions on behavioral styles, generational differences, body language, leadership, creating positive and productive work cultures, wellness, work/life integration and brain training. Karlene focuses on how to work together more effectively through understanding and appreciating the differences in people, while working to improve communications, team building, customer service and conflict resolution. BODY LANGUAGE
Karlene is currently the Vice President of Wellness for Mission Veterinary Partners. Prior to this, she was the CEO of the Michigan Veterinary Medical Association for 15 years and has more than 30 years of experience in management and team building. She holds a Master of Business Administration degree from the University of Michigan and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Telecommunications from Michigan State University. She speaks to a wide variety of groups nationally and sings and plays keyboards for a band. THE 9 TRUTHS OF AIR BARRIERS
Eric is a licensed architect in Michigan with 39 years of experience. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from Lawrence Technological University and a Master of Architecture degree from the University of Michigan. Eric currently serves as the Treasurer and is a founding Member of the Building Enclosure Council of Greater Detroit. In 1985, Eric started his career with a small civil engineering firm that did anything and everything. His next act was a 20-year-long gig as a technical architect specializing in healthcare architecture and building enclosures. In 2014 Eric joined SME as an Enclosure Senior Consultant. Today he is Vice President, Principal Consultant and Chief Architect for the SME Building Materials Group. Eric specializes in enclosure consulting for high-durability healthcare, higher education and other institutional construction projects emphasizing long term solutions, attention to detail, and independent design review. He was recently recognized by the American Air Barrier Association as a Certified Air Barrier Specialist. UNLOCKING POTENTIAL WITH ADAPTIVE REUSE
Rick is a driven professional with a passion for connecting with creative individuals in the building industry. He views structures not just as functional entities but as works of art that can positively influence communities. As a lifelong learner, Rick actively seeks opportunities to enhance his design skills and strive for excellence in every project. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee and later earned both a Master of Science and an MBA. His dedication, ability to build strong professional connections, and commitment to community impact make him a valuable asset. 2030 IS NOW
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. Mr. Heine has previously presented on decarbonization and sustainable design strategy at programs such as the Sustainable Detroit Forum, Net Zero Build Summit, and the Reaching for Net Zero Conference.
Mechanical Engineer and Decarbonization Strategist at SMITHGROUP. Brittany is a Senior Principal and Mechanical Engineer at SmithGroup, where she’s led several net-zero energy and carbon neutral commercial building projects. Ms. Fiema helps institutional clients meet their carbon emissions reduction goals in her role as a Technical Account Manager in the Department of Energy’s Better Climate Challenge. Brittany is a Lawrence Berkley National Laboratory Affiliate, past president of the Detroit Chapter of ASHRAE, and was recognized as a Top Woman to Watch in HVAC by Engineered Systems Magazine. Brittany has presented on design strategies for decarbonization at the National ASHRAE Decarbonization Conference, the Association of Midwest Museums Conference, and the Michigan Association of Physical Plant Administrators (MiAPPA) Conference ACCESSIBILITY AND UNIVERSAL DESIGN
Karen joined the City of Midland in 2003 and was promoted to Director of Public Services in 2007. In her role, Karen oversees Public Works and Sanitation, Parks and Recreation, Dial-A-Ride Public Transportation, Fleet Services and the Municipal Landfill. Before coming to the City of Midland, Karen worked for the City of Mt. Pleasant as a public works analyst. She holds a Bachelor’s degree in Computer Information Systems from Saginaw Valley State University and a Master’s degree in Public Administration from Central Michigan University. Karen’s real passion lies in park development projects that expand recreational opportunities to people with all levels of ability. To date, Karen has led projects including trail enhancements, river overlooks, pickleball courts, an accessible baseball diamond with play area and creation of fully accessible restrooms – all with a focus on Universal Design principles to make Midland a more inclusive and welcoming community for people with disabilities.
Marcie Post began her career in parks and recreation in the cities of Clare and Livonia, Michigan, before joining the City of Midland in 2008. She was promoted to assistant director of public services in 2021, where she now oversees management and operations of Midland Parks and Recreation’s programs, facilities, and amenities, as well as additional management duties in Public Services. Her most recent accomplishment is the creation and implementation of Midland’s Miracle field, a soft-surface baseball diamond for athletes who have a disability. Marcie holds a bachelor's degree in community leisure services administration/commercial recreation and facilities management and a master's degree in parks and recreation administration, both from Central Michigan University. She is a Certified Public Manager, Certified Park and Recreation Professional (CPRP), and Aquatic Facility Operator (AFO). She also serves in leadership roles on boards for the Northwood University’s Sport Management Program, the Accreditation Team for the Certified Public Manager Program at SVSU, Michigan Recreation and Park Association (mParks), the Midland Convention and Visitors Bureau, the Arnold Center, the Midland Amateur Sports Capital Committee, and the Midland Soccer Club. Marcie lives in Midland with her husband, Jon, and two sons, Wesley and Callen. In her spare time, she enjoys running, camping, and spending time with her family and friends. DEFINED BY DETROIT, BUILT FOR THE WORLD: HUDSON’S DETROIT
James Witherspoon is the Senior Vice President of Architecture and Design at Bedrock, where he leads the design and execution of architecture projects across the Bedrock portfolio, with a focus on large-scale mixed-use developments. Since its founding in 2011, Bedrock and its affiliates have invested and committed more than $7.5 billion to acquiring and developing more than 140 properties in Detroit and Cleveland, including landmark developments at the Hudson’s Detroit, Book Tower, City Modern and the May Company Building. Bedrock’s portfolio totals more than 21 million square feet of office, retail and residential space within new construction and adaptive reuse projects. James has over a decade of experience designing for the built environment. His experience ranges from urban strategic framework planning to post-industrial adaptive reuse to ground-up signature buildings, primarily within the City of Detroit. At Bedrock, he played a crucial role in the design of the Shinola Hotel and is currently working on the redevelopment of Hudson’s Detroit. By leading and collaborating with local, national, and international design firms to realize these complex projects, his goal is to help build Detroit’s legacy as a world-class destination for design excellence through thoughtful and equitable development. James also writes and publishes articles on architecture and the built environment and has served as adjunct faculty at the Taubman College of Architecture at the University of Michigan. His work has been published in The Journal of Architectural Education, The Plan, MONU, Plat Journal, and Metropolis.
Yasmin Rehmanjee is a partner who has two decades of experience leading some of the most complex and iconic structural engineering designs in the country and around the world. She is adept at leading large-scale, multidisciplinary projects with diverse teams across offices while maintaining project schedules and budgets as well as the vision of her clients’ projects. With a structural engineering background, Yasmin led the Mercedes-Benz Stadium in Atlanta – which includes the world’s first ocular-shaped operable roof – and is currently leading the multidisciplinary engineering design on multiple projects including Hudson’s Site in Detroit, a 1.6 million square foot mixed-use development. Her portfolio spans across sectors including sports and entertainment, commercial development, higher education, healthcare, large-scale hospitality and public sector projects. Yasmin serves as the New York Co-Office Director where she is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the New York team. Also a passionate advocate for diversity, equity, and inclusion, Yasmin was one of the founding members of the Buro Happold Diversity, Equity, Inclusion and Transparency Committee – using her influence to ensure the firm continuously works to better reflect the varied cultures, communities, and clients we serve. She is a mentor and teacher to many of Buro Happold’s young engineers and has also guest lectured and taught at several universities including the Massachusetts Institute of Technology, School of the Art Institute of Chicago, Yale University School of Architecture, and Purdue University. Yasmin is also an active participant in industry organizations in her role as Vice-Chair of the Women’s Leadership Initiative and a member of the Mixed-Use Council of Urban Land Institute New York.
Annie Kwon is an architect and the Director or Partnerships at SHoP Architects. Her practice lives at the intersection of art and architecture, brand space and technology, at the scale of the individual to the civic realm. A keen cultural forecaster, Annie has led project teams for Hudson’s in Detroit, the Andy Warhol Museum at Essex Crossing in the Lower East Side, integrating architecture, conceptual narrative and visual asset design with community and audience outreach and engagement. Her experience also includes high-concept projects for the executive teams at Prada, New York Fashion Week and Barneys. Before joining SHoP, Annie's notable clients included the Giorgio Armani Corporation, James Turrell and Merce Cunningham. She has taught architectural and urban design at Columbia University’s GSAPP program, Parsons School of Design, Pratt Institute and currently at the University of Oregon. She serves on the AIA Oregon's Urban Design Panel's Executive Committee and is committed to increasing next-generation opportunities for exposure, equity and agency in our environments. CODE UPDATES
Rick is a driven professional with a passion for connecting with creative individuals in the building industry. He views structures not just as functional entities but as works of art that can positively influence communities. As a lifelong learner, Rick actively seeks opportunities to enhance his design skills and strive for excellence in every project. He holds a Bachelor of Science in Civil & Environmental Engineering from the University of Tennessee and later earned both a Master of Science and an MBA. His dedication, ability to build strong professional connections, and commitment to community impact make him a valuable asset.
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Sara Codarin, Assoc. AIA is an assistant professor of architecture at Lawrence Technological University's Department of Architecture. She earned her Ph.D. from the University of Ferrara, leveraging robotics for the preservation of cultural heritage. Her research interests span large-scale additive manufacturing, robotic fabrication, digital craft, and generative AI for world-building. She is a recipient of the 2022 Crain’s Detroit Notable Women in Design and Construction Award and exhibited her recent work at the Ford House in Detroit. She has been appointed as a testimonial for the 2024 Italian Design Day by the Consulate of Italy in Detroit. Sara is a techno-optimist, and she loves robots.
Karl Daubmann, AIA is an architect at the forefront of digital design. He is the Dean of the College of Architecture and Design at Lawrence Technological University. His teaching areas include design, digital design, robotic fabrication, construction, leadership, and multidisciplinary design. His design practice DAUB (design, architecture, urbanism, building) focuses on expanding the relationship between design, technology, and practice. Daubmann is a Fellow of the American Academy in Rome. Between 2010 and 2014, Daubmann was the Vice President of Design and Creative Director for Blu Homes, where he led a multidisciplinary team that developed prefab housing.
Kurt Neiswender, AIA Citizen architect, unifies social, political, and economic forces through architecture. He engages the community through service, practice, and teaching. Kurt is leading the conversations faced by our profession through his globally recognized podcast. Kurt co-founded the Coffee Sketch Podcast in 2019 to discuss the architect’s fundamental tool, the sketch. In its sixth season, Kurt and Jamie have published 150+ episodes spanning various subject areas in architecture, from Resiliency, Leadership, and Significant Buildings to Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion. 
Aaron Frantz, PE
Karlene Belyea, MBA
Eric A. Murrell RA CCS BECxP CaBS
Rick Wheeler
Christopher Heine, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, WELL
Brittany Fiema, PE, LEED Green Associate, LBNL Affiliate
Karen Murphy, Director of Public Services, City of Midland
Marcie Post, Assistant Director of Public Services
James Witherspoon, Senior Vice President of Architecture and Design, Bedrock
Yasmin Rehmanjee
Annie Kwon
Rick Day
Joe Forro
