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Featured Speakers

KEYNOTE SPEAKER:
DINA GRIFFIN
SPECIAL GUEST LECTURER:
MICHAEL FORD

As President of Interactive Design, Dina has blazed a trail for herself as a woman of color in a male-dominated field. With over 20 years experience, her experience spans many project typologies. A much sought after speaker, Dina is a member of the Board of Directors for the Illinois and Chicago Chapters of the American Institute of Architects and a past President of the Illinois Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects.​

Michael Ford is a designer, born and raised in the city of Detroit. Ford received his Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Detroit Mercy (UDM), where he completed his graduate thesis titled “Hip Hop Inspired Architecture and Design.” He has worked as a designer at Hamilton Anderson Associates located in Detroit, Mich. and as an adjunct professor at his alma matter. Ford has also worked as a designer at Flad Architects located in Madison, Wiscosin.​

RANDALL DEUTSCH

Randy’s building designs have appeared in Architectural Record and other periodicals. He served on Chicago Architectural Club's Board of Directors and AIA Chicago Board as Director and Vice President.​ He is recognized as a professional thought and practice leader, keynote speaker and recipient of the AIA Young Architect Award - Chicago. 

JUAN GABRIEL MORENO

Juan Gabriel Moreno, AIA, is an award winning architect and President/Founder of JGMA (Juan Gabriel Moreno Architects). Mr. Moreno was born in Bogota, Colombia and studied architecture at California State Polytechnic University Pomona.Mr. Moreno has been creating provocative architecture for more than 30 years,  and his projects have received numerous awards and recognition from his peers. Juan also had the honor of being recognized by Colombian President Juan Manuel Santos as one of the “100 COLOMBIANOS” for 2013. He also was a recipient of the 2013 “PIECE” Award for International Excellence which recognizes Colombians working outside of the country and making a difference in the lives of children and communities. In addition, Juan was also a finalist for the HACIA Member of the Year Award, and the Chicago Latino Professional of the Year.

 

Michele Plante

Michele Plante has over 8 years experience creating educational programming and helping employers connect with students in the arts and environmental design fields. She has 20 years experience marketing higher education, and currently has a M.Ed. degree in progress.


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SHARON SAMUELS
KATHERINE DARNSTADT
ANGELA KING

Angela King is a project manager for capital construction at the University of Illinois.  King received her Bachelors of Architecture from the University of Tennessee where she began the program as single parent, got married, and a had another child all while in school.  After graduation she worked in design firms for in Hartford, Connecticut delicately balancing being a mother, wife and working professional.  She is currently sitting for architectural registration exams and anticipates licensure by years end.​

Architect and educator Katherine Darnstadt is the founder and principal of Latent Design, a collaborative of individuals whose projects focus on social, economic and environmental impact beyond the building. Katherine brings innovative design to those in resource and budget limited environments through a holistic, creative approach to design driven by community needs that leverages other partners and assets to address project challenges. Her passion for public interest design through participatory strategies and diverse background have allowed her to collaborate with change agents in design, science, arts and philosophy. Since founding her practice in 2010, Katherine and her firm have been recognized as an emerging leader in the architecture profession and have been published, exhibited and featured widely, most notably at the International Venice Biennale, Core 77 Design Awards, Architizer A+ Awards, Chicago Ideas Week, NPR, and as the 2013 American Institute of Architects Young Architects Honor Award winner

Sharon Samuels, is a licensed architect in the State of Illinois (2008) and a LEED Accredited Professional. When the recession hit in 2008 Samuels was laid off from her job at a big firm, however five days after it occured she launched her company SolQuest Design Unlimited. She has extensive experience with large scale planned developments and small scale interior renovation projects.  Ms. Samuels has a Masters of Architecture degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago and a bachelor’s degree from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign.

JOSE R. PAREJA

Jose Pareja is a client focused Architect providing 21st century solutions to design challenges. Jose is a strong, affable leader with a track record that demonstrates enthusiasm and resourcefulness. He is a proven professional in planning, budgeting, coordinating, and scheduling. His excellent understanding of capital improvement projects makes him a great contribution to any team.

DOUGLAS LAYNE

Douglas Layne is an alumni of the Illinois School of Architecture who has built a successful career in Champaign, IL as a DJ. Layne's company PowerNSoul was founded in 2002 and provides a wide range of services that include: philantropy, outreach & collaborations, and live music. Although Douglas Layne did not chose the route of architecture, his experience at the University of Illinois and the knowledge he gained from being an architecture student has shaped his career.
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MANUEL J HERNADEZ 

Coming Soon!!
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PATRICK THOMPSON

Patick Thompson owner of Veya, Inc. began his career in non for profit. After spending some time in that field, he had a change of heart for his career path. Patrick is now owner of Veya, Inc a construction company on the up and rising.
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CESAR A SANTOY

Mr. Santoy, a licensed architect, has over 15 years' professional experience in architectural design, association management, and procurement services with not for-profit organizations. While at the United Neighborhood Organization (UNO), he assisted in developing and constructing their multi-campus, 160,000 square foot, $40 million school, which was completed in 2008. He also oversaw capital improvements for nine charter school campuses, representing over 500,000 square feet of building space and site acreage. Mr. Santoy is an alderman for the City of Berwyn (5th Ward) and a board member of Arquitectos – The Society of Professional Hispanic Architects and the City of Berwyn Coalition of Homes. He is also active in the American Institute of Architects, Metropolitan Leadership Institute and the Hispanic-American Construction Industry Association.

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JAMES HOLLAND

James Holland is a highly motivated design and construction professional. Recognized for his attention to detail and client-focused results. Holland is an alumni of the School of Architecture at the Universiyt of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Soon after graduation instead of choosin the traditional route of pursuing architecture, he chose to pursue construction management and worked for a number of companies before creating his own in 2006. Owner of CREATORSTool, Inc. Holland had made a successful career for himself.

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