speaker bios &
session descriptions
Session I: Keynote Address
The Future of Practice? You Have Options.
James P. Cramer
The Future of Practice, is designed for leaders in professional practices interested in developing, presenting and implementing a world class strategy for their firm -- no matter what size. There is a radical realignment in the nature of professional practice under way – transforming ordinary individuals and firms into powerful stewards of their own future. Structural shifts in the PACE Industry (Product manufacturers, architects/designers, contractors, engineers) and economic value determinations are profoundly altering the nature of what it means to be a professional firm. Traditional firms are vulnerable to becoming spectators. Others will be players. Some will be winners. What are the scenarios for success? What are the financial and profit power considerations? How does a practice evolve to fit into the new value propositions? James P. Cramer will explore this and more based on new research from DesignIntelligence and the Greenway Group.
Speaker Bio
James P. Cramer is the Chairman and Principal of the Greenway Group and the founder of the Design Futures Council. He is the author of three books on professional practice management: Design Plus Enterprise: Seeking a New Reality in Architecture (Now in its 3rd Edition), How Firms Succeed: A Filed Guide to Design Management (Now in its 3rd Edition), and The Next Architect: A New Twist on the Future of Design (Now in its 2nd Edition). His new book, The Architect and the Future of America (co-authored with Scott Simpson) will be released in January. Cramer is a consultant and advisor to the PACE Industry (Product Manufacturers, Architects/designers, Contractors, Engineers). He is the former EVP/CEO of The American Institute of Architects and the former Chairman of the National Design Council. He is active in the Association of Professional Futurists and the World Design Forum.
Session II: Overview and Tools for Emerging Practice Models
2A: Emerging Practices Overview
Linda Reeder, AIA & Rena Klein, FAIA
In an unstable economy, practitioners need new strategies to stay lean and survive down times without limiting the scope of projects that the firm can support. The pros and cons of an array of collaborative approaches will be presented, including virtual, offshore, next‐door, different models for firm alliances, and importing or exporting specific expertise. Attendees will learn about and share knowledge on both the potential rewards and pitfalls of a range of models of collaboration.
Speaker Bios
Linda Reeder, AIA, LEED AP, is the associate editor for the 15th Edition of The Architect's Handbook of Professional Practice. She is a member of the AIA Small Project Practitioners Advisory Group and the former editor of its SPP Journal. She is the sole practitioner of Linda Reeder Architecture, LLC in New Haven, Connecticut, where she designs residential projects and collaborates with other firms on institutional and commercial projects. She is the author of the book Guide to Green Building Rating Systems: Understanding LEED, Green Globes, ENERGY STAR, the National Green Building Standard, and More (Wiley 2010). Linda is an assistant professor in the Construction Management program at Central Connecticut State University.
Rena M. Klein, FAIA is principal of RM Klein Consulting, and author of The Architect's Guide to Small Firm Management (Wiley, 2010). Rena is a member of the AIA national Practice Management Knowledge Community Advisory Group and is executive editor of The Architects Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th edition. More information can be found at http://rmklein.com
2B: Emerging Collaborative Technology
Tony Rinella, Assoc. AIA
New technological tools are enabling and fostering new ways of working. With the help of emerging technology, architects can collaborate better with team members that are across the room or across the globe. This session will illuminate the uses of the many innovative technologies that are allowing architects in all firm sizes, and with all types of projects, to work together more efficiently and more effectively.
Speaker Bio
Tony Rinella, Assoc. AIA brings over thirty years of experience leading computer technology efforts for architecture, construction, and facility management. His background includes architectural design, creation of systems for knowledge, financial and facility management, BIM protocol and project delivery processes, corporate educational programs for international architectural practice, and development of FM systems tracking millions of square feet of corporate space for a large financial institution. As principal and CIO of Anshen + Allen, Architects, and leader of their information services efforts for 20+ years, he initiated programs for smart CAD, BIM, and decision support, knowledge management systems, as well as a suite of facility inventory and management services for a wide variety of academic and healthcare clients.
Case Study 1: Partnering to Deliver Excellence
Gustavo Berenblum, AIA has collaborated and partnered with some of the top international architecture firms, to deliver stunning architecture in Florida. In the process, he has defined a novel practice model that is highly flexible and tailored to specific projects. Through the presentation of case studies, he will share insights and experiences, discussing successful examples, lessons learned and opportunities
Speaker Bio
Gustavo Berenblum, AIA is a nationally recognized architect with over 20 years of experience in education, corporate, hospitality, port and residential projects. He has partnered and collaborated with world known architects such as: Bernard Tschumi, KPF, SOM, Herzog and de Meuron and TEN Arquitectos to deliver some of the most iconic and award winning building recently completed in Florida. He founded with Claudia Busch, Berenblum Busch Architecture in Miami, a design firm that focuses on high-quality projects. The firm is currently collaborating with Zaha Hadid on the Collins Park and Mix-Use project for the City of Miami Beach.
Case Study 2: Making Collaboration a Reality Using Virtual Tools
As the division of responsibilities between design and construction teams continues to evolve, project teams need a leader to facilitate collaboration. AG Design Works provides leadership and experience to project teams looking to use Virtual Design and Construction tools to enable more effective coordination, communication and collaboration.
Speaker Bio
E. Aaron Greven is a leader in emerging AEC industry technologies with 10 years experience utilizing BIM tools as a designer, general contractor, and owner. A licensed architect and LEED AP, Greven has almost 20 years experience as a project architect and construction manager on large scale mixed-use, commercial, institutional, and residential projects around the world. Greven's passion is for advancing work using BIM and smart modeling, and leading this turning point in the AEC industry. He is using his work in integrated design-build projects, project consulting to contractors and design firms, as well as teaching at IIT College of Architecture's Masters of Integrated Building Delivery Program to define a "better way," and provide a vehicle for change in the industry.
Case Study 3: The Architect as Construction Manager
The Shaw Center at the University of Hartford demonstrates how the architect as designer and CM can improve and protect the design outcome of the project. Filling both roles allows the designer to provide exception value and avoids many of the areas of conflict on the project site.
Speaker Bio
James McManus, FAIA, has served as President and CEO of the S/L/A/M Collaborative a 150 person design and construction firm specializing in serving education and health care clients. He initiated the implementation of 5 Mergers and Acquisitions with complementary firms that provided new staff and experience in diverse market. In 1995 he was Instrumental in establishing the wholly owned Construction Management subsidiary that brings together both design and construction in a single firm. He has led such significant projects as the Shriner's Hospital for Children in Mexico City and The School of Law at the University of Notre Dame. He is former President of AIA/CT and a Fellow of the AIA. He has lectured widely on the advantages of integrating design and construction services.
Case Study 4: A Franchise Model for Architects
The purpose of pursuing a new practice model is that the current model is damaged. Our menu of services has dwindled dramatically and our value is in question. The franchise model allows collaboration with other small firms across the country and changes how the business of architecture currently works.
Speaker Bios
Karen Pitsley, AIA is the president and owner of Transforming Architecture LLC, the first and only franchise opportunity for registered architects. Ms. Pitsley started Transforming Architecture in 2009, which is based on her successful Architectural firm, Residential Reflections ARCHITECTS, LLC. She began speaking to architectural groups in 2009 and has educated architects nationwide. She also produces bi‐monthly free, educational webinars on operating a successful and profitable architectural firm. She has spoken at AIA conventions, ALA conventions, non‐profit fundraisers, and award ceremonies. Ms. Pitsley graduated Magna Cum Laude from the University of Maryland, School of Architecture.
David Nicks, AIA is a Registered Architect / Interior Designer holds a Certificate in Facilities Management and is a Licensed Insurance Agent. He is a graduate of Texas A&M College of Architecture, which had a strong emphasis on problem solving and universal design. He used the architecture methodology, analysis and synthesis, and collaboration to solve a broad spectrum of problems for a wide variety of clients and employers. David understands that design is not only for the built environment but, the analysis and synthesis process can be utilized for building design and construction, interior design and construction, real estate, real estate development, product design, facilities management, and organizational design. As Regional Developer for Transforming Architecture he is responsible to identify, recruit, in-board new franchises and support existing franchises with creating successful businesses.