Contract documents

As a Sr. Strategic Delivery Manager at HDR, Jennifer specializes in large and complex alternative delivery projects. Her more than 25 years of experience includes four years at Oregon Health and Science University leading the Design and Construction Department. She is passionate about transforming project delivery to improve outcomes through building successful teams, collaboration, and innovation.

Jennifer earned a Master’s in Architecture from Yale and is a licensed architect in Oregon. She is a member of the American Institute of Architects, a LEED Green Associate, an Associate DBIA and serves on the DBIA Oregon Chapter Steering Committee. She recently completed the UC Davis certificate program, Advanced Studies in Estimating and Integrated Cost Management.

Jennifer has lived in the Pacific Northwest for over 15 years, is an avid backyard birder, and enjoys hiking and skiing with her family on the weekends.

Wolf Saar is the Co-Managing Principal of Perkins Eastman’s Seattle and Vancouver, BC offices. An award-winning architect and community leader, Wolf has led all aspects of architectural practice throughout a career spanning over 40 years. He is recognized for his leadership in the completion of a diverse portfolio of projects for private, not-for-profit, and public clients in the Puget Sound Region, nationally and internationally.

As an architect, Wolf has a passion for giving back to the profession and has served on the Washington State University School of Design and Construction’s Professional Advisory Board, chaired the City of Seattle’s East Design Review Board, and currently serves on the Implementation Advisory Committee at Seattle University. As a leader at the American Institute of Architects (AIA), Wolf has served on the Management Group and chaired the Contract Documents Committee, served two terms as Director, Board Member, and Treasurer for AIA Seattle, and chaired the national Continuing Education Services (CES) committee.

Wolf graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Washington State University and received a Design Firm Leadership and Management certificate from the University of Washington. He is a registered architect in Washington, New York, and Connecticut, as well as in British Columbia, Canada. Wolf is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects and is actively involved in mentorship nationally within the Institute and his firm. He is a regular speaker at universities and conferences, focusing on professional practice.

Mark is a principal and general counsel at Cuningham, where he is responsible for contracts, risk and claims management, and licensing. A practicing architect for 15 years before becoming a lawyer, Mark’s years of design experience help him negotiate contracts and resolve disputes with real-world examples and practical results. In addition to the AIA Documents Committee, he serves on the Minnesota State Bar Association’s Construction Law Section Governing Council and has served as a director and treasurer of AIA Minneapolis, co-chair of the AIA Minnesota Government Affairs Committee, and member of the AIA National Risk Management Committee.

Melissa Godfrey is an Associate Principal and studio leader in SCB’s San Francisco office with over 15 years of experience as a project architect and project manager. Melissa has managed a range of project types including multi-family residential, commercial, and higher education through all phases of design. Her extensive experience in the construction phase led to an understanding of risk-management strategies and the importance of contract language for all project stakeholders.

Melissa received her Bachelor of Architecture from California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo and provides mentorship for young graduates entering the profession. She served on the AIA Risk Management Committee and is a member of SCB’s EDIO and professional development committees. Melissa serves as the Board President for the SCB Foundation, established to award academic scholarships to students with financial need in the fields of architecture, interior design and urban planning.

Peter J. Comitale, Esq. serves as Manager and Counsel for the AIA Contract Documents team, where he collaborates with the Documents Committee and various task groups to develop and refine AIA Contract Documents throughout their lifecycle. Additionally, Peter actively engages in educating both AIA Contract Documents customers and the broader industry on topics related to risk management and contracts.

Peter holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science with Honors from McDaniel College in Westminster, Maryland. He furthered his education by earning a Juris Doctor from Villanova University Law School in Suburban Philadelphia, during which time he distinguished himself as a student counselor in the Clinic for Law and Entrepreneurship.

Before joining the AIA Contract Documents team, Peter worked at a top construction law firm, gaining valuable experience representing owners, contractors, and material suppliers in the resolution of disputes across all phases of both public and private construction projects. Peter is admitted to practice in Pennsylvania and New Jersey.

Ms. Jefcoat is an attorney and registered architect. She was a project manager and project architect for large and complex projects in the Charlotte office of Perkins&Will for nearly twelve years before joining Perkins&Will’s Legal Department in 2012.  Her experience in leading higher education, K-12, and corporate commercial projects gives her unique insight into the practical issues that challenge architectural practice and project teams day to day.

Ms. Jefcoat is a member of the American Institute of Architects College of Fellows and has served the AIA nationally on the AIA Risk Management Committee, the AIA Board Community Committee, The AIA Diversity and Inclusiveness Board Strategic Initiatives Group, the AIA Diversity Committee, and most recently the Documents Committee. She is a member of The Jefferson Society, the AIA Large Firm Roundtable Legal Committee, and is the Immediate Past Chair of the ABA Forum on Construction Law’s Design Division (Division 3).

Ms. Jefcoat received a J.D. from Charlotte School of Law, a Master of Architecture from the University of Virginia, and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois, Champaign-Urbana.

Sidney Griffin is a licensed architect in Virginia with 20+ years of firm experience in K12 and higher education design and project delivery while becoming an established leader in digital practice and building technology. Sidney presently holds the position of BIM Project Manager for the University of Virginia Facilities Management where he champions the integration of BIM into University operations and business practices. He received both Master and Bachelor of Science degrees in Architecture from the University of Virginia.

Sidney currently serves as the AIA Central Virginia President-Elect for 2022-2024 and will take on the duties of President in 2024. In his presidency, he will work with architects and architecture-adjacent companies to promote public awareness of the important roles architects play in our communities, uplift the call for environmental responsibility, and inspire the next generation of design thinkers from all backgrounds. Sidney is also an active member of the Virginia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects (VANOMA) where he serves as an advocate for significant advancements in equity, inclusion, and justice for minorities in Architecture and design professions.

Manoj Dalaya is the Co-President of KGD Architecture headquartered in Washington DC.  Manoj has over 30 years’ experience in the field of architecture and urban design. He has directed the design, legal, financial, marketing, management, and administration of large complex projects in the institutional, commercial, and residential sectors.

In addition to his leadership as Principal at KGD Architecture, Manoj served as the President of the AIA Northern Virginia Chapter in 2021 and served in leadership roles with the Chapter as Design Awards Chair and member of the Board. Manoj has served on the Rosslyn Urban Design Committee of Arlington, Virginia, and the Development Process Advisory Committee of Fairfax County, Virginia.

As a designer, he leads the creation of projects that foster connections between people and their environment, enhancing a sense of relationship to – and membership in – a meaningful community. His high-performance, fortified spaces embrace art, environment, and community while integrating the security, infrastructure, and technological requirements of secure campuses.

Manoj received the Distinguished Achievement Award in 2018 from AIA Virginia. He graduated with a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Bombay, received a Master of Architecture from Miami University, and a Master of Business Administration from George Mason University. He is a registered architect in Washington, DC, Delaware, Maryland, Virginia, New Jersey, Colorado, Arizona, and Florida. Manoj is a member of the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) and American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP).

Mike Lapicola is a partner in the Construction Law Group of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP. His practice consists primarily of drafting and negotiating construction/design agreements, and resolving construction disputes. Mike has a national construction law practice, representing contractors, project owners, subcontractors, suppliers, architects, engineers, and lenders in dozens of states across the United States. He is currently serving as the Chair of Division 2 (Contract Documents) of the ABA’s Forum on Construction Law, and has been named a leading construction lawyer by Chambers USA from 2011-2022. Mike has been published in the ABA’s The Construction Lawyer, West’s Construction Briefings, The Design/Build Deskbook (Kerry L. Kester, John R. Heisse, and James S. Schenck, IV, eds., 2010), The 2017 A201 Deskbook (Amanda L. Schermer Macvey, Joseph C. Kovars, and Peter W. Hahn, eds., 2017), as well as in other books and professional publications.

LS3P Principal and Vice President Roger Attanasio, AIA, CCCA, LEED AP, has filled many roles in his more than 31 years with the firm. Roger has served as an architect, project manager, construction contract administrator, and construction administration director since joining LS3P in 1986.  He currently manages LS3P’s Risk Management, Construction Administration and Specifications Groups in addition to performing CA on select projects. Roger is responsible for spearheading the firm’s risk management efforts, including developing and implementing a risk management plan, developing standard RM contract language, reviewing and negotiating contracts, preparing and presenting project management training programs, and coordinating interdisciplinary design reviews for constructability at appropriate phases of construction document preparation.

Roger’s extensive experience in all phases of the design process from schematic design through contract administration have given him a unique perspective on the nuanced, multifaceted issues impacting contract language, proactive communication, and win-win solutions for potential issues which may need to be addressed during design and construction. A graduate of the University of Tennessee with both a Bachelor of Architecture and a Master of Science in Structural Engineering,  Roger joined the AIA Construction Contract Administration Knowledge Community as an advisor from 2009-2010, and served as Director of the Foundation for Fort Mill Schools from 2008-2012.

Robin G. Banks is a partner with the law firm of Goldberg & Banks, P.C. in Baltimore, Maryland. She received her B.A. degree, with honors, in Economics, from the University of Delaware, Phi Beta Kappa, and her J.D. degree, with honors, from the University of Baltimore School of Law.

Ms. Banks’ practice focuses on all areas of construction law.  She represents clients across the construction spectrum, including developers and owners, design professionals, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.  Ms. Banks has authored articles, co-authored chapters, and spoken on a wide range of design and construction-related topics, including AIA Contract Documents. In addition to her construction practice, Ms. Banks serves as outside legal counsel to the AIA Contract Documents Committee and has been directly involved with developing, reviewing, and updating AIA Contract Documents, including the 2014 and forthcoming 2024 Design-Build Documents, 2019 Construction Manager Documents, 2017 Design-Bid-Build Documents, and 2015 Teaming Agreement.

Ms. Banks is listed in “The Best Lawyers in America” and “Maryland Super Lawyers”. She is also a member of the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry, Maryland State Bar Association, and District of Columbia Bar Association, and an Allied Member of the National American Institute of Architects.

Robin Banks can be reached by phone at 443-940-1342 or email at [email protected].

Mark Baum, AIA is the Principal and Managing Member of Mark I. Baum Architect LLC, a full-service firm focused on historic renovation, commercial and institutional work, and also consults with and mentors emerging firms in the areas of best practices, quality control, and risk management.  He holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Louisiana State University and NCARB certification, is licensed in Louisiana and Mississippi, and has four decades of practical experience in a wide cross-section of architectural practice.

Mr. Baum has been active with the AIA, serving on boards on the local and state level and chairing several committees.  While serving on the AIA New Orleans executive committee, he was instrumental in the acquisition of its Design Center and founding the New Orleans Architectural Foundation. He has served on numerous not-for-profit boards and executive committees in the New Orleans Jewish community, Touro Synagogue, NOAF, and Advocates for Excellence in Education, Inc., the Benjamin Franklin High School charter board. Mark and his wife, Jaymi, have three sons, two granddaughters, and one grandson.

Lane Beougher is an architect in the Ohio Facilities Construction Commission, formerly the State Architect’s Office, with over 30 years of facilities planning, architectural design, specifications preparation, and construction administration experience. Lane served as State Architect from Feb. 2011 to Sept. 2012. Prior to joining state service in Dec. 2005, he was an associate and senior project architect with Braun & Steidl Architects, an AIA Ohio Gold Medal firm, and graduated from The Ohio State University with a bachelor of science in architecture. Heavily involved with the American Institute of Architects, Lane was president of the Columbus Chapter in 2008, and served as its delegate to the AIA Ohio Board 2011-13. He was selected to participate in the AIA Leadership Institute at Georgetown University in 2002. He received AIA Ohio’s Public Service Award in 2004 and its Mentor Award in 2010. Lane served on the Advisory Group for the AIA Public Architects Committee 2008-12.

Sara M. Betancourth, Esq, is Senior Manager, Counsel and Content Development on the AIA Contract Documents team. Sara works with the Documents Committee to create and revise AIA Contract Documents and associated material. Sara received her undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois at Chicago, and her Juris Doctor from DePaul University College of Law. Prior to joining the AIA Contract Documents team, Sara practiced civil litigation as a construction law attorney in Chicago, Illinois. During her time in private practice, Sara focused on a range of complex litigation and transactional matters, with her core practice centered on construction, suretyship, bankruptcy, and other commercial disputes. While in private practice, Sara represented owners, general contractors, subcontractors, and sureties throughout all phases of both public and private construction projects. Sara is a member of the Illinois bar, and she is admitted to practice in Illinois, the U.S. District Court for the Northern District of Illinois, and the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois.

Ms. Clark has over thirty years of experience leading and managing offices and architectural project teams. With an outstanding track record of design excellence, technical prowess and positive team dynamics, Ms. Clark has consistently built strong relationships leading to collaborative, multi-disciplinary team approach in an inventive teaming environment with a high standard of excellence and accountability. Her diverse portfolio includes extensive architectural background in new construction, renovation and historic restoration work.

Ken serves as Senior Vice President, Counsel and Content Development​ at AIA Contract Documents. He works with a team of lawyers, specialists and support staff, and the AIA Documents Committee, in developing and publishing AIA Contract Documents, and in providing support services to contract document users. Ken joined the American Institute of Architects in October 2006. Ken is a graduate of the University of Maryland where he earned both his B.A. and J.D. with honors. After earning his law degree, and prior to joining the AIA, Ken practiced for eighteen years as a construction attorney in private practice Maryland law firms. During that time he represented owners, contractors, subcontractors, and design professionals in a number of dispute resolution forums, including State and Federal Courts and administrative agencies, mediation, and arbitration.

Josh is a registered architect and licensed attorney and is General Counsel of HBG Design, a nationally-recognized leader in hospitality, entertainment and mixed-use design, headquartered in Memphis, Tennessee. Josh oversees legal, insurance and compliance matters for HBG and is a member of the firm’s Management Team.

Josh has served in leadership roles at the local, state, regional and national levels of the profession. He served as the 2016 Chair of the AIA National Young Architects Forum, a program of the AIA organized to address issues of particular importance to recently licensed architects. Under Josh’s leadership, the YAF launched the Workforce Jetpack, a resource to prepare emerging professionals to meet the demands of future practice. As the Knowledge Director of the National YAF, Josh launched the YAF Mini MBA: Mastering the Business of Architecture, a workshop presented at four consecutive AIA National Conventions in partnership with the AIA Large Firm Roundtable to enable emerging professionals to develop business leadership skills. As the 2012 President of AIA Memphis, Josh founded the AIA Memphis Leadership Program which connects emerging professionals with Memphis Fellows through an eight-month leadership curriculum. Josh served as the 2011-2012 Young Architect Regional Director for the AIA Gulf States Region where he launched “Emerging Gulf States” a regional symposium for emerging professionals. Josh was elected as the 2019 President of AIA Tennessee and represents Tennessee in the AIA State Government Network. He is a recipient of the AIA National Young Architects Award and the Building Design and Construction Magazine 40 Under 40 Award.

Josh received Bachelor of Architecture and Juris Doctor Degrees from the University of Tennessee where he served as editor of the Tennessee Law Review. He is a member of the American Bar Association Forum on the Construction Industry as well as the Memphis and Tennessee Bar Associations and the Association of Corporate Counsel. He is listed as a Rule 31 mediator in the State of Tennessee, and is a national speaker and writer on legal issues related to architectural practice and career development for design professionals.

Vergel has over 40 years of owner representation experience and has worked closely with numerous architects and contractors throughout the nation to manage over $4 billion in education, corporate, and civic projects. He is recognized in project management circles as a leader and expert in the management of the planning, design, and construction of projects for owners. In addition, he has managed over 100 construction manager at risk and competitive sealed proposal projects.  Vergel has developed a methodology that includes the use of building information modeling technology coupled with integrated project delivery management principles to fashion a process that maximizes project effectiveness regarding budget and schedule controls.

Prior to founding VGA, Vergel spent over 35 years in various capacities across the industry including serving as the chief facilities planning and construction officer for the Texas A&M University System, the associate vice chancellor for system facilities and university system architect for the University of North Texas System, the executive director of facilities planning and construction for the University of Houston System, and the chief architect of the City of Houston. Vergel began his career as an area manager architect for Southwestern Bell Telephone Company.

Vergel is a registered architect and interior designer who earned a bachelor of environmental design and master of architecture from Texas A&M University.

Vergel was recognized as an Outstanding Alumni for the College of Architecture at Texas A&M University in 2007.  He previously served on the AIA Public Architects Committee from 2008-12. Vergel is currently on the board of directors for the Houston National Organization of Minority Architects and also serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Ronald L. Geren is the owner of RLGA Technical Services, a specifications and building code consulting firm in Scottsdale, Arizona. He has over 35 years of experience in the design and construction industry, including projects covering many building types such as residence halls, classroom and office buildings, libraries, multifamily residential, commercial office and retail, religious, theaters, and military. Ron holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Arizona. Ron is a professor of architecture at The School of Architecture, Founded by Frank Lloyd Wright, where he teaches construction documents, building codes, practice management, and building construction technology.

Ron is the author of Applying the Building Code: Step-by-Step Guidance for Design and Building Professionals and has coauthored CSI’s Project Delivery Practice Guide and Construction Specifications Practice Guide. Ron is a Certified Construction Specifier, a Certified Construction Contract Administrator, a Construction Documents Technologist, a Certified Building Plans Examiner, and a Certified Accessibility Inspector/Plans Examiner. He is a past chair of the AIA MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee and has served on the AIA Codes and Standards Committee. Ron is a former CSI Board of Directors chair and currently serves as the CSI Foundation Board of Trustees chair.

As a Vice President and Project Manager for the Culture practice with HKS, Courtney blends technical problem-solving with creative expression to deliver religious and cultural buildings that provide memorable experiences for generations to come. Through her professional experience and tenure on the AIA Documents Committee, Courtney has gained a unique perspective on both design and construction contracts and how they impact the day-to-day execution of a project. With this knowledge she has been able to advise on contract language that will create a level playing field for all parties participating in the construction process.

Courtney received her Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and has experience in a wide range of project types and delivery methods, from working as an Imagineer at the Walt Disney Company to leading Temple projects for the Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, and engaging with various Native American Indian Tribes on projects within their respective communities. Courtney has been instrumental in leading local firm professional development efforts, passionately supporting recent graduates and student interns in their pursuit of architectural licensure as an NCARB licensing advisor since 2017.

Courtney joined the AIA Documents Committee in 2022 and was the 2023 recipient of AIA Utah’s Young Architect Award.

Tom Hysell, AIA, is a principal at the Minneapolis based planning, architectural, and interior design firm Alliiance (www.alliiance.us) and has concentrated his career on project management for public and private clients, along with firm management.

A graduate of St. Olaf College in Northfield, MN (BA), and the University of Minnesota (MArch), Tom joined Alliiance in 1994 and has led a number of the firm’s most significant projects including the Target Center Renovation (NBA Arena) in Minneapolis, Minneapolis Central Library (with Pelli Clarke Pelli), the University of Minnesota TCF Bank Football Stadium (with Populous), the United States Federal Courthouse – Minneapolis (with KPF), and the University of Minnesota Cargill Building for Microbial and Plant Genomics.  Currently, in addition to overall firm management, he has led major airport projects nationally and internationally, including Papua New Guinea, Ecuador, and Brazil. From 2007 to 2009, Tom held an executive role at Mortenson Construction in their Minneapolis Office. He returned to Alliiance in 2009.

Tom served as the 2014 American Institute of Architects Minnesota President.  He previously served as AIA Minnesota Treasurer, President of the AIA Minneapolis Chapter, and has been a member of both the AIA Minnesota and the AIA Minneapolis Board of Directors. He continues to serve on the AIA Minnesota Finance and Government Affairs Committees. Tom is a trustee for the Minnesota Museum of American Art based in St. Paul.

He is NCARB certified with professional registrations in Minnesota, Connecticut, Louisiana, Nevada, New Jersey, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, and Alberta, Canada.

Leonard Kady is a principal of Leonard Kady Architecture + Design in New York. Their work includes residential, commercial and retail projects in New York, Connecticut, nationally and abroad in: London, Paris and Prague. Their Architecture addresses the challenges of both modern design and historical context. They have reconstructed and restored structures dating back to the 12thC in Europe and 18thC in the US. Leonard worked at the architecture firms: Kohn, Pederson Fox and Byer, Blinder Bell on large scale institutional and public projects before founding his own firm.

Leonard earned his M. Arch. from the Graduate School of Design, Harvard and a B. Arch University of Toronto. He is actively involved with AIA national, in educational and organizational activities. Leonard is currently a member of the Documents Committee, and has served as: Vice Chair (2013-2015) Small Firm Round Table (National), Editor of AIA Kinetic a digital mobile publication App. (Section ‘‘Starting Your Own Firm’’), a member of AIA Materials Matter group (2014-2015), Chair (2012) AIA Small Project Practitioners Knowledge Community (SPP) and Jury Chair (2013) AIA design awards program.

Leonard has been quoted on design related subjects in a number of national publications including the Wall Street Journal. Leonard has been a speaker at the AIA Conventions in Chicago 2014, ‘‘Three-Dimensional Printing’’, Denver 2013, ‘‘Practice and Science of Prefabrication’’, Washington DC 2012, ‘‘Small Project Awards’’, New Orleans 2011, ‘‘New Orleans Cemeteries their History and Conservation’’, and BSA Residential Design and Construction Conference in Boston 2010, ‘‘Deliverables for Residential Projects’’ and has also served on review panels at: BAC Boston, Yale School of Architecture, and University of Toronto Faculty of Architecture. Outside of work, Leonard’s passions are his family, travel, photography, skiing, food & wine.

Christopher Lasky leads The Davis Companies’ Pittsburgh office and has direct responsibility for the design and construction of development projects in the region. Additionally Mr. Lasky pursues future development opportunities, provides due diligence support to the acquisitions group, and liaises with local and state governmental officials. Mr. Lasky has over 20 years of Architectural experience, the vast majority in the Pittsburgh region. This experience includes owning and operating his own firm, project architect on large corporate headquarters projects, and as Vice President of a construction management services firm overseeing 30 employees in multiple offices. Mr. Lasky graduated from The Cooper Union for the Advancement of Science and Art with a Bachelor of Architecture. He serves on the American Arbitration Association Construction Division Roster of Neutrals.

Tracy Lea has been a practicing architect for more than 45 years. With a career focus in the realm of building performance, emerging technologies, environmental sustainability, and integrated design, Tracy combines design sensitivity with a passion for technology into a practical approach that has consistently delivered excellence in architecture and professional service. A graduate of Auburn University, he relocated to New Orleans following 15 years of practice in San Francisco and joined EskewDumezRipple in 1993. During his 30-year tenure with EDR, Tracy helped lead the firm’s evolution into a widely-acclaimed design practice, recognized with the AIA National Architecture Firm award in 2014. He has served on the AIA Documents Committee since 2015 and was elevated to AIA Fellowship in 2019.

Peter has 45+ years of experience in all phases of architectural design services, from design and production through construction, and management–including risk management and contract review. He has written production standards, quality manuals and developed online tools and templates that are useful both for education and professional practice process improvement. Peter’s career includes service at Hillier, John Burgee Architects, Payette, Tsoi/Kobus Design, and CBT, where he is currently Chief Operations Officer. He has completed projects in New York, Boston, Barcelona, Hong Kong, and Sydney. Peter is a graduate of Lehigh University with a BA, and Washington University in St. Louis with a Master of Architecture. Peter’s writings include two chapters in the AIA Handbook of Professional Practice, 15th Edition, as well as four novels: Captive, Compelled, To Elena, and A Most Fatal War. Peter lives with his wife in a seaside village south of Boston–proud parents and grandparents.

Sandra Madison is the CEO & Chairperson of Robert P. Madison, International, Inc. (RPMI), a full service firm. She received a Bachelor Degree from the University of Maryland, College Park School of Architecture. She is licensed in the state of Ohio and Maryland and is NCARB Certified. During Sandra’s tenure, she’s had significant roles on an array of signature projects including the Downtown Hilton Hotel, the Cleveland Convention Center, The Karamu House Renovations, Ahuja Medical Office Building, GCRTA Euclid Corridor Health Line, The Cleveland Museum of Art, Cleveland Browns Stadium, GCRTA Waterfront Line, Cleveland Public Library Main Branch Historic Restoration, The Rocket Mortgage Field House, Great Lakes Science Center, the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and Museum as well as five new schools for the Cleveland Metropolitan School District. Sandra’s service and dedication to Cleveland has not gone unnoticed. She was recognized as a top CEO by Crain’s Cleveland Business in 2017, as the 2018 Progressive Woman by Smart Business, a top FBE in 2017 by the OhioMBE, the 2022 YWCA Woman of Achievement, the President’s Council Chamber Excellence Award and was named one of the Cleveland 500.

She also served as an adjunct professor at Kent State University in the Environments for Aging program. Her professional affiliations includes the American Institute of Architects where she served as Director of the Women In Architecture Committee as well as serving on the Shaker Heights Architectural Review Board, the Shaker Heights Public Art Task Force, The President’s Council, the Greater Cleveland Partnership Equity and Inclusion Board, The National Organization of Minority Architects and the Assembly for the Arts.

Guy Maxwell is a Management Partner in Ennead Architects and has been with the firm since 1994. He is responsible for financial and risk management for the firm. Mr. Maxwell has led the project management of many of Ennead’s projects with extensive regulatory requirements and has worked widely with the NYC Department of Design and Construction, NYC Department of Cultural Affairs, Design Commission of the City of New York and NYC Landmarks Preservation Commission. In addition to his professional practice, Mr. Maxwell is a Trustee of the Bird-Safe Glass Foundation. Mr. Maxwell received the 2012 Arnold W. Brunner Grant for his research on bird collisions with buildings and is actively involved in this issue on a national level.

Kevin is a principal and president of GSBS Architects, a design practice with offices in Salt Lake City and Fort Worth providing architecture, interior design, planning, landscape architecture, and experiential graphic design.  He has been a member of the AIA Contract Documents Committee since 2008, serving as its chair in 2015 and 2016.  Kevin has spoken about practice, contractual, and risk management topics on more than two dozen occasions.

Jon Mills, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, is COO with LPA, Inc. based in Irvine, California, an integrated sustainable design firm providing innovative architectural and engineering solutions for a diverse public and private sector clientele. Jon’s leadership at LPA has spanned over 35 years, during which he has directed many of LPA’s significant projects. These opportunities have leveraged a broad spectrum of specialized experience in the design and management of corporate, developer, retail, religious, civic, and educational facilities. His projects have been honored with numerous awards from both the architectural and educational communities, and the firm has been recognized for their leadership in sustainable design through regional and national publications. In his role as COO, Jon leads the business operations for LPA including the contracts, legal and risk management components. As a Corporate Executive, Jon also serves on LPA’s Board of Directors.

As the latest in a line of insurance advisors from Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc. that stretches back to 1962, Frank has represented Schinnerer and its professional liability insurance program with CNA on the documents committee since 1991. Frank’s work with the AIA contract documents, however, did not begin in 1991. Frank worked as a legal/business intern with the documents program while in law school, participated in reviewing AIA document drafts when he later worked for the Institute as a director of government affairs, and continued his relationship with the AIA program while he staffed the Engineers Joint Contract Documents Committee for eight years.

Frank Musica has a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame. Prior to returning to graduate school, Frank worked in architecture firms in Chicago and was a cofounder of the Chicago Architectural Assistance Center, a community design workshop. While pursuing a Masters in Business Administration and a law degree at Notre Dame he worked with its architecture program’s professional practice classes.

Frank’s education and practice experience have been devoted to working with architects, engineers and other design and construction professionals. Following his graduate studies, Frank served as in-house legal counsel in the management of a West Coast A/E firm with an international practice in commercial, institutional and residential facilities and master planning.

For over a decade Frank held staff positions in the national professional organizations for architects and engineers. At The American Institute of Architects and the American Society of Civil Engineers, he managed programs in government relations, federal and state regulations and legislation on procurement, practice management and professional liability issues. From 1984 through 1990, Frank served as the staff director of the National Society for Professional Engineers’ division for individual consulting engineers. In 1991, Frank joined the staff of Victor O. Schinnerer & Company, Inc.

In his Schinnerer position, Frank is in charge of risk management serial publications and website information for the Schinnerer design professionals insurance programs and contractors design liability insurance programs. Included in this charge is Schinnerer’s Management Advisory series that provides information on the business and professional practice issues facing professional service firms, Guidelines for Improving Practice, a newsletter reaching 16,000 design firms and Constructive Comments, a quarterly publication reaching 2,000 firms involved in the construction industry. He is also a major contributor to Schinnerer’s risk management blog available through www.Schinnerer.com/AEriskmanagement.

In addition to his service to the Institute and the profession through the AIA Contract Documents Program, Frank has worked with the National Component on publications and educational programs including 72 sessions at AIA national conferences and with state and local components on seminars on practice management and AIA document use, studies for lobbying efforts and publications on topics on the organization and management of firms ranging from starting a professional practice to winding down a firm through mergers or dissolutions. Frank can be reached by email at [email protected].

Tara Myers is a Principal and Risk Manager with over 30 years of experience at Nashville based, Earl Swensson Associates (ESa), an architecture and interior design firm with 190+ employees, specializing in a variety of building types, including Healthcare, Senior Living, Corporate Office, Hospitality and Education.  She earned a Bachelor of Architecture degree from the University of Cincinnati and spent a large part of her career as a Senior Design Manager in the Hospitality, Corporate Office, and Healthcare markets.  Over time, Tara’s role has shifted to serve as ESa’s in-house Risk Manager, managing contracts, coordinating firm-wide liability education, and serving as a liaison between ESa, their outside attorneys, and insurance representatives. In addition to her other management roles within the firm, Tara is an EDAC and LEED Accredited Professional, and serves as a wellness thought leader, promoting sustainability and the creation of healthy environments.

A 2016 Alumni of Leadership Middle TN, Tara has been active throughout her career with several industry-related and non-profit organizations.  She has served the AIA at a variety of local and state offices including President of Middle Tennessee AIA in 2006 and is currently serving on the AIA National Documents Committee.  She actively provides leadership and mentoring through many organizations including AEC Power Women, Women In Healthcare, ULI’s Women’s Leadership Initiative and Urban Plan, ACE Mentor Program, the Academies of Nashville, Nashville State Community College, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association, and was recognized by the Nashville Business Journal as a 2015 Woman of Influence for her work as a Community Supporter. Tara has a passion for mentoring and giving back to the community, especially as it relates to the development of youth and young adults into future leaders.

Tara now serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee as Vice Chair.

Pete Noone (retired) was the Managing Director of SCB’s San Francisco office where he was responsible for the office’s overall operations and management. He served on the firm’s Executive, Finance, Operations, and Building Technology committees where he provided leadership and direction to firm-wide operational processes. Pete led SCB’s internal staff professional development and educational programs.

Pete’s responsibilities included team organization and assembly; contract review and fee negotiations; and overall project delivery strategy and execution. His counsel and organizational talents were instrumental at the beginning of projects, and his experience and expertise in construction administration were key components of SCB’s reputation as a firm that builds what it designs. In his more than 37 years at SCB, both in the Chicago and San Francisco offices, Pete supervised teams for numerous large-scale multi-family residential, mixed-use, and institutional projects nationwide. While in the Chicago office, Pete led teams on the award-winning restoration of the Nichols Tower as part of the historic Sears Catalog Facility in Chicago’s Homan Square; One Rincon Hill in San Francisco; The Legacy at Millennium Park in Chicago; and the Guglielmino Athletics Complex at the University of Notre Dame. Pete’s projects in California included the 399 Fremont and Solaire residential apartment towers in San Francisco; the First Hill/ Trinity Church condominium project in Seattle; and the Park Lane, Anaha, and Victoria Place condominium projects in Honolulu.

Pete received a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Notre Dame and holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. Pete served as a Director at Large, and Secretary on the AIASF Board of Directors, and continues to serve on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Donovan is a construction lawyer and registered architect with over twenty years of combined industry experience working as an architect, private practice attorney, and corporate counsel. He leads negotiations on complex domestic and international design contracts and resolution of large-scale construction and design-related disputes, and he provides HOK architects with guidance on managing all manner of contract and project delivery risks. He now serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Jonathan Orlove, Associate Principal at Solomon Cordwell Buenz, has more than twenty years of experience in the field of architecture. His portfolio encompasses a diverse range of project types including large-scale mixed-use, high-rise, and low-rise residential, corporate headquarters, health care, and hospitality. With extensive experience as a project manager, Jonathan has comprehensive knowledge of the design process, from the inception of a project through its design, construction, and closeout. In working with a wide range of clients on varied building types, Jonathan understands that each project is unique, and he responds to each one accordingly to ensure a high level of professional service and responsiveness. He excels at organizing a project for long-term success at the early stages of design.

Jonathan’s passion for the practice of architecture is demonstrated by his participation in various professional organizations such as the AIA Documents Committee. He has experience with a range of contract formats and works collaboratively with clients and consultants to yield balanced results. From an early age, Jonathan had an interest in history and foreign cultures and has traveled extensively over the years. This has proved beneficial in working internationally where it is important to understand a country’s people and place in order to successfully provide design services and conduct business. Before joining AS+GG in 2007, Jonathan was an associate partner and project manager in the Chicago office of Skidmore, Owings & Merrill. Prior to that, he worked as an architect at Ram Carmi Architects in Tel Aviv, Israel.

Other awards include the American Society of Civil Engineers, Ideas2 Awards, Solar Canopy, 2013 and The Chicago Athenaeum, American Architecture Award, and The Wave Tower (Yongsan T1), 2013.

Neyda Otero, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is the Vice President, Sr. Project Manager for HKS focusing on educational projects for K-12 and Higher Education clients. Neyda has more than 30 years of professional experience in all aspects of large- and small-scale construction in the management of healthcare, corporate workplace, and educational projects. She graduated from the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree. Prior to HKS, she was Practice Leader and Senior Associate with the Perkins&Will Miami studio.

As Senior VP for HAKS Engineers, she managed strategic growth in Florida, overseeing operations, and business development. As Vice Provost, Facilities Management for Miami Dade College, Neyda led the Facilities team in planning and executing capital improvements and deferred maintenance construction programs totaling over 500 million dollars college-wide across 8 campuses. As Director of Project Management and Construction for a private school, she oversaw all facilities management projects for the $98 million dollar capital improvement bond program for two campuses. Prior to joining Pine Crest, Neyda was Director of Physical Plant for the Broward Campuses of Florida Atlantic University; Director of Design for the Broward County School Board; and project architect for various architectural firms in the South Florida area.

Neyda serves on the AIA National Documents Committee, creating and revising AIA Contract Documents®. She serves the AIA Florida Finance Committee and represents AIA Miami on the AIA Florida Foundation for Architecture. In 2018, she became the 6th female AIA Miami President, and has served all board positions for the chapter. Neyda is a member of USGBC Florida, the Florida Educational Facilities Planner Association, and the AIA Miami Women in Architecture Committee and has participated in several professional panels and webinar presentations.

Patrick J. O’Connor, Jr. is a former partner (retired, 2022) with the international law firm of Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath LLP in its Minneapolis, Minnesota office. He received his B.A. degree from Hamline University in 1975 and his JD degree from The American University in 1981. He was a law clerk to Miles W. Lord, Chief Judge of the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Mr. O’Connor’s practice focused on construction, suretyship, and insurance. He has served as litigation or coverage counsel for contractors, owners, design professionals, and product suppliers in disputes venued in over 30 states and Canada. He now acts as a mediator, arbitrator, and expert witness in construction and insurance disputes. Mr. O’Connor is co-author of Bruner & O’Connor on Construction Law (West Group 2002, updated annually), a twelve-volume construction law treatise. He was an adviser to the American Law Institute’s Restatement of the Law Third, Suretyship and Guaranty. He works closely with several industry organizations on Building Information Modeling and Integrated Project Delivery initiatives.

Mr. O’Connor has been outside counsel to the AIA’s Documents Committee since 2007  He has held LEED AP (New Construction) certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. Mr. O’Connor is a Fellow and Past-President of the American College of Construction Lawyers. He is also a former member of the Governing Committee for the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry. Mr. O’Connor has been listed in “The Best Lawyers in America,” “International Who’s Who of Construction Lawyers,” and “Minnesota Super Lawyers.”

Pat O’Connor can be reached by phone at 612-229-1932 or by email at [email protected].

Bradford Russell graduated from Texas Tech University with a dual degree in Architecture and Civil Engineering (Structures Option). After graduation, he went to work for some of the most prominent Architectural and Engineering firms in Dallas. After achieving his architectural license and while completing his engineering license requirements, Bradford worked on and received a Master’s in Civil Engineering – Structures Option from The University of Texas at Arlington. He currently holds professional licenses in both the architectural and the engineering fields and was one of the first LEED Accredited Professionals in the US and Texas.

Several years following his post graduate studies, he pursued further education from Southern Methodist University with PhD studies in the subject of ‘Force Mitigation of Extreme Events on Structures’. During these years he further developed some ideas into patents called the ‘Load Bearing Structural Assembly’, a.k.a. ForceGenie, which he has spoken on numerous times through the USA, and through-out the world.

Bradford has been involved with several professional organizations, including AIA, ASCE, and SEAoT, to name a few, where he has served in a number of leadership positions. As well, he has entered and won several innovative and design contests with the same. With this, he was also awarded ‘Best Entrepreneur Award’ for the ForceGenie business model.

In the late ‘90’s, Bradford started Bradford Russell Architects, which has evolved into BR Architects, Inc., dba BR Architects & Engineers (BRAE), proficient in a wide variety of project types. Under the guidance of Bradford, BRAE participates regularly in the Professional Internship Program with local High School students who aspire to go to college for studies in architecture and / or engineering.

Alisa D. Schneider, Esq. is Director, Counsel and Content Development on the AIA Contract Documents team. Alisa works with the Documents Committee to create and revise AIA Contract Documents and associated material. Alisa received her undergraduate degree in Construction Management from Weber State University in Ogden, Utah and her Juris Doctor from Alexander Blewett III School of Law in Missoula, Montana. Prior to joining the AIA Contract Documents team, Alisa spent over 15 years in professional construction and legal pursuits, which included the management of a private residential and small commercial construction company, practice as a construction defense litigation attorney and, finally, as In-House counsel where she negotiated, drafted, and managed construction contracts, facilities management contracts and other real estate transactions. Alisa is a member of the Montana Bar.

Cheryl Shaw is Senior Claims Specialist with the Design Professional division of AXA XL in Atlanta, Georgia. She is also a licensed Georgia attorney with 20 years of litigation experience. In her current position, Cheryl manages and develops defense strategies for insurance claims against architects and engineers, including negligence, breach of contract, construction administration, and delay claims. She also retains and supervises local counsel and experts, and attends mediations and settlement conferences throughout the United States.

Before joining AXA XL, Cheryl was a partner at a mid-sized Atlanta firm where her practice concentrated on representation of design professionals in all types of construction disputes. A significant part of her practice was also devoted to client consultation regarding professional service agreements and risk management strategies. While in private practice, Cheryl was recognized as a “Rising Star,” a designation honoring top lawyers in Georgia under the age of 40.

Cheryl received her undergraduate degree from the University of Maine (B.A., cum laude), and her law degree from Suffolk University Law School (J.D., cum laude) where she was a member of the Moot Court Board.

Greg is no-nonsense when it comes to transforming design into reality. As ROSSETTI’s Technical Director, he leans toward the serious side of ROSSETTI’s ‘”Serious Fun” core value. His comprehensive understanding of the design and construction process, and his passion for quality control guide the firm’s technical design acumen. His diverse background ranges from large-scale sports venues and renovations to multi-family residential and workplace interiors.

Greg has been a driving force behind the firm’s use of emerging technologies, including adopting BIM through the use of Revit and Navisworks. He also embraces Bluebeam, 3D printing, fabrication and proto-typing as a means of better communication and information sharing with clients, consultants, contractors, and our internal team members. He has worked to develop integrated systems that allow for transparency in working environments and enabled digital exchanges of information, like collaborative on-line design reviews, submittal reviews and BIM model reviews, which has resulted in projects that have better coordinated construction documents and more information for clients and Consultants.

As the Studio Director, he oversees the work of the entire firm, coordinating project and staffing efforts among 4 internal studio teams. Provides overall quality control and process development for improved efficiencies.

Tina is the Executive Assistant for AIA Contract Documents, providing operational and administrative assistance. She works closely with the Contract Documents and Risk Management committees planning and executing all logistics for meetings and events. Prior to working at AIA Contract Documents, she was an office manager at Red Hat in New York City and then worked at Howard University handling logistics for events. She was born and raised in Denver, CO, and moved to DC to attend Howard University.

Cody Thomas, Esq. is a Manager and Counsel with the AIA Contract Documents program. Cody works with the Documents Committee to review and revise the substance of the AIA Contract Documents and associated material. Cody received his undergraduate degree from Texas A&M University, where he studied Construction Science, and his law degree from South Texas College of Law in Houston, Texas. Prior to joining AIA Contract Documents, he practiced construction litigation for three years in the Houston, Texas area. During his time in private practice, Cody represented design professionals, owners, general contractors, and subcontractors throughout all phases of the construction project, to include contract negotiations, claims, and multiple dispute resolution forums, including State Courts, administrative agencies, mediation, and arbitration. He is admitted to practice law in Texas.

Susan Van Bell, Esq. served as Senior Director and Counsel for the Contract Documents program for twelve years. She worked with the Documents Committee in the development of AIA Contract Documents. Susan developed and presented many education programs, and wrote articles and other materials related to the documents. She is a contributor to the Construction Law Handbook and the AIA Architect’s Handbook of Professional Practice. Susan is currently a consultant to the Committee.

Mr. Verrastro, President of the firm, has been with Spillman Farmer Architects since 1983. Sal holds a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Kansas State University and taught Architecture for 18 years at both Northampton Community College and Lafayette College.

His expert knowledge of construction specifications, materials, and methods; expertise in roofing and building envelope forensics; and broad understanding of design and construction will make him a valuable resource throughout this contract. He has served  the Construction Specifications Institute as an instructor at the CSI Academies Educational Courses, teaching the principles of specifications and contract administration. In the past, Mr. Verrastro has served as the past Chair of both the AIA’s MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee and CSI’s Specifications Competition Committee. Mr. Verrastro is also a Certified Construction Contract Administrator; his leadership in this area is a key reason that Spillman Farmer Architects excels not only in creating the construction documents but throughout the completion of the contract.

Other awards include the 2014 CSI’s J. Norman Hunter Award for Construction Document Education, 2015 CSI’s Institute Distinguished Member Award and the 1981 Kansas State University Donald R. Hollis Memorial Award. He now serves as Chair of the AIA Contract Documents Committee.