AIA Documents Committee

The AIA Documents Committee is comprised of 35 dedicated men and women from diverse practices across the United States. Experts in the fields of design, construction, law, and insurance, Committee members work to draft and revise AIA Contract Documents over voluntary ten 10-year terms. Their knowledge and their dedication help ensure that AIA Contract Documents remain the Industry Standard.

Roger Attanasio, AIA, CCCA, LEED AP

LS3P Principal, Vice President

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, Esq.

Principal, Goldberg & Banks, P.C.

Robin G. Banks focuses her practice in all areas of construction law, from contract drafting and negotiation to pre-litigation dispute resolution and complex construction disputes involving mechanics liens, payment bond claims, and construction defect claims.  She represents clients across the construction spectrum, including design professionals, owners, construction managers, contractors, subcontractors, and suppliers.  In addition to her construction practice, Ms. Banks serves as an associate outside legal counsel to the AIA Contract Documents Committee and has been directly involved with developing, reviewing, and updating AIA Contract Documents, including the 2019 Construction Manager Documents, 2017 Design-Bid-Build Documents, 2015 Teaming Agreement, and 2014 Design-Build Documents.  Ms. Banks has authored articles, co-authored chapters, and spoken on a wide range of design and construction-related topics, including AIA Contract Documents.  

Ms. Banks is 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.  She is admitted to practice in Maryland state and federal courts and the District of Columbia.  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.

Mark I. Baum AIA

Principal, Mark I. Baum Architect LLC

Mark Baum, AIA is 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 and two granddaughters.

Lane J Beougher FAIA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, Assoc. DBIA, LEED AP BD+C Program Services

Manager, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission

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, and now serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Michael B Bomba, Esq.

Senior Director and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Mike serves as Senior Director and Counsel on the AIA Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects and he works actively in the creation and revision of AIA Contract Documents. He joined the American Institute of Architects in August 2006. Mike obtained his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law in 2002. Prior to joining the AIA, Mike worked at a private law firm in Washington, DC, representing design professionals in corporate and litigation matters. Mike is a member of the bar in both the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Sara Bour, Esq.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Sara Bour, Esq. is Manager and Counsel 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.

Amelia B Clark AIA, NCARB

Sr. Project Manager, DLR Group

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.

Kenneth W Cobleigh, Esq.

Managing Director and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Ken serves as Managing Director and Counsel, 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 Flowers FAIA, Esq, CSI, CCS, CCCA, CM-BIM, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP

General Counsel, HBG Design

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 L. Gay, Jr., FAIA

CEO, Vergel Gay & Associates, LLC

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, AIA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT, SCIP

Owner, RLGA Technical Services

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.

James R. Germano, Esq.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

James (“Jimmy”) Germano, Esq. is a Manager and Counsel on the AIA Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. Jimmy works with the Documents Committee to review and revise the substance of the AIA Contract Documents and associated material. Jimmy received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where he was a Division I athlete, and his law degree from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. Prior to joining the AIA, he served as a judicial law clerk in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland and then practiced law for six years as a general litigation and construction attorney in the Washington, D.C. area. During his time in private practice, Jimmy 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 and Federal Courts, administrative agencies, mediation, and arbitration. Jimmy is a member of the bars of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Steven C Glass AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Principal, Moody Nolan, Inc.

Steven C. Glass, AIA, LEED AP, is the Director of Architectural Operations/Risk Management for Moody Nolan, Inc. Steve has an extensive and diversified background with experience in all phases of the architectural process, from programming to construction administration. He has overseen a wide range of projects, from multimillion dollar facilities to detail-sensitive renovations. With this experience as his background, Steve is now responsible for working with the firm’s project managers on scope of work, contract negotiations and risk management – all with a focus on loss prevention. With more than 40 years of experience in the architectural field, one of Steve’s core strengths is his ability to see potential risks which projects present to the firm and to strategically plan to protect the business through risk management guidance.

During his 35 year tenure at Moody Nolan, the firm has grown to more than 200 employees with twelve office locations. Steve’s primary role for the past 20 years has been focused on the business side of the profession, including contractual negotiations and monitoring risk management. Over these past 20 years, Steve has meshed previous project management skills with acquired business practices. He is responsible for contract negotiations corporate-wide.

In addition to controlling risk management firm-wide, Steve works with staff training emphasizing controlling risk. Under Steve’s guidance, Moody Nolan is better positioned in contract negotiations, both prime and consultant, and focused on managing risks professionally and company-wide, a unique expertise to both Moody Nolan and the profession. As an example, architects typically have minimal business training or experience. With his background and knowledge of architecture united with business makes for a rare combination. Steve served on The Board of Directors from 2010-2016 for DPRCG which is the large firms within Design Professional Group of XL Insurance as the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee.

Courtney Haddick, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA

Senior Associate, FFKR Architects

During Courtney’s tenure at FFKR Architects, she has had a wide range of responsibility as project architect and project manager, and she is a part of the firm’s contract document and risk management committees. In these roles she has firsthand helped the firm work through project dispute resolution. With these experiences, 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. Prior to joining FFKR, Courtney worked as an Imagineer at the Walt Disney Company. Her project focus is now within the Religious Studio at FFKR, including temple projects across the Mountain West and Pacific Coast regions. She also works within the Hospitality Studio, including projects with various Native American Indian Tribes within their respective communities. Courtney has been instrumental in leading the firm’s professional development committee, passionately supporting recent graduates and student interns in their pursuit of architectural licensure as an NCARB licensing advisor since 2017.

Courtney enjoys trail running, birding, and spending time with her family and her chickens. She joined the AIA Documents Committee in 2022.

Stephen R Hagan FAIA, CCM

CEO, Hagan Technologies LLC

Stephen Hagan, FAIA is recognized as an industry expert and technology evangelist, focusing on the real estate, and the construction market place. In August 2012, Steve retired from the federal government after 35 years and is now consulting about BIM and online technologies. Steve is now CEO of Hagan Technologies LLC, focusing on Strategy and Consulting for e-Industry Infrastructure and Online Technologies for the 21st Century.

Stephen has been program and project management lead for the PBS Project Information Portal (PIP) and a member of the GSA 3D / 4D Building Information Model (BIM) team. He was 2006 Chair of the AIA Technology In Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community and co-chair of the Emerging Technologies Committee of the Federal Facilities Council and on the Executive Committee of the National BIM Standard Committee. The AIA BIM awards program, which Steve founded in 2003, is now in its 9th year and now includes partnerships with COAA, IFMA, and the AGC BIM Forum. Other awards include Excellence in Project Management Award (2009) And Special Recognition for Exception Service; GSA PBS 2009 Capital Construction Workshop | San Francisco and the Real Property Innovation Award Program Recognizes Honorees – Office of Government-Wide Policy announced the winners of the 2007 GSA Achievement Award for Real Property Innovation. The winning entry in the Asset Management category is GSA’s “National 3D-4D BIM Program”.

Thomas Hysell FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Principal, Alliiance

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 S. Kady FAIA

Principal, Leonard Kady Architecture + Design

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.

Michaela Kendall

Manager of Strategic Partnerships, AXA XL

Michaela Kendall is the Manager of Strategic Partnerships for AXA XL’s Design Professional line of business. She oversees key industry and market relationships. Her responsibilities include supporting AXA XL’s national program partnerships with architect, engineering, and design industry associations, and leading marketing efforts for AXA XL’s Design Professional line. Her team also partners with the Professional Liability Agents Network (PLAN) and manages the Design Professional Risk Control Group (DPRCG) program. Prior to her current role, Michaela served as an underwriting manager. She transitioned to Design Professional underwriting after spending three years as a senior claims specialist. Before joining AXA XL in 2015, she spent nearly a decade in private legal practice, where she served the insurance industry working on E&O and Commercial P&C claims litigation. Michaela received her Bachelor of Art Degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Chicago, and her Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law.

Mike Koger AIA, Esq.

Director & Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Mike Koger is an attorney on the Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. At the AIA, Mike works with a group of attorneys and architects to create and revise the AIA contract documents. Mike practiced civil litigation prior to joining the AIA, primarily representing contractors and property owners in construction related disputes. Mike also worked as an architect and urban planner in San Diego before transitioning to the practice of law. As an architect, Mike has designed a variety of medical laboratories, research and development facilities, and residences in Southern California.  Mike received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ball State University and graduated cum laude from Tulane University Law School. He is admitted to practice architecture in Indiana and law in the District of Columbia and California.

Chris Lasky AIA, NCARB

Vice President, Development at The Davis Companies

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 FAIA, LEED AP, BD+C

Principal, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

Tracy Lea has been a practicing architect for more than 35 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. He relocated to New Orleans following 15 years of practice in San Francisco, joined Eskew+Dumez+Ripple in 1993, and became a partner in 2000.    

Within the community Tracy is recognized as a vocal advocate of smart growth policies and serves as a leader and advisor to numerous non-profit and civic organizations. Philanthropic activities include involvement in the Preservation Resource Center, Louisiana Architectural Foundation, Audubon Nature Institute, and Louisiana Landmarks Society. Tracy and his wife Dr. Lisa Diethelm are longtime residents of the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans where they enthusiastically support the arts, music, and culture of their adopted city.

Peter G Longley AIA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP

Director of Operations, CBT Architects

Peter has 40+ 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 on-line 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 L. Madison, AIA, NOMA, NCARB

CEO & Chairperson, Robert P. Madison International, Inc.

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.

Casey Martin, AIA, AICP

Strategic Consulting, Jacobs

Casey Martin, AIA, AICP, has over 20 years of planning and design experience and is currently engaged in the Strategic Consulting practice at Jacobs. Her primary focus is facility and asset management including transition planning to bridge the gap from construction into operations. She also consults with private and U.S. federal institutions, providing full life cycle perspectives throughout project development stages. Her approach considers important long-term views such as total cost of ownership and sustainable operations strategies.

Guy Maxwell AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Management Partner, Ennead Architects

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 Miller AIA

President/CEO, GSBS Architects

Kevin graduated from the University of Utah with a Masters of Architecture in 1988 and joined GSBS shortly thereafter. GSBS is an Architecture firm headquartered in Salt Lake City with a branch office in Ft. Worth, Texas. Kevin began as an intern architect and has risen through the ranks to become a Principal and Managing Partner of the firm as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also led some of our most challenging projects including the Utah Olympic Oval, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic speed skating events. He joined the AIA Documents Committee in 2008. Kevin is married with 3 children and spends much of his free time coaching competitive youth soccer.

Jon S. Mills, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Chief Operating Officer, LPA, Inc.

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.

Frank Musica

Senior Risk Management Attorney, Victor

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 include 40 sessions at AIA National conventions 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 frank.d.musica@schinnerer.com

Tara Myers AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC

Principal, Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.

Tara Myers is a Principal and Risk Manager with over 25 years of experience at Nashville based, Earl Swensson Associates (ESa), an architecture and interior design firm with 180+ 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 in the Nashville area.  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 is actively involved with ULI’s Nashville Women’s Leadership Initiative and AEC Power Women as well as several other organizations, including the ACE Mentor Program, The Academies of Nashville, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association.   She 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.

Peter Noone AIA

Managing Principal, Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Pete Noone is the Managing Director of SCB’s San Francisco office where he is responsible for the office’s overall operations and management. He sits on the firm’s Executive, Finance, Operations, and Building Technology committees, providing leadership and direction to firm-wide operational processes. Pete also heads up SCB’s internal staff professional development and educational programs.

Pete serves as the Managing Principal on all of the firm’s west coast projects. His responsibilities include team organization and assembly; contract review and fee negotiations; and overall project delivery strategy and execution. His counsel and organizational talents are instrumental at the beginning of projects, and his experience and expertise in construction administration are key components of SCB’s reputation as a firm that builds what it designs. In his more than 35 years at SCB, both in the Chicago and San Francisco offices, Pete has 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. Since relocating to California, Pete’s projects include 399 Fremont and Solaire residential apartment towers in San Francisco; First Hill/ Trinity Church condominium project in Seattle; 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 is a Director at Large on the AIASF Board of Directors, and serves on the national Documents Committee of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Donovan Olliff AIA, Esq.

Sr. VP and General Counsel, HOK

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 risk.

Jonathan Orlove AIA

Director of Project Management, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Jonathan Orlove, Director of Project Management, 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 with 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 culture, 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, The Wave Tower (Yongsan T1), 2013

Neyda S. Otero AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Architect, Perkins + Will

Neyda Otero is an architect and LEED AP BD + C, Green Classroom Professional. At the Perkins + Will Miami studio, she manages educational projects for K-12 and Higher Education clients. Perkins + Will is recognized globally for its design and innovation leadership, and as one of the most important leaders in education and research in Latin America. The office’s multi-disciplinary work has developed high-profile projects in Latin American, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Neyda has more than 30 years of professional experience managing all aspects of small to large complex design projects with a focus on education for public and private institutions in Florida.

Neyda was Senior Vice President for HAKS Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, Miami office, responsible for the strategic growth of the Florida region, where she oversaw facilities operations, marketing and business development throughout the state. Previously, as Vice Provost, Facilities Management for Miami Dade College, Neyda led the MDC Facilities Management Division in the planning and executing of a capital improvements and deferred maintenance construction programs totaling over 500 million dollars college-wide across 8 campuses. From 2000 to 2013, as Director of Project Management and Construction for Pine Crest School, a private all-faith college preparatory school with campuses in Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Neyda was responsible for the planning, management, and development of new buildings and infrastructure construction, facilities renovations, capital improvement planning, budgeting, and construction oversight of all facilities projects, overseeing cumulatively $98 million in capital improvement bond programs in her time at the school. 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 served as the 2018 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Miami President, and she previously served as AIA Miami President-Elect, Treasurer, and Director. A graduate of the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree, she has served as a director on the board of US Green Building Council South Florida since 2008. Neyda is a member of the Florida Educational Facilities Planner Association, AIA Miami Women in Architecture Committee, NABWIC, the International Code Council, and an Ace Mentor.

Patrick J O’Connor, Jr., Esq.

Partner at Faegre Baker Daniels LLP

PATRICK J. O’CONNOR, JR. Partner with the international law firm of Faegre Baker Daniels, 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 law clerk to Miles W. Lord, Chief Judge of the Federal District Court for the District of Minnesota.

Mr. O’Connor’s practice focuses 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 25 states and Canada. He also 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), a ten-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 a number of industry organizations on Building Information Modeling and Integrated Project Delivery initiatives. Mr. O’Connor currently is Co-Chair of the BIMForum’s Legal Subforum.

Mr. O’Connor was outside counsel to the AIA’s Documents Committee during its effort to draft the Single Purpose Entity family of IPD documents and the Multi-Party family of documents. Mr. O’Connor has held LEED AP (New Construction) certification through the U.S. Green Building Council. He is a Fellow, member of the Executive Committee, and Immediate Past-President of the American College of Construction Lawyers. Mr. O’Connor is also a former member of the Governing Committee for the ABA Forum on the Construction Industry. Mr. O’Connor is 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 612-766-7413 or email at patrick.oconnor@faegrebd.com.  

Bradford Russell, AIA, P.E., S.E., F.SEI, F.ASCE, LEED AP

Director of Architecture / Engineering, BR Architects, Inc. & PRYM Architects, LLC

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.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Alisa D. Schneider, Esq. is Manager and Counsel 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, Esq.

Senior Claims Specialist, AXA XL

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.

Marika Snider AIA

Staff Architect, Ohio History Connection

In 2003, Marika Snider founded a Design-Build Architecture firm with Jim Connell, a well-established builder. The firm, Snider Architecture, located in Dayton, Ohio provides design services for a wide range of building types including educational, industrial, medical/dental offices, and residential. Marika has served on the AIA’s national advisory group, Small Project Practitioners (SPP), and is currently the chair of the committee. The SPP serves over 9000 AIA members by developing and disseminating content to support small firms and architects involved in small projects. Marika was the SPP Journal Editor, 2011-2014, the chair of the 2014 SPP Research Grant, and is producing a video series Significant Small Projects with Marc Manack to highlight the role of small projects in the career of an architect. It was through the SPP that Marika initially became involved with the Contract Documents Committee. 2012-13 she served on the Small Firm Working Group as an outside reviewer and was then invited to join the Committee starting in 2014.      

In the fall of 2014, Marika received a Fulbright Specialist Grant to teach a design studio at Jordan University of Science and Technology. While there, she also reviewed the curriculum and assisted faculty in course development. Marika has taught at the University of Utah, Miami University, and Salt Lake Community College. Currently she teaches part-time at Sinclair Community College’s Civil, Architectural, and Construction Technology Program. Marika’s PhD in Middle East History has given her opportunities to research and write about architecture and urban space in the Middle East. Her research has been well received at academic conferences and she has written two book chapters about the retail environment. Currently, she is working on a book about gender and retail space in Egypt before the Arab Spring Uprisings. In addition, Marika was a Fulbright Specialist, to teach architecture studio and review curriculum at Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2014.            

Marika received the AIA Innovation Fund First Projects–Oral Histories (Pilot Program) in 2013.

Greg Sweeney AIA, LEED AP

Principal, Director of Technical Design

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 Tewelde

Executive Assistant, Contract Business Solutions

Tina is the Executive Assistant for the Contract Business Solutions team, providing operational and administrative assistance across the CBS team. 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, 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.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

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.

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.

Salvatore B Verrastro AIA, FCSI, CCCA, CCS, NCARB

Principal, Spillman Farmer Architects

Mr. Verrastro, a Principal of the firm, has been with Spillman Farmer Architects since 1983. 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 serves 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 the AIA’s MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee and CSI’s Specifications Competition Committee. He leads the firm’s roof consulting studio and brings extensive knowledge of roofing and building envelope systems, causes of failure, and remediation/replacement strategies building owners. 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 2014 J. Norman Hunter Award for Construction Document Education and the 1981 Kansas State University Donald R. Hollis Memorial Award.

Michael B Bomba, Esq.

Senior Director and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Mike serves as Senior Director and Counsel on the AIA Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects and he works actively in the creation and revision of AIA Contract Documents. He joined the American Institute of Architects in August 2006. Mike obtained his J.D. from the American University Washington College of Law in 2002. Prior to joining the AIA, Mike worked at a private law firm in Washington, DC, representing design professionals in corporate and litigation matters. Mike is a member of the bar in both the State of Maryland and the District of Columbia.

Sara Bour, Esq.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Sara Bour, Esq. is Manager and Counsel 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.

Kenneth W Cobleigh, Esq.

Managing Director and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Ken serves as Managing Director and Counsel, 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.

James R. Germano, Esq.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

James (“Jimmy”) Germano, Esq. is a Manager and Counsel on the AIA Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, D.C. Jimmy works with the Documents Committee to review and revise the substance of the AIA Contract Documents and associated material. Jimmy received his undergraduate degree from Cornell University, where he was a Division I athlete, and his law degree from the Columbus School of Law at the Catholic University of America. Prior to joining the AIA, he served as a judicial law clerk in the Circuit Court for Montgomery County, Maryland and then practiced law for six years as a general litigation and construction attorney in the Washington, D.C. area. During his time in private practice, Jimmy 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 and Federal Courts, administrative agencies, mediation, and arbitration. Jimmy is a member of the bars of Maryland, Virginia, and the District of Columbia.

Mike Koger AIA, Esq.

Director & Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Mike Koger is an attorney on the Contract Documents team at the American Institute of Architects in Washington, DC. At the AIA, Mike works with a group of attorneys and architects to create and revise the AIA contract documents. Mike practiced civil litigation prior to joining the AIA, primarily representing contractors and property owners in construction related disputes. Mike also worked as an architect and urban planner in San Diego before transitioning to the practice of law. As an architect, Mike has designed a variety of medical laboratories, research and development facilities, and residences in Southern California.  Mike received a Bachelor of Architecture degree from Ball State University and graduated cum laude from Tulane University Law School. He is admitted to practice architecture in Indiana and law in the District of Columbia and California.

Alisa D. Schneider, Esq.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

Alisa D. Schneider, Esq. is Manager and Counsel 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.

Tina Tewelde

Executive Assistant, Contract Business Solutions

Tina is the Executive Assistant for the Contract Business Solutions team, providing operational and administrative assistance across the CBS team. 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, 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.

Manager and Counsel, AIA Contract Documents

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.

Roger Attanasio, AIA, CCCA, LEED AP

LS3P Principal, Vice President

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.

Mark I. Baum AIA

Principal, Mark I. Baum Architect LLC

Mark Baum, AIA is 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 and two granddaughters.

Lane J Beougher FAIA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, Assoc. DBIA, LEED AP BD+C Program Services

Manager, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission

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, and now serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Amelia B Clark AIA, NCARB

Sr. Project Manager, DLR Group

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.

Josh Flowers FAIA, Esq, CSI, CCS, CCCA, CM-BIM, LEED AP BD+C, WELL AP

General Counsel, HBG Design

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 L. Gay, Jr., FAIA

CEO, Vergel Gay & Associates, LLC

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, AIA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, CDT, SCIP

Owner, RLGA Technical Services

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.

Steven C Glass AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Principal, Moody Nolan, Inc.

Steven C. Glass, AIA, LEED AP, is the Director of Architectural Operations/Risk Management for Moody Nolan, Inc. Steve has an extensive and diversified background with experience in all phases of the architectural process, from programming to construction administration. He has overseen a wide range of projects, from multimillion dollar facilities to detail-sensitive renovations. With this experience as his background, Steve is now responsible for working with the firm’s project managers on scope of work, contract negotiations and risk management – all with a focus on loss prevention. With more than 40 years of experience in the architectural field, one of Steve’s core strengths is his ability to see potential risks which projects present to the firm and to strategically plan to protect the business through risk management guidance.

During his 35 year tenure at Moody Nolan, the firm has grown to more than 200 employees with twelve office locations. Steve’s primary role for the past 20 years has been focused on the business side of the profession, including contractual negotiations and monitoring risk management. Over these past 20 years, Steve has meshed previous project management skills with acquired business practices. He is responsible for contract negotiations corporate-wide.

In addition to controlling risk management firm-wide, Steve works with staff training emphasizing controlling risk. Under Steve’s guidance, Moody Nolan is better positioned in contract negotiations, both prime and consultant, and focused on managing risks professionally and company-wide, a unique expertise to both Moody Nolan and the profession. As an example, architects typically have minimal business training or experience. With his background and knowledge of architecture united with business makes for a rare combination. Steve served on The Board of Directors from 2010-2016 for DPRCG which is the large firms within Design Professional Group of XL Insurance as the Chairman of the Risk Management Committee.

Courtney Haddick, AIA, NCARB, LEED GA

Senior Associate, FFKR Architects

During Courtney’s tenure at FFKR Architects, she has had a wide range of responsibility as project architect and project manager, and she is a part of the firm’s contract document and risk management committees. In these roles she has firsthand helped the firm work through project dispute resolution. With these experiences, 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. Prior to joining FFKR, Courtney worked as an Imagineer at the Walt Disney Company. Her project focus is now within the Religious Studio at FFKR, including temple projects across the Mountain West and Pacific Coast regions. She also works within the Hospitality Studio, including projects with various Native American Indian Tribes within their respective communities. Courtney has been instrumental in leading the firm’s professional development committee, passionately supporting recent graduates and student interns in their pursuit of architectural licensure as an NCARB licensing advisor since 2017.

Courtney enjoys trail running, birding, and spending time with her family and her chickens. She joined the AIA Documents Committee in 2022.

Stephen R Hagan FAIA, CCM

CEO, Hagan Technologies LLC

Stephen Hagan, FAIA is recognized as an industry expert and technology evangelist, focusing on the real estate, and the construction market place. In August 2012, Steve retired from the federal government after 35 years and is now consulting about BIM and online technologies. Steve is now CEO of Hagan Technologies LLC, focusing on Strategy and Consulting for e-Industry Infrastructure and Online Technologies for the 21st Century.

Stephen has been program and project management lead for the PBS Project Information Portal (PIP) and a member of the GSA 3D / 4D Building Information Model (BIM) team. He was 2006 Chair of the AIA Technology In Architectural Practice (TAP) Knowledge Community and co-chair of the Emerging Technologies Committee of the Federal Facilities Council and on the Executive Committee of the National BIM Standard Committee. The AIA BIM awards program, which Steve founded in 2003, is now in its 9th year and now includes partnerships with COAA, IFMA, and the AGC BIM Forum. Other awards include Excellence in Project Management Award (2009) And Special Recognition for Exception Service; GSA PBS 2009 Capital Construction Workshop | San Francisco and the Real Property Innovation Award Program Recognizes Honorees – Office of Government-Wide Policy announced the winners of the 2007 GSA Achievement Award for Real Property Innovation. The winning entry in the Asset Management category is GSA’s “National 3D-4D BIM Program”.

Thomas Hysell FAIA, LEED AP BD+C

Principal, Alliiance

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 S. Kady FAIA

Principal, Leonard Kady Architecture + Design

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.

Chris Lasky AIA, NCARB

Vice President, Development at The Davis Companies

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 FAIA, LEED AP, BD+C

Principal, Eskew+Dumez+Ripple

Tracy Lea has been a practicing architect for more than 35 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. He relocated to New Orleans following 15 years of practice in San Francisco, joined Eskew+Dumez+Ripple in 1993, and became a partner in 2000.    

Within the community Tracy is recognized as a vocal advocate of smart growth policies and serves as a leader and advisor to numerous non-profit and civic organizations. Philanthropic activities include involvement in the Preservation Resource Center, Louisiana Architectural Foundation, Audubon Nature Institute, and Louisiana Landmarks Society. Tracy and his wife Dr. Lisa Diethelm are longtime residents of the Uptown neighborhood of New Orleans where they enthusiastically support the arts, music, and culture of their adopted city.

Peter G Longley AIA, CSI, CCS, LEED AP

Director of Operations, CBT Architects

Peter has 40+ 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 on-line 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 L. Madison, AIA, NOMA, NCARB

CEO & Chairperson, Robert P. Madison International, Inc.

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.

Casey Martin, AIA, AICP

Strategic Consulting, Jacobs

Casey Martin, AIA, AICP, has over 20 years of planning and design experience and is currently engaged in the Strategic Consulting practice at Jacobs. Her primary focus is facility and asset management including transition planning to bridge the gap from construction into operations. She also consults with private and U.S. federal institutions, providing full life cycle perspectives throughout project development stages. Her approach considers important long-term views such as total cost of ownership and sustainable operations strategies.

Guy Maxwell AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Management Partner, Ennead Architects

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 Miller AIA

President/CEO, GSBS Architects

Kevin graduated from the University of Utah with a Masters of Architecture in 1988 and joined GSBS shortly thereafter. GSBS is an Architecture firm headquartered in Salt Lake City with a branch office in Ft. Worth, Texas. Kevin began as an intern architect and has risen through the ranks to become a Principal and Managing Partner of the firm as well as a member of the Board of Directors. He has also led some of our most challenging projects including the Utah Olympic Oval, home of the 2002 Winter Olympic speed skating events. He joined the AIA Documents Committee in 2008. Kevin is married with 3 children and spends much of his free time coaching competitive youth soccer.

Jon S. Mills, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Chief Operating Officer, LPA, Inc.

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.

Tara Myers AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC

Principal, Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.

Tara Myers is a Principal and Risk Manager with over 25 years of experience at Nashville based, Earl Swensson Associates (ESa), an architecture and interior design firm with 180+ 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 in the Nashville area.  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 is actively involved with ULI’s Nashville Women’s Leadership Initiative and AEC Power Women as well as several other organizations, including the ACE Mentor Program, The Academies of Nashville, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association.   She 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.

Peter Noone AIA

Managing Principal, Solomon Cordwell Buenz

Pete Noone is the Managing Director of SCB’s San Francisco office where he is responsible for the office’s overall operations and management. He sits on the firm’s Executive, Finance, Operations, and Building Technology committees, providing leadership and direction to firm-wide operational processes. Pete also heads up SCB’s internal staff professional development and educational programs.

Pete serves as the Managing Principal on all of the firm’s west coast projects. His responsibilities include team organization and assembly; contract review and fee negotiations; and overall project delivery strategy and execution. His counsel and organizational talents are instrumental at the beginning of projects, and his experience and expertise in construction administration are key components of SCB’s reputation as a firm that builds what it designs. In his more than 35 years at SCB, both in the Chicago and San Francisco offices, Pete has 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. Since relocating to California, Pete’s projects include 399 Fremont and Solaire residential apartment towers in San Francisco; First Hill/ Trinity Church condominium project in Seattle; 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 is a Director at Large on the AIASF Board of Directors, and serves on the national Documents Committee of the American Institute of Architects (AIA).

Donovan Olliff AIA, Esq.

Sr. VP and General Counsel, HOK

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 risk.

Jonathan Orlove AIA

Director of Project Management, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Jonathan Orlove, Director of Project Management, 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 with 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 culture, 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, The Wave Tower (Yongsan T1), 2013

Neyda S. Otero AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Architect, Perkins + Will

Neyda Otero is an architect and LEED AP BD + C, Green Classroom Professional. At the Perkins + Will Miami studio, she manages educational projects for K-12 and Higher Education clients. Perkins + Will is recognized globally for its design and innovation leadership, and as one of the most important leaders in education and research in Latin America. The office’s multi-disciplinary work has developed high-profile projects in Latin American, the Caribbean, Africa and Europe. Neyda has more than 30 years of professional experience managing all aspects of small to large complex design projects with a focus on education for public and private institutions in Florida.

Neyda was Senior Vice President for HAKS Engineers, Architects & Land Surveyors, Miami office, responsible for the strategic growth of the Florida region, where she oversaw facilities operations, marketing and business development throughout the state. Previously, as Vice Provost, Facilities Management for Miami Dade College, Neyda led the MDC Facilities Management Division in the planning and executing of a capital improvements and deferred maintenance construction programs totaling over 500 million dollars college-wide across 8 campuses. From 2000 to 2013, as Director of Project Management and Construction for Pine Crest School, a private all-faith college preparatory school with campuses in Ft. Lauderdale and Boca Raton, Neyda was responsible for the planning, management, and development of new buildings and infrastructure construction, facilities renovations, capital improvement planning, budgeting, and construction oversight of all facilities projects, overseeing cumulatively $98 million in capital improvement bond programs in her time at the school. 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 served as the 2018 American Institute of Architects (AIA) Miami President, and she previously served as AIA Miami President-Elect, Treasurer, and Director. A graduate of the University of Miami with a Bachelor of Architecture Degree, she has served as a director on the board of US Green Building Council South Florida since 2008. Neyda is a member of the Florida Educational Facilities Planner Association, AIA Miami Women in Architecture Committee, NABWIC, the International Code Council, and an Ace Mentor.

Marika Snider AIA

Staff Architect, Ohio History Connection

In 2003, Marika Snider founded a Design-Build Architecture firm with Jim Connell, a well-established builder. The firm, Snider Architecture, located in Dayton, Ohio provides design services for a wide range of building types including educational, industrial, medical/dental offices, and residential. Marika has served on the AIA’s national advisory group, Small Project Practitioners (SPP), and is currently the chair of the committee. The SPP serves over 9000 AIA members by developing and disseminating content to support small firms and architects involved in small projects. Marika was the SPP Journal Editor, 2011-2014, the chair of the 2014 SPP Research Grant, and is producing a video series Significant Small Projects with Marc Manack to highlight the role of small projects in the career of an architect. It was through the SPP that Marika initially became involved with the Contract Documents Committee. 2012-13 she served on the Small Firm Working Group as an outside reviewer and was then invited to join the Committee starting in 2014.      

In the fall of 2014, Marika received a Fulbright Specialist Grant to teach a design studio at Jordan University of Science and Technology. While there, she also reviewed the curriculum and assisted faculty in course development. Marika has taught at the University of Utah, Miami University, and Salt Lake Community College. Currently she teaches part-time at Sinclair Community College’s Civil, Architectural, and Construction Technology Program. Marika’s PhD in Middle East History has given her opportunities to research and write about architecture and urban space in the Middle East. Her research has been well received at academic conferences and she has written two book chapters about the retail environment. Currently, she is working on a book about gender and retail space in Egypt before the Arab Spring Uprisings. In addition, Marika was a Fulbright Specialist, to teach architecture studio and review curriculum at Jordan University of Science and Technology, 2014.            

Marika received the AIA Innovation Fund First Projects–Oral Histories (Pilot Program) in 2013.

Greg Sweeney AIA, LEED AP

Principal, Director of Technical Design

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.

Salvatore B Verrastro AIA, FCSI, CCCA, CCS, NCARB

Principal, Spillman Farmer Architects

Mr. Verrastro, a Principal of the firm, has been with Spillman Farmer Architects since 1983. 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 serves 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 the AIA’s MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee and CSI’s Specifications Competition Committee. He leads the firm’s roof consulting studio and brings extensive knowledge of roofing and building envelope systems, causes of failure, and remediation/replacement strategies building owners. 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 2014 J. Norman Hunter Award for Construction Document Education and the 1981 Kansas State University Donald R. Hollis Memorial Award.

Michaela Kendall

Manager of Strategic Partnerships, AXA XL

Michaela Kendall is the Manager of Strategic Partnerships for AXA XL’s Design Professional line of business. She oversees key industry and market relationships. Her responsibilities include supporting AXA XL’s national program partnerships with architect, engineering, and design industry associations, and leading marketing efforts for AXA XL’s Design Professional line. Her team also partners with the Professional Liability Agents Network (PLAN) and manages the Design Professional Risk Control Group (DPRCG) program. Prior to her current role, Michaela served as an underwriting manager. She transitioned to Design Professional underwriting after spending three years as a senior claims specialist. Before joining AXA XL in 2015, she spent nearly a decade in private legal practice, where she served the insurance industry working on E&O and Commercial P&C claims litigation. Michaela received her Bachelor of Art Degree from the University of Notre Dame, a Master of Arts Degree from the University of Chicago, and her Juris Doctor from the Emory University School of Law.

Frank Musica

Senior Risk Management Attorney, Victor

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 include 40 sessions at AIA National conventions 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 frank.d.musica@schinnerer.com

Cheryl Shaw, Esq.

Senior Claims Specialist, AXA XL

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.

Lane J Beougher FAIA, FCSI, CCS, CCCA, Assoc. DBIA, LEED AP BD+C Program Services

Manager, Ohio Facilities Construction Commission

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, and now serves on the AIA Contract Documents Committee.

Tara Myers AIA, LEED AP BD+C, EDAC

Principal, Earl Swensson Associates, Inc.

Tara Myers is a Principal and Risk Manager with over 25 years of experience at Nashville based, Earl Swensson Associates (ESa), an architecture and interior design firm with 180+ 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 in the Nashville area.  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 is actively involved with ULI’s Nashville Women’s Leadership Initiative and AEC Power Women as well as several other organizations, including the ACE Mentor Program, The Academies of Nashville, the Boy Scouts of America and the American Heart Association.   She 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.

Jonathan Orlove AIA

Director of Project Management, Adrian Smith + Gordon Gill Architecture

Jonathan Orlove, Director of Project Management, 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 with 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 culture, 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, The Wave Tower (Yongsan T1), 2013

Salvatore B Verrastro AIA, FCSI, CCCA, CCS, NCARB

Principal, Spillman Farmer Architects

Mr. Verrastro, a Principal of the firm, has been with Spillman Farmer Architects since 1983. 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 serves 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 the AIA’s MasterSpec Architectural Review Committee and CSI’s Specifications Competition Committee. He leads the firm’s roof consulting studio and brings extensive knowledge of roofing and building envelope systems, causes of failure, and remediation/replacement strategies building owners. 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 2014 J. Norman Hunter Award for Construction Document Education and the 1981 Kansas State University Donald R. Hollis Memorial Award.