Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program
Leaders Scholars ongoing success
Past alumni of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Program have achieved remarkable success in their careers advancing to leadership positions within their firms, while others have founded their own successful practices. Alumni have also been instrumental in shaping industry policies and advocating for social justice within the architectural profession serving on regional and national committees.
BUILDING NETWORKS
Through the program, alumni have developed strong networks, gained valuable mentorship, and acquired the skills necessary to become influential leaders in the field.
2025 CKLDP Class
CHRISTIAN COLES CHASM Architecture
MICHAEL COULTER Milling Land Design
CHOMZY EZEOBI Gensler
BRADLEY GREEN Niles Bolton Associates
COLEMAN HANCOCK
McMillian Pazdan
Smith Architecture
KMF Architects
CAROLINE ISENBERG
DTJ Design, Inc.
ANTHONY GRISAFI
SAMUEL KIM
Cooper Carry KYLE
MCCORMICK
PBK
CODY SMITH
Seay, Seay & Litchfield
KEILANI PATTON
Goodwyn Mills and Cawood
PHUONG TRAN
THW Design
SOPHIA
JIAYU
ZHAO
The Beck Group
The Executive Committee
Katherine Uhrin, Chair
Katherine Uhrin, a graduate of the 2021 Georgia CKLDP class, assumed the role of Chair with the support and insights of her committee. Under her leadership, this year’s class was encouraged to build meaningful connections with allied professions, expanding the perspectives and networks of the future leaders the program serves. Uhrin continues her professional work with Niles Bolton Associates in Atlanta.
JANE RODRIGUES
Chair-Elect
Class of 2024
Project Manager
Dynamik Design
MAE MURPHY
Past Chair
Class of 2022 Associate
The Beck Group
Class of 2020 Partner Architecture 101 our dedicated committee of Georgia CKLDP alum help define the program’s aims and goals and advise current scholars in their session development
JAMES PIRCH Advisor
Class of 2023
CEO, Architect
Creative Interface Architecture
ADAM DRUMMOND Advisor
Session 1
ARCHITECTURE AND POLITICAL ENGAGEMENT
Session #1 led by Caroline Isenberg. and Coleman Jett Hancock on Architecture and Political Engagement. CKLDP scholars gathered at the Capital for their first session including a Panel Discussion on Advocating for Affordability & Preservation, breakout group discussions, group presentations showcasing their advocacy homework and jury deliberation.
The Advocating for Affordability & Preservation Panel provided valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities surrounding affordable housing in Atlanta. The panel, led by Moderator Adelaide Steedley featured contributions from panelists Abe Kruger, Wright Mitchell, and John Skach Key discussion points included successful affordable housing models, costs and sustainability considerations, preservation incentives, advocacy efforts, and the ongoing challenge of adaptive reuse in housing projects.
Session 2
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT
Session 2, hosted by Phuong “Karen” Tran and Christian Coles at Cosentino Atlanta, explored community engagement. Panelists Gillian Gingher, Jamie Carroll, and Zamila Karimi discussed equity-focused design, while Julie Ju-Youn Kim, FAIA, Danielle S. Willkens, Garfield Peart, FAIA, and Terry Miller shared advocacy in education, leadership, preservation, and technology. Scholars closed with group talks, Pecha Kucha campaigns, and a happy hour at Niles Bolton Associates.
Session 3
ECONOMIC AND INDUSTRY TRENDS
Session #3, planned by Bradley Green and Michael Coulter, focused on Economic and Industry Trends. The session was hosted at Walk Your Plans Atlanta, scholars experienced technology that projects floor plans at 1:1 scale. Ryan Murphy of Shamrock+, a Savannah-based technology forward firm delivering high-resolution 3D scanning, LiDAR, drone services, and reality capture. Akhil Hemanth of HKS, Inc. Atlanta discussed his work in artificial intelligence to enhance design efficiency and client engagement. Michele Russo of AIA spoke on ABI reports. The day ended with a panel on organizational change through innovation, moderated by Arti Verma.
This session was hosted by SCAD at Gutstein Gallery
Session 4
DIVERSITY, EQUITY, AND INCLUSION
Session #4, planned by Sophia Rodriguez and Jiayu Zhao, focused on Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion and how these values shape design and communities. At SCAD’s Gutstein Gallery, Dean Geoffrey Taylor highlighted SCAD’s legacy and IPAL program. Maegan Blau, Founder of Blue Copper Design, spoke on barrier-free design, and Armand Turner, Executive Director of Healthy Savannah, presented on inclusive public space. A panel with Turner, Ken Higa, Principal at The Beck Group, Dr. F. Takeshia Brown, DEIA Officer for the City of Savannah, and Nathan A. Stuck, MBA, Founder of Profitable Purpose Consulting, discussed equity, inclusive leadership, and cultural competency across industries.
Session 5
RAINMAKING & BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT
Session #5, planned by Samuel Kim and Cody Smith, focused on Rainmaking & Business Development. At the MillerKnoll Showroom in Atlanta, scholars explored how architects build trust, nurture client relationships, and shape practice. Amy Stone, stressed business development is a creative, learnable skill and EVERYONE has a role to play, not just the principals. A panel featuring Karen Jenkins, Sophia Tarkhan, and Raleigh Price on value, leadership, and trust.
The Panel was moderated by James brought a big-picture perspective, prompting panelists to reflect on how we define value, leadership, and longevity in the design profession. Price closed with tools for lasting relationships.
In reflection, scholars broke into small groups with each speaker to examine their business development journeys through a more magnified lens. Closing the day, Raleigh Price shared practical tools for transforming connections into long-term relationships: Reliable. Responsive. Relevant. Business development isn’t a department -it’s a mindset. With intention, strategy, and empathy, architects can lead with both design excellence and relationship strength.
Session 6
TALENT SHORTAGE
Session #6, led by Chomzy Ezeobi and Keilani Patton at Kimball International’s Atlanta Showroom, focused on the tackling the architecture industry’s growing talent shortage, from recruitment in K–12 and higher education to retention challenges shaped by societal pressures. The day began with a “Speed Dating” networking activity, setting the stage for candid discussions. Two panels were held both moderated by Melody Harclerode,FAIA. Panel 1 featured Shelly-Anne Tulia Scott, Grace Kunst, and Quynh Pham ephasizing STEAM education, early exposure, and authenticity in shaping future leaders. Panel 2 included Carol Bartolo, Laura Sherman, & Quynh Pham conveying the importance and responsibility of shaping and retaining talent is on the entire team.
The session ended with a “Break for the Body”, led by Keilani and Chomzy. This energizing yoga session introduced simple stretches designers can do at their desks. Keilani and Chomzy emphasized the easy, everyday techniques to calm the mind and stretch the body, helping combat the profession’s long hours and mental demands.
Kimball International hosted CKLDP in their Atlanta Showroom.
Session 7
CIVIC AND BUSINESS LEADERSHIP
Session #7, planned by Anthony Grisafi, and Kyle McCormick, marked the final session of the 2025 CKLDP and examined the evolving leadership roles architects hold within both business and civic spheres.
The day opened with a business leadership presentation by Bayleigh Kempainen, Managing Principal at PBK, who shared insights on leading at scale, cultivating firm culture, and designing impactful learning environments The focus then shifted to civic duty with a moderated discussion on the intersection of architecture, public service, and grassroots engagement. Scholars also heard from Dr. Jackson Drumgoole, Founder of Bridge Builder Communities, who emphasized leadership rooted in empathy and advocacy through his nonprofit supporting youth aging out of foster care. Additional perspectives were offered by Danny England, AIA, Co-Founder and Principal at Office of Design and Planning Commissioner for Fayette County, and William Gray, Principal and Studio Director at McMillan Pazdan Smith Architecture. The session concluded with breakout discussions that encouraged scholars to reflect on their role as Citizen Architects, bridging professional success with meaningful community impact.
DEAR 2025 CKLDP CLASS,
On behalf of the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program alumni and our program chair, we are delighted to extend our heartfelt congratulations on your graduation from this esteemed national program. By completing CKLDP, you have joined a distinguished network of professionals dedicated to advancing the practice of architecture and creating lasting impact within our communities.
We are inspired by the passion, talent, and dedication you have already demonstrated, and we look forward to seeing the meaningful contributions you will bring to the profession in the years ahead. Your commitment to leadership and growth will not only shape your own career but also influence and inspire others along the way.
As you continue this transformative journey, know that you have the support of the CKLDP community behind you. We are excited to witness the future you will help build.
Thank you to all presenters and those that gave in financial support, coordination, and time.