FEBRUARY
WELCOME TO FACADES+ ATLANTA!
The Architect’s Newspaper is celebrating 14 Years of Facades+ Conferences. We are thrilled to welcome both new attendees and longtime facades fanatics to today’s event. We bring fresh and relevant programming to each and every city and have an exceptional group of projects, people, and expertise for you to learn from today.
Facades+ Atlanta gathers top professionals from the worlds of design, engineering, fabrication, and construction to consider how high-performance envelopes are transforming the built environment across North America, and are responding to changing codes, climates, technologies, and client expectations.
I’d like to thank our amazing conference co-chairs, Francesca Oliveira, Alan Stevenson, and Ralph Raymond from HOK who have brought together today’s program of design leaders. We invite you to connect with the presenters and your peers during networking breaks in the Methods+Materials Gallery and over cocktails at the end of the day.
Please get to know our sponsors exhibiting in the Methods+Materials Gallery today and learn how they will help you shape the future of facade design and technology.
Has Facades+ struck a chord with you? Have a look at our upcoming events held in 15 cities in the U.S., Canada, and Mexico. Visit our website to learn more about our other events and additional opportunities to earn your CEUs.
We are eager to hear from you about how we might improve the Facades+ experience. Talk to us. And please spread the word—help us to continue to grow the Facades+ dialogue and community.
All the best,
Diana Darling CEO & Creative Director, AN Media Group
CONFERENCE ORGANIZERS
DIANA DARLING CEO / Creative Director, AN Media Group
MARTY WOOD VP of Events, AN Media Group
DIONNE DARLING VP of Brand Partnerships, AN Media Group
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AGENDA
(TIMES IN EST)
8:00 AM CHECK-IN & BREAKFAST | Methods + Materials Gallery
9:30 AM WELCOME: Diana Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper
9:40 AM
9:45 AM
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION:
Alan Stevenson | HOK Ralph Raymond | HOK
SPOTLIGHT Performance-Driven Facade Strategies: Three Case Studies Presenters:
Francesca Oliveira | HOK
Alex Hassell | HOK
Shawn Brennan | HOK
Matt Breidenthal | HOK
PANEL Build Better: Improving Building Skins Presenters:
10:30 AM
Mike Augustine | SAFTIFIRST
Chris Gall | Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
Ralph Raymond | HOK
11:00 AM METHODS + MATERIALS BREAK
11:30 AM
12:15 PM
SPOTLIGHT Next-Generation Performance: Facade Innovation at Science Square Presenters:
Mark Joyner | Perkins&Will
Bruce McEvoy | Perkins&Will
Katherine Lynch | Trammell Crow Company
Alan Stevenson | HOK
PANEL Collaboration & Capability: Material Advancements for Building Envelope Excellence Presenters:
Raymond Shelton | YKK AP
Doug Dean | Kingspan Panels
Alan Stevenson | HOK
12:45 PM NETWORKING LUNCH
1:45 PM Table Talks: Peer-to-Peer Learning Sessions
2:30 PM
PANEL Emergent Technology and Facade Strategy: New Approaches to Design & Delivery Presenters:
Platt Boyd | Branch Technology
Simon Arnold | ICON
Alan Stevenson | HOK MODERATOR
AGENDA
3:15 PM METHODS + MATERIALS
SPOTLIGHT Shading Strategies at Spelman’s Center for Innovation & the Arts
Presenters:
3:45 PM
4:15 PM
Mark Chiu | Thornton Tomasetti
Ralph Raymond | HOK
ROUNDTABLE Mass Timber, Enclosures, and Regional Supply Chains
Presenters:
Patricia Layton | Clemson University
Laura Cullen | WoodWorks
Henry Bataller | Timberlab
Francesca Oliveira | HOK
CLOSING REMARKS
Diana Darling | The Architect’s Newspaper
5:00 PM
Francesca Oliveira | HOK
Ralph Raymond | HOK
Alan Stevenson | HOK
5:05 PM COCKTAIL RECEPTION
NETWORK: MarriottBonvoy_Conference CODE: facadesplus
SPEAKERS
CO-CHAIRS
FRANCESCA OLIVEIRA Technical Principal / HOK
As technical principal in HOK’s Washington, D.C., studio, Francesca advances architectural design through deep research and innovative building solutions. Her holistic approach to decarbonization, including pioneering work with mass timber construction, integrates systems and materials from the start. Using data-driven methods, she helps project teams achieve ambitious carbon reduction goals while meeting strict budget requirements. Francesca brings an unwavering commitment to technical excellence from concept to the final details, informed by experience spanning four continents. She pairs this technical focus with an MBA to connect innovative design with practical business goals. Over 12 years as an adjunct professor at institutions including Drexel University and the Academy of Art University, Francesca has mentored the next generation of architects while deepening her expertise in sustainable design and advanced building systems.
ALAN STEVENSON Practice Leader, Architecture / HOK
Alan is the practice leader for HOK’s architecture studio in Atlanta, where he helps guide the studio’s growth, project execution and evolving culture of collaborative leadership. Working alongside a talented and interdisciplinary team, Alan focuses on creating conditions where people can do their best work—through strong project delivery systems, clarity in team coordination and thoughtful alignment between vision and execution. With two decades of experience as a technical project architect, Alan brings a grounded, process-focused perspective to leadership. He’s known for his ability to lead large, multidisciplinary teams through every phase of design and construction, with particular strength in organizing complex projects, maintaining design excellence and delivering sustainable, technically sound solutions. He is a registered architect in five states, a member of the American Institute of Architects and a LEED Accredited Professional.
RALPH RAYMOND Senior Associate / HOK
Ralph Raymond, a Haitian-born architect practicing in HOK’s Atlanta studio as a Senior Associate and Project Architect, has contributed to the design and implementation of more than 14.5 million square feet of space. An emerging professional, licensed for more than 10 years, he aids others in following their path to licensure. He regulates the profession as a member of the Georgia State Board of Registered Architects and Interior Designers. He is a past president of NOMA Atlanta and AIA Georgia.
SPEAKERS
SIMON ARNOLD
Director, Principal Architect / ICON
Simon has extensive experience leading complex projects of varying scales and types in the US and internationally. He contributes a passion for design leadership, combined with a deep knowledge of construction technologies, project delivery, and sustainable building practices gleaned from a twentyyear career. Simon is a licensed architect in the states of New York, Texas, Utah, Vermont, and is a Certified Passive House Consultant. He is currently part-time faculty at Parsons School of Design. Simon was Project Director at Leeser Architecture for ten years, leading notable projects including Museum of the Moving Image in Queens, New York City, a tri-climatic biosphere in Abu Dhabi, and many interiors.
MIKE AUGUSTINE
Director of Architectural Promotion / SAFTIFIRST
Mike Augustine has over 20 years of experience in the architectural glazing industry. As the Director of Architectural Promotion at SAFTIFIRST, he brings his extensive knowledge and expertise of fire rated glazing systems and fenestration in general when working closely with architects, specifiers, glazing contractors and code officials. Mike is a dynamic presenter and speaker who has been delivering the company’s AIA-registered presentation to various architecture firms, AIA local chapters, CSI local chapters, and at other architectural and glazing industry events.
HENRY BATALLER
Preconstruction Manager / Timberlab
With over a decade of experience in construction operations & preconstruction, Henry has worked on pursuits/projects ranging from $1M to $500M in size and across a range of markets. Before construction Henry worked in pharmaceutical lab settings, but was driven by his passion for woodworking to focus his career on wood & timber construction. Henry brings a measured and analytical approach to preconstruction & operations with a goal of ensuring project risks are understood as early as possible and planned for.
PLATT BOYD
Founder / Branch Technology
Platt is the Founder and CEO of Branch Technology who practiced as an award winning architect for 15 years prior to leaving a partnership twelve years ago to found Branch. His fascination with natural beauty and amazing structures led to the initiation of a new technology using freeform 3D printing combined with conventional materials to robotically prefabricate architectural assemblies with resource stewardship and unprecedented design freedom.
MATT BREIDENTHAL
Director of Engineering / HOK
Matt Breidenthal directs HOK’s Engineering practice, leading award-winning projects recognized for design excellence, creativity, and sustainable performance. A licensed PE/SE in most U.S. states, Matt has delivered billions of dollars in construction across global markets. He is known for innovative, interdisciplinary solutions and technical leadership. Matt serves on HOK’s Board of Directors, Design Board, and Marketing Board, and oversees the firm’s research program, shaping engineering strategy and driving excellence from concept through construction.
SHAWN BRENNAN
Project Architect / HOK
Shawn Brennan is a registered architect in HOK’s Atlanta studio with more than 15 years of experience spanning transportation, science and technology, government, higher education, and residential sectors. He excels in construction detailing and project oversight from concept through post-occupancy. Shawn is known for his hands-on approach, technical expertise, and ability to solve complex design challenges. His passion lies in delivering high-quality architecture through thoughtful execution and strong collaboration with clients and project teams.
MARK CHIU
Vice President / Thornton Tomasetti
Mark Chiu leads Thornton Tomasetti’s Facade Engineering Practice in Chicago and has more than 16 years of experience in design of all types of exterior envelope systems, with a focus on sustainable design. He has in-depth knowledge and a specialization in building science, with certifications and credentials in the area of LEED design, NFRC simulations, and Building Enclosure Commissioning. His project work reflects this area of expertise as it involves attention to thermal analysis, high-performance and climatespecific design, and testing/analysis of the building envelope systems.
LAURA CULLEN
Regional Director / WoodWorks
Laura is passionate about educating others on the benefits of building with wood. Prior to joining WoodWorks, she worked as a structural designer for seven years. Her previous structural design experience focused primarily on mixed-use and multi-family structures, as well as K-12 schools. She holds bachelor’s and master’s degrees in Civil Engineering from the Georgia Institute of Technology, as well as a bachelor’s degree in Political Science from Berry College. Laura is based in the Atlanta area, where she is a member of CREW Atlanta, a business network for the commercial real estate market, and a 2018 graduate of Leadership CREW.
SPEAKERS
DOUG DEAN
Regional Sales Manager / Kingspan Panels
Doug will be celebrating 28 years in the Architectural Construction Product Sales business. During his career, he has been able to support Architects, General Contractors, and Owners in selecting the best materials for their projects. He has also been privileged to speak at the National AIA Conference on Rain Screen Cladding systems. Doug also worked with a premier metal cladding installer in Atlanta for several years. During that time, he gained a tremendous understanding of how to install and fabricate various cladding systems. This experience has allowed him to understand the complete bidding process from a subcontractor’s perspective.
CHRIS GALL
Manager, Business Development / Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope
Chris Gall is Business Development Manager at Oldcastle BuildingEnvelope (OBE), North America’s leading vertically integrated manufacturer, fabricator and distributor of architectural hardware, glass and glazing systems. He is a technical product professional dedicated to working directly with architects from ideation to completion of projects using traditional and design-assist project delivery.
ALEX HASSELL
Architect / HOK
Alex Hassell has over a decade of experience across science and technology, healthcare, government, K–12, higher education, and civic projects at HOK’s Atlanta office. He combines a strong technical foundation with a passion for high design, building lasting relationships with clients and colleagues. Alex is committed to delivering thoughtful, high-quality architectural solutions and fostering a collaborative environment. His work reflects a dedication to excellence and a deep understanding of diverse project needs and contexts.
MARK JOYNER
Associate Principal / Perkins&Will
Mark is technical at heart. As soon as he discovered that things could come apart, he became fascinated with how to put them back together. Today, his professional portfolio is composed of a wide range of academicscience buildings—projects that span various Science & Technology program types for higher education, federal, and private developers, integrating the complex technical needs of research facilities with human-centered spaces. He attributes his success to his curiosity, humility, and rigor, as well as his ability to absorb the pressure of high-stakes environments. Also a mentor at his core, he is committed to supporting the next generation of technical leadership in the studio.
PATRICIA LAYTON
Strategic Advisor / Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute
Pat Layton is the Strategic Advisor to Clemson’s Wood Utilization + Design Institute and a retired professor of forestry. She previously served for 12 years as the Institute’s founding director. She spent the first 14 of her 26 years at Clemson as Director of the School of Agricultural, Forest, and Environmental Sciences and chairing the Forest Resources and Forestry and Natural Resources departments. Before joining Clemson University, she held various positions with the American Forest & Paper Association, Scott Paper Company, Oak Ridge National Laboratory, and Owens-Illinois.
KATHERINE LYNCH
Principal / Trammell Crow Company
Katherine Lynch is a Principal with TCC’s Atlanta office. In this role, Katherine is responsible for sourcing, shaping and executing TCC’s office and life sciences development and investment in Atlanta, Tennessee, and Alabama. Katherine oversees the firm’s development projects from start to finish, beginning with site acquisition, underwriting, design supervision and capitalization through marketing and leasing, overall asset management and disposition.
BRUCE MCEVOY
Principal / Perkins&Will
The son of a military family, Bruce learned to be open and adaptable to new environments and cultures at an early age—and was aided through these transitions by an omnipresent sketchbook. Hours spent painting and drawing in his high school art room led to a fulfilling study at the Georgia Institute of Technology’s architecture studio. Bruce has devoted his career to designing spaces that inspire change, transform lives, and make the world a better place. Throughout his career, Bruce has collaborated with some of the world’s most prestigious corporations, as well as small and emerging non-profit clients.
RAYMOND SHELTON Chief Sustainability Officer /
YKK AP
Raymond is a global business leader with over two decades of experience in strategic communications, sustainability, finance and investor relations across the United States, Japan, and beyond. In his role as CSO, he oversees corporate communications, ESG strategy, and civic engagement to support the company’s ambitious growth and environmental goals. Prior to joining YKK AP America, Raymond held various executive roles with The Coca-Cola Company, where he contributed to critical transformation efforts for one of the top five Coca-Cola bottlers globally by revenue. He is passionate about cross-cultural collaboration and mentorship.
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