Speakers

Stacey Boynton, AIA, NOMA, is a Registered Architect and Interior Designer and the Founder and Principal of STUDIO-US, a multidisciplinary practice rooted in architecture, culture, and community. Through its three pillars—STUDIO-US [DESIGN], [LIVING], and [LOOK]—the studio explores the relationship between the built environment, personal expression, and identity. Stacey holds a Master of Architecture and Community Design from the University of South Florida and has professional experience spanning architecture, interiors, and furniture design. She currently serves as Vice President of AIA Fort Lauderdale and Chair of the AIA Florida IDEA Advisory Council, advancing equity, representation, and people-centered design.

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For more than 23 years Royal Casey has been involved in the metal roofing industry. In the first 10 years of his career, he gained his experience by working in the family roofing business in Orlando that specialized in installing metal only. In 2015 he accepted a position with Petersen Aluminum Corp. in the central and southern part of Florida. Royal is a past president of the Greater Orlando CSI Chapter. He is an accomplished speaker and industry educator.

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­Julia Epstein, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Dasher Hurst Architects

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John Farinelli is Vice President of JC Code & Construction Consultants, Inc., where he has provided code consulting, education, and municipal support services since 2005. As the firm’s principal instructor and code administrator, he specializes in building code administration, planning review, inspections, and property maintenance enforcement. An internationally recognized subject matter expert, John teaches for the International Code Council and the Building Officials Association of Florida and has supported building departments nationwide, including serving as a Code Consultant for the International Code Council in Abu Dhabi. He is an ICC Master Code Professional, Certified Building Official, licensed Florida Building Contractor, and LEED Accredited Professional.

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In his 20 years with AISC, Larry has served in national roles working with architects, design and construction professionals.­ He currently serves in AISC’s Architecture Center as the architectural liaison and resource specialist providing curated resources and experiences to architects to save them time, money reduce their risk and spark their curiosity for their next great building design.

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Arlenne is an architect and principal at DLR Group, focusing on higher education.­ She has been a volunteer with AIA for more than a decade, as well as several other community organizations with a focus on helping to diversify the architecture profession.­ She was a founding member of Black Architects in the Making – Orlando and served as the “Architect for the Children’s Village of the World” for FusionFest.­ She is passionate about mentoring students, helping to hone their skills.­ She has spoken multiple times at both national AIA and NOMA conferences in conjunction with the Large Firm Roundtable (LFRT) on the business aspects of the architecture practice.­ Arlenne is currently serving on the Young Architect Forum (YAF) Advisory Committee as the knowledge director and previously as the first young architect representative for AIA Florida.

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Anthony Harvey, PE
WoodWorks

A licensed Professional Engineer in Kentucky, Anthony received his BS and MS in Civil Engineering from the University of Kentucky, both with structural specialization. Before joining WoodWorks, he spent more than a decade working as a design consultant. He has experience in structural design, 3D modeling and detailing (REVIT), construction administration, inspections, and project management for a variety of project types, including healthcare, office, retail, K-12/higher education, historical, industrial/distillery, municipal, military, multi-family, and mixed-use buildings. Anthony is also a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserve where, as an Engineer Officer, he has held various leadership and staff positions.

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Michael “Bret” Hood is a financial crime, ethics, money laundering and leadership expert with 25 years’ experience in the Federal Bureau of Investigation. During his career, Bret has worked on some of the most infamous cases in American history to include 9/11, the Oklahoma City Bombing and the multi-billion-dollar HealthSouth fraud case. ­Because of his experience, Bret was chosen to be an adviser when the FBI created their executive leadership development programs as well as being chosen to be a leadership instructor at the FBI’s National Academy, a 10-week college program for law enforcement executives from all over the world.­ Bret has been qualified as a financial crimes and money laundering expert in the Middle District of Florida as well as the Eastern District of Missouri. He is a four-time winner of the United States Attorney’s Office Special Agent of the Year award for his work in financial crime and money laundering. In addition, Bret has received two commendations from the FBI Director for Leadership and Innovation.

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Wesley Kean, AIA, is a Miami-based architect and Principal and Creative Director of KODA (Kean Office for Design + Architecture). With a background in art and architecture, his work explores the intersection of design, culture, sustainability, and urban context, producing award-winning residential, cultural, and commercial projects. Wesley is a nationally recognized designer, recipient of the AIA National Young Architects Award, and has been honored by AIA Florida and AIA Miami for design excellence. His work has been widely published in Architectural Digest, Wallpaper, The Wall Street Journal, and Architect magazine. Wesley is actively engaged in civic leadership, serving on local planning boards and community organizations.

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JEFRË (born Jefre Figueras Manuel) is a Filipino-American visual artist known for creating monumental public artworks that redefine skylines and become cultural landmarks. Born and raised in Chicago to Filipino parents, he studied at the School of the Art Institute of Chicago and earned degrees in landscape architecture and urban design from The Ohio State University. He began his career as an urban designer at the internationally renowned architecture firm Skidmore, Owings & Merrill, contributing to large-scale master planning globally.­
After surviving a life-changing heart attack, JEFRË shifted to public art and, in his first year, became one of the fastest-emerging public artists by winning 8 out of 12 public art design competitions, surpassing one million dollars in awards. Over his career, he has won nearly 40 million dollars in public art design competitions, with iconic works like “The Victor,” a 28-story sculpture in Manila, and a seven-story heart sculpture in Florida.­
His first solo museum show, “Points of Connection,” debuted at the Orlando Museum of Art. His work has been featured in Rolling Stone, Vogue, CNN, and The New York Times, and he was nominated for the Cooper Hewitt Smithsonian Design Award in the Design Mind category. In 2026, JEFRË was signed by Daymond John’s Shark Group to manage his art branding and licensing deals. John dubbed him the “Skyline Whisperer” for his ability to reshape urban landscapes while aligning art with business impact.­

Eric Kleinsteuber, AIA is President and Design Director at KMF Architects, where he leads diverse projects for federal, state, and local governments, higher education, cultural institutions, aviation, K–12, and historic preservation clients. A national award-winning architect, he has served as a professor of architecture at the University of Central Florida, President of the Society of American Registered Architects Florida Chapter, Chairman of the OC Building Code Board of Adjustments and Appeals, and Chairman of the City of Orlando Historic Preservation Board. Eric and KMF are recognized leaders in historic preservation in Florida, with notable work on the Rogers-Kiene Building, the Leu House Museum, and the Mote-Morris House.

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Tyler Landry is a metal sales specialist with Compass Sales Group, focusing on single skin and aluminum composite (ACM) façade solutions. He works closely with architects and contractors to provide guidance on system selection, material performance, and application strategies. With a strong background in the ACM industry, Tyler brings expertise across all stages of the process—including panel systems, sheet selection, fabrication, and installation.

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Danielle Mokris is the Southeast Region Technical Director for the Block Design Collective, an initiative of the Concrete Masonry Checkoff that provides nationwide support for concrete masonry design. A civil engineer with extensive research and field experience, she previously spent seven years at the U.S. Army Engineer Research and Development Center (ERDC), where she served as a research engineer and program manager. Mokris was also a cold weather concrete subject matter expert for the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers and lead principal investigator for the ERDC concrete program. A native of Panama City, Florida, she holds B.S. and M.E. degrees from the University of Florida and is active in ASCE and ACI leadership.

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Marilys R. Nepomechie, M.Arch., FAIA, is Distinguished University Professor of Architecture and Associate Dean of Faculty and Program Development in the College of Communication, Architecture + The Arts at Florida International University. A registered architect, her work explores the cultural, social, and environmental contexts of design through research, writing, urban design, and practice. Her projects have received numerous awards and are included in the archives of the U.S. National Building Museum. Nepomechie is author of Building Paradise: An Architectural Guide to the Magic City and has received major research grants from national foundations and agencies. She is a past president of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture.

Karla is an Ecuadorian architect, with a master of advanced studies in landscape architecture from ETH Zurich. In June 2021, she finished her Ph.D. at ETH Zurich, which investigated the integration of artificial and human intelligence to have a precise and agile response to natural disasters. Since August 2021, Karla is an assistant professor in the School of Architecture at the University of Florida; her teaching and research focus on investigating the interplay of artificial and human intelligence in architectural practices at building and urban scale. Karla is the leading researcher at SHARE Lab; a research group focused on developing human-centered AI projects focused on design practices.

With nearly five years of experience in the design and implementation of large moving glass wall systems, Bethany Ollison has become a trusted name in the architectural glazing industry. Known for blending innovation with practical expertise, she has collaborated with architects, developers, and contractors on both residential and commercial projects, helping to integrate cutting-edge glazing solutions that are functional, aesthetically pleasing, and performance driven.

Bethany is deeply passionate about pushing the boundaries of modern architecture. She is constantly exploring new ways to enhance the performance and design of large-scale glazing systems. Whether it's a custom installation or providing expert guidance on product specifications, she ensures every project meets the unique needs and vision of her clients.

Ruffin is a founding principal of Rhodes+Brito Architects, which he established with business partner Maximiano (Max) Brito, AIA, in 1996. What began as a two-person firm has grown to a staff of nearly 50 with offices in Orlando and Cape Canaveral AFB. A registered architect with more than 39 years of experience, Ruffin oversees daily operations and business development while contributing expertise across diverse projects, from federal courthouses and military complexes to community facilities. Committed to service, he has served on numerous nonprofit boards supporting Central Florida communities. A Florida A&M University graduate, Ruffin lives in Oviedo with his wife, Sara, and enjoys traveling the world.­

Jason is President and Chief Revenue Officer of SLIMPACT, a structurally glazed, frameless, hurricane-approved glazing system that delivers expansive, unobstructed views. With nearly 30 years serving Florida’s architectural community, he previously spent two decades as CEO of Miami-based Iberia Tiles Corporation, which he sold in 2012. That same year, he authored “Leading by Listening and Obeying,” a practical team-building guide rooted in luxury retail and construction distribution. For the last decade, Jason has grown SLIMPACT’s regionally based A&D consultant team and partnered with Florida glazing companies to deliver comprehensive, customer-focused envelope and fenestration solutions.

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Stephen Schreiber, FAIA, is a Professor and Chair of the Department of Architecture at the University of Massachusetts at Amherst. He is a graduate of Dartmouth College (B.A.)­and Harvard University (M.Arch.).

Professor Schreiber has served as dean/director at the school of architecture at the University of South Florida, and director of the architecture program at the University of New Mexico. His research and professional work has been published in numerous journals. Schreiber was the 2005-06 President of the Association of Collegiate Schools of Architecture (ACSA). ­He is a member of the Massachusetts Board of Registration of Architects.

Kristin Scroggin is a nationally recognized expert on generational diversity and workplace communication. Armed with a master’s degree in communication studies from the University of Alabama and a bachelor’s from Montevallo, she built nearly 20 years of research as a professor at the University of Alabama in Huntsville before founding genWHY Communications in 2017. Known for her straight-talk style and wicked humor, Kristin has spoken in 42 states and three countries, reaching 350+ organizations across 160 conferences. A published writer, podcast guest, and researcher, she helps organizations bridge generational gaps, strengthen leadership, attract, develop, and retain top talent.

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­Dan is Director of Design Technology at Lake|Flato, the top-ranked architecture firm based in San Antonio, Texas, where he also leads the firm’s internal research program, Investigations. A registered architect in Wisconsin, Dan is an educator, author, blogger, and international speaker who teaches graduate architecture students at North Dakota State University. He has authored 20 textbooks, including the #1 Revit book in North America, widely used in academia. Committed to climate action, Dan helped author the AIA Climate Action Business Playbook and serves in national AIA leadership roles. He regularly presents worldwide on building performance and design technology.

Kaden Stinger is an Architect Engagement Specialist at Special-Lite Inc. and an experienced public relations and sales professional in the building materials industry. He specializes in elevating brand awareness, generating qualified leads, and turning opportunities into lasting client relationships. Kaden is skilled in direct sales, public speaking, and translating technical value for any audience. He also delivers strategic marketing support, including digital campaigns, email and social media marketing, video content, and branding. Known for his collaborative style and results-driven mindset, Kaden partners with stakeholders and leadership to align communication, marketing, and sales strategies with business goals.

Will is a seasoned transition consultant with deep expertise in financial modeling, strategic planning, and ownership transitions for AEC firms. Since 2016, he has helped firms nationwide navigate everything from straightforward one-to-one deals to complex, multi-stakeholder transitions requiring rigorous financial analysis. Coming from a long line of architects, Will brings a personal commitment to the long-term success and longevity of design firms. His work focuses on ownership transition planning, business valuation, mergers and acquisitions strategy, leadership compensation planning, benchmarking, performance analytics, and stakeholder education—helping firms build clarity, alignment, and sustainable futures.

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Matt is a champion for collaborative innovation in architectural practice. As an architect, maker, mentor, and strategic partner, Matt channels his passion for design into developing projects that amplify and advance the client's mission. As Principal Architect at Columbus-based Elevation Studio, Matt leverages the power of good design to maximize the social and financial impact of projects across a broad range of scales. Volunteerism is core to Matt’s value proposition and the Elevation Studio model. He currently serves as an At-Large Director to the board of the American Institute of Architects. Matt has previously served as the Chair of the AIA Young Architects Forum and Past President of AIA Columbus and is an advocate for mentorship and providing a platform for new voices in the industry. In 2021, Matt received the AIA Young Architect Award in recognition of his efforts in advancing mentorship and inspiring innovation in the profession, and in 2023 was recognized with AIA Ohio's Mentorship Award.

Arthur van der Harten is lead acoustician at TLC Engineering Solutions and a recognized authority in architectural acoustics. With over 15 years of experience at the intersection of architecture, acoustic design, and computational modeling, he collaborates with architects and engineers to make sound a core element of the built environment. He previously led the acoustics consultancy within Foster + Partners’ Specialist Modelling Group, contributing to projects such as Southbank Cultural Precinct, Apple Campus II, and Bloomberg Square Office. Founder of ORASE and developer of the open-source Pachyderm Acoustic platform, Arthur lectures internationally and holds graduate degrees in Architecture and Architectural Acoustics.

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Kelly Wieczorek, AIA, LEED AP BD+C­
Vice President
Goodwyn Mills Cawood

Kelly is the Office Leader for Pensacola and active in the Pensacola community. She serves on several local boards including the City of Pensacola Urban Core Redevelopment Board and the Downtown YMCA Advisory Council. She is a graduate of Leadership Pensacola and was elected as a 2023-2024 Vice President of AIA Florida, in addition to serving in several previous leadership positions for AIA on the local and state levels. She was awarded the Associate Member Individual Honor Award from AIA Florida, the Service to the Profession Award from AIA Florida Northwest, has been recognized as a Citizen Architect and was awarded an AIA Florida Presidential Citation in 2014.

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Mr. Yeslow has 24 years of experience in the architecture and construction management profession with experience in a wide range of projects ranging from commercial, retail, mixed-use, residential, hospitality, educational, medical and government facilities.­ He possesses proficiency in designing and managing projects with multiple programs throughout all phases of the design and construction process.

Don Yoshino, FAIA is principal of Yoshino Architecture, PA, located in Boca Raton, Florida. Since his graduation from CalPoly in 1965, he has embarked on a career with an international focus. Beginning with a graduate program at Kyoto University in Japan, where he studied Japanese architectural history. He then returned to the US to apprentice under world renowned Italian architect and visionary, Paolo Soleri in Scottsdale, Arizona at Arcosanti. Yoshino’s portfolio comprises all facets of architecture from industrial to residential, with some of his most notable projects including an award-winning 23-story luxury condo in Fort Lauderdale, several high-end, single-family homes in South Florida, as well as hotel design in Spain and India.

Yoshino began his engagement in the American Institute of Architects in 1971 as a member, and served in numerous leadership positions at the local, state, and national levels and was elevated to the College of Fellows in 2007. . In 2017, Yoshino was conferred the Order of the Rising Sun, Gold and Silver Rays medal from the Foreign Ministry of Japan for his continuous work in bridging the culture between Japan and the United States. Yoshino is currently an adjunct professor at Florida Atlantic University.

Ryan Young, AIA, co-founded Interstruct Design + Build in 2001 and has spent over 30 years working at the intersection of architecture, construction, and urban infill development. After earning his architecture license in 2009, he guided the firm’s transformation into a vertically integrated design-build practice with offices across the Southeast. Under his leadership, Interstruct has delivered more than 16 million square feet of commercial, mixed-use, and infill projects. Young’s work emphasizes people-centered, context-driven architecture, adaptive reuse, and walkable communities. Through initiatives like Parramore Arts and Project 814, he champions socially and culturally vibrant neighborhoods and sustainable urban growth.