a’23 Design Talks, Presentations & Education

Featuring inspiring climate content, tours and panel discussions from industry leaders on a variety of relevant topics.

Schedule At-A-Glance

Attendees will not be required to pre-register for sessions in advance. Attend any session you like and change sessions freely. View Detailed Program Descriptions for each program below.

Detailed Program Descriptions

Block I : 3:30- 4:30 pm

A | Rethinking Material Selection Process through Embodied Carbon Reduction | Healthier Material and Circular Economy. 

1.5 HSW+ ZNCD( PENDING APPROVAL) 

COTE, Net Zero Carbon Design, Sustainability

In this course, Megumi Hironaka will share ways to reduce embodied carbon emissions in a built environment through a balance of healthier material and circular economy. We will explore reduction approaches that can be implemented in our daily professional practices as well as ways the AEC industry can move forward before 2030.

Presented By: Megumi Hironaka

Megumi brings over 20 years of experience in the planning, design, and construction of higher education, civic, and mixed-use developments throughout California. She brings a technical expertise in managing and producing all architectural project documentation with a focus on designing and developing highly sustainable and healthy buildings. As a WELL Accredited Professional, Megumi is dedicated to improving working and living environments through design solutions that promote creativity, well-being, and community. She is serving as a Chair for the AIA Los Angeles, Committee on the Environment (COTE).

____________________________

B | Life Cycle Analysis (LCA) | TAP

1.5 hsw / ZNCD (pending approval)

Sustainability, Zero Net Carbon Design, Technology In Architectural Practice

Life Cycle Analysis studies are becoming an increasingly common component of the design process. While there are many resources and presentations to support structural or “whole building” LCAs, there is less available to help designers incorporate global warming potential and other environmental health impacts of material choices into interior furniture, finishes, and equipment decisions. This presentation will show how not only to complete the calculations for a Life Cycle Assessment into an interiors project, but how to guide your client into making material decisions that are better for occupants and better for the environment, while taking into account other concerns such as aesthetics and durability.

Presented by:

Juan Sora | Gensler

____________________________

C | Strategies for the Decarbonization of Universities, Colleges, and Schools | Case Study: Southwestern College – Instructional Building

1.5 hsw + ZNCD  ( PENDING APPROVAL)

Net Zero Carbon Design, Sustainability

Achieving net zero carbon impact is one of the major challenges facing the design community when planning for new or remodel buildings and campuses, requiring a fundamental shift in our approach to design. This presentation will explore and identify the various elements of decarbonization and the steps we can take to create a path toward carbon neutrality. A complete understanding of the metrics that drive the design process and a holistic view of the environmental impact of a new building is required. A full assessment of carbon emissions of our project included an examination of the embodied carbon emissions, reduction of operational carbon emissions, as well as location factors. The goals achieved by this project reflect the progress toward eventual carbon neutrality. We will also discuss our challenges, design decisions, materials used and new technology that requires a fresh look at operating and ongoing commissioning of the facilities, while also examining the continuous improvements needed to engage with the building users.

Presented By:

Architect Amanuel Woldemikael | Project Architect at Gensler

Contributors:

Thomas Walborn, Associate | Architectural Designer, Gensler

Robert Fagnant | Associate Partner, Syska Hennessy Group

Ramon Ybarra | Project Manager/Owner’s Rep at Southwestern College

Moderator: Djana Venolia, AIA Intl. Associate, IIDA Associate | Western Lighting & Energy Controls

____________________________

D | Designing for All | Redefining Inclusive & Universal Design Strategies

1 hsw (pending approval)

Universal Design, Inclusive Design, Accessibility

This presentation will highlight examples of Inclusive and Universal Design. Our panelists will discuss design strategies, challenges, and case studies used in their practice and discuss the importance of universal design. This is not an accessibility course. Rather, the talk will focus on design strategies that promote inclusivity for all groups via design. 

Moderator: Barbara Leon, AIA | Heleo Architecture and Design

Panelists:

Zachary Silver | Director of Inclusive Design, Gensler San Diego

Jennifer Montgomery | PLA, Associate, Schmidt Design Group

____________________________

Special Session: 4:30- 6:00 pm

E | SB-10 | When Improper Planning Catches Up to Us (A Panel Discussion)

2 HSW

RDAC, Urban Design, Housing, Urban Planning, Advocacy

"You can build lots of houses, but the danger is in building houses without a total vision. We need to be guided by the understanding that we are creating neighborhoods, that means transportation, schools, and open space - Communities."

-Michael Willis, FAIA , Housing and neighborhood revitalization

There is a great need for housing in San Diego, and there is widespread agreement that the need constitutes a housing crisis, the most critical being affordable and "missing middle" housing. To meet this need, the State of California has approved legislation to make it easier to locate and build higher-density housing.

In addition to the State legislation, the City of San Diego has approved additional regulatory changes to expedite meeting the housing need. Due to the overwhelming response from the citizens of San Diego, in August, the City of San Diego Planning Commission removed SB10 from the city's housing package.

Now is our opportunity to gather as a community and discuss the issue at hand. How can we meet our housing needs and at the same time create complete communities? This is a question we as a community must answer. 

Panelists:

Bill Anderson FAICP | Urban Planner/economist. Fmr City of San Diego Planning Director. Fmr. National APA President

Gary London | Real estate economist. LondonMoeder Group consultants

Mary Lydon | Community Development. Executive Director HomeAid, fmr. Executive Director, Housing You Matters

Susan Baldwin | Urban Planner. Former SANDAG Housing Planner

Ricardo Flores | Exec. Dir. SD LISC

Andrew Malick | Housing Developer. Malick Infill Development

Geoff Hueter | Community Activist. President Neighbors for A Better San Diego

Moderated By: Michael Stepner, FAIA

Block ii : 4:45 - 5:45

F | Nature Based Solutions for a Smart Climate | A Case Study of Navy Pier/ Freedom Park

1 HSW

Landscape Architecture, Net Zero Carbon Design, Sustainability, COTE

As part of the mitigation for view loss as required by the California Coastal Commission, Freedom Park on Navy Pier has been in the planning process for decades. The proposed five-acre, $60-million park would include pedestrian paths, memorials and monuments, concessions, play structures, restrooms, landscaping with native plants and shade trees and would be open daily with no entry fees. Pat Caughey, principal owner of Wimmer Yamada and Caughey, will illustrate the elaborate plans for the park and answer questions about key details impacting the community.

Presented By: Pat Caughey, ASLA

Pat Caughey is a graduate of Arizona State University with a bachelor of science in design, emphasis on urban planning and landscape architecture. Currently, he is a licensed landscape architect in Arizona, Nevada, and Utah, as well as California. The American Society of Landscape Architects (ASLA) inducted Pat as a Fellow in the class of 2004. He served as national president of the ASLA in 2007, and in 2013 was honored with its President’s Medal. He has served on the national board of the ACE Mentor Program of America, an Architecture, Construction, and Engineering program for high school students. He also has served on the board of Friends of Balboa Park (now, Forever Balboa Park). In 2017, Pat was named a distinguished alumnus of the Arizona State University School of Design.

____________________________

G | AI in Architecture | State of the Art 2023 (TAP)

1 HSW

Technology In Architectural Practice, Zero Net Carbon Design

2023 has seen an unbelievable amount of hype around “AI” technologies, which represents a broad swath of potential tools including Large Language Models (LLMs), visual diffusion algorithms, and optimization algorithms. While this area of tech is developing rapidly some insights can be found in looking at how architects and designers are using these tools right now, in real practice. Our own peers are often the best source of true intel on how technology is changing practice. This presentation uses a broad survey of recent panel discussions, presentations, and input sessions to provide a “current state” of AI in design as of 2023, as seen from the perspective of our colleagues and friends.

Presented By: Ben Regnier | Gensler, Technology In Architectural Practice

____________________________

H | Embodied Carbon | A Primer on Methodologies to Reduce its Impact on the Built Environment

1.5 HSW + ZNCD  ( PENDING APPROVAL)

COTE, Net Zero Carbon Design, Sustainability

Recognizing the impacts that embodied carbon plays in climate action and the forthcoming requirements to measurably reduce it in our built projects, this course will provide a primer on embodied carbon: what it is, what we as architects can do, and a roadmap for analyzing embodied carbon in our practice.

Presenter: Benjamin Dalton, Partner, AIA, LEED AP The Miller Hull Partnership, LLP

Ben Dalton is a Partner at the Miller Hull Partnership where he leads the San Diego Studio practice. A design leader in the firm, Ben has lectured extensively on Miller Hull’s work and mission to push the envelope in sustainability. From Ben’s perspective, the perfect building is one that takes full advantage of its natural surroundings, doing everything to maintain a person’s physical comfort, while deeply connecting them to their place, their environment, and their community.

_________________________

I | Mentorship and Work/Life Balance in Architecture

1 LU

During this panel discussion, leaders from San Diego firms will have a conversation about what mentorship means in our field and opportunities to enhance it. The panel will also discuss best-practices and real life examples of how to achieve a positive work-life balance. Audience participation is welcomed as we unwind the challenges of loving what we do and ensuring the continued support of future generations of architects.

Presented By:

Anthony Damon | DPR Construction | ACE Mentorship

Executive Panelists:

Brianna Coston | Coston Architects, Project Manager

Jamie Intervalo, AIA, LEED AP BD+C| Studio Director

Erick Moden, AIA | DGA, Senior Project Manager

Garrett Van Leeuwen, AIA | Gensler, Design Director

____________________________

J | Contract Tips | Design and Contract Tips In A Changing Environment. 

1 hsw

Best Practices, Contracts, Business

 With a rapidly evolving environment due to climate change, how do designers focus their craft given present codes and future demands.  Our presentation focuses on the present factors which comprise the standard of care and how they evolved to date.  We will also look at the future and whether designers can and should incorporate additional features to ensure greater utility in the face of climate change. Finally, we bring this into a legal context on how, when and why contracts for professional services need to consider potential future events.

Presented By: Kevin Healy | Senior Counsel Collins + Collins

Block iii : 6:00 PM- 7:00 PM

K | Pioneering Sustainability | Forging a Path towards the Resilient Healthcare of Tomorrow

1.5 HSW/ ZNCD

Healthcare, Sustainability, Resiliency, Academy of Architecture for Health

As we confront the pressing challenges of environmental degradation and global health concerns, the imperative for sustainable practices in the healthcare sector has become increasingly evident. This panel discussion, "The Future of a Sustainable Healthcare Campus," envisions a transformative blueprint for healthcare institutions to create resilient and environmentally conscious campuses that elevate patient care and well-being while minimizing ecological footprints. Drawing together local leaders in healthcare, architecture, renewable energy, and environmental stewardship, the panel will explore innovative strategies and best practices to revolutionize the design, construction, and operation of healthcare campuses.

Through a multi-disciplinary lens, speakers will delve into cutting-edge technologies, regenerative design principles, and circular economy models that can drastically reduce waste and emissions.

Presented By:

Moderator: Calina Ferraro | PE, LEED AP, WELL AP, Assoc. DBIA Principal, Introba

Panelists:

Hollis Gentry | Vice President, Facilities Management and Development Sharp Healthcare

David Cross | Architect, Healthcare Senior Project Manager, Life Point Health

Walt Vernon | PE, LEED AP, EDAC, FASHE, CEO of Mazzetti

Rod Barker | Program Manager – Hillcrest Redevelopment Phase One UC San Diego: Capital Program Management

_________________________

L | Great Lost Buildings Of San Diego

1 hsw (pending approval)

Preservation, Architectural History

Some of San Diego’s best buildings, created by our most skilled architects, are no longer around. This lecture is a celebration of San Diego County’s best architecture that has been lost over the years, as seen in historic images. Learn about some of Irving Gill’s finest works, as well as other master architects such as Harrison Albright, Bertram Goodhue, and Frank Hope. Architect and author David Marshall, AIA, will take you on this tour of the past in an effort to keep these buildings from being forgotten.

Presented By: David Marshall, AIA | President of Heritage Architecture & Planning

David Marshall, AIA is president of Heritage Architecture & Planning. David has helped preserve and restore many significant historic buildings, including the Western Metal Supply building, Organ Pavilion, Balboa Theatre, Top Gun House, and Hotel del Coronado. David is also past president of SOHO and the California Preservation Foundation. He has authored two books, San Diego’s Balboa Park and Forgotten San Diego.

_________________________

M | Embodied Carbon and Materials | Understanding Environmental Product Declarations

1.5 HSW + ZNCD  ( PENDING APPROVAL)

COTE, Net Zero Carbon Design, Sustainability

With sustainable design making leaps and bounds in the built environment, materials have come under much scrutiny with ingredients and embodied carbon. Learn about the various sustainable product certifications and standards and how to use them to specify healthy, low carbon interiors. This presentation will also cover design baselines and a manufacturer case study to show how manufacturers are stepping up to the plate in response to a growing sustainable building trend.

Presenter: Denise Colestock Tamez | WELL Faculty, LEED A.P. BD+C

Milliken & Co

7:00 PM- 8:00 PM : Mix & Mingle!

Thank you to our annual sustaining partners

Thank you to our Event Sponsors