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Blueprints for Progress

Strategies for Advancing Austin's Architectural Vision

Doug Voigt

Doug Voigt

Urban Design and Planning Partner

Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

Daniel Brooks

Daniel Brooks

Principal Architect

Page

Kirsten Cessna

Kirsten Cessna

Principal, Managing Director

Gensler

Wyatt Frantom

Wyatt Frantom

Principal, Design Director

Perkins&Will

Jennifer Seay

Jennifer Seay

Founder & CEO

Art + Artisans

Guy Smith
Moderator

Guy Smith

Associate Principal

HLB Lighting Design

Daniel Brooks

Principal Architect

Page

“Daniel Brooks is an architect and Page’s Corporate/Commercial Market Sector Leader with over 30 years of professional practice experience. Daniel has helped guide and deliver many of Page’s most prestigious projects. His career has encompassed commercial, multifamily, civic, academic, government, and sports-related projects ranging from private residences to multi-block mixed use urban developments.

Daniel is an expert in the unique demands of high-rise design and construction, and currently serves as the project director for several prominent skyscrapers and mixed-use projects in downtown Austin. These include the Texas Facilities Commission Texas Capitol Complex Phase 1, Indeed Tower, 70 Rainey Street Residential Tower, 321 West 6th Street, Travis County’s District Attorney’s Office Building and 44 East Ave Residential Tower.”

Kirsten Cessna

Principal, Managing Director

Gensler

A registered interior designer, Kirsten Cessna is Principal and Managing Director of Gensler Austin. Her expertise in retail and aviation practice areas, operations and client management encompasses projects across the United States.

Kirsten's project experience includes working with clients such as American Airlines, Fletcher Jones, Sewell Automotive, and Toyota. As a client relationship champion, Kirsten thrives on the collaboration it takes to bring a client's vision to fruition.

She served as the 2018 CREW Future Leaders (CFL) co-chair and was a member of CREW Fort Worth for several years. Kirsten mentored as part of ACE Mentor Program (DFW Chapter) guiding the next generation of builders, engineers and designers and empowering them to achieve their dreams in architecture, construction and engineer fields.

Kirsten holds a Master's in Business Administration from University of Texas at Arlington and Bachelors in Architectural Studies from University of Missouri.

Wyatt Frantom

Principal, Design Director

Perkins&Will

Wyatt Frantom, FAIA is an experienced cross-disciplinary collaborator and award-winning designer. An Architect licensed in Texas and California, and a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects, Wyatt serves as Principal and Design Director with Perkins&Will.

With over 25 years of experience designing, leading, and executing innovative projects in the U.S. and abroad, Wyatt has gained a deep understanding of markets and the global design culture while working to deliver world-class architecture. As a forward-thinking and collaborative industry leader with Practice Area specialization in Office Buildings, Headquarters, Corporate Campuses, and Higher Education, Wyatt has brought his passion for design and for environmentally-responsive building to a broad range of project types.

An accomplished architect, Wyatt has spoken regularly at conferences across the country, has taught architectural design and regularly serves as critic at universities, and on design and award juries within the industry. Wyatt received a Master of Architecture degree from Rice University, a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from The Ohio State University, and a Graduate Certificate in Real Estate from Harvard University.

Wyatt and his projects have been recognized and published widely; including honors by the Chicago Athenaeum, the AIA COTE Top Ten Award, the ULI Charter Award, and numerous AIA State and local design awards among others; delivering LEED Platinum as well as WELL-certified projects. He has been recognized as recipient of the 2014 BD+C National 40-under-40 Award, the 2014 AIA National Young Architects Award, the 2007 AIA Houston Young Architect Award, and the 1997 AIA Columbus Student of the Year Award. In 2019, Wyatt was elevated to the College of Fellows of the American Institute of Architects. Fellows are recognized with the AIA's highest membership honor for their exceptional work and contributions to the profession and to society - exemplifying architectural excellence.

Jennifer Seay

Founder & CEO

Art + Artisans

Jennifer is the Founder and CEO of Art + Artisans. She has helped clients create meaningful, impactful spaces for the past 22 years. Jennifer is passionate about helping her clients succeed and showing them how art can be part of the strategy to achieve their vision and attract their ideal market. She believes that art creates spaces with unique identities that people love and want to visit again and again, bringing countless positive experiences that inspire and build community. Jennifer views her primary role today as Chief Relationship Builder both with clients and within her team. Jennifer has built a culture at A+A deeply rooted in delivering excellence in both client service and quality of work delivered. Developing and nurturing trust with clients, team members, artists and vendors is what has enabled Art + Artisans’ success for 22 years. Jennifer has led many large commercial projects across the country with clients who understand the importance integrating art to tell a story, convey their brand, build community, and engage people.

Jennifer is a graduate of the University of Texas at Austin and has lived in Austin for over 30 years. She has served on the Executive Board of CREW Austin and as a Guardian Angel for the Center for Child Protection. In 2018, she was a nominee for the Austin Business Journal's Profiles in Power, a finalist for the Austin Business Journal's CEO of the Year in 2019, and a Bisnow honoree for Women Leading Austin Real Estate in 2024.

Guy Smith

Moderator

HLB Lighting Design

As a design leader, Guy brings a seasoned and holistic perspective that translates into spectacular lighting experiences. Throughout his career of nearly 40 years, Guy has spearheaded the design of numerous award-winning projects as both a licensed architect and a lighting designer. He serves as an Associate Principal at HLB and a leader of firmwide initiatives related to business development and geographic expansion. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Healthcare Steering Committee in Los Angeles and is certified through the National Council on Qualifications for the Lighting Professions (NCQLP).

Hitting the Sweet Spot

Aligning Budget, Utility, Beauty, and Teamwork in Design

David Dalton

David Dalton

Partner & Managing Director, Central Texas

Kirksey

Eric Van Hyfte

Eric Van Hyfte

Principal

BOKA Powell

Maija Kreishman

Maija Kreishman

Senior Principal

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Cynthia Dehlavi

Cynthia Dehlavi

Director of Design

KW Landscape Architects

Matt Isbell

Matt Isbell

President

EnvelopiQ

Jenna Steinbeck

Jenna Steinbeck

Associate

Lake|Flato

George Blume
Moderator

George Blume

Principal, Design

HOK

David Dalton

Partner & Managing Director, Central Texas

Kirksey

As a Partner and Managing Director, David leads the strategic growth of our Central Texas office and works on many high-profile projects. His ability to creatively merge both interior design with architecture leverages a unique perspective for his clients and informs his collaborative leadership style in our Central Texas office. David commits his time and energy to industry and community causes and has successfully created a strong network in the real estate and AEC community.

Eric Van Hyfte

Principal

BOKA Powell

Eric Van Hyfte is the Principal in charge of BOKA Powell’s Austin Office. He has been living and working in Austin since 1993 when he arrived to pursue a graduate degree at The University of Texas. His project management skills have been honed on numerous corporate, student housing, multi-family, retail and mixed-use development projects in and around Austin and Central Texas, as well as throughout the state of Texas and the United States. Eric is experienced in multiple disciplines including design, master planning, construction document production, and construction administration. Eric consistently places a strong focus on “green” design and creative sustainable solutions, including past experience with mass timber, underfloor air systems, rainwater harvesting and innovative stormwater management practices.

Maija Kreishman

Senior Principal

Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

Maija Kreishman, AIA, IIDA, is Senior Principal at Michael Hsu Office of Architecture (MHOA), where she has been a critical member of the firm since 2007. In addition to managing a broad range of architecture and interior projects, Maija oversees strategic visioning, studio culture, operations, marketing, and business development.

Maija’s passion for food and travel has shaped her design perspective and developed in her a penchant for hospitality design. Prioritizing experience, her design approach seeks to engage and connect the user to a space by prompting a response to interiors, materials and furnishings. Currently, Maija is drawing design inspiration from her recent travels to South Africa, Latvia, Amsterdam, and Iceland.

Cynthia Dehlavi

Director of Design

KW Landscape Architects

Cynthia, a Houston native, holds a Bachelor’s in Architecture from the University of Houston and a Master’s in Landscape Architecture from Harvard University. She gained international experience at a Dutch architecture firm and contributed to MIT’s design/build studios before returning to teach Architecture at the University of Houston. Her work spans institutional landscapes, mixed-use developments, master planning, public parks, and roof gardens. Cynthia's featured project, the Montrose Collective in Houston, exemplifies her commitment to sustainable urban design. This mixed-use development includes retail, office spaces, health facilities, and a new public library. The design creates a vibrant community space in the central paseo with a patterned tile floor and luscious planted berms. As the user walks around the perimeter of the building, each side is a little different, creating a dynamic experience while sparking curiosity. Driven by a passion for connecting people to nature, Cynthia aims to foster environmental stewardship and enhance community well-being through her innovative landscape designs.

Matt Isbell

President

EnvelopiQ

Matt Isbell is the President and Founder of EnvelopiQ, bringing over 20 years of experience in the construction and technology industry. Throughout his career, Matt has been instrumental in designing and implementing technology for some of the largest and most complex projects. For the past decade, he has focused on adopting a user and experience-driven approach to planning and integrating technology within the built environment. His expertise and dedication have positioned him as a leader in the field.

Matt and EnvelopiQ are currently involved in planning and connecting technology in iconic projects across the country. These include the $4.3 billion IU Health Downtown Hospital, OCVIBE in Anaheim, CA, COTA Turn 11 car condos, the $650 million+ Indiana School for the Deaf and Blind, Elanco Animal Health’s new global headquarters, and the Bottleworks District in Indianapolis.

A native of Indianapolis, where EnvelopiQ is headquartered, Matt also oversees an office in Austin, TX. His innovative mindset continues to drive EnvelopiQ’s success and influence in the industry.

Jenna Steinbeck

Associate

Lake|Flato

A native Austinite and an Associate in Lake|Flato’s Austin office, Jenna designs spaces that create synergies between architecture, interiors and the urban environment. She is passionate about creating spaces that encourage social engagement and contribute to the wellbeing of users through the use of sustainable practices. She collaborates closely with dynamic design teams and clients to create compelling human scaled environments that celebrate environmentally-friendly and beautiful design.

George Blume

Moderator

HOK

George is a Design Principal at HOK with nearly 20 years of experience and a passion for the spirit of exploration and appreciation for art embodied by his work. He has spent the majority of his career designing mixed-use, corporate and commercial projects with an eye for placemaking and capitalizing on the natural environment in which his buildings call home. As an Texas native, George endeavors to create architecture that becomes a place to escape the city.

WHY YOU SHOULD ATTEND

What You'll Learn: 

  • How can Austin's architecture evolve to better support sustainable growth and environmental responsibility?

  • What are the most significant challenges facing Austin's urban development, and how can innovative design address these issues?

  • How do you balance the preservation of Austin's unique cultural identity with the need for modern infrastructure and development?

  • What role do public spaces and community involvement play in shaping the future architectural landscape of Austin?

  • What strategies can designers employ to ensure projects meet budget constraints without compromising on functionality or aesthetics?

  • Can you share examples of successful projects where utility and beauty were perfectly balanced despite budget limitations?

  • How do you approach value engineering in a way that enhances rather than detracts from the overall design?

  • What are the latest trends in cost-effective materials and technologies that can help achieve a harmonious blend of budget, utility, and beauty?

  • How can architectural design be used as a powerful tool to convey a brand's identity and values?

  • What are some key elements to consider when integrating brand storytelling into the physical space of a building or development?

How You'll Do More Business

Why attend the Austin Annual Architecture & Design Conference? This premier event is your gateway to exploring cutting-edge strategies for advancing Austin's architectural vision. Dive into insightful discussions on creating balanced designs that harmonize budget, utility, and aesthetics. Discover how to leverage architecture and design to craft compelling brand stories that resonate. Whether you're an industry veteran or an emerging talent, this conference offers unparalleled opportunities to learn from the best, network with peers, and be inspired by innovative ideas shaping the future of architecture and design. Don't miss out on this chance to be at the forefront of Austin's design evolution!

Who You'll Network With At This Discussion: ATX's top architecture shops, developers, public officials and more! 

Questions about your ticket purchase or interested in sponsoring? Reach out to customerservice@bisnow.com for customer support. For questions, recommendations, comments or press inquiries please email our Texas Director of Operations Sophie McCourt at sophie.mccourt@bisnow.com.  To request disability-related accommodations, please contact ellie.boyle@bisnow.com no later than seven business days prior to the event.

Venue

The Omni
700 San Jacinto At, E 8th St
Austin, TX 78701

Ballroom:
Cocktail: Guadalupe
Main Event: Mansfield/Pennybacker


Valet parking onsite for $25.00

Get Directions

Agenda

Time Activity
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Coffee, Breakfast and Networking
3:00 PM
3:50 PM
Blueprints for Progress: Strategies for Advancing Austin's Architectural Vision
3:50 PM
4:00 PM
Networking and Coffee Break
4:00 PM
4:50 PM
Hitting the Sweet Spot: Aligning Budget, Utility, Beauty, and Teamwork in Design
4:50 PM
5:30 PM
Closing Networking

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