Evan Jahn is a firm believer in the power of technical architecture to advance sustainability goals while enriching the experience of the built environment. With a collaborative approach, he has played a key role in more than thirty new construction projects across commercial, industrial, residential, and institutional sectors—each meeting or surpassing sustainability certification benchmarks.

Evan brings deep expertise in virtual design and construction, paired with a strong command of early design decisions essential for aligning architectural expression with project performance and client vision. As president of Jahn, he integrates these experiences in evolving the studio to remain at the cutting of edge architecture.

Sarah provides extensive experience in both architecture and construction management. A licensed project architect, she has been involved in all aspects of project delivery from conceptual design through construction administration.

Sarah has led teams on a variety of developments across the globe, including office buildings, hotels, higher education, and high rise, in both new construction and adaptive reuse. A passionate advocate for Chicago, she is committed to improving the quality of life in our city and volunteers with several architectural organizations, as well as serving on the Planning and Advocacy Committee for the Chicago Loop Alliance and the local product council for the Urban Land Institute.

Sarah’s projects have won numerous awards including the ULI Global Award for Excellence, AIA Chicago Divine Detail Award, and the Greater Chicago Food Depository Redevelopment of the Year.

"Rather than responding to preconceived notions about what looks good and works, an architectural solution should solve unique challenges. If we do this, the value will be intrinsically embedded in the building’s DNA. This is where smart, timeless and great design lives."

Peter is the design principal for HOK’s Chicago studio and a member of the firm’s global design board. He challenge assumptions about what each project should be. His favorite question is, “Why?”

Peter is passionate about the vital role architecture plays in cities and passionate about redefining our cities to accommodate future generations. His experience includes a variety of projects in the U.S., China, Russia and the UAE, and he has special expertise in airport design.

As a former adjunct professor at Columbia University, Peter is dedicated to strengthening the relationship between academia and professional design.

As Managing Principal of Gensler’s North Central Region and past Co-Managing Principal of Gensler’s Southeast, U.K., EMEA and Gulf Regions, Ken is considered a global expert on workplace design and planning. He has designed more than 20 million square feet of corporate headquarters and offices for law firms and financial institutions across the globe. One of Gensler’s major Global Account holders, Ken manages the global client relationship with Sidley Austin and has previously served as a client leader for Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom; JP Morgan Chase UK and Europe; and Barclay's Capital UK and Europe. Ken is also a leader in Gensler’s furniture and product development practice. He is passionate about producing design solutions that optimize trends that align with clients’ core objectives, frequently sharing his global expertise and speaking about the power of design at industry events around the world. Ken serves on the board of the National Building Museum and of beOriginals America and is a Fellow of the College of Law Practice Management.

Wei Yu, AIA, LEED AP BD+C is the owner and principal architect at Yu & Associates Collaborative in Chicago, IL. Born in China, Wei moved to the United States at a young age. With his multi-cultural background, Wei believes that a well-crafted design has the power to uplift the spirit of individuals and communities. He enjoys dialogue with clients, and is involved with all projects at the studio. Wei earned his Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. He worked for high-profile design firms in Chicago and Minneapolis prior to establishing his own studio with a design philosophy that revolves around sensory, value, and sustainability. Wei is an active member of his local community, serving on the board for a non-profit organization, Blessings in a Backpack.

Sandya Dandamudi is President of GI Stone, located in Chicago. Founded 28 years ago by her mother Rani Dandamudi, GI Stone is WBE/MBE certified, a signatory to Union Local 21, and a vital employer.

Sandya’s deep knowledge of stone and her “get it done” attitude has propelled GI Stone as the leading stone company in Chicago. GI Stone is unique in its versatility by executing both Exterior and Interior work – With an impressive resume that includes buildings such as 9 Walton, One Bennet Place, The Ritz Carlton, The Four Seasons Hotel, Wolf Pointe, The Tribune Tower,

Northwestern Outpatient hospital, The Northwestern Kellogg’s School of Business parking garage, One Chicago Square etc. – there is not a project that GI Stone cannot do.

Sandya is also on the Board of the Chicago Marble Contractor’s Association and is an active participant in contract negotiations. She is actively engaged in mentoring, sponsoring, and training apprentices for The Marble Setters Union-Local 21. She has a personal commitment to encouraging individuals who do not have a traditional background in the construction industry.

As a child of immigrants, Sandya understands what the American Dream is about – her parents realized it and she and her two siblings have greatly benefited from their years of hard work. This family drive has led to her conviction that everyone deserves to participate in that dream.

Sandya has an unwavering interest in assuring the existence of services that support emotional health, access to nutritional food and promoting self-expression and identity.

She also believes that through the medium of the Arts, lies a powerful medium that needs to be valued and is active in promoting artistic expression in disenfranchised youth.

It is often heard that Lindsey is the most organized and responsive architect you will ever work with. Lindsey built and managed Sink Combs Dethlefs’ successful Chicago practice before merging with Perkins&Will in 2017.

A natural consensus builder, Lindsey is a skilled moderator who excels at public outreach, client-engagement, and building strategic framework for complex projects. Her practice is founded on exceptional client service and being a thoughtful steward of her clients’ mission and resources. She works tirelessly to elevate the talent and expertise on her team to deliver exceptional results. Her experience working with clients to create places that prioritize well-being, equity, and resilience—core components of the firm’s Living Design framework—is particularly noteworthy, as clients across every market sector are seeking these project outcomes.

“Astute project management allows us to exceed the expectations of our clients. Project delivery is evolving to be more complex, faster, and requiring large teams and input from diverse stakeholders. I welcome the challenge of a large diverse team and intense collaboration. I understand when the process is managed and inclusivity is welcomed, the design outcomes are better. We work collaboratively to deliver on our clients’ mission and to positively impact the communities we serve.”

As a Co-Managing Director of Gensler’s Chicago office, Brian is always striving to “find the poetic in the everyday.” He was awarded the AIA National Young Architect Award in 2014, and his passion for design can be seen in award-winning projects like Gratz Center at Fourth Presbyterian Church, Shirley Ryan AbilityLab, and the University of Kansas Capitol Federal Hall. Brian blurs the line between roles and industries, and his projects and teams are widely recognized with industry awards and attention. He has served as both visiting faculty and an Adjunct Professor of Design. Brian holds a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and a Master of Architecture with Honors from Washington University in St. Louis, where he was awarded both the AIA Scholastic Gold Medal and the school’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award.

Bob is a Principal and VDT's Chief Sustainability Officer with over 20 years in the profession. His design approach operates at the intersection of building form and performance, intentionally blurring the line between good design and sustainability. Bob's recent work at VDT has focused on ground-up buildings in the hospitality, multi-family residential, and office markets. He is the founder of buildGREEN(or)die, VDT's in-house performance design team dedicated to the design of high performing and environmentally responsible projects across the firm's portfolio, and a co-founder of the Living Building Challenge Collaborative in Chicago.

Emily Frazer-Smith RID, NCIDQ, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, LEED GA

Vice President, Interiors Studio Leader

With a keen eye for timeless and classic aesthetics, Emily has a talent for creating vibrant and functional workplaces. A native of Chicago, Emily’s leadership skills are integral to growing Corgan’s presence in the Midwest interiors market.

A uniquely creative voice in the design profession, informed by a diverse background in architecture, interior design, environmental psychology, and sustainability, Smita thrives on designing spaces that strengthen our emotional connections to the places we live, work, and interact. Smita’s design methodology starts with a compelling design concept; a story narration for the end user with their goals in mind. Smita's signature creations present a considerate blend of design innovations of the west and the rich culture and timeless elements of the east.

After working for over 16 years with top national and international real estate developers and companies, Smita founded āśaya I Design, a Chicago based luxury interior design and architecture firm. āśaya is made up of interior visionaries and artists that aspire to blend for-profit goals with generating a positive "return to society."

Smita currently serves on the Insightful Chicago board as well as University of Florida's "Design, Construction and Planning" board, where she lends insight on topics like design thinking, industry trends, mentorship, and DEI (Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion).

Growing up in Mumbai, India, Smita is trained as a classical Indian dancer and a painter. In her spare time, Smita loves experimenting with different cuisines through cooking and hosting friends. She also enjoys traveling around the world and immersing herself in different cultures, mindsets, and lifestyles. Practicing yoga and mindfulness are essential parts of her life.