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POST Houston

POST Houston

Breathing new life into the historic Barbara Jordan Post Office. Once the hub of the city’s U.S. mail system, the long-abandoned USPS headquarters in Houston is being transformed by Lovett Commercial into a dynamic mixed-use complex expanding the city’s vibrant downtown.

Speakers and Panels

Beyond the Blueprint: Redefining Design For Evolving Consumer Demands

Mide Akinsade

Mide Akinsade

Design Director, Principal

Perkins&Will

Brian Malarkey

Brian Malarkey

Partner, Director of Interior Design

Kirksey Architecture

PJ Glasco

PJ Glasco

Houston Health Leader

CannonDesign

Kelie Mayfield

Kelie Mayfield

CEO + Founder

MaRS Culture

Yong Gan

Yong Gan

Associate Partner

PhiloWilke

Brent Richardson

Brent Richardson

President

Cheyenne Construction

Grant Canning
Moderator

Grant Canning

VP

CORE Office Interiors

Mide Akinsade

Design Director, Principal

Perkins&Will

With over 23 years of design leadership experience and success, Mide believes that intuitive and targeted design

ideas create impactful spaces. As a licensed architect, he offers relevant design leadership experience from

programming all the way through construction and believes that designing distinctive, yet aspirational

architectural solutions create the uniqueness of “place”.

As a passionate design director with a unique vision, his skills include developing building designs, from concepts

development through construction, overall leadership, strategic visioning, critical problem solving and conflict

resolution, synthesis of complex programs, strategic planning, Master Planning as well as Urban Design. His

projects have garnered multiple national and international design awards for excellence.

Brian Malarkey

Partner, Director of Interior Design

Kirksey Architecture

Brian began his career at Kirksey in 1991 and founded the EcoServices department in 2001, establishing the firm's regional leadership in sustainable design. Now as Firm-Wide Director of Interior Architecture, his unique expertise in workplace trends, brand integration, and activity-based design has positioned Kirksey as a leader in corporate office design.

PJ Glasco

Houston Health Leader

CannonDesign

PJ is a talented healthcare planner and designer who has worked with many of the nation’s top healthcare institutions to create landmark facilities. Her designs have enhanced the campuses of several institutions, including Texas Children’s Hospital, Harris Health System, the University of Texas Medical Branch and Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia. PJ is a past chair of the Houston chapter of the AIA Committee on Architecture for Health and has presented at national industry conferences for several years. PJ has been previously recognized in the “40 Under 40” program of Building Design and Construction as well as by the Houston Business Journal’s “40 Under 40” and Engineering News-Record’s “20 Under 40” for the Texas and Louisiana Region.

Kelie Mayfield

CEO + Founder

MaRS Culture

Kelie Mayfield is a designer, storyteller, and the founder of MaRS Culture — a Houston-based studio known for weaving deep narrative, artistry, and cultural meaning into every space it creates. A lifelong maker at heart, Kelie brings an intuitive sense of beauty and connection to her work, whether she’s designing interiors, curating artisans, or shaping a new retail–gallery concept that celebrates creativity in fresh, inspiring ways.

When she’s not immersed in design, Kelie is usually with her family — cheering on her son Gavin at a soccer match, going on creative or outdoor adventures with her daughter Izzy and her husband Jeff, or exploring Houston’s hidden gems. She loves wandering through galleries, visiting local makers’ studios, discovering great food, and planning trips that spark curiosity and culture.

Those who know Kelie well aren’t surprised to learn she’s been creating worlds since childhood. She was the kid constantly rearranging her room, building things from scratch, and dreaming up elaborate craft projects. That imaginative spirit still fuels her today. She finds joy in art, architecture, travel, fitness, and the restorative calm of nature — whether it’s a hike, a ski slope, canyoning in big landscapes, or simply watching a great design documentary like Grand Designs.

Kelie’s happiest moments are often the simplest: long dinners with loved ones, genuine conversation, spontaneous laughter, and watching her kids grow into their passions. Connection, creativity, and joy remain the foundation of everything she does.

And then there’s Schuyler — her beloved Bernedoodle and the undeniable boss of the office. Schuyler, a giant teddy bear of a dog with soft curls and a sweet soul, greets guests, supervises meeting rooms, and brings daily warmth to the team. On humid days, Schuyler and Kelie even end up with matching curls, much to everyone’s amusement.

Houston is home for Kelie — a city full of grit, generosity, culture, and creative momentum. It’s where her family is rooted, where MaRS Culture thrives, and where inspiration arrives around every corner.

Yong Gan

Associate Partner

PhiloWilke

Yong is an experienced architect with over 20 years of comprehensive design and planning experience in numerous environments including healthcare, education, and research. He is passionate about client collaboration to ensure that the goals and expectations are met within the final built environment. Yong has a keen eye for the details while staying true to the clients’ design aspirations.

Brent Richardson

President

Cheyenne Construction

Brent Richardson, President and Owner of Cheyenne Construction Group has grown into an industry

leader in Texas commercial construction within 4 years since the start of Cheyenne. With a strong focus

on retail, office, corporate interiors, banking, and industrial projects his team has many satisfied clients.

Throughout Brent’s career, he has established and nurtured long-lasting relationships with owners,

developers, architects, engineers, and consultants built on trust and doing what you say you are going to

do. Over the years, he has established himself as a boots-on-the-ground leader with a natural

talent for building a strong team and guiding his employees to accomplish their career goals.  Brent

received a Bachelor of Science from Texas A&M University and is active in numerous commercial real

estate associations.  Husband and Father to two daughters, he enjoys his time outdoors spending time

with those he loves.

Grant Canning

Moderator

CORE Office Interiors

Grant Canning comes with a plethora of experience from his background in sports broadcasting to his marketing and business experience. He is responsible for partnering with the client and the A&D firm to create and solidify a perfect solution that will enhance the user experience and the company alike. His ability to create innovative spaces that encourages productivity and employment recruitment and retention is unmatched. Grant holds a B.S. in FTDM Sports Broadcasting, Master of Sports Administration, and MBA from Ohio University. His experience includes Corporate Sales for the San Antonio Spurs and marketing for Las Vegas Motor Speedway.

Reimagining Houston's Past: A Panel Discussion on Adaptive Reuse Architecture and Design

Arturo Chavez

Arturo Chavez

Senior Principal

Page

Jeffrey Brown

Jeffrey Brown

CEO, Founding Principal

Powers Brown Architecture

Dean Strombom

Dean Strombom

Strategy Leader & Principal

Gensler

Eric Hudson

Eric Hudson

Partner

Method Architecture

Gin Braverman

Gin Braverman

Founder & Creative Director

Gin Design Group

Adam Cryer
Moderator

Adam Cryer

President

Pinnacle Structural Engineers

Jeffrey Brown

CEO, Founding Principal

Powers Brown Architecture

Jeffrey Brown, FAIA, is Principal-in-Charge of Design for Powers Brown Architecture which he

co-founded. Practicing architecture for more than 20 years, Brown has an array of experience

working on multiple building types for both public and private entities; he is an accomplished

designer with unique graphic communication and strategic planning skills. His ability to design

utilizing an interactive process of project definition and interpretation has resulted in distinguished

design awards and published works.

Brown has been instrumental in leading the firm to numerous awards including a Citation in the

2012 Annual Design Review from Architect magazine and recognition from the Tilt-Up Concrete

Association as the 2008 and 2014 recipient of the Irving Gill Distinguished Architect Award for the

firm’s and his own contribution to the design and advancement of tilt wall construction. Additional

accolades have come from the Texas Society of Architects, American Institute of Architects

Houston, AIA DC|Washington, Design Excellence Awards and the Urban Land Institute. The

firm’s work has been widely covered in magazines and books including his latest, Tiltwallism: A

Treatise on the Architectural Potential of Tilt Wall Construction is available through book sellers

nationwide.

Brown has a passion for shaping architecture and the architects of tomorrow. He has taught as

an assistant at his alma mater, Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design, and as an

adjunct professor at both The University of Houston Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and

Prairie View A&M. He has been a guest critic at the above-mentioned institutions, Rice University,

Roger Williams University and the University of Texas at Arlington. Brown is also active in

numerous professional organizations including NAIOP; and the Tilt-Up Concrete Association,

where he serves as President on the board of directors.

Gin Braverman

Founder & Creative Director

Gin Design Group

Gin Braverman is the founder and creative director of the visionary firm gin design group. She has spent the last decade shaping Houston’s burgeoning hospitality scene, developing originative and fully integrated designs for award-winning food and beverage concepts, independent chefs, sommeliers and national restaurant and hospitality groups.

Like all worthwhile paths, Gin’s was winding. After graduating from The University of Texas at Austin, her career began in NYC working in production for TV and film, ultimately designing for HGTV’s extreme home remodel show Home Rules. She also spent significant time abroad, traveling Europe and living in Asia, at one point working with a Taiwanese design firm. When she moved to Houston, she joined the team at Installations Antiques, where she deepened her appreciation for and understanding of artisanship in the built-environment apprenticing in their workshop. Multi-cultural fascination and global immersion define her approach and inform her diverse design portfolio both in and outside of Houston.

The firm's work has been featured in such esteemed publications as GQ, Architectural Digest, The Architect’s Newspaper, Texas Monthly, PaperCity, Wallpaper* City Guide, Interior Design, The New York Times, Hospitality Design, and others.

Adam Cryer

Moderator

Pinnacle Structural Engineers

Adam Cryer is Co-founder and President of Pinnacle Structural Engineers. He is a graduate of Rice University, who subsequently obtained his Masters in Structural Engineering at the University of Texas in Austin. In 2014, Adam was named as a Top 40 under 40 professional by Building Design & Construction magazine, as well as one of Structural Engineering magazine’s Top 15 Rising Stars in the U.S. He has written articles for both Modern Steel Construction and Structural Engineer magazine, including “Built to Tilt”, an article on tilt-up design, published in 2013. Adam has participated on professional panels for both ACI and the Tilt-up Construction Association, and has served as a judge for the TCA’s Awards and AGC APEX Awards for the past 6 years. Adam is also Vice Chairman of the Board for ACE Mentor Program Houston, a non-profit organization that mentors high school students for future careers in the Architecture, Engineering and Construction fields.

What You’ll Learn From Houston Design Leaders at this A&D Conference

  • How are consumer demands and expectations changing across all asset types, and what impact has this had on architectural and design practices?

  • In an era of rapid technological advancements, including AI, how can architects and designers incorporate innovative solutions to meet the evolving needs of consumers?

  • What role does sustainability play in redefining design for evolving consumer demands, and how can architects and designers integrate sustainable practices into their projects?

  • As consumer preferences shift towards personalized experiences, how can architecture and design accommodate individual needs while maintaining a cohesive and inclusive space?

  • How can architecture and design contribute to the well-being and mental health of consumers, considering factors such as natural light, biophilic design, and the overall spatial experience?

  • With the rise of e-commerce and changing retail landscapes, how can architects and designers reimagine physical retail spaces to provide unique and memorable experiences for consumers?

  • What are the key benefits and challenges of adaptive reuse architecture and design in the context of Houston's rich architectural heritage?

  • How can the adaptive reuse of office spaces into residential properties effectively address the evolving needs and preferences of urban dwellers?

  • How can architects and designers navigate the regulatory and logistical complexities involved in adaptive reuse projects while maintaining design integrity?

  • In what ways can adaptive reuse architecture and design contribute to the revitalization and economic development of Houston's neighborhoods and downtown areas?

  • How can architects and designers strike a balance between respecting the original character of historic buildings and infusing new elements and modern interventions to create dynamic and engaging spaces?

How You’ll Do More Business: Join us for an immersive event dedicated to exploring the dynamic realm of commercial real estate and its evolving design landscape. At this event, we will delve into the ever-changing demands of consumers and the pivotal role of design in meeting these evolving expectations. From retail to hospitality, office spaces to mixed-use developments, our panel of experts will share their experiences, strategies and innovative approaches to redefine design practices in order to create spaces that captivate and cater to the modern consumer. Join us as we go beyond traditional blueprints and explore groundbreaking ideas that adapt to the needs of today's discerning customers. Additionally, we will discuss the transformative power of repurposing existing structures, revitalizing historic buildings and creating vibrant, sustainable spaces for the future. Don't miss this opportunity to gain valuable insights, forge connections, and contribute to the exciting future of commercial spaces in the Greater Houston area.
   

Who You’ll Meet During Networking: Houston owners, developers, investors, brokers, city and government officials, business consultants, architects, engineers, lawyers, accountants, and bankers.

Why You Should Attend This Summit: Bisnow events bring together the biggest power players in the industry to identify opportunities, build your network and expand your business. With the largest audience of commercial real estate professionals in the world, no one knows how to help your business more than us. For questions, recommendations, comments, or press inquiries please email our Director of Operations Sophie McCourt at sophie.mccourt@bisnow.com

To request disability-related accommodations, please contact shannon.dearaujo@bisnow.com no later than 7 business days prior to the event.

BONUS SESSION ADDED

Join us for a 45-min post-event interactive professional wellness workshop: Foster Authentic Connections in the Workplace led by Licensed Therapist and Master Wellbeing Teacher, Jotina Buck of Root + Yoke Wellness.  

According to recent research, 42% of global employees have experienced a decline in mental health since the pandemic began. Post-pandemic connections in the workplace are suffering as a result. It’s more important now than ever to invest in building meaningful relationships with all stakeholders in the workplace. Professionals in architecture and design are already familiar with design strategies for healthier environments - such as natural ventilation and lighting, noise control systems, and a good choice of materials and furniture - but few people have a deep understanding of how to fortify their own mental health or to foster authentic connections in building solid networks.

In this session you will learn: 

  • compassionate communication strategies 

  • care tools to prevent burnout 

  • breathwork to support brain fluency and creativity 

  • authentic connections relationship-building skills 

  • meditative practice for high-performing professionals on-the-go 

Venue

POST Houston
401 Franklin St.
Houston, TX 77201

Networking: Atrium - 1st Floor
Content: North West Pod - 1st Floor


Mon-Thu
0-60min Free
60min+ $5/hr

Get Directions

Agenda

Time Activity
1:00 PM
2:00 PM
Coffee, Breakfast and Networking
2:00 PM
3:00 PM
Beyond the Blueprint: Redefining Design For Evolving Consumer Demands
3:00 PM
3:45 PM
Reimagining Houston's Past: A Panel Discussion on Adaptive Reuse Architecture and Design
3:45 PM
4:00 PM
Closing Networking
4:00 PM
4:45 PM
Bonus Workshop: Foster Authentic Connections in the Workplace

Stay after the event to join us for this 45 min interactive professional wellness session including: communication & relationship building strategies, preventing burnout, breathwork & meditative practices for fluency & creativity

Houston Architecture News & Updates