Blueprints for Progress

Strategies for Advancing Austin's Architectural Vision

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  Doug Voigt

  Urban Design and Planning Partner

  Skidmore, Owings & Merrill (SOM)

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  Daniel Brooks

  “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.”

  Page

  Principal Architect

  Daniel Brooks

  Principal Architect

  Page

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  Kirsten Cessna

  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.

  Gensler

  Principal, Managing Director

  Kirsten Cessna

  Principal, Managing Director

  Gensler

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  Wyatt Frantom

  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.

  Perkins&Will

  Principal, Design Director

  Wyatt Frantom

  Principal, Design Director

  Perkins&Will

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  Jennifer Seay

  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.

  Art + Artisans

  Founder & CEO

  Jennifer Seay

  Founder & CEO

  Art + Artisans

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  Guy Smith

  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).

  HLB Lighting Design

  Associate Principal

  Moderator

  Guy Smith

  Associate Principal

  HLB Lighting Design

Hitting the Sweet Spot

Aligning Budget, Utility, Beauty, and Teamwork in Design

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  David Dalton

  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.

  Kirksey

  Partner & Managing Director, Central Texas

  David Dalton

  Partner & Managing Director, Central Texas

  Kirksey

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  Eric Van Hyfte

  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.

  BOKA Powell

  Principal

  Eric Van Hyfte

  Principal

  BOKA Powell

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  Maija Kreishman

  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.

  Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

  Senior Principal

  Maija Kreishman

  Senior Principal

  Michael Hsu Office of Architecture

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  Cynthia Dehlavi

  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.

  KW Landscape Architects

  Director of Design

  Cynthia Dehlavi

  Director of Design

  KW Landscape Architects

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  Matt Isbell

  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.

  EnvelopiQ

  President

  Matt Isbell

  President

  EnvelopiQ

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  Jenna Steinbeck

  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.

  Lake|Flato

  Associate

  Jenna Steinbeck

  Associate

  Lake|Flato

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  George Blume

  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.

  HOK

  Principal, Design

  Moderator

  George Blume

  Principal, Design

  HOK