Opening Keynote

Justin Bashaw, Principal & Design Director, Gensler

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  Justin Bashaw

  Justin is a Principal and Design Director in Gensler’s Dallas office. He delivers practice area expertise to office developers, culture & museums, and mixed use & retail centers projects, offering artful designs while remaining technically rigorous as demonstrated in his base building architecture and building repositioning expertise. Justin leads his practice area, and the firm, with a creative flair for conceiving groundbreaking designs with a methodical discipline and attention to detail. Signature projects include Amerisource Bergen Headquarters, Frisco Public Library, Metrocrest Services, SRS Distribution Headquarters, and Toyota Music Factory. Justin is a member of the American Institute of Architect, is a registered architect and interior designer in Texas, and holds both a Bachelor of Architecture and Master of Architecture from Judson University.

  Gensler

  Design Director, Principal

  Justin Bashaw

  Design Director, Principal

  Gensler

From Tokyo to Texas

Lessons from Leading Architectural Trends Across the Globe

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  Evan Beattie

  Evan joined GFF as an architect in 2005 and became Chairman and CEO in 2020. With over 20 years of experience in architecture and planning, he was named one of the Dallas Business Journal’s 40 Under 40 in 2013 and one of the “Top 20 Under 40 in Architecture, Engineering and Construction” by ENR Texas & Louisiana in 2011. He has managed complex residential, retail, and mixed-use projects, focusing on sustainable design, density, smart growth, and New Urbanist principles. Evan takes a collaborative approach to design, prioritizing project goals and client expectations. He frequently speaks at ULI, AIA, TREC, and other events on these topics. Evan is an active member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), The Real Estate Council (TREC), and the North Texas Chapter of Urban Land Institute (ULI). He chaired the 2017 Associate Leadership Council leadership development program and serves on the Board of Governors for Downtown Dallas, Inc. Evan is also a City of Dallas Development Advisory Committee Member and was the founding member and former President of the Henderson Neighborhood Association. His community engagement has contributed to zoning change efforts and promoting best practices in walkable urban design and quality placemaking in Dallas.

  GFF

  Principal, CEO, Chairman

  Evan Beattie

  Principal, CEO, Chairman

  GFF

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  Samantha Whitney

  Principal and Director of Urban Design at TBG Partners, Samantha is an architect and urban designer whose work has taken her around the globe. Committed to building consensus through collaborative partnerships, community engagement, and connections to place, her empathy and high degree of conscientiousness pervade all areas of her work. Samantha’s project experience includes mixed-use development, downtown revitalization, campus master plans, and urban streetscapes.

  TBG

  Principal, Director of Urban Design

  Samantha Whitney

  Principal, Director of Urban Design

  TBG

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  Scott Lowe

  Scott maximizes Beck’s architectural and design-build services across its U.S. and Mexico offices. He is an entrepreneurial leader who excels in landmark, award-winning projects in the hospitality, retail, office, and residential sectors. With a background as an international design professional, Scott has expertise in acclaimed building projects. Before rejoining Beck in 2024, he was CEO of 5G Studio Collaborative and a principal at a Frisco development firm. Scott has received numerous industry awards and speaks on design trends.

  The Beck Group

  Chief Revenue Officer

  Scott Lowe

  Chief Revenue Officer

  The Beck Group

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  Anthony Montalto

  Anthony Montalto is the Chief Design Officer, Executive Vice President, and Partner at HKS Architects, where he leads the firm's creative vision and champions design excellence across all projects. With a career spanning more than three decades, Anthony is a passionate advocate for the transformative power of design, blending innovation, beauty, and functionality to create award-winning spaces that resonate with clients and communities alike. Before joining HKS, Anthony held significant roles in the architecture and construction industries, including Senior Project Manager at Turner Construction and Principal at Carlos Zapata Studio. His educational background includes a Master of Architecture from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology and a Bachelor of Science in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois Urbana-Champaign. Anthony is also a recognized thought leader and mentor, often contributing to publications, speaking at conferences, and connecting with universities and industry organizations to elevate design excellence globally.

  HKS

  Chief Design Officer

  Anthony Montalto

  Chief Design Officer

  HKS

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  Sarah Wicker

  Brand strategist Sarah Wicker leads a multidisciplinary team out of Perkins&Will’s Dallas studio that translates clients’ brands into engaging experiences through space, digital media, and graphics. Over the course of her career, she has consulted for international developers, municipalities, and major brands like Nike and 7-Eleven with her ideas hailed as “world-changing” by Fast Company. She is a frequent contributor to industry publications, a repeat speaker at ICSC, ULI, and AIA conferences, and—deepening her research into behavior and identity—she recently earned a master’s in psychology from Harvard. Curious and energetic, Sarah finds guidance in empathy

  Perkins&Will

  Principal, Branded Environments

  Sarah Wicker

  Principal, Branded Environments

  Perkins&Will

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  David Farber

  David Farber brings over 15 years of experience in landscape architecture, contributing to a wide range of award-winning projects. His portfolio spans vibrant streetscapes, civic plazas, university campuses, public parks, and private estates. Known for his meticulous attention to detail and strong design sensibility, David approaches each project with a deep commitment to craft and a practitioner’s insight into the landscape architecture profession. Outside of work, David is an avid outdoorsman with a passion for high-elevation hiking and backcountry camping. He is also a dedicated geology enthusiast and regularly attends fossil and mineral shows both nationally and internationally. David holds a degree in Landscape Architecture from the Robert Reich School at Louisiana State University.

  Tournesol Siteworks

  Sr. Business Development Manager

  Moderator

  David Farber

  Sr. Business Development Manager

  Tournesol Siteworks

The Future of Architecture

Designing for Long Term Flexibility, Sustainability And Smart Innovation

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  Brady Jobe, AIA, RID

  Brady is a skilled leader and expert in campus architecture. His experience with higher education institutions nationwide informs the strategic leadership of Kirksey's collegiate practice in North Texas. Brady's approach to higher education projects and diverse portfolio ensure that each project has the right team and a design solution that embodies the client's vision.

  Kirksey

  Senior Associate & Director, Collegiate Practice

  Brady Jobe, AIA, RID

  Senior Associate & Director, Collegiate Practice

  Kirksey

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  James Reittinger

  James Reittinger is an award-winning designer with over 30 years of experience in the architecture and design profession. James spent ten years teaching architecture and design where he had the extraordinary opportunity to develop his design thinking, problem solving skills, and respect for collaboration. James works collaboratively with major decision-makers encouraging participation of all stakeholders in crafting innovative spaces within the realm of higher education and beyond. With a career spanning over three decades, James has established himself as someone who cares deeply about user engagement and its impact on the success of a project, prioritizing the enhancement of user experience. His keen understanding of the intersection between architectural design and pedagogical environments has led to the creation of buildings that seamlessly blend functionality with aesthetics. Known for their meticulous attention to detail and unwavering commitment to excellence, James has earned accolades for projects that not only meet the diverse needs of institutions but also transform them into vibrant hubs of learning and community engagement. Mr. Reittinger is an invaluable partner for institutions seeking to create environments that enhance user experience but also foster a sense of belonging and purpose.

  Treanor Architects

  Associate Principal

  James Reittinger

  Associate Principal

  Treanor Architects

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  Stephen Funk, AIA, RAS, NCARB, LEED GA

  Stephen Funk is an Associate Principal with Arcadis, and has worked in the DFW Metroplex for over 23 years. A noted expert in mixed-use design, and with particular expertise designing ground-up hospitality and multi-family residential projects, Stephen's project portfolio includes award-winning international landmark hotels and innovative residential destinations. Backing his portfolio is a Master of Architecture from Texas Tech University and an insatiable commitment to volunteering in the Dallas community.

  Arcadis

  Associate Principal

  Stephen Funk, AIA, RAS, NCARB, LEED GA

  Associate Principal

  Arcadis

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  Jeffrey Simcik

  With over three decades of experience, Jeff Simcik has been at the forefront of architectural design, project delivery, and construction management, seamlessly integrating sustainable, evidence-based, and efficient methodologies. His expertise as a principal, combined with a background in general contracting and design-build, has shaped a diverse portfolio spanning millions of square feet across multiple sectors. Throughout his distinguished 26-year tenure, Jeff has consistently excelled in key leadership roles, serving as Principal in Charge, Project Manager, and Project Architect. His strategic approach to design and construction—tailored to meet client-specific needs—has positioned him as a trusted industry leader. Driven by a commitment to excellence and innovation, Jeff continues to push the boundaries of architectural strategy, ensuring impactful, forward-thinking solutions in every project he undertakes.

  HED

  Principal

  Jeffrey Simcik

  Principal

  HED

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  Steve Sheeran

  Steve Sheeran is Managing Director of BRAYN Consulting LLC, where his responsibilities include Sales & Marketing and Human Resources and Administration. Steve’s sales and marketing career began at Marriott International in the late 1980’s. Since then, he has built and managed sales teams in excess of 125 people and had a hand in more than ten business acquisitions. Steve lives in northwest Houston with his wife of 38 years, Stephanie. He enjoys cooking, photography, art, and running 5K races on weekends. In his spare time, he gives his children grief about the fact that he does not yet have grandchildren.

  Ryan LLC

  Director, Federal Income Tax Consulting

  Moderator

  Steve Sheeran

  Director, Federal Income Tax Consulting

  Ryan LLC

Remarks From The Podium

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  Hachem Domloj

  As CIVE®’s President & CEO, Mr. Domloj has over 20 years of experience in Civil & Structural Engineering, Construction Management and Design. Mr. Domloj has driven the company's growth starting from a small engineering consulting firm to its existing state of being a Design Build firm, providing top-down design, engineering and construction services to Commercial, Industrial and Community sectors. He is now responsible for developing, designing, coordinating, reviewing and evaluating projects and ongoing work of the engineering and construction division at CIVE. Under his leadership, the company has expanded into international markets by establishing presence in Doha, Qatar, while also establishing CIVE Ready Mix in Houston and A2Z Building Material in Dubai, UAE as part of the company’s long-term vision. CIVE continues to receive recognition and accolades by independent publishers both at local, regional, and national level. He has also been appointed by the Mayor of Houston, and Councilman Ed Pollard to serve the Houston community as member of Board of Directors to TIRZ #1 - a redevelopment initiative by the Houston City Council.

  CIVE

  President

  Hachem Domloj

  President

  CIVE