Designing Houston as a Destination City

How hospitality, mixed-use, and city-scale projects are positioning Houston on the world stage

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  Evan Peterson

  Evan Peterson is a Principal at Radom Capital, where he oversees development, design, and construction. Since joining the firm in 2017, he has led multidisciplinary teams in delivering more than one million square feet of mixed-use multifamily, office, retail, and master-planned projects. Evan is passionate about thoughtful development, place-making, design excellence, and collaboration. He has served as development lead on a variety of complex mixed-use initiatives, with a particular focus on creating transformational projects that strengthen and enrich communities. In addition to his work at Radom, Evan has taught design seminars at Louisiana State University’s College of Art and Design and at Harbin Technical University’s School of Architecture. He is an active member of the Urban Land Institute, serving on ULI Houston’s Capital Markets Committee and the South Main Alliance Technical Assistance Panel. He also serves on the board of Bike Houston, where he helps lead The Orbit, a transformational project connecting Houston’s central cultural institutions. Before joining Radom, Evan practiced landscape architecture at SWA Group, managing urban design studies and large-scale master-planned communities. He holds a Bachelor of Landscape Architecture from Louisiana State University.

  Radom Capital

  Principal

  Evan Peterson

  Principal

  Radom Capital

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  Anna Deans

  Anna Deans Executive Vice President, Investment and Development As Executive Vice President, Deans oversees the development of commercial and multifamily projects from inception to delivery, to ensure the entirety of the project aligns with Midway’s investment strategy. Deans’ expertise lies within the strategy and execution of large-scale, mixed-use destinations. One of Deans’ primary projects is Midway’s East River project, 150 acres of carefully designed, multi-phase, mixed-use development that will transform Houston’s waterfront east of Downtown into a new economic center. ABOUT MIDWAY Houston-based Midway is a privately owned real estate investment and development firm that has provided the highest level of quality, service and value to clients and investors for over 50 years. Midway’s portfolio of projects completed and/or underway consists of more than 45 million square feet of properties ranges from mixed-use destinations to office, industrial facilities, and master-planned residential communities. Midway continues to develop projects of distinction, aesthetic relevance and enduring value for investors, clients, and the people who live, work, and thrive in the environment they create.

  Midway

  EVP

  Anna Deans

  EVP

  Midway

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  Jim Szczesniak

  Jim Szczesniak, A.A.E. is the Director of Aviation for the Houston Airport System (HAS). Jim has more than two decades of management experience in both the public and private sector. He is responsible for the overall management of the Houston Airport System’s three aviation facilities: George Bush Intercontinental Airport (IAH), William P. Hobby Airport (HOU) and Ellington Airport (EFD). Previously, Mr. Szczesniak served as the Airport Director for the Ted Stevens Anchorage International Airport (ANC). ANC is the world’s fourth busiest air cargo airport and gateway to Alaska. Jim also spent a decade at the Chicago Department of Aviation. Jim started in airport operations at O’Hare International Airport, became Director of Airport Planning and ultimately Deputy Commissioner of Aviation at O’Hare and Midway International Airport. Mr. Szczesniak holds a MBA from the University of Chicago and a Bachelor’s in Aviation Management from Southern Illinois University. Jim is a licensed commercial pilot and aircraft mechanic. Jim is an Accredited Airport Executive by the American Association of Airport Executives.

  Houston Airport System

  Aviation Director

  Jim Szczesniak

  Aviation Director

  Houston Airport System

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  Sebastian Torres

  Sebastian is a Lead Design Architect who has dedicated his career to synthesizing complex design challenges into cohesive spaces that amplify the culture of the community they serve. A Houston native, Sebastian has leveraged his Bachelor of Architecture degree from Rice University to develop an international portfolio of projects. At Populous, he has notably contributed to the expansion and modernization of the George R. Brown Convention Center in Houston, layered meaningful new experiences to the historic racetrack at Churchill Downs in Louisville, and introduced impactful upgrades to the iconic football stadium at Rice University. Outside of Populous, notable projects include creating a new welcoming experience for travelers through the expansion of Terminal 5 at Chicago O’Hare International Airport as well as developing a new means for Canadians to engage with Parliament through the restoration of the Centre Block and design of the new Parliament Welcome Centre in Ottawa. Deeply rooted in Houston, Sebastian remains committed to shaping the future of his hometown through thoughtful, community-driven design that reflects its diversity and energy. He is passionate about contributing to the city’s continued growth, ensuring that each project not only serves functional needs but also enriches the cultural fabric of the region. As an emerging leader in the architectural field, Sebastian brings both ambition and a forward-thinking perspective to his work, continually striving to evolve as a designer while making a lasting, positive impact on the communities he serves.

  Populous

  Senior Associate

  Sebastian Torres

  Senior Associate

  Populous

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  Roger Soto

  Roger is HOK’s design principal in Texas, working in Houston while leading design teams in that studio as well as in Dallas and Austin. He is a member of the firm’s board of directors and global design board. Through his design leadership, Roger serves an integral role in steering the direction of HOK’s work in the Texas and U.S. Gulf Coast region. He is passionate about weaving his work into the fabric of a city. Roger is recognized for his design expertise in complex commercial and corporate planning and design throughout the U.S. and abroad. He is highly regarded for his expansive knowledge in sustainable design and considered an industry expert in the design of high-performance tall buildings as well as complex corporate campuses, government and civic buildings, higher education, hospitality and healthcare facilities.

  HOK

  Senior Principal & Design Principal

  Roger Soto

  Senior Principal & Design Principal

  HOK

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  Marc el-Khouri

  Managing Principal and Practice Leader of the Corporate & Commercial Practice at Perkins&Will’s Houston studio, Marc el-Khouri has excelled in pioneering new strategies for real estate development, architecture, and urban design on four continents. His portfolio, ranging from office buildings to hotels to medical cities, showcases a profound ability to unite functionality, strategy, and aesthetic elegance. Marc received a Master of Architecture in Urban Design from Harvard University, and Bachelors of Architecture and Fine Arts from the Rhode Island School of Design.

  Perkins&Will

  Managing Principal

  Marc el-Khouri

  Managing Principal

  Perkins&Will

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  Adam Cryer

  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.

  Pinnacle Structural Engineers

  President

  Moderator

  Adam Cryer

  President

  Pinnacle Structural Engineers

A City of Many Voices

How public spaces and community stewardship shape Houston’s neighborhoods

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  Emily Moore

  Emily Moore, Principal and Lead Designer for DLR Group is a distinguished architect recognized for her expertise in designing and executing bespoke cultural buildings. Before joining DLR Group, Emily spent more than a decade in Genoa, Italy, as part of the renowned Renzo Piano Building Workshop, where she played a key role in three internationally acclaimed projects: the addition to the Isabella Stewart Gardner Museum in Boston, the Astrup Fearnley Museum in Oslo, and the Piano Pavilion at the Kimbell Art Museum in Fort Worth. Today, Emily leads design initiatives across DLR Group’s Cultural and Performing Arts sector, overseeing projects such as the Ismaili Center, Red Steagall Institute, the new entry Gateway for Miller Outdoor Theatre in Houston, and the renovation of Ed Landreth Hall for Texas Christian University. Her work reflects a deep commitment to architecture that enhances community, celebrates culture, and elevates the performing arts experience. In addition to her practice, Emily serves as an Adjunct Professor at the Gerald D. Hines College of Architecture and Design at the University of Houston, where she mentors the next generation of architects. She is also an active voice in the architectural community, having lectured at numerous universities and most recently presented at the American Alliance of Museums conference.

  DLR Group

  Lead Designer & Principal

  Emily Moore

  Lead Designer & Principal

  DLR Group

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  Matthew Urbanski

  At MVVA since 1989, Matt has planned and designed waterfronts, parks, college campuses, and gardens in North America and across the world. Matt’s work is inspired by the power of landscape to affect the way people feel, and he is devoted to making landscapes that draw on the unique capacities of each site. For 25 years, Matt taught an ecological approach to planting design at Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. As the son of a family physician and a painter and ceramicist, Matt believes that making landscapes is a matter of both wellness and artistic expression. 30 years ago, Matt and his father founded Red Hill Nursery, a specialty plant farm that grows hard-to-find species that are unusual in shape and character. Matt graduated with a Bachelor of Science in Biology from Albright College. He also studied horticulture at Delaware Valley College of Science and Agriculture and earned a Master of Landscape Architecture from Harvard University’s Graduate School of Design. About MVVA MVVA’s team believes in the rejuvenating power of landscape. We work at all scales, from small gardens to public parks and regional master plans. We are landscape architects who expand the reach of our profession by collaborating with leaders in other fields, from hydrologists and climate scientists to ecologists, engineers, artists, and architects. Our projects are defined by the qualities of their sites and by the aspirations of people who will use them. MVVA landscapes are innovative, generous, and joyful. Visit MVVA at mvvainc.com

  Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates

  Partner

  Matthew Urbanski

  Partner

  Michael Van Valkenburgh Associates

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  Corey Wilson

  Corey Wilson announced as first president and CEO of Emancipation Park Conservancy Experienced park executive to lead growth, preserve historic park, and expand community and cultural programs HOUSTON, Jan. 28, 2026 — Emancipation Park Conservancy (EPC) is proud to announce that, following an extensive and thoughtful national search, its board of directors has named Corey Wilson as the organization’s first president and CEO. Wilson’s appointment marks a pivotal step in EPC’s continued growth and long-term stewardship of Houston’s oldest public park. He brings more than 13 years of executive leadership experience in parks and recreation to the role. “Corey brings both a deep appreciation and understanding of Emancipation Park’s history and a clear vision for its future,” said EPC Board Chair Ramon Manning. “His expertise and demonstrated track record in parks and recreation, budgeting and planning while leading transformational projects will be essential to our continued work in the community and will continue to drive momentum in the investments made to the park while honoring its legacy and ensuring it remains a vital community asset for generations to come.” Before joining EPC, Wilson spent 13 years at the Recreation and Park Commission for the Parish of East Baton Rouge (BREC), where he served first as chief of management and business services before being promoted to superintendent. As superintendent, Wilson directed operations for the nationally recognized park system serving more than 1 million residents annually, overseeing a staff of more than 1,000 employees and managing a $115 million annual budget across more than 175 parks and 6,000 acres. Under his leadership, BREC won the 2022 National Recreation and Park Association Gold Medal award for “Best Park System in the Country.” Wilson also brings an additional 11 years of experience both in- house legal counsel and chief executive positions overseeing finance, human resources, information technology, and communications divisions. “It’s an honor and privilege to step into this role and contribute to the stewardship of such a historically significant greenspace asset,” said Wilson. “Emancipation Park stands as a symbol to resilience, community, and progress. I look forward to working with EPC’s staff and board of directors, as well as community partners and funders to preserve and celebrate that legacy. As we enter this new chapter, I’m excited to deepen the park’s impact while staying true to the values it has always represented.” As president and CEO, Wilson will provide leadership and operational oversight to ensure the organization advances EPC’s core programmatic pillars: education, economic empowerment, health and wellness, and arts and culture. Wilson joins EPC at a pivotal moment in its transformational history, as the organization moves forward with an $18.5 million project to enhance its role as a cultural and community hub in Houston’s historic Third Ward. The expansion includes a new 5,000-square-foot state-of-the-art outdoor performance stage, renovations to the 11,000-square-foot cultural center with digital enhancements by using technology to improve the visitor experience while expanding programming capabilities. Established in 1872 by formerly enslaved individuals, Emancipation Park is one of the oldest public parks in Texas. Wilson earned his Bachelor of Arts in business administration and accounting from Morehouse College and his Juris Doctor from Harvard Law School.

  Emancipation Park Conservancy

  President & CEO

  Corey Wilson

  President & CEO

  Emancipation Park Conservancy

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  Kirby Liu

  Kirby has a background in architectural design, property development, and investment banking. A Fulbright Research Scholar with expertise in China, Russia and Central Asia, Kirby worked as a leveraged finance banker and worked on the US$7 billion acquisition of Smithfield Foods by Shuanghui Group. Kirby graduated with distinction from Darmouth College with a Bachelor of Arts in Comparative Literature and studied architecture at Harvard's Graduate School of Design.

  Lovett

  Managing Director & Lead Designer

  Kirby Liu

  Managing Director & Lead Designer

  Lovett

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  Kimberly Phipps-Nichol

  The daughter of a pediatric nurse practitioner and a respiratory therapist, Kimberly Phipps-Nichol grew up working in several health facilities in her native Florida. Early on, she witnessed numerous ailments that were suspicious in their origin, many seemingly exacerbated by occupancy within certain buildings or near polluting industries. These experiences left a lasting impression that underscores Kimberly’s chosen field in creating healthy, sustainable built environments. In 2004 Kimberly founded Blue Water Studio, a commercial design and planning firm, specializing in Healthcare, Community and Sustainability projects. She can frequently be found advocating for equitable and just access to green spaces, clean air and water, local nutritious foods and responsible development projects that will benefit all community members. In addition to these fun adventures, Kimberly is also co-founder of RoKi Design. RoKi is a silk scarf & accessories company that produces sustainable wearable works of art while supporting non-profit organizations, collaborating with amazing artists and repurposing vintage luxury materials. On a personal note, Kimberly is a Leadership Houston CLASS XL Alum, a Rotarian (Rotary Club of West U) and a stroke survivor with a servant’s heart for her community. She’s been in Houston 13 years, is married to Houston native Dr. Nguyen “Tom” Griggs, and is a bonus mom to a high school senior. She hopes that when you meet her she’ll be found following her definition of sustainability: “Leave it better than you found it.”

  Friends of Columbia Tap

  VP

  Kimberly Phipps-Nichol

  VP

  Friends of Columbia Tap

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  Dwayne Clark

  Dwayne, a native of Lafayette, Louisiana, steeped in cultural traditions, began his career with Walt Disney World in Orlando, Florida, in the early 1990s. There, he discovered his passion for hospitality and development, immersed in high-level design and architecture. With over 30 years in the commercial and residential building products industry—from California to New York City—Dwayne has excelled at establishing successful client relationships and delivering holistic solutions. He collaborates with influential developers, architects, and interior design firms nationwide, overseeing the delivery of over 20,000 units annually for hotels, multifamily residences, and master-planned communities across the United States. Dwayne splits his time among clients in Austin, Texas, New York City, and California, bringing value to the development process for owners and developers working with Houston based Graniti Vicentia.

  Graniti Vicentia

  VP

  Moderator

  Dwayne Clark

  VP

  Graniti Vicentia