Sessions

For a second year, the CKLDP│New Mexico launched virtually on Friday, September 17th in collaboration with CKLDP│Detroit. The session was led by New Mexico co-chairs Evan Berger, Associate AIA and Alex Nellos, Associate AIA and by Detroit chair Stephanie Bonderczuk and chair assistant Paige Donnell. The remote session started off with an introduction of the program, remembering its namesake: Christopher Kelley, and an overview of CKLDP’s creation in 2013.

Presentation #1: Introduction Keynote Speaker by Laura Walker, RA, NOMA, Crain’s Detroit Business 2020 Notable Women in Design

The introduction keynote speaker was Laura Walker, RA, NOMA, Crain’s Detroit Business 2020 Notable Women in Design. Laura broadly presented on the idea of relationship building through sharing her life story and how relationships, formed through both work and personal passions, can yield to unexpected career paths. She expanded on how her recent work has pushed the limits on a traditional design process and allowed her to explore high level concepts. Engaged in transdisciplinary and inclusive collaboration, she designs participatory environments that radically affirm and celebrate marginalized human identities, expressions, and desires.

Break-Out Session

Following the introduction keynote speaker, the cohort began its first breakout exercise: strategically brainstorming topics of interest for the individual sessions of the program. With the topics ranging from “Engaging your Community” to “Expanding the Definition and Future of Practice,” the scholars were broken into groups of four to engage and discuss what they would like to get out of the program in order to benefit themselves, their firms, and their communities. These ideas were presented to the overall group.

Pecha Kucha Introductions

After the first brainstorming breakout exercise, the scholars introduced themselves through Pecha Kucha style presentations. Each was asked to present an image that describes them, to describe the type of leader they are now, and to describe the type of leader which they aspire to become. With introductions made, the co-chairs informed the scholars of the teaming outline for the individual sessions. The scholars then reconvened with their sessions partners to further refine the session topic and begin to plan its agenda, location, and speakers.

Presentation #2: Closing Keynote Speaker by Kristen Fox, RA, AIA + John Padilla, RA, AIA, CKLDP│NM Program Advisor

The closing keynote address was given by John Padilla, RA, AIA, CKLDP│NM Program Advisor and Kristen Fox, RA, AIA. With an introduction and words of wisdom by John, Kristen took the scholars on a ride through the creation of Meow Wolf. Kristen’s presentation was every bit as experiential as Meow Wolf itself: she provided the scholars a lot to think about regarding how to design with an unconventional scope and how to grow as a leader in collaboration with so many talented and wonderful artists. One of the biggest take-aways from Kristen’s presentation was how to approach the permitting to allow for a more flexible artist installation while ensuring fire and life-safety was comprehensively integrated into each space.

Overall, the bootcamp was a success and it was great to meet each of the scholars (even virtually!). We would like to thank our guest speakers for their time and sharing of experiences.

Led by Alisa Giron, AIA, and John Clark, AIA, the final session of the 2019-20 program sought to answer the question “where will we go from here?” The presentations not only challenged where and how the group would grow as future leaders, but also how the future of architectural practice develops in the midst of an industry-altering pandemic.

The opening presentation was delivered by Bruce Gunderson (Technology Director, Hartman+Majewski Design Group), the founder of Albuquerque’s own BIM 505 User’s Group. His practice and research focuses on how BIM is being increasingly integrated into cloud-based work flows and project management, as 2019 saw an increase in the use of Common Data Environments and the Cloud. 

The group will next hear from Evelyn M. Lee, AIA, (founder of Practice of Architecture and Senior Experience Designer at Slack) and Larry Fabbroni, AIA (Associate at Strada, Pittsburgh). This presentation reviewed successful models of innovative practice and explored how their strategies apply to practice moving forward after COVID-19. 

The session concluded with a presentation from Rena M. Klein, FAIA, of Charrette Venture Group. Author of The Architect’s Guide to Small Firm Management, Rena focused on how leaders of today may navigate their firm’s continuity and sustainability through current uncharted waters. This included consideration of conflicting macroeconomic factors impacting current practice. Rena also offered strategies for successful firm leadership during uncertain times.

This session was sponsored by M.A. Architects and RMKM Architecture, P.C.

Led by Marissa Campos, Assoc. AIA and Kyle Trepagnier, AIA, Session 7 explored the ever-developing world of research that is vital to the architecture profession. To complement this information, the session also touched on education as a means of inspiring new ideas. Due to the COVID-19 pandemic and the state public health order, this was an all virtual session.

The first guest speaker, Z Smith, FAIA, (EskewDumezRipple, New Orleans) spoke to the participants about EDR’s approach to research and innovation. Z’s presentation also included a discussion of how the firm’s Research Fellowhip program and other research initiatives augment EDR’s design and delivery process. CKLDP NM Scholar Marissa Campos was EDR’s research fellow in 2013.

Dale Dekker, AIA, (Dekker/Perich/Sabatini) focuses his research on designing Smart Cities and shared his findings with the scholars. Dale expanded on the convergence of distinct technologies, industries, or devices into a unified whole that will affect how cities are designed and built in the future.

Finally, Tim Castillo and Stephen Mora presented “Finding Rural: Empowering Through Design,” the story of UNM’s Maker Lab. The Maker Lab Express is a community engagement tool centered on the notion of “mobile architecture.” An effort to expand UNM’s educational outreach, the Lab aims to engage communities across New Mexico, providing resources and expertise to inspire kids, and to promote teachers and community members to invest in the knowledge and welfare of New Mexico’s youth.

Continuously adapting, the architecture profession faces challenges in how firms operate, adopt new methodologies and technologies, work towards ambitious sustainable design goals. Led by Theodore Edaakie, AIA, and Brandon Rael, Assoc. AIA, this session will address how firm leaders must consider the changing context of their profession and the tools needed to move their teams into a new era of design.

The session began with a virtual presentation from Atlanta-based author Michael LeFevre, FAIA. LeFevre shared research from his book, Managing Design, and offered an inspirational future imperative about leadership, empathy, and the power of others – valuable lessons for emerging leaders in the design and construction industry.

Lindsay Rasmussen, Assoc. AIA, and Natasha Balwit also joined the group virtually to address the 2030 Challenge and other sustainable design initiatives from Architecture 2030. The two highlighted the adoption of the 2030 Challenge by the AIA and what it means for the future of the built environment. Rasmussen and Balwit also discussed decarbonization through new construction, existing buildings, and embodied carbon.

Trained in architecture, Kameron Baumgardner (Chief Technology Officer, RS21) explored advancements in information technology and communications that are challenging traditional methods in architecture, engineering, urban design, and construction. Baumgardner stressed the importance of designers being aware of such advancements, and shared how some practitioners are already using these tools to explore new ways of making.

Also architecturally trained, Josh Rogers (Director of Development, Titan Development) discussed his unique career path in development and how current collaborations are realized between designers, developers and contractors. He shared local economic trends that their potential impacts private building investment in Albuquerque and New Mexico in the near future.

Session sponsor Century Sign Builders hosted the group and offered a tour of their unique and innovative facility. Arizona Tile also sponsored the session. The group wrapped up the session with a happy hour at nearby Rio Bravo Brewing.

Led by Ashley Hartshorn, AIA, and Parker Sprague, Assoc. AIA, Session 5 – Marketing and Business Development focused on entrepreneurship, communication and proposals, and marketing presence. Marketing and business development are key components of a successful design firm that ensures a firm stays afloat.

The opening presentation was delivered by Drew Tulchin, Founder of UpSpring Associates and Vice President and Business Development Leader of Electric Playhouse. Drew offered an alternative way to approach design thinking and problem solving, with an emphasis on small business and entrepreneurship within the design industry. Drew shared thoughts on relationships, storytelling, building a B-Corp. and finding your “special sauce.”

Next, the group heard from Rachelle Ray (RMR Consulting) who will focused on developing project proposals for public and private clients. Rachelle’s workshop helped participants identify specific requirements within a RFP and how to successfully respond. By developing a “win theme” you can assure your potential client that you are bringing a team and mindset that aligns with your their goals and motivations.

The session concluded with an overview in branding and marketing presence from Franziska Neumann (FZK Franziska). Franziska helped the group explore how a shift in brand and marketing thinking may impact future opportunities of work. By using values, goals, and tools the participants learned how to create a successful online brand.

This session was sponsored by Santa Fe Brewing Co. and White Sands Federal Credit Union.

The fourth Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program session, Community Engagement, was led by Evan Berger, Associate AIA, and Elias Issacson, AIA, AICP, CBO, LEED AP at the Midtown Campus in Santa Fe.  The session was designed to broaden the scholar’s understanding of what it means to be part of a community and explore opportunities to support and engage in their communities as a person, as professional, and as an entity.

During the first presentation, Alan Webber, Mayor of Santa Fe, walked the scholars through the intricacies and challenges of being a leader and interacting with the community as an elected-official from the governmental standpoint.  As the first full-time mayor in the history of Santa Fe, Mayor Webber explained many of the he faced when he took office.  These included everything from procedural challenges – how to evolve an existing governmental system to achieve certain goals – to issues such as design, growth, and the well-being of a city.  How does design and governmental involvement influence the development of a city?  For example, on the subject of land use, how can you create economic opportunities by geographic location?

Mayor Webber’s growth as mayor did not begin when he started the job, it began well before he was elected.  Big questions he had to ask himself, and ones we should also consider in our own personal lives, are: What do you stand for?  What won’t you stand for?  Who do you stand with?  On whose behalf are you working?  One concept that was reiterated during the presentation was, whether you are a mayor or you are an architect, it is all about people.  Leadership roles are about the well-being of people!

Second keynote delivered by Gus Pedrotty at the question/ answer exercise.

The second guest speaker for the day was Gus Pedrotty, Co-Founder of Qworks and Coordinator for the Department of Applied Complexity at Santa Fe Institute.  In 2017, as an emerging professional in his early-twenties, Gus ran for mayor for the City of Albuquerque.  Although he was not successful in this endeavor, from this experience he obtained a unique point-of-view on government, campaigning, and community engagement.  His presentation started by sharing this experience with the CKLDP scholars and then broadened the topic to volunteerism and personal / communal growth.  A take-away from Gus’s presentation was community engagement is a process and should not be a one-way dialogue.  Many times, professionals talk “at people” because they are considered subject experts; nonetheless, subject experts should use their expertise not to tell other’s how things should be done, but to keep the conversation going.  True community engagement is un-biased and without ulterior incentivization from a market-based society.  

After the second presentation, Glenn Fellows, AIA, who sits on the board of the Albuquerque Community Foundation (ACF), gave a brief presentation where he shared with the CKLDP class information about some of the grants and programs the ACF offers. He also went over some ways for individuals to get involved with the foundation and Albuquerque’s community.

Daniel Hernandez, City of Santa Fe Consultant for the Midtown Campus project and members of the Class of 2019-20.

The session continued with the presentation of Daniel Hernandez, real estate developer, planner and consultant of the Santa Fe City for the Midtown Campus Project. Mr. Hernandez began by sharing with the class his experience as a developer/planner to resolve the affordable housing crisis in New York City. From rezoning neighborhoods to planning neighborhoods with communities. The Housing NY program was a comprehensive plan to build and preserve 200K units of high-quality affordable housing over the next decade. He emphasized the importance of the community engagement with citizens from different neighborhoods to approach these challenges along with creating partnerships with different city departments, entities and even social organizations. Hernandez also went over the different neighborhood planning phases of the Neighborhood Planning Playbook that was developed as part of this project. These phases include: organize, learn, create, finalize and implement. To finalize this experience, Hernandez emphasized how important is to have transparency, clarity and collaboration in a project like this.

After shearing his experience in NYC, Hernandez walked the class through the Request for Engagement and Ideas (RFEI) process for the Midtown Santa Fe project. This project is located in what used to be The University of Art and Design off St. Michael’s Dr. in Santa Fe. These facilities include buildings designed by some well-known architects like Ricardo Legorreta. The City of Santa Fe is looking to repurpose this complex into a place that integrates living, learning and creating, which can be a new district opportunity. This development includes a 3-phased engagement process, economic & urban planning, civic engagement & activation and developers & business entities. Probably, the most important goal of this project is to create a place where people want to be, Hernandez said.

Members of the Class 2019-20 at Meow Wolf with Danika Padilla, Senior Director of Social Impact of the Organization.

For the last presentation of the day, the CKLDP class traveled to the Meow Wolf facilities where Danika Padilla, Senior Director of Social Impact of this organization was in charge. Danika began by mentioning that Meow Wolf has 444 employees and is one of the 3000 certified B Corporations in the country. A B Corp entity is required to meet higher standards around transparency, accountability, and performance. These certified entities share a common value, do well, by supporting and engaging the community. It is always a priority to consider the impact of their decisions on the community and environment and to have the input of the community to know what they want to see from an organization like Meow Wolf. Danika continued with explaining that community engagement it is not about the money, it is about being socially responsible by doing the right thing, while marketing pursues only a financial benefit. She also mentioned that in order to have an internal impact, it is necessary to train the staff.

Another successful and exciting session of the CKLDP finalized with a visit of the Meow Wolf installation and a happy hour in its bar.