Architecture and Innovation

Jon de la Cruz, Owner/Principal of award-winning de la Cruz Architecture Interior + Design.

Jon creates interiors that are truly unique for each project and each client.

Over the past 20 years, Jon has worked with the Bay Area's top design firms, successfully leading projects including The Battery SF, The Cavalier, Marlowe Carbone in Las Vegas, Sadelle’s in New York, and private residences nationwide.

You can find him on the web at: http://www.dlcid.com/

Eric Naslund, FAIA and principal at Studio E Architects in San Diego, CA.”

Studi E Architects is a twenty-six collaborative led by principals, Eric Naslund, John Sheehan, Mathilda Bialk, and Maxine Ward.

Based in San Diego, California, the firm works throughout the Southwestern United States and has built a varied body of work ranging from private residences to affordable housing, mixed-use, civic, and urban planning projects. The firm has received numerous design awards, including three National American Institute of Architects Honor Awards.

You can find him on the web at: https://www.studioearchitects.com/

The founder of b9 architects, Bradley is passionate about excellence and service. With a Master of Architecture from Harvard University, he focuses on the intersection of education, policy, design innovation, sustainability and real estate development. Bradley  develops multifamily infill urban projects to enrich the community through walkable, vibrant density. Over the years, he has served as a member of several AIA Boards and Task Forces, including President of the Board of Directors, advocating for policies that encourage equitable urban policies focused on density and sustainability. Bradley also teaches Architectural Design studios part-time at the University of Washington, College of Built Environments and serves on juries regularly.  An avid skier, he enjoys spending his free time hitting the slopes and teaching his children how to ski.

For more information feel free to visit http://www.b9architects.com/

Robert Swatt, FAIA and principal of Swatt Miers.

Our studio offers architecture, planning, interior design, and facility programming services to individual, corporate, public service, and institutional clients on a wide spectrum of building types.

The firm was formed as a merger of two long-established San Francisco Bay Area firms — Swatt Architects and George Miers and Associates — with the goal of creating a practice that consistently creates beautiful, sustainable, and user-responsive buildings while offering our clients the highest level of design, management, and principle-oriented services.

https://swattmiers.com/

Today we are honored to have Susan Dwyer. Susan is Co CEO at HENDY. She shares insights on the importance of intentional workplace culture and aligning company and employee values. She discusses the challenges of balancing growth and culture while maintaining brand identity, and the impact of the pandemic on workplace design trends. Dwyer emphasizes the importance of having a growth mindset and staying positive in difficult times. Tune in for valuable tips on creating a positive workplace culture.

For more information feel free to visit their website at https://hhendy.com/

Brendan Sanchez, AIA and principal of Access Architecture in Vancouver, WA.

Access Architecture believes that connections shape who we are and give life purpose. They are committed to exploring how the built environment can foster these connections, whether it is to one another, our environment, history, or community.

Furthermore, their purpose also understands that there is an opportunity in every project to enhance the quality of life through thoughtful architecture.

You can find him on the web at: https://www.access-arch.com/

Eric is Partner and CTO of Architect Marketing Institute. The core part of the mission at AMI is to help architects get to “Sunshine Island” where they are paid well and work with clients that understand the value of design.

You can find them on the web at: https://archmarketing.org/

Tyler Suomala is an American designer, educator, and practitioner. He received his Master of Architecture degree from Princeton University School of Architecture where he was an Editor of Pidgin Magazine and the recipient of the Henry Adams AIA Medal.

Tyler’s helping 1,000+ architects communicate their unique value and build meaningful relationships at TylerTactics.com and business development at Monograph.

You can find him on the web at: https://tylertactics.com/

Justin Beals is the Co-founder and CEO of Strike Graph. Strike Graph exists so any organization can achieve its cybersecurity goals-painlessly. In particular architecture, engineering and construction firms. They’re committed to make sure security compliance isn’t a roadblock for innovative ideas and growing companies. Cypersecurity is important. Their platform identifies your vulnerabilities and addresses them quickly and simply so your date is protected so you can focus on making your business wildly successful.

You can find Justin on the web at: https://www.strikegraph.com/

Kimberly Dowdell, AIA, Principal at HOK in Chicago and the 2024 and 100th President-elect of the National American Institute of Architects. Originally from Detroit, Michigan, Kim is a Chicago-based architect, real estate developer, and educator. Kim also served as the 2019-2020 national president of the National Organization of Minority Architects.

You can find her on the web at: https://www.hok.com/people/leadership/view/kimberly-dowdell/