Speakers (More Speakers Being Announced Soon)
| Eddie Leon (Spine3D) - Miami, FL |
Keynote Presentation: Troubled Waters Ahead - An Economic Roundtable : View Session Info
Session 18 - Rich Artist, Poor Artist: The Art of Business in Visualization : View Session Info |
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Eddie Leon is the visionary behind Miami-based Spine3D, a leading architectural visualization company. As President & CEO, his dedication is not just to continue building his company, it is also to help evolve the Arch Viz industry itself. As a thought leader in our industry, Eddie is always encouraging entrepreneurship, freely advising others in business matters, and sponsoring industry events.
Eddie obtained his Master of Architecture degree from Florida International University in 1998 and has since focused his career on 3d and interactive media. He began practicing his 3d skills at AECOM’s miami office, Spillis Candela DMJM, where he met both of his business partners. Kevin Smith and Johann Beckford. Together, they refined their talent by producing all the 3d renderings and animations for SCDMJM.
Prior to forming Spine3D with his friends, Eddie went back to his alma mater and became the director and founder of Florida International University’s Studio of Digital Arts (SODA). His 15-person studio became a successful revenue generating cost center for the entire university. Eddie was also FIU’s webmaster and interactive media guru. Many of the Schools, Centers and Institutes came to rely on Eddie to revamp their websites and produce their presentations, videos, and marketing materials. Simultaneously, Eddie served as an adjunct faculty member, teaching courses in computer modeling and web design in the School of Architecture.
Eddie is still active at FIU and is a member of the President’s Council. He is also the recipient of FIU’s 2009 Torch Award, a prestigious award given in recognition to the university’s most successful alumni.
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| Giles Jacknain (ZweigWhite) - Chicago, IL |
Keynote Presentation: Troubled Waters Ahead - An Economic Roundtable : View Session Info
Session 18 - Rich Artist, Poor Artist: The Art of Business in Visualization : View Session Info
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Giles Jacknain, a principal working out of the Chicago office, focuses on helping the leaders of AEC firms design, develop, and implement the strategies that will increase the value of their businesses. He has worked with dozens of architecture, engineering, interior design, environmental consulting, and development firms across the United States, leading strategic planning, strategic marketing, organizational structure, project management optimization, and business development planning projects.
Giles frequently speaks on strategy, leadership, and management at national and regional, professional conferences, including the AIA National Convention, ACEC National Convention, NSPE National Convention, IECA National Convention, as well as the Land Development East and West Conferences, ZweigWhite Hot Firm, ZweigWhite Best Firm, and AE Marketing Now. He also facilitates in-house and open enrollment seminars on strategy, leadership, project management, marketing, and business development.
Prior to joining ZweigWhite, Giles spent four years with The American Institute of Architects in the Economics and Market Research and Knowledge Services groups. He co-authored editions of the AIA Firm Survey and the AIA Survey of Compensation at US Architecture Firms, wrote numerous articles on firm management, marketing, and technology, and managed the monthly Work-on-the-Boards survey of business conditions.
Giles has also worked as an associate with Winning Workplaces, a nonprofit consulting firm dedicated to improving human resources and people management at businesses with fewer than 1,000 employees.
In addition to working with ZweigWhite, Giles serves as an adjunct faculty member at Archeworks, a multi-disciplinary postgraduate design school in Chicago. He helps students understand how design integrates with commercialization of innovation and go-to-market strategies.
Giles has an MBA from the University of Chicago, Graduate School of Business as well as an MPhil from Cambridge University and an MA from the University of Edinburgh.
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| Denis Krylov (Transparent House) - San Francisco, CA |
Keynote Presentation: Troubled Waters Ahead - An Economic Roundtable : View Session Info
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Denis founded Transparent House in 2004 to bring the highest level of 3d visualization to the U.S. Market. With a background in international business and a passion for architecture, Denis created the right atmosphere for a company managing projects all over the world. When he isn’t overseeing first-class rendering and animation projects, he is developing his creative product ideas or surfing in the Pacific Ocean. In 2008 Transparent House brought home first prize for best still rendering at the CG Architect International Architectural Visualization Awards in La Coruna, Spain.
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| Kevin Smith (Spine3D) - Miami, FL |
Session 18 - Rich Artist, Poor Artist: The Art of Business in Visualization : View Session Info
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Kevin M. Smith was trained as an architect at Florida A&M University (B. Arch. '94), and Virginia Polytechnic & State University (M.Arch. '97). He is the founder and Chairman of Spine3D, an architectural visualization company that specializes in 3D rendering and animation for architects, real estate developers and advertising agencies. His company is headquartered in Miami, with branch offices in Dallas, DC, New York and Shenzhen, China.
Kevin is the face of the company and a frequent public speaker. He has presented at many prestigious industry events such as DMVC and Autodesk University. His day-to-day focus is on high-profile sales and contract negotiations. Notable clients include: Trump, MGM Mirage, Autodesk, SOM, Perkins & Will, and Gensler.
His architectural career began at Spillis Candela DMJM, where he served as the head of the Advanced Technologies division. During this time, Kevin worked alongside his future business partners and was able to recognize the growing demand for architectural visualization services. As the former Computer Director/Assistant Professor at the Florida International University School of Architecture, Kevin also taught courses in computer-aided design and 3D visualization at both undergraduate and graduate levels. His research at the University centered on the impact of 3D real-time visualization within the field of architecture and the video-gaming industry.
Kevin has a firm understanding of the global marketplace, he recognizes the potential of 3D visualization and is making a significant impact on the future of the industry.
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| Jennifer van Sijll - San Francisco, CA |
Session 17 - Architecture as a Character: Cinematic Storytelling : View Session Info
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Jennifer van Sijll is the author of the bestseller, Cinematic Storytelling. Her book has been adopted by film schools around the globe and translated into Mandarin, Italian and French.
Cinematic Storytelling helps writers and filmmakers harness the potent tools of visual and aural storytelling rather than rely solely on dialog to advance plot and character.
Van Sijll is a regular speaker at the Screenwriter’s Expo in Los Angeles and regularly consults on film projects.
Van Sijll has an MFA from USC’s Department of Cinematic Arts. She has written storylines for primetime television, a TV pilot for an Emmy-award winning children’s show starring Pat Morita. Van Sijll has worked as a script analyst for Universal Pictures, independent producers and pay televison. She is the winner of the Panavision Filmmaker award and named Honorary Gilliland Chair for excellence in teaching.
Van Sijll has taught weekend screenwriting bootcamps at Berkeley and taught for 15 years at San Francisco State. Her upcoming book, The Story Code, will be out in 2009.
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| Pascal Mueller (Procedural) - Zurich, Switzerland |
Session 1 - Rome Reborn and the Future of Procedural Modeling : View Session Info
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Pascal Mueller is co-founder and CEO of Procedural Inc., an ETH spin-out company specialized in software for the efficient creation of 3D buildings and cities.
During his PhD thesis at the Computer Vision Laboratory at the ETH Zurich, Pascal Mueller pioneered novel methods for the procedural modeling of architectural 3D content which are now the core of Procedural's flagship product, the CityEngine.
Besides computer graphics, his main interests lie in the field of visual effects production, architecture, generative design, and computer-aided media art. He has published more than 35 scientific papers including SIGGRAPH and has held numerous invited talks at international conferences, universities and companies all over the world. His body of artistic work includes short movies, music videos, over 50 live visuals performances, and several interactive installations exhibited in museums like the Ars Electronica Center.
Before his PhD, he worked two years in the industry as freelance 3D artist and technical director for several Swiss film production companies.
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| Nils Norgren (Neoscape) - Boston, MA |
Session 5 - Squeezed for Time: Video Compression Techniques and Tips for Visualization Professionals : View Session Info
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Nils Norgren combines the artistry of filmmaking with true CG innovation. In 1995, Nils and his two partners founded Neoscape, an award-winning industry frontrunner. Also an Emmy-nominated DP, Nils pushes technical limits by developing scripts and tools that drive Neoscape and the industry at large toward a more cinematic vision. He has spoken at various industry events such as Autodesk University, the first Annual Vismasters Conference, Siggraph NYC, various student chapters of Siggraph, GBAUG, as well as conducting Autodesk Master Classes during Siggraph.
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| Lon Grohs (Neoscape) - Boston, MA |
Session 9 - Linear Workflow Demystified : View Session Info
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Lon R. Grohs, a Principal and Creative Director at Neoscape, is a recognized leader and visionary within the architectural visualization industry.
He received his B.S. in Architectural Studies from the University of Illinois in 1998 following a year abroad at the L’Ecole d’Architecture in Versailles, France.
He has received numerous awards including: a World Media Award, a CINE Golden Eagle, several Awards of Excellence from The American Society of Architectural Illustrators, and has garnered Best Still Image and Animation honors at the CG Architect Architectural 3D Awards.
His work has been included in a variety of publications including Architectural Record, Elemental 2: The World's Best Autodesk Art, Expose 3 & 5: Finest Digital Art in the Known Universe, 3D World, and The Best of 3D Graphics.
He is in high demand around the world as a presenter and juror for events within the digital media community, and has been named as an Autodesk 3DS Max Master.
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| Rodrigo Lopez (Neoscape) - Boston, MA |
Session 13 - Showdown at the Color Corral : View Session Info |
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Rodrigo is a Principal and Creative Director at Neoscape, an award winning visualization firm with offices in Boston and New York. He has been working on bringing together the realms of architectural visualization and cinema for the past five years, having most recently received recognition from the American Society of Architectural Illustrators with an Award of Excellence for his work on 62 Wooster in New York. He is trained as an architect and spent eight years as a designer and project manager in architecture prior to joining Neoscape, as well as three years teaching architectural visualization at the Boston Architectural College. Rodrigo is a member of the Boston Society of Architects, where he has participated in a number of projects aimed at introducing children and young adults to the field of architecture and design.
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| Scott Baumberger (Baumberger Studio) - Portland, OR |
Session 11 - Getting Wet with Digital Watercolor : View Session Info
Session 13 - Showdown at the Color Corral : View Session Info
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Scott Baumberger is an independent illustrator providing rendering services to architects, designers and developers. After nearly ten years as a designer and project manager within architectural firms, Scott started his own illustration company in 1999. He uses a digital process to produce imagery that ranges in technique from photo-realistic to simulated watercolor effects. This flexibility allows the client to choose a rendering style that best suits the character and mood of the subject matter and resonates most deeply with the intended audience.
Scott's illustrations have been featured in numerous publications including Building Design & Construction, Multi-Family News, Best of 3D Graphics, Architecture in Perspective (AIP) catalogues 15-22, as well as monographs for KPF, FXFowle, and Callison. He has received multiple Awards of Excellence from the American Society of Architectural Illustrators (ASAI) and, in 2006, participated as a judge in CGArchitect.com's Architectural Visualization Competition.
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| Taama Forasiepi (HKS) - Dallas, TX |
Session 6 - Crossing the Chasm: International Project Management : View Session Info |
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Taama is a Vice President at HKS, Inc., one of the largest architecture firms in the country. She is the current Director of HKS VIZ, an animation and video production studio for HKS, Inc.. Capitalizing on her broad background, Taama is responsible for effective operations, fiduciary performance, and catalytic influence of teams and clients. Her skilled problem solving capabilities come from a vast experience in project management, systems administration, Internet management, visualization and movie production. She is dedicated to her career with over 20 years of experience and is a registered architect in the state of Texas.
Her community service includes the management of scholarships for the ACE Mentoring Program, a program dedicated to assisting High School students in acquiring a higher education in the professions of Architecture, Construction, and Engineering. There she serves as the Director of Education.
She began as an architect specializing in residential, commercial, corporate, sports, and healthcare design.
Taama joined the Information Systems team in 1997 where she served as a Systems Administrator, database designer, and webmaster.
In 1999 she was promoted to Director of HKS VIZ where she has played a vital part in the production of many types of animations and videos. Focusing on architectural visualization, she has produced capital campaign fund raising, training, marketing, sales, advertising, and technical videos. Most recently, she was the Producer on a short film called “A Noble Way”, nominated for best short by the Florida Media Market.
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| David L. Brehm (HKS) - Dallas, TX |
Session 3 - A Look Behind the Curtain Wall: How Today's High Profile Projects Were Visualized : View Session Info |
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David is the Creative Director at HKS VIZ, the animation and video production studio for HKS, Inc. and is responsible for overseeing the quality of the studio, art direction and change implementation. He has a Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences from the University of North Texas and an Associates Degree in computer animation and multimedia from the Art Institute of Dallas, where he also taught Computer Animation.
David has won several awards for his work in the industry including academic scholarships at the Art Institute, Southwestern University, Incarnate Word University and has also judged Autodesk's DESIGN SLAM competition in 2008.
Prior to joining HKS, Inc. David worked at DNA Productions as Department Head, Layout Supervisor, Animator and Lighting/Technical Director, where he worked on the academy award nominated feature film "Jimmy Neutron/Boy Genius", "The Ant Bully" and "Olive, the Other Reindeer, produced by Matt Groening of "The Simpsons" fame. He is also Writer/Director/Composer for "A Noble Way".
David's client list includes: Paramount Pictures, Warner Brothers, Nickelodeon, The Dallas Cowboys, The Indianapolis Colts, Liverpool Soccer Club, The University of North Texas, Phoenix Children’s Hospital, The Ritz Carlton, The Dallas Regional Chamber, Miami Children’s Hospital, Hadassah Hospital, and many more.
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| Pierre-Felix Breton (Autodesk) - Montreal, QC, Canada |
Session 19 - Show Your True Colors: Capture and Acquisition of Real World Materials: View Session Info |
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Pierre-Felix Breton is senior software designer and lighting consultant, specializing in the field of physically based and artistic lighting simulation. His professional background includes electrical engineering, computer programming, and theatrical lighting.
Currently employed by Autodesk Media & Entertainment, he helps design products such as Autodesk 3ds Max and Revit where he focuses on the integration of the mental ray rendering engine as well as daylight simulation technologies. Pierre-Felix also consults regularly on various architectural lighting design projects as a designer, technical coordinator, and simulation specialist where he is involved in the entire lighting design and specification process.
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| David Fano (Case) - New York, NY |
Session 2 - The Next Generation of Architecture: Algorithmic Design and Modeling: View Session Info |
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David Fano established CASE Design in 2008. He previously worked at SHoP Architects, where he was Director of Technology Research. His responsibilities included managing technology R&D initiatives, working with project teams to ensure the successful implementation of Building Information Modeling (BIM), and developing "direct to fabrication" initiatives with software manufacturers and fabricators through the use of BIM.
He contributed technology expertise on numerous projects, including a 41-story rental tower in New York City and The New Seaport - a 860,000 sq. ft. multi-use development in New York City's Historic Seaport District.
Since 2006, David has been an Adjunct Professor at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation where he teaches Meshing, Re-thinking BIM, and Orchestration, focused on exploring how technology can transform design processes. David received his Master or Architecture with honors from Columbia University where he was the recipient of the Lucille Smyser Lowenfish Memorial Prize and the Computer Aided Design Honor Award.
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| Larry Kleinkemper - Austin, TX |
Session 10 - Well Outside the Box: New Technology Showcase: View Session Info
Session 15 - Not Just Another BIM Model: Advanced Practices in the Revit to 3ds Max Pipeline: View Session Info |
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Larry Kleinkemper, AIA is just a very nice guy, who loves advanced technologies and all things 3d. He has been an architectural visualization specialist for 15 years. He has focused his career on advanced technologies. Currently, he is focused on furthering technology in holographics at Zebra Imagery.
Larry is a licensed Architect in Austin, Texas. He received his Bachelors of Architecture from Kansas State University. In 2007 he founded 3ds London and was their first president. He is the current president of the Austin chapter of AAUGA (Autodesk Animation User Group Association).
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| Mario Guttman (HOK), San Francisco, CA |
Session 20 - Building Information Modeling (BIM) comes of Age in the Design Professions: A large-firm perspective on changing culture and achieving value. : View Session Info
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Mario Guttman, AIA, LEED AP, is a Senior Vice-President and the Firmwide CAD Director for HOK, a multi-disciplinary, international design firm with 24 offices in eight countries. In this role he coordinates the CAD, Building Information Modeling, and related activities of the offices and focus groups, as well as leading the firm’s strategic direction in these areas.
Mario holds degrees in mathematics and architecture, is a licensed architect, and is LEED accredited. In addition to practicing architecture for 25 years, he has worked in software development, computer-aided facility management, and construction.
HOK is a leader in the advanced use of information technology in the AECO industry and supports industry-wide interoperability standards. Mario represents the firm with other members of the industry, standards organizations, and government agencies in promoting Integrated Project Delivery.
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| Ken Sanders (Gensler), San Francisco, CA |
Session 16 - Keynote - Digital Design Leadership and Innovation : View Session Info
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Ken Sanders, FAIA, is Managing Director of Gensler’s Firmwide Shared Services, including responsibility for the research, development, and implementation of BIM, knowledge management, financial and other design and delivery applications for the 2600-person design firm. Sanders has been featured in Architecture and Architectural Record magazines, and authored the award-winning book The Digital Architect. He is a recipient of the Ed Forrest Award, which recognizes industry leaders who have furthered the pursuit of excellence in the design and construction industry.
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| Ken Hall (Gensler), Portland, OR |
Session 14 -Pushing the Envelope: Smarter Modeling, Visualization and Simulation - Solutions and Tools for Sustainable Design: View Session Info
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Ken Hall, AIA, has firmwide responsibility for Sustainable Design Systems at Gensler, a global architecture and interiors design firm working in 1,800 cities in 75 countries. Hall is leading the Gensler initiative to integrate design performance modeling and building information modeling into sustainable design. Ken is a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor and LEED Accredited Professional with 25 years of experience leading the adoption of digital design and delivery. He chaired his local community task forces developing a strategic plan to achieve sustainability and served as a board member for the Sustainable Product Purchasing Coalition. Ken is a frequent speaker on sustainability and design performance at professional conferences and educational institutions, including Europe and Asia.
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| Nicholas Moshenko (DesignStor), Toronto, ON |
Session 13 - Showdown at the Color Corral : View Session Info
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Nicholas Moshenko is the creative partner of DesignStor, a boutique visualization studio in Toronto, Canada. DesignStor is known for producing high quality, photorealistic renderings and animations, and has worked on many award-winning campaigns and competition projects. Equipped with a vast understanding of the design development cycle, DesignStor has become highly reputable, not only among real estate developers, but architects and designers alike. This has led to a diverse range of projects which spans across residential, commercial, and institutional developments.
Nicholas has been involved in many initiatives involving industry education and awareness. He is a guest lecturer at the University of Toronto’s Faculty of Architecture, Landscape and Design, and is the founder and president/group moderator of the Toronto Visualization User Group, a group focused on architectural, product and environmental visualization artists.
Before founding DesignStor in 2000, Nicholas worked in both the Architecture and Visualization industries for several years. He studied in the Architecture program at University of Waterloo.
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