Research Contributors
A rotating bench of architects, engineers, planners, and AEC thinkers whose work informs our case studies,
technical explainers, and research notes. (Profile images are placeholders—swap the img src with your preferred headshots.)
Erin Agdinaoay
Associate Principal & Project Manager • Work Program Architects • Based in: Norfolk, Virginia, USA
Erin Agdinaoay leads design and project execution at Work Program Architects, steering major institutional and educational projects and championing equity-focused hiring processes. Her leadership supports blog topics on inclusive design leadership and innovative architectural practice.
Aditi Agarwal
Building Scientist & Sustainability Specialist • California Air Resources Board • Based in: San Francisco, California, USA
Aditi Agarwal applies advanced building science, public policy, and sustainability research to reduce embodied carbon and improve climate resilience. Her work enriches content on low-carbon design frameworks and interdisciplinary climate strategies in AEC.
Mallory Buckley
Senior Associate & Project Manager • Walter P Moore • Based in: Dallas, Texas, USA
Mallory Buckley specializes in façade diagnostics, waterproofing, and enclosure performance across landmark venues like stadiums and airports, highlighting advanced building enclosure solutions and integrated project coordination for your blog.
Kevin Aswegan, PE, SE
Principal & Structural Engineer • Magnusson Klemencic Associates • Based in: Seattle, Washington, USA
Kevin Aswegan is a structural engineering leader focused on performance-based design for high-rise structures, including pioneering wind and seismic performance work. His expertise strengthens posts on structural innovation and resilience engineering.
Charles Starke
Engineer & AEC Specialist • Based in: United States
Charles Starke is recognized among tomorrow’s engineering innovators shaping sustainable and efficient design. His perspective supports blog coverage on digital engineering workflows and cross-discipline collaboration trends.
Andreanna Tzortzis Owoc
Associate Structural Engineer • Arup • Based in: San Francisco, California, USA
Andreanna Tzortzis Owoc combines structural engineering with collaborative design thinking, advancing resilient systems and efficient delivery — ideal for blog content on innovation in engineering practice.
Yafei Zhang, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, NCARB
Associate Principal, Architect • Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF) • Based in: New York, New York, USA
Yafei Zhang contributes to major architectural projects that emphasize design excellence and sustainability, enriching blog posts on advanced architectural workflows and culturally responsive design.
Je’Nen Chastain
Emerging AEC Leader • Based in: United States
Je’Nen Chastain is recognized for her early-career contributions to AEC practice, reflecting innovation, teamwork, and community service. Her profile supports discussions on rising leadership and professional growth.
Michael S. Burke
Retired Chairman & CEO (AECOM) • AEC Industry Executive & Advisor • Based in: Los Angeles, California, USA
Michael S. Burke is a seasoned AEC industry leader who served as Chairman and CEO of AECOM, one of the world’s largest infrastructure, engineering, and construction firms. Under his leadership, AECOM advanced global project delivery capabilities, completed transformative mergers and IPO strategy, and expanded services across design, construction, and management sectors. He now serves on various boards and as an advisor driving industry innovation and sustainable infrastructure growth.
John Mandyck
CEO • Urban Green Council • LEED AP • Based in: New York, New York, USA
John Mandyck is a sustainability executive and LEED Accredited Professional focused on decarbonizing the built environment. His expertise strengthens our blog coverage on building electrification, urban climate policy, and large-scale carbon reduction strategies in commercial real estate.
Jennifer Taranto
Senior Vice President, Building Innovations • U.S. Green Building Council • LEED AP • Based in: Washington, D.C., USA
Jennifer Taranto leads innovation and technical development initiatives within the green building industry. Her background enhances our blog discussions on evolving LEED standards, certification strategy, and performance-based sustainability metrics.
Henry Gifford
Mechanical Systems Consultant • LEED AP • Based in: New York, New York, USA
Henry Gifford is a building performance expert specializing in energy-efficient mechanical systems and retro-commissioning. His technical knowledge supports our blog articles on HVAC optimization, energy audits, and improving operational efficiency in existing buildings.
Charles “Chuck” Hardy
Vice President, Sustainability • Walmart • LEED AP • Based in: Bentonville, Arkansas, USA
Chuck Hardy leads sustainability strategy across one of the largest corporate real estate portfolios in the United States. His experience strengthens our blog content on corporate sustainability programs, supply chain carbon reduction, and large-scale building efficiency initiatives.
Caroline Pidier
Sustainability Director • Skanska USA Commercial Development • LEED AP • Based in: Houston, Texas, USA
Caroline Pidier leads sustainability strategy for large-scale commercial developments across the U.S. Her expertise strengthens our blog coverage on high-performance office buildings, embodied carbon tracking, and integrating LEED certification into major real estate projects.
Sean McMahon
CEO • U.S. Green Building Council • LEED AP • Based in: Washington, D.C., USA
Sean McMahon leads national efforts to advance sustainable building practices and LEED certification systems. His leadership perspective enhances our blog discussions on green building policy, rating system evolution, and industry-wide sustainability transformation.
Kira Gould
Sustainability Strategist & Writer • LEED AP • Based in: Seattle, Washington, USA
Kira Gould is a sustainability strategist focused on climate action within architecture and design. Her expertise strengthens our blog content on regenerative practice, leadership in sustainability, and integrating climate goals into firm culture.
Jason Hartke
Senior Vice President, External Affairs • U.S. Green Building Council • LEED AP • Based in: Washington, D.C., USA
Jason Hartke specializes in sustainability policy and market transformation initiatives. His experience enhances our blog discussions on federal climate legislation, building performance standards, and public-private sustainability partnerships.
Laurie Kerr
Principal • Laurie Kerr Consulting • LEED AP • Based in: New York, New York, USA
Laurie Kerr focuses on climate mitigation policy and green building code development. Her background supports our blog coverage on urban sustainability regulations, energy benchmarking laws, and carbon reduction frameworks for cities.
Marc Bautis
Vice President, Sustainability • Newmark • LEED AP • Based in: Boston, Massachusetts, USA
Marc Bautis leads sustainability initiatives for commercial real estate portfolios nationwide. His expertise strengthens our blog discussions on ESG implementation, tenant engagement strategies, and measurable sustainability reporting in property management.
Julie Janiski
Director of Sustainability • SmithGroup • LEED Fellow • Based in: Phoenix, Arizona, USA
Julie Janiski is a LEED Fellow specializing in climate-responsive design and sustainable urban development. Her expertise enhances our blog content on desert architecture, water efficiency strategies, and resilience in extreme climates.
Paula Glover
President • Alliance to Save Energy • LEED AP • Based in: Washington, D.C., USA
Paula Glover is a national energy policy leader focused on advancing efficiency in buildings and infrastructure. Her leadership perspective strengthens our blog coverage on energy codes, grid modernization, and large-scale building efficiency programs.