AIA Credit: 1.5 LU
Chicago architect Carol Ross Barney moderates a discussion with leaders representing design excellence programs from across the country. Common wisdom states that architecture and good design are accessible only to those who can afford them, but why? From public schools to transit stations, what should we expect of our public space? Design is not merely an aesthetic expression; it is a functional and aspirational embodiment of society, informed by a wide array of individuals. Good buildings are efficient and comfortable. Great buildings are memorable and inspiring: living, ever-changing environments that become beloved spaces to live, work, and think. Should architecture with long-term impact become a component of the social, political, and economic viability of our urban environments? Should we as a society demand more?
Moderator:
- Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, Founder/ Design Principal, Ross Barney Architects
Panelists:
- Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director of Design and Construction Excellence at the NYC Department of Design and Construction
- Christine Foushee, Director of External Affairs for the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Building Operations
- Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor of Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, University of Arkansas
- Leslie Shepard, AIA, General Services Administration, Chief Architect
To attend, please RSVP here.
Biographies of Speakers/Presenters:
Carol Ross Barney, FAIA, is Founder and Design Principal of Ross Barney Architects. Responsible for the design excellence of all projects undertaken by the firm, she is dedicated to improving the built environment. Her work has an international reputation in design of institutional and public buildings and has been published in national and international journals, books, newspapers, and web media. Her building designs have received numerous honors, including four Institute Honor Awards from the American Institute of Architects and over 30 AIA Chicago Design Awards. Her firm has received significant sustainable building awards, including two AIA COTE Top Ten Green Project awards and the Evergreen Award from EcoStructure magazine.
Rick Bell, FAIA, Executive Director of Design and Construction Excellence at the NYC Department of Design and Construction - The DDC is the nation's largest municipal capital construction agency, responsible for New York City's public buildings and infrastructure. Rick helped create DDC two decades ago and served as Assistant Commissioner of Architecture and Engineering. He was elevated to Fellowship in the AIA in 2000 for his work in public sector design. From 2001 to March of 2015, Rick was Executive Director of AIA New York and the Center for Architecture. For service to the profession, he received the AIA's Edward C. Kemper Award in Chicago during the 2014 AIA Convention.
Christine Foushee is the Director of External Affairs for the Department of State’s Bureau of Overseas Buildings Operations - OBO directs a multi-billion dollar worldwide buildings acquisition, construction, and maintenance program for the Department of State and the U.S. government community serving abroad under the chiefs of mission. In her role, she serves as the Bureau’s spokesperson to external stakeholders including Congress, press, and related professional industries, communicating the Bureau’s policies, programs and initiatives.
Peter MacKeith, Dean and Professor of Architecture at the Fay Jones School of Architecture + Design, University of Arkansas - A nationally recognized design educator, MacKeith was Associate Dean, Professor of Architecture, and Adjunct Associate Curator for Architecture and Design at the Sam Fox School of Design & Visual Arts at Washington University in St. Louis, from 1999-2014. MacKeith was the Director of the Master of Architecture – International Program at the Helsinki University of Technology Finland) from 1995-99, and held previous academic appointments at the University of Virginia and Yale University. He received his BA in Literature and International Relations from the University of Virginia and his Master of Architecture from Yale University.
Leslie Shepherd, AIA, General Services Administration, Chief Architect - As Chief Architect, Mr. Shepherd serves as a Senior Advisor to GSA’s Public Buildings Service, for federal architecture design policy for GSA’s capital construction program. Additionally, Mr. Shepherd’s role includes administering GSA’s Design Excellence program for all new construction and major repair projects as well as art-in-architecture commissions. GSA’s current design and construction work in progress is valued at approximately $12 billion. Les’ experience and vision contributes toward accomplishing GSA’s mission to provide federal agencies with high-quality work environments and buildings that enhance the economic and social value of our communities by commissioning the best architects and artists in the nation.
