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In-person and virtual tickets are available!
Full day in-person tickets include lunch, networking, and are eligible AIA LU HSW Credits. Virtual, Emerging Professional, and Reception Only tickets are not eligible for continuing education credits.
Full Day (In-Person)
Full Day (Virtual)**
Emerging Professional**
Reception Only**
BSA Member
$250
$175
$50
$25
Non-Member
$300
Opening remarks will be offered by the Symposium Committee.
This presentation will explore how a deep energy retrofit of a historic 1880s residence into emergency housing for the City of Cambridge balanced net-zero energy goals with strict preservation requirements. Presenters will examine the integration of solar, geothermal, and all-electric systems on a dense urban site, as well as the challenges of aligning PHIUS-level performance with historic detailing. They will also discuss expectations versus outcomes, sharing lessons learned from design through post-occupancy performance.
Gary Brock, AIA, LEED AP BD+C | Senior Associate & Sustainability Leader, HMFH Architects
Gary is an architect with over 30 years of experience designing buildings that are innovative in their approach to energy efficiency and resiliency. As a Sustainability Leader at HMFH Architects, Gary works closely with project teams and consultants to incorporate high-performance building envelope design, healthy material research, in-depth energy modeling, and more, creating holistically sustainable projects within limited public budgets. Gary's deep understanding of efficient building systems and designing for resiliency has made him a resource among coworkers and industry peers alike.
Peter Rust, AIA, CPHC | Associate, HMFH Architects
Peter is an architect and Phius Certified Consultant with expertise in the design of high-performance renovations and adaptive reuse projects. With more than 20 years of experience navigating complex renovations of affordable housing and educational projects, Peter develops elegant design solutions that improve energy efficiency, thermal comfort, and acoustic properties while preserving historic character. He is particularly interested in applying passive building principles to achieve ambitious energy goals, as was the case for Renae’s Place, an 1880s residence converted into emergency housing with a second thermal skin and triple-glazed, tilt-turn windows.
This presentation will examine how evolving policies like BERDO are driving decarbonization efforts in existing buildings, with a focus on reducing operational carbon through envelope upgrades and HVAC electrification. Using a case study of Massachusetts’ first net-zero, carbon-neutral office repositioning project, presenters will highlight how integrative energy modeling supports a holistic approach to meeting these goals. The session will also address the often-overlooked role of embodied carbon and provide key considerations for project teams pursuing carbon neutrality in existing buildings.
Christopher Grey, P.E. | Associate Principal, Simpson, Gumpertz & Heger
Christopher Grey is an associate principal in Simpson Gumpertz & Heger Inc.’s (SGH) Building Technology Division in Boston, Massachusetts. He is experienced in investigating, rehabilitating, and designing a wide range of building enclosure systems, from historic structures to contemporary high-rise buildings. His practice focuses on enclosure consulting for new construction and existing building retrofits specializing in energy performance analysis, performance testing, and the design and coordination of unitized curtainwall and prefabricated megapanel enclosure systems. Grey holds a bachelor of science in civil engineering, and a master of science in civil engineering, structural focus from Virginia Tech. He is a certified sUAS Level I Thermographer and a contributing member of the FGIA/AAMA, serving on several industry-standard task groups.
Samira Ahmadi, BEMP, LEED AP, WELL AP | Founding Principal, enviENERGY Studio LLC
Samira Ahmadi is the founding principal of enviENERGY Studio LLC and has more than 14 years of experience in energy modeling and sustainability consulting. Her practice focuses on sustainability and energy performance analyses for new construction and existing building retrofit projects that aim for sustainability certifications, energy upgrades, decarbonization, enhanced occupant health and comfort, and post-occupancy evaluation, measurement, and verification. Ahmadi holds a master of science in building performance and diagnostics from Carnegie Mellon University, bachelor of science in architectural engineering, and master of architecture from the University of Texas at San Antonio. She is a member of BAC Board of Trustees and has previously served on the US Green Building Council Massachusetts Chapter Board of Directors.
This presentation will explore how increasing energy code requirements challenge the performance limits of historic masonry buildings, particularly when insulation upgrades alter moisture and vapor dynamics. Using a 100-year-old brick and terracotta building renovation in Boston as a case study, the team will share how hygrothermal analysis and material testing informed design strategies to meet the MA Stretch Energy Code while minimizing risk to existing materials. The session will highlight key findings from RDH Lab’s testing catalog and emphasize the importance of early analysis to guide insulation and exterior detailing decisions.
Jayme Van Oot, AIA | Associate, Architect, Beyer Blinder Belle Architects and Planners
A highly effective and efficient Project Manager and Project Architect, Jayme has led and coordinated project teams from early conceptual development through documentation and construction. She especially excels at creative problem solving with integrated multidisciplinary design teams. Her expertise is in-complex institutional projects for both public and private clients. Jayme also has experience in preservation and sensitive renovation and reuse projects. Jayme’s ability to manage projects and people, coupled with her technical expertise, strengthen her ability to perform as Project Manager or Project Architect on complex projects of all scales.
Lucas Nahrgang, PE | Principal, Building Science Specialist, RDH
As a Principal and Building Science Specialist working in our Boston office, Lucas is relied upon to provide technical input on a mix of new buildings and existing building projects. He supports the development of new buildings projects from the conceptual design phase through the end of the project and he provides input on various enclosure systems and construction techniques. In addition, Lucas is a key member of RDH’s building enclosure commissioning group, providing enhanced commission services to healthcare, institutional, and commercial clients. Lucas also leads existing building projects for a diverse range of clients. These services range from façade ordinance inspection and conditions assessments to full building recladding design.Beginning his career with RDH in Portland, Lucas quickly became an important contributor to the region’s business development and operations. He joined the Boston office when it was established in 2017 and has played an important role in our progress in the region.
This presentation will demonstrate how thermal and hygrothermal modeling can inform effective retrofit and repair strategies by predicting condensation risks, evaluating insulation placement, and addressing thermal bridging. Through three case studies, presenters will explore the use of one- and two-dimensional simulations, as well as computational fluid dynamics (CFD), to assess and compare retrofit options. The session will also highlight lessons learned from implementation and compare CFD simulations with laboratory testing to evaluate model accuracy.
Renae Kwon, AIA | Associate Principal, Wiss Janey, Elstner Associates Inc.
Renae Kwon is an Associate Principal with the consulting firm Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates Inc., with over 20 years of experience. Ms. Kwon is a licensed architect, with experience in repair and rehabilitation of various types of facades, as well as experience in enclosure design, peer review design, field-based evaluation and testing and commissioning of building enclosures for new construction. Ms. Kwon also focuses on the application of proven building science fundamentals to produce high-performance, climate-specific systems.
This presentation will explore how emerging technologies like drone imaging, AI, and advanced image processing are transforming enclosure audits by providing detailed, actionable data on energy loss. Case studies will highlight how these tools were used to guide enclosure retrofits, including roofing and window upgrades, resulting in improved efficiency and return on investment. Presenters will demonstrate how integrating these technologies streamlines the retrofit process, making it faster, more precise, and more cost-effective than traditional methods.
Mark Vasu | Vice President, Business Development, QEA TechMark Vasu is a serial entrepreneur that has pioneered innovation ecosystems, communities, and startups in climate tech. He is Vice President, Business Development US, for QEA Tech Inc., a market-making AI-powered software company that reduces energy and emissions in buildings, focused on the building envelope. Prior to QEA Tech, Mark served as Head of Office for InnoEnergy, establishing the US office and building a team to extend a pan European venture capital and innovation ecosystem. Prior to InnoEnergy, Mark served as a founding team member and EVP of Greentown Labs. What began as a handful of startups splitting rent in a shared warehouse and is now the largest climate tech accelerator / incubator in North America, supporting more than 200 startups. Prior to Greentown, Mark was the founder of a software company focused on reducing personal energy use and spending. Mark holds a BA Economics from Duke University.
Greg King | Managing Director, TSK Energy Solutions
Gregory King is an environmental justice and clean energy workforce development consultant with extensive experience in renewable energy and building efficiency. As Managing Director of TSK Energy Solutions LLC—a Minority Business Enterprise—he designs and implements innovative programs that expand access to careers in energy efficiency and renewable energy, particularly in historically marginalized communities. At Roxbury Community College, he founded the Center for Smart Building Technology, which prepares students for careers in high-performance buildings aligned with Boston’s carbon-neutral by 2050 goals. He also led the design of the MassSave Clean Energy Pathways Program, providing hands-on training and paid internships in HVAC and weatherization for young people and women of color. His work extends into community solar and policy advocacy. He co-founded the Boston Community Solar Cooperative, sits on the Advisory Committee of Northeastern University’s School of Public Policy and Urban Affairs, and chairs the DEI Justice and Workforce Board Committee for the Alliance for the Climate Transition. He authored and successfully lobbied for the Clean Energy Equity Workforce Development Program, a $12 million annual initiative targeting residents of environmental justice communities and displaced fossil fuel workers. Gregory is also developing the Green Zone Planning Framework, a justice-centeredapproach to community-based climate investment and planning which prioritizes the integration of decarbonization, health equity, and workforce opportunity in neighborhoods most impacted by environmental burdens.
Gunnar Hubbard, FAIA, LEED Fellow | GH Climate Consultancy
A climate-forward catalyst, change agent, and leader in ClimateTech and sustainability within the Architecture, Engineering, and Construction (AEC) community. A recognized global leader in green- building, developing and implementing climate-focused strategies. Specializes in creating high-performance and low-carbon healthy buildings, and collaborating with clients and team members on projects of all scales worldwide. Contributed to and led teams on over 500 LEED, Passive House, WELL, and Living Building Challenge Certifications. Advances climate action initiatives through customized consulting services to owners, design teams, and companies. An innovative and creative teacher and facilitator, who develops content and instructs across diverse audiences to ensure learning.
Dr. Jan Kośny, Ph.D
Dr. Jan Kośny is a Research Professor in the Dept. of Mechanical and Industrial Engineering at University of Massachusetts, Lowell. He servs as a director of Building Energy Efficiency and Temperature Control Materials Laboratory, and co-director, Photovoltaic Prototyping and Testing Laboratory. For 13 years, Dr. Kośny was faculty member at the Department of Civil, Environmental, and Architectural Engineering, at the Rzeszow University of Technology, Poland, and later, he worked for 20 years at the Oak Ridge National Laboratory, Buildings Technology Center. During 2010-19, he served as director of Building Enclosures & Materials Program at Fraunhofer USA. He has published 2 books, 9 book chapters, over 170 technical articles, 200 presentations, reports, and patents. He is a recipient of the 2009 R&D 100 Award. Dr. Kośny’s expertise includes energy efficiency, building science, building materials, building integrated solar technologies, phase change processes and thermal storage applications. Dr. Kośny is a chief editor of the Frontiers’ journal Solar Energy in Urban Development.
“Challenges and Opportunities towards achieving carbon neutrality in the U.S. Building Sector with examples of Novel Materials and Application Paths”
This presentation will outline global processes and limitations in urban developments, as well as transformational technologies and trends leading the way to green buildings and more sustainable urban planning.
The following topics will be discussed both from urban and building perspective:
Audience may be also interested in a discussion what technologies are needed to support recent legislation efforts planned to accelerate clean energy developments in building sector, improve housing and energy affordability, and create higher penetration of renewable technologies.
At Inner City High School in Edmonton, a cold-climate retrofit combined vacuum-insulated glazing with fiberglass curtain wall framing to achieve tenfold improvements in thermal performance without replacing the full envelope. Using thermal modeling and building envelope diagnostics, the project team addressed longstanding comfort and energy issues while reducing operational carbon and thermal bridging. This session will unpack the retrofit strategy, share outcomes from the renovation, and highlight how innovative materials can support scalable, climate-aligned interventions in existing public buildings.
Peter Dushenski | Managing Director, GlasCurtain Inc.
Peter Dushenski is the Managing Director of Canada-based GlasCurtain inc. Since 2013, he's lead the manufacturer to several industry firsts including the world's highest thermally-performing glazed curtain wall based on Passive House (PHI) certification - rated to 0.60 W/m2K - while growing the company's installer network to over 35 partners across North America. Peter has previously been invited to speak at Performance-Based Façade Designs in Venice, Italy, at Canada-EU Green Building Forum in Brussels, Belgium, at Ecobuild in London, UK, at Canada Green Building Council (CaGBC) National Conference, at Passive House Canada National Conference, and ZAK World Façades. In addition to curtain wall, Peter's passions include art history, philosophy, and staying active with his young family.
Outdated curtain wall systems can compromise building performance, regardless of HVAC or lighting upgrades. This panel—featuring a curtain wall manufacturer, architects, a mechanical consultant, and a building owner—will present case studies showing how full system replacements and targeted reglazing strategies have improved energy efficiency, comfort, and operational outcomes in commercial buildings. Attendees will learn how each project team evaluated retrofit options, addressed challenges, and achieved measurable results, offering practical guidance for extending the life and performance of aging facades.
Todd Frederick | Curtain Wall Manufacturer, FreMarq Innovations
With over 40 years of experience in the commercial window and curtain wall industry, Todd Frederick brings unmatched expertise to every project. Over the years, he has led companies with a focus on engineering high-performance building envelope solutions that meet the evolving demands of energy efficiency, sustainability, and design. Todd has overseen the development and execution of numerous complex retrofit and new construction projects, and he continues to push the boundaries of curtain wall design through innovative thinking and technical excellence. His leadership has shaped a team of skilled engineers and project managers who share his commitment to quality, performance, and customer service.Pat Spoden | Architect, Flad ArchitectsPat is an associate principal with over 33 years of architectural experience, serving as both project manager and project architect for a broad range of project types. His portfolio spans Flad’s core practice areas, including healthcare, science and technology, and academic facilities.Pat brings a depth of experience to every client and project he supports. As a hands-on project architect, he helped Johnson & Johnson build their first LEED Gold laboratory. More recently, as a project manager, he led the successful completion of the UF Health Heart & Vascular Hospital and UF Health Neuromedicine Hospital, a project recognized with four Green Globes. Since 2017, he has managed projects for Penn State Health at their Hershey and Hampden hospitals.Chris O’Hara | Founding Principal, Architect, Studio NYL
Chris O’Hara, Founding Principal of Studio NYL, began his career in New York, gaining early exposure to complex structural engineering projects including amusement park rides, waterfront structures, and notable façades like the Rose Center for Earth and Space and the Rolling Stones Bridges to Babylon tour. He later helped establish Dewhurst Macfarlane’s New York office, collaborating with prominent architects such as Rafael Viñoly and Kohn Pedersen Fox on projects like the Kimmel Center and the Watson Institute. Chris also contributed significantly at Ground Zero as part of the Structural Engineers Association of New York (SEAoNY) following 9/11. Now based in Colorado, he continues to advance structural innovation through leadership, education, and advocacy. He is active with SEAC and teaches at CU Boulder and Denver, with expertise in structural glass, long-span and tensile structures, and sustainable design solutions.
Matt Peffley, PE, LEED AP, HFDP | Senior Vice President, WSP USA
Matt is a Senior Vice President, Property & Buildings Director and Local Business Leader for WSP USA. He holds a Bachelor of Architectural Engineering degree with a Mechanical Emphasis from The Pennsylvania State University. Matt has over 23 years of experience in consulting engineering and is an ASHRAE Certified Healthcare Facilities Design Professional (HFDP). Additionally, Matt is a LEED Accredited Professional and a licensed Professional Engineer in Maryland and Pennsylvania. His areas of expertise include mechanical systems design of HVAC and plumbing systems for institutional, commercial, and governmental buildings with an emphasis on healthcare facilities design. Under his leadership, the WSP office in York, Pennsylvania has successfully delivered several high-profile projects, enhancing the firm's reputation in the region. His strategic vision and commitment to excellence have been instrumental in driving the growth and success of the office. Matt's ability to cultivate strong relationships with clients and stakeholders is a testament to his dedication and professional acumen. Matt and his staff in Central Pennsylvania have been consulting on projects for Penn State Health for over 15 years and working with Flad Architects for nearly a decade.David Barto | Vice President, Facilities, Building Owner Representative, Penn State HealthDavid started his career as a consulting engineer designing health care facilities. In 2014, he leveraged those experiences as Director, Planning & Construction at the Penn State Health Milton S. Hershey Medical Center. In 2020, David became Vice President, Facilities of Penn State Health and coordinates design and construction, maintenance and operations, and building life safety activities. David earned a bachelor’s degree of mechanical engineering from Bucknell University and a professional master of engineering degree from the University of Maryland. He is a licensed professional engineer and an ASHE Certified Healthcare Facility Manager.
This case study will focus on ongoing work at Wellesley College related to retrofitting their early 20th century, neo-gothic residence halls ahead of the planned decarbonization of their existing campus heating loop: transitioning from steam to low temperature hot water. In support of this change, we will discuss the processes of energy modeling, WUFI analysis, Life Cycle Costing and detailed coordination with manufacturers for four different residence halls. The approach for each aimed to balance energy performance with preserving intricate detailing at historic "living rooms" and other key areas. Our detailed analyses guided the decision of which areas of these historic buildings to insulate - and how. We'll also dive into the detailing of new interior storm windows in conjunction with resealing the existing leaded-glass, steel windows to achieve a tighter envelope within limited budgets, and how our approach fits with the current Stretch Energy Code. The first two buildings using this approach have been completed and the third completes work this summer. The fourth hall renovation is in design, and we will review how we are now utilizing FLIR imagery to identify targeted areas for energy upgrades moving forward at the College.
Rebecca L. Berry AIA, LEED AP | Principal, President, Director of Sustainability, Director of Finegold Alexander Energy
Rebecca leads Finegold Alexander’s higher education, institutional and religious practice areas. Her work spans adaptive use, restoration and preservation as well as new construction. Rebecca’s passion is for projects that serve people and their greater communities. She is also Finegold Alexander’s Director of Sustainability, promoting sustainable design practices, conversations and reviews firm wide. Rebecca is also Director of FA Energy, a new Firm division which is focused on providing integrated solutions for decarbonizing existing and historic structures and helping institutions, municipalities and state agencies achieve their climate goals.
Megan Brown AIA, CPHD, LEED AP BD+C | Associate, Finegold Alexander Energy Team Manager
As FA Energy Manager, Megan’s work centers on holistic carbon reduction in the construction and use of buildings. She has a particular interest in breaking down the challenges associated with existing buildings, blending design-thinking with building science to help owners capture energy savings and create healthier environments. Her highly technical project experience ranges in scale from research greenhouses and engineering labs to detailed envelope analyses backed by thermal imagery and heat loss modeling. In all her work, Megan is constantly mindful of the pressing need to reduce carbon emissions, particularly through an ‘envelope-first’ approach.
Matthew Bronski, PE | Senior Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Matthew is a Senior Principal and the Preservation Practice Leader at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH). In his 30 years at SGH, his practice has focused on investigating and diagnosing the causes and consequences of building enclosure and structural problems in historic buildings (both traditional and modern), and designing sensitive restorations and rehabilitations to solve those problems. He has written and lectured extensively on historic preservation, from technical issues to construction history to preservation philosophy. He holds degrees in Architecture, Engineering, and Historic Preservation.
Jason Der Ananian, PE | Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Jason is a Principal at Simpson Gumpertz & Heger (SGH) with over 20 years of experience in building enclosure design and building science. He specializes in high-performance building enclosures including passive house projects, and is experienced in whole building air leakage testing, forensic investigations, and remedial repairs. He has lectured at national conferences and authored technical papers on enclosure performance and energy efficiency. Jason holds a degree in Mechanical Engineering.
An air barrier system in a building reduces energy use, is a major factor in managing moisture, reduces transfers odors, secondhand cigarette smoke, improves performance of insulation, reduces cooling / warming effect on fenestrations and results in the mechanical system working properly. Installing an air barrier system should be very simple and straightforward, you install air barrier materials and components, connecting them with air barriers accessories but it does not turn out that way. The old saying “the devil is in the details” applies to installing an air barrier system. This presentation covers what needs to be when choosing material, critical installation methods, site testing that confirms proper installation and new equipment in the development stage that will assist the industry in finding air leaks. It will also cover the new training and personnel certification program that was developed to improve the accuracy of whole building testing and reduce “false negatives”.
George H. Gard, AIA | Associate, Bruner/Cott Architects
George H. Gard, AIA, is an architect who brings a future-oriented approach to the conservation and transformation of existing buildings. George sees the evolution of conservation as critical to the sustainability of the built environment and future of the profession. Through his work, George holistically considers the form, function, and impacts of architecture in a way that challenges categorical assumptions around design for buildings of all eras. George leads teams to develop tailored solutions to existing buildings across diverse program types to deliver meaningful architecture. This approach to design allows George to highlight legacies of transformation and to position new work within those legacies—pursuing continuities of change over erasure or departure. He has spoken extensively on these topics at conferences around the United States and at colleges and universities. George is an Associate at Bruner/Cott Architects and teaches at Wentworth Institute of Technology on topics of conservation and transformation. He holds degrees in Architecture and Urban Design from The Pennsylvania State University, and the Harvard Graduate School of Design. His projects have been published internationally and received awards including the AIA COTE Top Ten, and AIA Honor Award. He is a recipient of the AIA’s Young Architect Award.
Patrick Murphy, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC | Director of Sustainable Design, Vanderweil
Patrick Murphy, PE, LEED AP BD+C, CPHC, is Vanderweil’s Director of Sustainable Design and a multidisciplinary architectural engineer experienced in design, construction administration, and project management. As the leader of Vanderweil’s Building Performance Group, Patrick seeks to reduce buildings’ environmental impact using tools such as energy modeling, embodied carbon analysis, solar analysis, computational fluid dynamics, and life cycle cost analysis. Patrick’s deep experience includes high-performance building designs for net-zero energy, all-electric building operation, fossil fuel-free campus master-planning, Passive Building, Living Building Challenge, WELL, and LEED Platinum® projects.
Patrick holds both Bachelor and Master of Architectural Engineering degrees from The Pennsylvania State University. His integrated and informed engineering designs have been featured at dozens of his conference presentations including at Greenbuild, AIA Conference on Architecture, and a keynote at the NESEA Boston Conference. Patrick’s work has also been recognized with numerous regional and national awards including a winner of the Metropolis Magazine Next Gen Design Competition. Patrick is an active member and has held leadership positions with the Boston Society for Architecture Committee on the Environment, USGBC LEED Water Technical Advisory Group, ASHRAE, and the Penn State Alumni Society of Architectural Engineers.
Bradford J. Prestbo, FAIA | Principal, Director of Boston Office, Studio NYL
Bradford J. Prestbo, FAIA, is advancing the profession through his practice, advocacy, and educational efforts in the use of cutting-edge design technologies, high-performance design, and the incorporation of maker culture into the design process. He has practiced internationally, is a sought-after speaker, is frequently interviewed, and is an educator via his detailing workshops, higher-education classes, design juries, and mentorship of emerging professionals. Additionally, he has published a number of books, including “From Mind to Paper” which provides readers with a semester’s worth of sketching rudiments.
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