Bisnow's take on design

Bisnow’s Houston Architecture & Design Summit was a standout event! With many speakers being clients or former colleagues, it made the experience even more meaningful for our team. Jing and Deborah left inspired by insights on design strategy, collaboration, and community impact.

Our thanks to all the panelists for the depth of insight they brought to the table:

🔹 Panel 1 – The Art of Design in a Modern Market - This panel explored how design professionals can go beyond aesthetics to serve as strategic partners in development. The key takeaway: reclaim a seat at the table—not just as creatives, but as collaborators helping shape the built environment through an understanding of people, process, and power. The panelists below addressed these themes with insightful examples and expertise.

• Adam Cryer, President, Pinnacle Structural Engineers

• Alec Luong, AIA RID CM, Principal, Project Luong

• Caveh Masum, Principal, Collaborate Architects

• Cassie King Spain, VP, Design & Placemaking, Trademark Property Company

• Mark Santa Maria, Principal, Makr Design

• Wyatt Frantom, FAIA, Principal, Design Director, Perkins&Will

🔹 Panel 2 – Shaping the Future of Specialized Spaces - This session highlighted the evolution of design across the aviation, healthcare, education, and public sectors. From emotional support to cultural responsiveness and data-driven solutions, the focus was clear: design must center on the human experience to truly resonate. Each speaker brought a unique lens to how this principle plays out in their sector.

• Angela Cotie, LEED AP, VP, Bartlett Cocke General Contractors

• Gary Machicek, AIA, Partner & Managing Director of Design, Kirksey

• Kristin Ledet, Principal, CannonDesign

• Jorge Tiscareño, Senior Principal and Design Director, PBK

• Marshall Frey, C.M., VP of Aviation, JE Dunn

• Brian Reddy, Associate Principal, Corgan

• Guy Smith, Associate Principal, HLB Lighting Design

🔹 Panel 3 – Designing for the Long Haul - This conversation focused on designing with longevity in mind, emphasizing the role of AI, sustainability, and resiliency in shaping the future. The panel reinforced that while tools evolve, great design remains rooted in usability, adaptability, and thoughtful impact. The discussion was led by a diverse group of experts who shared their perspectives on designing with the future in mind.

• Paul Siwek, CEO, S-Bar Construction Company

• Eric Hudson, AIA, Partner & Principal of Design Services, Method Architecture

• Jeffrey Abel, Managing Principal, Abel Design Group

• Yong Gan, Associate Partner, PhiloWilke

• Philip Ward, Senior Associate, MHOA

• Gin Braverman, Founder & Creative Director, Gin Design Group

• Cynthia Dehlavi, Director of Design, KW Landscape Architects

The summit was a refreshing reminder of the power of shared expertise and collaboration. From reclaiming the designer’s voice at the table to elevating the human experience across specialized spaces, each panel offered valuable takeaways we’re excited to carry forward in our work.