John Kane
Architekton, Tempe, AZ
John is one of the founding partners of Architekton. Architekton designs a wide range of public facilities, commercial buildings, community spaces and educational and public safety facilities. They believe in impactful design that reflects the values of their clients, the creativity of their team and the beauty of the context, high-performing teams to solve complex problems elegantly, and sharing their passion for design that makes a positive impact on the community. They see their firm as a part of a greater whole, embedded in and connected with their community, the Sonoran Desert and the planet. They believe there is a responsibility to be good stewards and to lead by example. Sustainability is not a passing fad but a commitment to a way of life.
Tania Salgado, Chair
Handprint Architecture, Denver, CO
Tania is an award-winning architect with a master’s degree in architecture from the University of New Mexico and is licensed in both Colorado and New Mexico. She is active in her community and profession, having held leadership positions with the American Institute of Architects (AIA), including Denver’s President on the Board of Directors. She is currently serving on Denver’s Lower Downtown Design Review Board (LDDRB) and sits on the Society of College and University Planning (SCUP) Regional Council. In 2013, she was awarded the Medal of Achievement, the highest individual honor recognized by AIA Denver. In addition, she was awarded the AIA National Young Architect of the Year award after receiving this from both Denver and the Western Mountain Region AIA Chapters.
With over 19 years of experience, her projects include a variety of private and public buildings, as well as educational facilities and institutions. Her leadership in programming and planning with small and large client groups provides a clear vision, delivering quality projects through design and construction. Tania’s fluency in Spanish enhances her ability to communicate effectively at public presentations and fund-raising events.
Eric Strain
assemblageSTUDIO, Las Vegas, NV
Eric Strain founded his Las Vegas architecture firm, assemblageSTUDIO, on April Fool’s Day in 1997. assemblageSTUDIO was formed with one basic principle — Quality over Quantity. Their goal is to do selective and quality projects where everyone maintains hands-on involvement throughout the project. They desire to remain small with a limited number of projects to ensure continuous involvement. This commitment is the cornerstone of their practice. In spite of the glitz and glamour of the city, the architectural design firm was established in the “Silence of the ‘Other Side,’” as per Eric. Having won many prestigious awards with their design creations, the firm has made its name in the international scenario.
