AIA Detroit is pleased to introduce the 2025 Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Cohort. A special “Thank You,” to our Co-Chairs, Nivin Boersma and Nikola Gjurchinoski for guiding this cohort, AECOM for providing space for Bootcamp, and our generous Program Sponsors, SmithGroup and Albert Kahn!

GET TO KNOW THIS YEAR’S CKLDP SCHOLARS:

Jack Collins
SmithGroup

Bio:
Jack Collins is a published architectural researcher and Laboratory Planner with SmithGroup. A recent Master of Architecture Alum from the University of Michigan’s Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning (A&AB) where he served as a content editor for the Agora Journal. He received his B.S. in Architecture and Environmental Design from Bowling Green State University where he graduated from the Honors College and where he formerly held multiple National AIAS positions including being elected as Chapter President. He was also selected and served as a Student Representative for NAAB in spring 2022 and 2023.

 

Noor Danha
Straub Pettitt Yaste

Bio:
Noor Danha is an aspiring architect with a background in art and a passion for the intersection of design, culture, and technical innovation. Beginning with a love for drawing and painting, Noor was drawn to architecture as a medium that blends artistic expression with real-world
impact. After earning an architectural education at the University of Detroit Mercy, he developed a deeper understanding of architecture’s technical, cultural, and psychological dimensions. With two years of experience at an architectural practice, Noor has worked on diverse projects, honing skills in design, problem-solving, and project management.

Inspired by Renzo Piano’s belief that architecture is where art and science meet, he strives to create meaningful, functional spaces that shape communities. As he continues to grow in the field, Noor is eager to contribute innovative and thoughtful design solutions that enhance the built environment.

 

Sarah Doornbos
SmithGroup

Bio:
With over 14 years of professional experience in interior design, Sarah Doornbos has had the privilege of contributing to a diverse array of projects and honing her creative vision, collaboration skills, and thoughtful design. Sarah has led clients through a variety of complex projects in the workplace, science and technology, higher education, retail, and hospitality markets. Bringing innovative solutions, combined with her collaborative disposition, Sarah has the ability to craft creative solutions to complex challenges. This has led our team to highly successful projects and enduring client and professional relationships.

 

Blake Drouillard
Kraemer Design Group

Bio:
Having studied architecture at Norwich University in Vermont and abroad in Germany, Blake has cultivated a love for architecture and design, particularly as a means to revitalize and engage the area in which the project is situated. This interest has led to a natural fascination with the City of Detroit and the resurgence it is currently seeing, and through his involvement in multiple rehabilitation and new construction projects in the city, he is excited to be a part of that rebirth.

Blake joined Kraemer Design Group in 2014 and has since been a part of and led multiple projects ranging in size and complexity. As a Project Architect, he understands the importance of both elevated design work at the start of the project but also fostering a good relationship with the construction team to implement the design as envisioned.

 

Cassandra Dudlo
Spark 43 Architects

Bio:
Cassi is an Architectural Designer at Spark 43 Architects focusing on sports facilities and community centric designs. She is also a recent graduate from Ferris State University with a Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Sustainability, winning several design competitions and awards. Currently she is an M. Arch student at Boston Architectural
College in addition to being an IPAL student and recently obtaining her WELL AP certification.

Outside of work Cassi enjoys spending time with the West Michigan Women in Architecture members and volunteering with North Country CISMA.

In her downtime Cassi enjoys riding horses, hiking with her dog Ryder, and finding the perfect café miel at local Grand Rapids coffee shops.

 

Megan Finley
END Studio

Bio:
Megan Finley is an architectural designer with work experiences across typologies, scales, and programs. Much of Megan’s creative portfolio demonstrates an affinity with design research and theory; showcasing a fun, out-of-the-box, approach to serious propositions. A self-identified ‘code-head’, she enjoys discussing the reasoning and implications of local zoning and building code for each project. Megan earned a Master of Architecture from the Taubman College of Architecture and Urban Planning at the University of Michigan in 2022 and moved to Detroit right after. She loves the Detroit architecture community because of its advocacy for the city, its residents, and culture of community led efforts.

 

Gania Kandalaft
Quinn Evans

Bio:
Gania Kandalaft, Associate AIA, is an Architectural Designer at Quinn Evans. She is a graduate of Lawrence Technological University (BSArch + MArch). Gania has been working in the architectural field for over 14 years. Gania has depth of experience within historical preservation and adaptive re-use projects through both professional and voluntary appointed roles. She has been on the Plymouth Historic District Commission for four years and was on the Farmington Hills HDC for two years. Starting as an intern for Preservation Detroit in 2012, Gania has been volunteering for the organization ever since. She recently joined the board of the Association for Preservation Technology – Eastern Great Lakes chapter in 2025 as treasurer. Gania is excited to expand her network and practice in the architecture field by joining the AIA CKLDP class.

 

Tian Li
Other Work

Bio:
Tian Li is a designer and educator dedicated to community-centered architecture and fostering collaboration. She holds a graduate degree in architecture from the Rhode Island School of Design, where she integrated her passion for art, architecture, and science.

As an adjunct professor at the University of Detroit Mercy, Tian combines her design expertise with a commitment to empowering students to push the boundaries of design. At Other Work, she leads community-driven initiatives, including the O’Hair and Farwell Park workshops, where she redefined engagement strategies to involve and uplift local residents. Tian believes architecture should be both accessible and transformative, and she is eager to continue exploring innovative, collaborative design solutions that create lasting impact.

In her free time, you can find Tian biking around Detroit with her fellow designers or on the dance floor enjoying salsa and bachata.

 

Kayla Mortillaro
Neumann/Smith Architecture

Bio:
Kayla is a licensed architect having graduated from Lawrence Technological University with her Bachelor of Science in Architecture in 2019 and Masters in Architecture in 2020. Kayla has worked as an architectural designer in the Detroit area for over 6 years and currently works as a designer for Neumann/Smith Architecture.
Kayla enjoys taking a project from conception to completion and developing close working relationships with her clients and consultants. Her professional experience includes workplace, higher education, community center work.

Kayla is also passionate about environmental design and wellness and actively participates in Neumann/Smiths Sustainability and Wellness Committee. In her spare time, Kayla enjoys scuba diving and running marathons.

 

Winfrey Nyarko
ROSSETTI

Bio:
Winfrey is a passionate and versatile designer with a deep appreciation for nature and a strong commitment to personal and community growth. Her design philosophy is rooted in creating spaces that not only reflect functional excellence but also inspire a sense of connection to the natural world and the communities they serve.

With a diverse background and a blend of creative and technical expertise in sports and hospitality, Winfrey brings a fresh perspective to the architectural industry. Her work reflects her belief that design should empower and uplift communities, fostering both social and environmental harmony. Beyond her professional pursuits, Winfrey is an avid sports fan and enjoys traveling to explore new cultures and adventures.

Winfrey aims to inspire the next generation of designers, especially women and young ladies of color to break barriers in the architectural field by sharing her experiences and encouraging others to pursue their creative ambitions with confidence.

 

Pierce Sadlier
Resurget Engineering

Bio:
Pierce Sadlier is a licensed structural engineer with over 10 years of experience in the industry. As an Associate at Resurget Engineering, he has had the pleasure of working closely with passionate architects in shaping some of Detroit’s most iconic buildings. Pierce has developed a passion for solving complex engineering problems and making design concepts come to life. His experience includes higher education, multi-family residential, workplace, and K-12.

Beyond his technical work, Pierce is deeply committed to mentoring the next generation of engineers. He enjoyed teaching architectural engineering students at Lawrence Technological University for four years with a focus on the engineering design studios.

Outside of work, Pierce loves cooking meals with his wife, Haley. He has recently become an avid scuba diver, exploring the shipwrecks of Lake Huron, and while on dry land, he enjoys playing a round of golf whenever he can.

 

Nour El Souri
Lord Aeck Sargent

Bio:
Nour El Souri is an architectural designer with nearly a decade of experience. Holding a Bachelor of Architecture from the American University of Beirut, she has worked on large-scale mixed-use developments, retail spaces, healthcare facilities, housing, and higher education projects.

Since moving to Detroit in 2017, Nour has expanded her expertise, demonstrating a strong dedication to designs that prioritize user experience, sustainability, accessibility, and inclusion. Beyond her technical skills, she is committed to fostering growth within the architectural community, actively advocating for diversity, equity, and a supportive work culture that empowers future professionals.

Passionate about innovative design and emerging technologies, Nour strives to develop spaces that benefit both people and the environment. She is currently pursuing architectural licensure to further strengthen her technical and leadership skills. Through her work and community engagement, she seeks to drive meaningful change and contribute to the city’s growth.