Roland Day II, AIA, NOMA

Past President

John Tagle Associates, Inc.

Architect & Designer

P: 248.542.0400

E:

With over 34 years of experience working on a wide variety of projects, Roland’s primary goal is to passionately create excellent architecture, planning and design focused on regenerating cities and enhancing the quality of urban life and culture. 

Roland has been involved with multiple stages of a wide variety of projects including the renovation of the Cobo Center Convention Center, Museum of African American History [Detroit], and the Greektown Casino. Recent work includes interior|workplace design and experiential graphics for DTE and many other businesses in the metro Detroit area. Having worked for several firms, Roland has also been in private practice for over 16 years, providing professional services on residential and commercial projects.

Having traveled and studied extensively, Roland will bring his experience to bear to enhance and support the AID Board. He has used his leadership skills to serve the community and architectural profession in many ways from participating on several National AIA committees and jury panels to mentoring high school students and serving in various capacities in his church. Two strong areas of interest within the field are Diversity + Inclusion as well as strengthening the reach of our local chapter within the metro Detroit region by developing new programs and opportunities for community outreach.

Jeff Gaines, AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C

President

HED

Associate Principal

P: 248.262.1500

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Jeff Gaines AIA, AICP, LEED AP BD+C is an Associate Principal at HED where he serves as the Director of Design for the Southfield office. With over 30 years of experience in the fields of architecture, planning, and urban design, Mr. Gaines is committed to sustainable design and planning solutions that improve the well-being of those that occupy and are affected by the resulting built environments. He is the past Chair of the Board of Directors for the Detroit Regional Chapter of the U. S. Green Building Council, an organization that he has been involved with since its formation. He is also actively involved in the Detroit Chapter of the American Institute of Architects and the Michigan Chapter of the American Planning Association. He is a registered architect in the State of Michigan, and a Certified Planner with architecture and planning degrees from the University of Michigan and the University of Cincinnati. In addition, he holds certificates from the National Charrette Institute and the Form Based Codes Institute, and is also a Michigan Place Partnership Placemaking Curriculum Certified Trainer. He has also taught Architectural Design and Urban Planning courses at Lawrence Technological University, University of Detroit Mercy, and the University of Michigan.

Andrew Stone, AIA, NCARB

Vice President / President Elect

Albert Kahn Associates, Inc.

Corporate Director | Senior Architect

P: 313.202.7000

E:

I serve as a Corporate Director and Senior Architect for Albert Kahn Associates, Inc. (Kahn) – a role that has brought exciting challenges and incredible rewards. Since starting with the company in 2014, I’ve quickly risen through the ranks from Architectural Intern to serving on the Kahn Board of Directors. I am an inaugural member of the company’s Diversity + Inclusion Committee and a long-standing member of the Workflow Improvement Team. Most recently, I was recognized as a 2022 Notable LGBTQ in Business Leader by Crain’s Detroit – a recognition that I hope helps to increase visibility of LGBTQ individuals and highlight diversity, equity, and inclusion initiatives within the AEC industry.

Over the last eight years at Kahn, I’ve helped to develop millions of square feet within the built environment, and through that process I’ve developed a strong understanding of the architectural process, a breadth of experience in various building typologies, and a keen interest in building enclosure sciences. Since receiving my license in 2017, I’ve helped to guide others within Kahn’s office through project development and encouraged licensure and membership within AIA. Additionally, through the experience I’ve gained during this tenure, I’ve developed strong relationships with building owners, engineers, construction managers, contractors, and fellow architects and designers.

I look forward to the opportunity to bring my experience, energy, and passion for the Detroit design community to serve AIA Detroit and its membership.

Zach Funk, AIA

Secretary

CBRE

Project Architect

P: 248.353.5400

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Zach Funk is a dedicated architect with almost 15 years of experience spanning private practice, government service, and ownership representation. Currently, he serves as a Project Architect at Ford Land/CBRE, helping to manage high-profile projects like Ford’s new Product Design Center, where he oversees all phases of design and project management. His role provides a unique perspective, as he works on both domestic and international master planning efforts, bridging architectural design with business and development objectives.

Before joining Ford Land, Zach gained valuable public sector experience as an Urban Designer with the City of Detroit, where he led design reviews for new developments and contributed to key planning documents. He also serves as a Planning Commissioner for the City of Plymouth.

Zach holds a Master of Architecture degree from Lawrence Technological University and a Bachelor of Science in Architecture degree from the University of Detroit Mercy. His education, combined with hands-on experience, has equipped him with a strong foundation in both design and the practical aspects of architecture. He has worked across various project types, including multifamily housing, higher education, and retail, during his tenure at firms such as Neumann/Smith Architecture and JPRA Architects. His ability to collaborate with cross-functional teams, manage client relationships, and navigate complex design challenges has been integral to his success.

Outside of work, Zach has been happily married since 2017 and is a proud father of three—Nora, Mia and Nolan. He enjoys traveling, exploring new restaurants, and spending quality time with his family.

Paul R. Wills, AIA, LEED AP, NCARB

Treasurer

Plante Moran

Partner

P: 248.352.2500

E:

Paul, a partner with Plante Moran Realpoint, specializes in preconstruction planning, program feasibility, and program oversight services. Paul excels in helping decision-makers define and meet key program success parameters, goals, and objectives. This includes assisting with the selection of design and construction team members, working with clients to achieve favorable designs within funding, and monitoring program progress.

Paul has more than 30 years of program management experience and has completed successful capital projects worth more than $5 billion. He has assisted numerous clients across Michigan, Ohio, Illinois, Indiana, and Florida on more than 600 facilities projects involving building assessments, conceptual programming, bonding approval, and design and construction for educational facilities, municipal offices, law enforcement, fire and EMS, libraries, courts, recreation centers, and DPW facilities.

Paul received his Bachelor of Science (1996) and Master of Architecture (1997) degrees from Lawrence Technological University. He became a licensed architect in 2001. Paul is a LEED-accredited professional (Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design) and a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA). He is certified by the National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB).

Paul regularly presents at industry sector conferences and seminars including CASBO, CASA, MASB, MASA, MSBO, MLI, MML, and MGFOA.

Paul volunteers his time mentoring numerous architectural students annually through the AIA mentorship program, LTU’s architectural alumni association, and co-chaired the Southfield Public Schools STEM Advisory Council for over 8 years.

Lauren Pedigo, AIA, NCARB

AIA Michigan Director

Progressive Companies

Senior Planner

P: 313.361.2664

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Patrick Kanary, AIA, NCARB

Michigan Director

Progressive Companies

Architect | Senior Project Manager

P: 313.361.2664

E:

Patrick is a licensed architect at Progressive Companies and formerly a senior project manager in the Detroit office of SmithGroup, where he brought a proven passion for management, leadership, financial success, and innovative design solutions to each of his clients and projects. Patrick has spent more than 20 years working in various specialties including Workplace, K-12 Education, Higher Education, Commercial, Retail, and Food Service. He has successfully managed diverse project teams to uncover clients’ passions and concerns while building consensus, creating a unified team vision, and delivering projects that exceed each client’s and team’s goals.

Patrick was born and raised in Midland, Michigan, among many Alden B. Dow-designed buildings. He viewed Dow’s homes as personal and exceptional examples of great design and was inspired to learn to create inspiring buildings and environments for others. He attended the University of Michigan (B.S. Arch. 1995 and M. Arch. 1997) and lived and worked in Boston, before returning to the Detroit area to raise his family. Patrick enjoys exploring and working in Detroit, spending his free time at Detroit Golf Club, working swim meets for his sons’ various teams, and supporting the University of Detroit Jesuit High School where his youngest son and his classmates and teammates learn to become men for others in the Jesuit tradition.

At this point in his professional career and personal development, Patrick wants others in the metro Detroit architectural community to benefit from his experience, knowledge, financial acumen, and advanced leadership skills so others can continue to develop advance, and learn from both his successes and missteps. Patrick is a thoughtful and patient leader who delivers added value and facilitates interdisciplinary, cross-functional collaboration among his teams and clients. He is eager to partner with the AIA Detroit Board of Directors to operationalize their Strategic Plan and continue to improve our profession and communities in metro Detroit.

Christopher L. Stefani,

AIA Michigan Director

Lawrence Technological University

Chief of Staff

P: 586.563.8333

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Christopher L. Stefani serves as chief of staff at Lawrence Technological University, where he manages high-priority programs to propel the university’s mission forward.

Over 8 years with LTU, Stefani’s work included a pioneering Early Middle College program – the first in the city of Detroit, which led to the expansion of LTU’s Industry-Sponsored Courses and co-development of the Innovative Pathways Initiative, which is working to increase access to a STEAM-based education for all students – from kindergarten through professional development.

An LTU graduate holding both a bachelor’s and master’s degree in architecture, Stefani chose to grow his career at his alma mater. He previously served as LTU’s executive director of external academic initiatives (EAI); director of EAI for LTU’s College of Architecture and Design; associate director of LTU’s Detroit Center for Design + Technology and adjunct faculty member in the College of Architecture and Design.

Stefani also established The C.L. Stefani Company, a Detroit-based design group in 2016. In 2020, he was named one of Crain’s Detroit’s esteemed 20 in their Twenties. He is an active member of many professional organizations including the American Institute of Architects (AIA) Michigan and Detroit, the Interior Design Coalition for Change, the Detroit Athletic Club, the Detroit Economic Club, and The Gaelic League of Detroit (Irish American Club).

Stefani, 33, resides in the city of Detroit and Port Austin, Mich. with his partner.

Craig Kolstad, AIA, ASID, NOMA, LFA, LEED AP, WEDG, LSSYB

Detroit Director

ROSSETTI

DESIGN LEAD | PRINCIPAL

P: 313.463.5151

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Craig is currently the Principal and Design Director for the Great Lakes Region at AECOM in Detroit, Michigan.  The international firm AECOM provides a broad range of professional services, including strategic consulting and planning, to municipal agencies in Michigan for more than 100 years. They are committed and able to bring unmatched local expertise and innovation to every project with resources, depth and breadth of experience, and established relationships necessary to serve the needs of Detroit.

Recent volunteer experience on the 2021 Veterans Project at Sugar Hill with AIA Detroit and IDCFC – the Sugar Hill project, (designing with trauma informed strategies) brought him closer to local Detroit community efforts. Now, at a senior stage of his professional career and personal development, Craig has a desire to share his experience and leadership skills to serve the design and construction community and learn with his colleagues, at a board level as AIA Detroit Director.

His desire to contribute, coupled with extensive team management experience, industry knowledge and interest in collaborating with other AEC professionals will help AIA Detroit achieve their Strategic Plan.

Michael Cascio, AIA

Detroit Director

Neumann/Smith Architecture

Project Architect

P: 248.352.8310

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Michael Cascio is a project architect at Neumann/Smith Architecture with nearly 15 years of experience in the AEC industry. He is committed to design excellence, innovative thinking, and constant collaboration. Michael’s time spent as an architect has taught him that collaboration and meaningful relationships are the foundation for success and mutual prosperity. His philosophy is that good leaders help to amplify the individual voices of their team into a united chorus of strength and harmony.

He moved to Detroit in 2006 to pursue a Master of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy, where he quickly fell in love with the city. Throughout his career, Michael has been fortunate enough to work on a wide breadth of project types such as historic renovation, adaptive reuse, multifamily housing, retail, and higher education- all of which have given him a balanced perspective on the many different facets of architecture. At work, Michael is dedicated to mentorship of younger staff, encouraging them toward licensure, involvement in the AIA, and general architectural excellence.

Having been a member of AIA Detroit for over a decade and participating in many different AIAD sponsored initiatives, such as the Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program, Michael is enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve his local architectural community. He hopes that his enthusiasm, passion, and leadership skills help to build on the strategic plans of those who have served before him.

Alina Osnaga, Associate AIA, NOMA

Alina Osnaga LLC

Independent Neuroscience Applied to Architecture Researcher

P:

E:

I am a Master of Architecture candidate at Lawrence Technological University. Additionally, I hold a Master’s in Neuroscience Applied to Architecture and a Bachelor’s Degree in Physics and Computer Science.

I have a profound passion for design methodologies that place the human experience at the forefront within the built environment. My advocacy centers on design practices that prioritize people, ensuring that spaces are not only visually appealing but also contribute to the physical and psychological well-being of those who inhabit them. My mission is to create environments that are not just aesthetically pleasing but also genuinely enrich the lives of their users, promoting both their physical and mental health.

I strongly believe that my background in research and the multiple awards and scholarships in this field has equipped me with the skills to promote research and innovation within AIA Detroit.

I will support initiatives that encourage evidence-based design and integration of the latest scientific findings into architectural practice.

Previous to my current position, I spent a couple of years working in different aspects of the architecture field, in different countries, which has impacted my way of analyzing architecture. This experience included understanding the design process disparities between Europe and the USA, as well as the cultural nuances in user requirements. Today all my design iterations are created with the human experience in mind.

Throughout my career, I have gained valuable experience at reputable firms such as Impronta, Sasaki, and as a solo entrepreneur.

My research was presented at conferences and in publications such as IEEE, EDRA, ANFA, Planetree International, and European Healthcare Design. My work was featured in publications such as CityLab – Bloomberg, Gather, and The Center for Conscious Design – Madrid.

Patricia Roberts, International Associate AIA

Associate Director

Gensler

Technical Designer

P: 313.965.1600

E:

If Architecture is all about the art of integrating diverse components into a balanced and purposeful whole, then the seeds for her choice of profession were sown deep in her blood and she has nurtured them diligently to be harvested today!

Patricia Roberts is currently a Technical Designer at Gensler, Detroit. Born and raised in South India, she received her Bachelor of Architecture and Interior Design from MEASI Academy of Architecture, Chennai, India. In 2013 she came to the United States to pursue a Master of Architecture from Savannah College of Art & Design, Savannah, Georgia, inspired by their holistic and interdisciplinary approach to design.

Patricia’s professional experience includes working for Cooper Carry, an Architecture firm in Atlanta while serving as a member of the Board of Directors for AIA Georgia from 2016 until 2020. Being on the board encouraged her to be a part of local communities beyond the office, and engage in programming including Equity in Architecture, where she worked to promote gender equality in the local A/E/C industry. She was also a member of NOMA, serving as the Marketing Director from 2017-2019.

As a child, Patricia was surrounded by architecture, often visiting the architecture firm where her father worked and construction sites. Playing with measuring tape and learning to draw with talk of scaffolding, columns, and cantilevers in her ear proved deeply influential. Today, she is still fascinated by how forms become structures and the many techniques and styles that can be utilized in design.

Patricia enjoys traveling, painting, tennis, and exploring Detroit in her free time.

Elizabeth Barnes,

Affiliate Director

MillerKnoll

Healthcare Sales & Application Specialist

P: 313.972.1010

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Elizabeth is a highly accomplished professional in design, sales, and strategic relationships. With a successful tenure at Herman Miller, she excelled as a Healthcare Sales & Application Specialist, contributing to dealer strategies and collaborating with designers, sales teams, and leadership. As a Strategic Relationship Executive, Elizabeth now works closely with key influencers to promote MillerKnoll products and address customer needs. With prior experience at Gensler, she led transformative projects for global Fortune 500 companies. Elizabeth holds a Bachelor of Fine Arts in Interior Design from Kendall College of Art and Design, cementing her expertise in the field. Her achievements and dedication epitomize excellence in design and business.

Lauren Myrand, Associate AIA

Executive Director

AIA Detroit

Executive Director and Architect Enabler

P: 313.588.1411

E: lauren@aiadetroit.com

Lauren was brought on board at AIA Detroit shortly after graduating with her Masters of Architecture from the University of Detroit Mercy in 2012. She has a history of organizational leadership and strategic marketing throughout her educational career, including acting as the UDM AIAS Vice President from 2010-2011. She is passionate about the Detroit community and the potential for AIA Detroit’s involvement, and is extremely excited by the direction the organization is moving in.

Away from business, Lauren has a deep love for theatre and literature. She relishes the time spent with good friends and good food. One of her favorite hobbies is to laugh, and she oftentimes sings at the top of her lungs in the car.

Patty Rooney,

Director of Marketing and Communications

AIA Detroit

Communications Coordinator and Media Magician

P: 313.757.5101

E: patty@aiadetroit.com

After working with AIA Detroit on various projects, Patty is ecstatic to join the AIA Detroit Team. She founded Rooney and Company in 2014 after graduating from Western Michigan University with a degree in Film, Video, & Media Studies. As the owner of a visual media company, she has years of experience coordinating crew, clients, and talent to ensure high quality work that elevates the voices of nonprofits, small businesses, and corporations she’s had the pleasure of working with.

Patty is looking forward to increasing public awareness of the architecture profession’s impact on Metro Detroit’s ever-changing landscape, and championing the programs, initiatives, and accomplishments of the AIA Detroit community and its members.