Knowledge Sharing Platforms in Architecture

Join this event with four panelists who will share their insights, best practices, and the latest technologies revolutionizing how firms capture the power of knowledge sharing.

As the architectural landscape evolves, effectively managing and disseminating knowledge is essential for fostering innovation and collaboration. Join us for an enlightening panel focusing on the transformative power of Knowledge Sharing Platforms within architectural firms. These platforms also offer emerging professionals access to essential resources and foster mentorship and growth. This event will bring together industry leaders to share their insights, best practices, and the latest technologies revolutionizing how firms capture the power of knowledge sharing.

Speakers:

Yu-Ming Wei, AIA, Principal, Sector Operations Leader – Housing and Mixed-Use, HED

Yu-Ming Wei, AIA, is a Principal at HED where she serves as the National Housing and Mixed-Use Sector Operations Leader. She has extensive experience with large complex projects and client stakeholder groups and has garnered the knowledge and skill set to successfully steer projects from inception through construction. She is well versed in the design process and teamwork necessary to drive projects forward with focus on collaborative workflows. As Operations Leader, Yu-Ming works with her team to advance quality control, production standards, and project delivery. She supports and guides project managers in achieving measurable project performance and implementing firm initiatives. Yu-Ming served as 2022 co-chair for the AIA Los Angeles – Women in Architecture committee, and continues her work to promote inclusive leadership, mentorship, and career development working on the executive committee for WWT(Women Working Together), a group dedicated to connecting and creating positive growth environments for professionals across AECO industries in Southern California.

Kim Patten, AIA, Partner, Higher Education Practice Leader, Steinberg Hart

Kim, a passionate leader in planning, design, and strategy, guides Steinberg Hart’s Higher Education Practice. She fosters a collaborative environment where universities nationwide can co-create solutions tailored to their unique needs. Her user-focused approach prioritizes both functionality and aspirational goals, resulting in exceptional design outcomes. Beyond design, Kim champions inclusivity. Her leadership on equity, diversity, and inclusion (EDI) initiatives has helped shape the firm’s culture and recognition with AIA California’s 2023 Firm Award. She also established the Advocate Program to empower professional growth within the firm. Kim’s dedication extends beyond Steinberg Hart. As Pacific Regional Chair and Finance & Audit Committee member of the Society for College and University Planning (SCUP), she contributes to advancing educational design through the exchange of best practices. She actively participates in the AIA|LA Women in Architecture’s Powerful Conference and was recognized as a 2022 Woman of Influence in Construction, Engineering, and Architecture by the Los Angeles Business Journal.

Catrina Cook, Principal, Director of People, RDG

Catrina Cook is not only an interior designer with more than 20 years of experience, she’s also well-versed in the art and science of human capital and leadership development. After several years working in design, she realized her passion for finding the very best talent and fostering a positive workplace culture and subsequently moved into her current role focused on firm-wide recruiting and onboarding efforts. Catrina is a certified Gallup Strengths Coach, has a Masters in Management and Leadership and plays a critical role in helping RDG’s employees discover and capitalize on their strengths. Thinking creatively and holistically about the way RDG recruits and retains talent, Catrina works to improve employees’ quality of life inside and outside of work – a significant contribution that helps set the firm apart as an employer of choice in an increasingly competitive industry.

Chun Liu, AIA, Project Designer, CO Architects

Chun Liu is a Project Designer at CO Architects in Los Angeles. Before moving to LA, she practiced architecture and urban design in Boston and Shanghai, China. With over 15 years of experience, Chun has led design teams on various projects, including Healthcare, K-12, and Higher Ed, contributing to numerous award-winning endeavors. Her passion for enhancing human well-being through design and research took root in 2017 when she embarked on the planning and designing of healthcare projects. She is dedicated to creating distinctive solutions that incorporate principles of humanity and sustainability into design. In addition to her project leadership role, Chun championed the establishment of CO FUNdamentals, a firm-wide knowledge-sharing platform in 2023. Chun earned her master’s degree in architecture from Washington University in St. Louis, where she received the Degree Project Award, and holds a Bachelor of Engineering (BE) in City/Urban, Community, and Regional Planning from Chongqing University in China.

Moderator:

Morgan Sumner, Assoc. AIA, Co-Founder at Poche Design Studio, Designer at Bestor Architecture

Morgan Sumner is a young, emerging professional actively on her journey to take up space in the professional space of architecture. She is a graduate of Arizona State University (BSD, 2016) and The University of Southern California (M.Arch, 2018). Her passions are at the intersection of culture and creativity and has kept this focus through all endeavors. She uses architectural training in her graphic design company, Poche Design Studio, which aims to occupy + amplify the Black space in design. She is currently working as a Designer at Bestor Architecture and is actively taking steps towards licensure. She serves as the Associate Director on the AIA LA Board of Directors, and Chair of the Emerging Professionals Committee.

1.5 Approved AIA|CES Learning Unit:

Learn about different knowledge sharing in architectural practices.
Learn about the different formats and platforms.
Learn about possible opportunities and challenges
Help better engage in mentorship of emerging professionals

Sponsored by: Knowledge Architecture