Audrey Alai, AIA

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Bio: Audrey Alai, AIA is a licensed architect and received her Master of Architecture at the University of South Florida where she was award the Alpha Rho Chi Medal in recognition for her leadership and service. Currently a project architect at HuntonBrady Architects where she has worked for the past 6 years. Audrey's experience includes a wide range of projects through all stages of design and construction for multi-phased healthcare, renovations, expansions, and new facilities.

 

Reason for Serving: Having recently completed licensure I would like to continue bridging emerging professionals with the broader architecture community to strengthen the profession the next generation will inherit. By continuing to connect and advocating for the value of our diverse membership, and other women of color. Previous leadership experience includes being the President, President-elect and Secretary of Student Women in Architecture at the University of South Florida School of Architecture and Community Design and the President of the Water Polo Club at USF.

 

Seth Bout, Assoc. AIA

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Bio: I am an Intern Architect with HuntonBrady Architects, and recent graduate from Clemson University’s Master of Architecture + Health program. I am also an alumnus of the University of Central Florida’s undergraduate architecture program and was the 2 year re-elect AIAS President. With a specialized focus in healthcare and research, I am passionate about designing innovative healing environments for communities in need.   

 

Reason for Serving: Beyond my passion for research and innovative design in healthcare, I have always had a greater passion for being impactful to the community around me. Ever since my first interaction with AIA Orlando and its Board years ago, I came to realize that the positive impact this organization serves in the architectural community of Central Florida is what I have been looking for. Throughout my UCF AIAS presidency, the board of AIA Orlando was always more than supportive towards my goal of impact for the professional development of UCF students, which fuels my inspiration to serve the AIA as I transition into the professional world. As I grow personally in this realm of architecture, and continue on my path of impact, I hope to serve AIA Orlando in any way that is needed with goals to continue, and even increase, the positive impact felt by this organization around Central Florida and beyond.

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Kelly Dawson, AIA: 

 

Bio: Kelly has over 20 years experience in architecture and design with an emphasis in historic renovation, hospitality, multi-family, health care, corporate and education projects. She is registered in the state of Florida, Missouri, and Iowa. Kelly served on the board of directors of AIA St. Louis in 2010 & 2011 as EP Director, and served as Programs Committee Chair from 2012 to 2018.

Kelly has 11 years experience in fire sprinkler design and contracting, most of which were spent at Fire Protection Systems in St. Louis, a business her father started in 1976. She participated in every aspect of the business including sprinkler system design, project management, sales and estimating, accounting and office management.

​Reason for Serving: Kelly moved to Orlando, Florida 5 years ago and the first call she made was to our local chapter. Kelly expressed that not only does she serve the firms she works for but the profession as a whole by committing to the American Institute of Architects. She served as Director at Large for AIA Orlando in 2022 and as Treasurer in 2023 and would like to continue to serve as Treasurer in 2024.

 

Nathan Ferrer, AIA:

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Bio: - Nathan Ferrer is an Associate member of the AIA. - Nathan was born on the beautiful island of Puerto Rico but moved to the United States at an early age, growing up on the south coast of Massachusetts. - Nathan’s early love for design and construction was always nurtured in a family of engineers, general contractors and tradesmen. - After graduating high school, Nathan worked in various industries that included hospitality, banking and insurance until he decided to make a career move to Architecture in 2009. - Seeking architectural education, Nathan enrolled and was accepted in to the 2+2+2 Architecture program where he graduated in 2015 as part of the 2nd graduate class at UF CityLab Orlando. - Following graduation in 2015, Nathan interned with many local firms, ultimately landing at RLF Architects in 2019 where he currently leads project teams as a Project Coordinator in the Healthcare studio. - In 2020, Nathan volunteered with the AIA Orlando serving a 2-year term as co-chair of the AIA Orlando Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) where he and his chair brought together professionals working in the healthcare design field for professional development & education. The local committee aligned with the mission of the national AIA Academy of Architecture for Health committee, whose mission is to improve the quality of healthcare through design by developing, documenting, and disseminating knowledge; educating healthcare architects and other related constituencies; advancing the practice of healthcare architecture; improving the design of health care environments; affiliating and advocating with others that share our vision and promoting research. - Seeking leadership mentorship, Nathan enrolled and was accepted in to the AIA Florida Jacob Leadership Institute (JLI) program, whose mission is to build a robust pipeline of leaders to expand the profession's influence in the public setting. He graduated from the 6-month program in July 2022. - Nathan is a preservationist at heart and always seeks opportunities to serve his community through preservation efforts. He is the current Chair of the Friends of Casa Feliz Board of Directors whose mission is to protect, operate and maintain the integrity of the Casa Feliz Historic Home Museum and its collections; to educate the public on the life and legacy of noted architect James Gamble Rogers II; and to engage the public through education and advocacy for the purpose of preserving and promoting the community's rich architectural, historic and cultural heritage. - Nathan is currently pursuing his Architecture licensure which he hopes to obtain this year.

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Reason for Serving: I have previously served as co-chair of the AIA Orlando Academy of Architecture for Health (AAH) from 2020-2022 and want to continue my service and leadership with our local AIA organization.

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Jarrod Lopatka, AIA:

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Bio: I respectfully request to serve on the AIA Orlando Board as Director at Large to be involved with the community. I graduated from the University of Florida CityLab Orlando and have been fortunate to work on many typologies, but now focus in the Aviation / Hospitality sectors at Bermello Ajamil & Partners. Having worked with several outstanding architects, I look forward to collaborating with my peers and continuing to shape the AIA / OFA into an illuminating chapter.

 

Reason for Serving: The Orlando area has robust opportunities for design and renovation, and I believe we can all learn from and encourage each other to promote our community and our talents as world-class. Architecture exists for people -- for function and beauty. I am fortunate to have worked with and learned from outstanding architects and engineers, and learning is continual. Past and current projects include design & project management in theme park / hospitality / aviation / government / municipal / religious typologies.

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Wade Martin, AIA:

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15 years of experience in BIM and VDC with a background in Architecture . Made the move to construction in 2016 where he worked on a wide variety of project types including healthcare, theme parks, multiuse high rises, airports, and convention centers. Skilled in Revit, Construction, Contract Management, Architecture, and 3D Capture and Visualization. Primary focus is to leverage technology to improve communication between the office and the field.

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Michael Richardson, AIA:

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Bio: Michael Richardson is a recently licensed architect practicing at Humphreys & Partners in Orlando, Florida. An alumni of the University of Miami’s School of Architecture and UCF’s Master of Science in Real Estate programs, he was born and raised in New Jersey before moving to Florida for his scholastic and professional career. With experience working for national home builders and large-scale developer partners, he has a wide range of residential, multifamily, hospitality and mixed use product knowledge and experience.

 

Reason for Serving: I have been an active member of AIA Orlando since moving here in 2013. Having served as the co-chair for the YAF committee for the past four years, I have helped run ARE study sessions, Housing & Milk District Charrettes, Portfolio and Resume reviews, and recently started a new lecture series through the Academic Alliance Council. I have found community and a place to test programmatic theories with AIA and want to inspire the next generation from AIAS through licensure. Managing your career has become increasing challenging and I hope to advocate for AIA as a tool and organization that supports your growth as an architect.

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Judge Roach: 

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Bio: I have 13 years' experience as a Business Development Manager for consulting engineering firms right here in Central Florida. I have worked closely with over 500 firms ranging from Architects, General Contractors, Engineers, Owners, Owners Reps, and many others. I currently handle Business Development for Langan Engineering and I'm very blessed to have so many great relationships.

 

Reason for Serving: I served in this position in 2017 and this was my first time serving on a Board. My objective would be to put AIA Orlando back on the map with some exciting events and educational opportunities for the up and coming architects while embracing the culture and pride that exists within the Orlando community.

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Tyler Scott:

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Bio: I am a Principal Architect with CPH Consulting in Sanford, FL. I live in DeBary - but work in Sanford. I have been married to my wife, Julie, for 15 years. I have three adult children - all out of college and married - awaiting my first grandchild. For fun, I enjoy traveling, fishing, golf, and cooking.

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Reason for Serving: I have been a member of the AIA for over 20+ years. While I lived in Indiana (previous position), I was the President of the Southern Section of AIA Indiana. I would like to become a Director At Large to be more involved in the AIA Orlando chapter.

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Alexander Straughn, AIA:

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Bio: Alexander Straughn, AIA, is an Associate at SchenkelShultz Architecture where he has worked on Aviation, Education, and Public Safety projects throughout his nearly 8 years of experience. He is an alumnus of the 2+2+2 program, graduating from CityLab in 2018 and becoming a registered architect in 2021. His continued involvement includes serving as an adjunct professor at Valencia College since 2021 and current Director at Large for AIA Orlando. Alexander is thrilled for the opportunity to be of further service to AIA and the professional community.

 

Reason for Serving: AIA is a way to engage with peers, garner mentorship, and develop meaningful relationships that will last far longer than the work of any project. These are the benefits of not just showing up, but intentionally participating, for which I am grateful for the opportunity to take advantage of. There is so much to offer from the perspective of a young professional that bridges the gap between those that have paved the way and those just beginning their journey. My growth as an architect is directly measured by my willingness to practice our values in a space where it matters most. This is why it would be my honor to serve AIA Orlando as President-Elect.

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Ket West, AIA:

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Bio: I am a Principal Architect with CPH Consulting in Sanford, FL. I live in DeBary - but work in Sanford. I have been married to my wife, Julie, for 15 years. I have three adult children - all out of college and married - awaiting my first grandchild. For fun, I enjoy traveling, fishing, golf, and cooking.

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Reason for Serving: I have been a member of the AIA for over 20+ years. While I lived in Indiana (previous position), I was the President of the Southern Section of AIA Indiana. I would like to become a Director At Large to be more involved in the AIA Orlando chapter.