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Performance-Based
Façade Design
16-18 Sept. 2026 | Venice, Italy
Performance-Based
Façade Design
2026
Seminar on
Durable Façades
Workshop on
Façade Serviceability: Failures and Lessons Learned
Off-site Activities & Grand Finale
Venice, Italy
16-18 Sept. 2026
PBFD 2026 Overview
PBFD is a curated international platform bringing together leaders in façade design, engineering, and innovation. The initiative aims to connect all stakeholders involved in building envelope development—from real estate developers and general contractors to façade and material suppliers, façade engineers, architects, specialized consultants, and academic excellence—creating a shared space to identify where boundaries must be pushed at a global scale.
Across two days of high-level seminars and workshop sessions, the program addresses durability, serviceability, and performance through real-world case studies and advanced research.
Beyond the conference, curated off-site experiences and the Grand Finale create unique opportunities for networking, collaboration, and industry visibility.
The Full Story
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2026 Keynote Speakers
Silvia Prandelli | Senior Principal, Populous
Director of the Milan office of Populous, the global architecture and design studio specializing in sports and entertainment venues, Silvia Prandelli leads the practice’s business in Italy and Southern Europe. Her portfolio includes award-winning projects in the USA, UK, Middle East and Far East – ranging from sporting and cultural to civic and public-use buildings. With an engineering background, she leads teams on complex, large-scale projects from early feasibility through delivery and lifecycle monitoring. She is the author of several scientific publications, serves on Technical Committees in the ESG field, and has worked in Academia where she has contributed in Adjunct Professor roles.
Astrid Piber | Partner, UNS
Astrid Piber is Partner and Senior Architect at UNStudio, and a member of the studio’s Global Management Team. She brings strategic architectural and development expertise to large-scale, complex projects, aligning design solutions with business objectives and broader urban and social contexts. Educated at Columbia University, she joined UNStudio in 1998 and has played a key role in the firm’s international growth. Her portfolio spans major transport hubs and mixed-use developments, with a strong focus on inclusive, sustainable and high-density environments. She regularly contributes to international professional forums, including the Council on Vertical Urbanism.
Balázs Bognár | Partner and Executive Vice President, Kengo Kuma & Associates
Partner and Executive Vice President at Kengo Kuma & Associates, and President of the Japan chapter of the American Institute of Architects. Based in Tokyo, he has worked alongside Kengo Kuma since 2007, leading international projects and contributing to the studio’s design direction and mentorship. His work explores the relationships between architecture, place, culture, and nature across diverse contexts. His portfolio includes projects such as Alberni in Vancouver, the Portland Japanese Garden Cultural Village, and the Amanpuri Retail Pavilion in Phuket. Bognár lectures internationally and writes on architecture, with publications addressing materiality, cultural context, and contemporary practice. He holds a Master of Architecture from Harvard Graduate School of Design and a B.A. in Architecture from Washington University in St. Louis.
Francesca Vagliani | Co-Head of Development Italy, Covivio
With a PhD in Engineering and a degree in Architecture from the Politecnico di Milano, Francesca Vagliani has been Co-Head of Development Italy at Covivio since 2016. She coordinates a team of professionals and primarily oversees the refurbishment of historic and prestigious buildings, whilst also managing greenfield projects, including the L’Oréal Italia headquarters in Milan. Before joining Covivio, she gained extensive experience as a Project Manager in consultancy and engineering firms, overseeing complex projects in the office, residential, retail and hotel sectors.
Andrei Koshelev | Real Estate Management, ETH Zurich
Andrei’s team currently leads several high-profile construction projects at the Swiss Federal Institute of Technology (ETH Zurich). In his architectural and consulting practice in Zurich, as well as at Skidmore, Owings & Merrill in Chicago and London, Andrei has completed multiple large-scale projects in the USA, the UK, Russia, and Switzerland. Holding master’s degrees in architecture from Russia and the USA, he is a licensed architect in the United States and a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Swiss Union of Architects and Engineers. Andrei speaks on building design for science and education, laboratory architecture and high-rise labs, architecture and patents, facade design and sustainability, the client’s role in construction, and other industry-relevant topics.
Massimo Colomban | Founder, Permasteelisa Group
Founder and former President of the Permasteelisa Group, one of the world’s leading companies in the design, engineering, and construction of architectural envelopes. Massimo began his professional path at the age of fourteen working in a window manufacturing factory while attending evening school to obtain his technical diploma. After briefly studying architecture at the IUAV University of Venice, he founded ISA S.n.c. (Industria Serramenti in Alluminio) in 1973, laying the foundations for what would later become a global façade engineering group. Under his leadership, the company expanded internationally, notably through the acquisition of the Australian firm Permasteel Industries—known for delivering the glass cladding of the Sydney Opera House—which led to the creation of the Permasteelisa Group and its worldwide growth.
The Full Story
This is your About page. This space is a great opportunity to give a full background on who you are, what you do and what your site has to offer. Your users are genuinely interested in learning more about you, so don’t be afraid to share personal anecdotes to create a more friendly quality. Every website has a story, and your visitors want to hear yours. This space is a great opportunity to provide any personal details you want to share with your followers. Include interesting anecdotes and facts to keep readers engaged. Double click on the text box to start editing your content and make sure to add all the relevant details you want site visitors to know. If you’re a business, talk about how you started and share your professional journey. Explain your core values, your commitment to customers and how you stand out from the crowd. Add a photo, gallery or video for even more engagement.
2026 Speakers
Greg Simmons | CEO, Insol
Greg Simmons is the CEO of Insol Ltd, a New Zealand company specialising in porous architectural façade systems for commercial construction, and leads the company's research and development work. He has presented papers on façade testing at the 21st and 23rd Australasian Wind Engineering Society Workshops and contributed to the authoring of AWES-QAM-2-2024. Greg built and now operates WindLab, Insol's full-scale wind testing facility in Invercargill, where façade prototypes are tested under controlled wind loading. His current research addresses long-term façade durability — an area not adequately covered by existing static design codes.
Shorena Gudzhabidze | Digital Product Manager, Staticus
Shorena Gudzhabidze is a Civil Engineer by background, holding a Bachelor's degree, who spent three years as a 3D Design Engineer before making a move into digital product development. She is now Digital Product Manager at Staticus, leading the XD platform - a digital intelligence layer for building envelopes spanning early-stage façade configuration, project delivery, and operational lifecycle management. Her work sits at the intersection of engineering rigour and digital innovation and her goal is threefold: making engineering teams more efficient, bringing genuine transparency to clients, and ensuring that knowledge about a building envelope survives long after the project ends. She is currently developing the concept of Information Half-Life and a Digital Durability strategy as a new lens for understanding façade longevity.
Nebojsa Jakica | Associate Professor, the University of Southern Denmark
Nebojsa Jakica is an Associate Professor at the University of Southern Denmark (SDU). He holds a Ph.D. in Technology and Design for the Environment and Buildings from Politecnico di Milano, where he developed and tested building-integrated photovoltaic façade systems. His career bridges academia and professional practice, with experience as an architect, computational designer, and façade consultant at leading firms including HENN in Berlin and Vittorio Grassi Architetto and Partners in Milan. Nebojsa leads FACETS Lab, an interdisciplinary research group focused on digital technologies for façade design. The lab developed FacadeGenius, an AI-powered, no-code computational design platform enabling real-time collaboration across devices and integrating design and engineering workflows.
Timothy Soebroto | Associate Director, Meinhardt Façade Technology
Timothy Soebroto is Regional Director at Meinhardt Façade Technology for Southeast Asia, providing strategic and technical leadership across the region. With over 25 years of experience, he has led the design and delivery of complex façade systems, with a specialization in unitized curtain wall solutions. His portfolio includes major international developments such as Resorts World Sentosa in Singapore and the Thamrin Nine Development in Jakarta. He brings extensive expertise across design, production, and construction, ensuring seamless project execution from concept to installation. Timothy is frequently invited to speak at industry conferences, sharing insights on façade design, performance, and delivery. He holds a Master of Science in Construction Management and a Bachelor of Architecture.
Triadi Bagus Gumilar | Senior Façade Engineer, Meinhardt Façade Technology
Triadi Bagus Gumilar is a Senior Façade Engineer at Meinhardt Façade Technology, with over 6 years of experience in façade engineering and 9 years in civil engineering. His work spans from conceptual design to performance verification, integrating architectural intent with technical rigor across a range of building types. He specializes in structural and façade system design, including curtain walls, cladding, and advanced analysis methods such as finite element modeling. He is a certified professional engineer in Indonesia and holds ASEAN and APEC Engineer titles. He is currently pursuing an MSc in Civil Engineering at the University of Bologna, focusing on innovative approaches to steel reuse and façade optimization.
Michael Lacasse | Research Associate, Concordia University
Dr. Lacasse is a former employee of the Construction Research Centre, National Research Council Canada and currently is a Research Associate at Concordia University, Montreal, where he provides lectures, and helps manage a Research program on Climate Resilient Buildings and Communities. He is a widely recognized expert in the durability of building materials and building components and the moisture performance and climate resilience of building enclosures. Over the course of his more than 34-year career at the NRC, he has undertaken both strategic and collaborative research, with local academia as well as internationally, related to building facades and fenestration. He has played an important role in industry having influenced code and standard development in respect to resistance to deterioration of building assemblies, where his work has helped develop both Canadian and ISO standards on durability.
Tony Cinnamon | Associate Principal, WJE
Mr. Cinnamon is an Associate Principal with the firm of Wiss, Janney Elstner (WJE) in the Chicago, Illinois, USA office. His expertise lies in the design and analysis of exterior enclosures with an emphasis on glass, curtain walls, and fenestration systems. He is a licensed Architect in the states of Illinois, Iowa, and Massachusetts. Mr. Cinnamon has written numerous articles on the inspection, repair/restoration, and replacement of window and facade systems. He has also presented seminars domestically and internationally on fenestration related topics including typical window problems, testing and repair of window and curtain wall systems, and typical glass failures. Mr. Cinnamon also serves on the Board of Directors at the National Fenestration Rating Council (NFRC) and façade Tectonics Institute (FTI).
Carl Knutson | Principal and Design Director, Perkins&Will
Raised in Central and North America, Carl was exposed to diverse cities from an early age—from Mexico City, where he was born, to Detroit, Michigan, and later Bethlehem, Pennsylvania, where he completed his university studies. These experiences shaped his interest in how communities organize themselves and express their values through architecture. His exposure to different cultures and urban environments continues to inform his design approach today. Carl is particularly focused on translating clients’ goals into meaningful and context-driven architectural solutions. He began his career in the Chicago studio of his firm before relocating to Washington, DC, which he has called home for the past five years. Outside of work, Carl enjoys exploring the city with his wife and their three daughters.
Vedran Skopac | Principal, Reimagine Architects
Vedran is Principal at Reimagine Architects and Adjunct Professor at the School of Architecture, Planning and Landscape (SAPL) at University of Calgary. Working at the intersection of practice and academia, he develops architectural strategies that support mental health, well-being, and community building. With over 30 years of experience across Canada, Europe, and China, his work challenges assumptions and responds to the social, cultural, and historical context of each place. Vedran sees architecture as a catalyst for human connection, fostering interaction and engagement within the built environment. Trained in architecture, urban design, interiors, and building science, he holds a Master of Architecture from the University of Zagreb and became a partner at Reimagine Architects in 2019.
Giovanni (John) Diodati | Director, Giovanni Diodati Architecte
Giovanni (John) Diodati is a Canadian conservation architect with over 30 years of experience in rehabilitation of building envelopes and in materials conservation and traditional building techniques, especially in historic contexts.
He designs custom, durable, and cost-effective solutions appropriate for each building, and has implemented numerous in situ monitoring programs for performance and maintenance. He is skilled at combining traditional building craft and contemporary techniques to resolve complex issues. Working closely with leading national and international specialists, John developed an in-depth understanding of technical and management issues related to building restoration and rehabilitation. His work with EVOQ Architecture includes numerous award-winning projects.
He designs custom, durable, and cost-effective solutions appropriate for each building, and has implemented numerous in situ monitoring programs for performance and maintenance. He is skilled at combining traditional building craft and contemporary techniques to resolve complex issues. Working closely with leading national and international specialists, John developed an in-depth understanding of technical and management issues related to building restoration and rehabilitation. His work with EVOQ Architecture includes numerous award-winning projects.
William MacDonald | Director - Façade Engineering, GL&SS
Will MacDonald has over 35 years' experience in façade engineering and is a Director of GL&SS (Glass Light and Special Structures). His delivered projects include the London 2012 Olympic Athletes' Village, the Central Bank of Ireland, Riyadh Metro, Alwakrah Stadium, Hong Kong International Airport and LinkedIn's Dublin headquarters. He previously held senior leadership roles as Director and Head of Façades at AECOM, and as Technical Director at Inhabit Group. Will holds an MSc in Architectural Engineering and Environmental Design from the University of Bath and an Advanced Professional Award in Expert Witness Evidence (APAEWE). His current focus is on dispute avoidance and the remediation of defective buildings.
Marco Biancospino | Associate, GL&SS
Marco is an Associate at GL&SS, where he began in 2015 while developing his Master’s thesis on cold-bent glass—an experience that sparked his focus on structural glass. Over the years, he has specialised in advanced glass solutions that push transparency while minimising visible structure. With a background in structural engineering, he has delivered projects across residential, commercial, and complex façade sectors, often in client-facing roles. Known for his hands-on approach, Marco applies rigorous analysis to achieve efficient material-conscious designs. He maintains strong links with academia, contributing to research and innovation. His recent work includes a glass extension featuring 20 x 3.2 m panels and a large-scale borosilicate cast glass façade.
Matheus Albiani Dourado | Civil Engineer, Marcon Forensics
Matheus Albiani Dourado is a civil engineer and forensic engineering professional with experience in construction operations, building performance investigations, and real estate development. His work focuses on the evaluation of construction defects, façade and building envelope performance, water intrusion, and standards-based forensic assessments in residential and multifamily developments across Florida.
He is actively involved in international professional organizations and standards-development activities, including ASTM International Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Committee on Forensic Investigations, and the International Code Council (ICC). He also serves as a peer reviewer for ASCE journals in the areas of construction engineering and performance of constructed facilities.
His current technical and research interests include forensic engineering methodologies, façade serviceability, durability of building enclosure systems, and construction risk management.
He is actively involved in international professional organizations and standards-development activities, including ASTM International Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings, the American Society of Civil Engineers (ASCE) Committee on Forensic Investigations, and the International Code Council (ICC). He also serves as a peer reviewer for ASCE journals in the areas of construction engineering and performance of constructed facilities.
His current technical and research interests include forensic engineering methodologies, façade serviceability, durability of building enclosure systems, and construction risk management.
Angie Ogino | Technical Services Leader, Owens Corning Thermafiber
Angie Ogino is the Technical Services Leader at Owens Corning Thermafiber, with over 28 years of experience in the mineral wool and firestopping industry. She provides engineering judgments and technical support on mineral wool product performance for architects, building officials, and contractors, with a focus on fire containment. Angie has extensive experience developing perimeter fire containment testing programs at Underwriters Laboratories, Southwest Research Institute, and Intertek. She manages Thermafiber’s UL and Intertek Follow-Up Service Quality Programs and developed the company’s educational programs on perimeter fire containment. Angie has presented at ASTM International, AIA National Conventions, FCIA, CSI, PCI, and leading architectural and curtain wall firms.
Brandon Andow | Principal and Facades Studio Practice Leader, HKS
Brandon Andow is the Facade Studio Practice Leader and a Principal at HKS. He leads the design, development, analysis, and implementation of performance facades and building enclosure systems across sectors. He is committed to creating generational, cost-effective, low-carbon, and transformational facades that improve occupant health, comfort, and experience.
Brandon believes the influence of the facade extends well beyond it's thickness. Carbon, climate, ecology, fabrication methods, human experience, and placemaking shape building enclosures which define the character, culture, and signature of a place for generations. The tekne and poesis of architecture coexist at the facade and the extensive impact of building enclosure decisions requires transdisciplinary and multiscalar responsibility.
Brandon believes the influence of the facade extends well beyond it's thickness. Carbon, climate, ecology, fabrication methods, human experience, and placemaking shape building enclosures which define the character, culture, and signature of a place for generations. The tekne and poesis of architecture coexist at the facade and the extensive impact of building enclosure decisions requires transdisciplinary and multiscalar responsibility.
John Medina | Founder/Principal/Owner, Miami Curtain Wall Consultants
John R. Medina, RA AIA, is a renowned architect and exterior façade consultant with over 40 years of experience in the industry. He holds a Master's degree in Architecture from University of Florida School of Architecture. He has dedicated his career to design and consulting of innovative and sustainable building enclosure systems.
As a registered architect, John Medina is responsible for the design, planning and supervision of major projects throughout all design phases. He is a seasoned architect with extensive experience in residential, corporate, commercial, government and institutional projects.
John specializes in aluminum and glass facades, leveraging his extensive knowledge to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of building exteriors. His expertise in architectural design and engineering has made him a sought-after consultant for complex projects worldwide, ensuring that structures meet the highest standards of performance and visual appeal. John's commitment to excellence and his passion for cutting-edge facade solutions have established him as a leader in the field.
John is a qualified expert witness in Contract Administration, Means and Methods of Construction, Professional Practice, Integrated Building Assemblies, Advanced Integrated Building Technologies and Standard Construction Practice.
MCWC / JRMA offers a full spectrum of consulting services on the exterior of the building envelopes for new and existing, signature and High-Rise buildings, as well as full-service architecture design, ensuring comprehensive and integrated architectural solutions.
As a registered architect, John Medina is responsible for the design, planning and supervision of major projects throughout all design phases. He is a seasoned architect with extensive experience in residential, corporate, commercial, government and institutional projects.
John specializes in aluminum and glass facades, leveraging his extensive knowledge to enhance both the aesthetic and functional aspects of building exteriors. His expertise in architectural design and engineering has made him a sought-after consultant for complex projects worldwide, ensuring that structures meet the highest standards of performance and visual appeal. John's commitment to excellence and his passion for cutting-edge facade solutions have established him as a leader in the field.
John is a qualified expert witness in Contract Administration, Means and Methods of Construction, Professional Practice, Integrated Building Assemblies, Advanced Integrated Building Technologies and Standard Construction Practice.
MCWC / JRMA offers a full spectrum of consulting services on the exterior of the building envelopes for new and existing, signature and High-Rise buildings, as well as full-service architecture design, ensuring comprehensive and integrated architectural solutions.
Matthew Glanville | Founding Director, Cermak Peterka Petersen
Dr. Matt Glanville was a founding director of CPP’s Australian wind tunnel facility and now maintains a technical and business development focus as a company Vice President. Matt undertook his undergraduate and doctoral studies at the University of Sydney and over the last three decades has managed commercial projects around the globe in the fields of wind engineering, full-scale monitoring, wind forensics, structural dynamics, building physics and CFD. Matt is a code committee member responsible for the Australia/New Zealand Wind Code AS/NZS1170.2:2021 and is actively involved with several international task groups in his fields of expertise.
Niall 'O Sullivan | Technical Director, Windtech Consultants
Dr. Niall O’Sullivan heads Windtech’s London office and is responsible for overseeing Windtech’s CFD (Computational Fluid Dynamics) Group. Niall has a PhD in fluid-structure interaction using a combination of CFD and full-scale measurements as well as a masters degree in mechanical engineering, where he studied wind tunnel design. He has 11 years experience in CFD and environmental studies.
Prior to joining Windtech, Niall led CFD for environmental design, sustainability and mechanical engineering at a global architectural firm, working on numerous noteworthy projects and running countless simulations in the built environment.
Since January 2018, Niall has combined this extensive experience with Windtech’s wind tunnel data and has developed the Windtech methodology to further the accuracy and reliability of wind modelling studies, natural ventilation modelling, thermal comfort modelling, thermal stack effect and double skin façade performance modelling, to name a few.
Prior to joining Windtech, Niall led CFD for environmental design, sustainability and mechanical engineering at a global architectural firm, working on numerous noteworthy projects and running countless simulations in the built environment.
Since January 2018, Niall has combined this extensive experience with Windtech’s wind tunnel data and has developed the Windtech methodology to further the accuracy and reliability of wind modelling studies, natural ventilation modelling, thermal comfort modelling, thermal stack effect and double skin façade performance modelling, to name a few.
Gordon A. Shepperd | Managing Director, Secretariat
Gordon Shepperd, P.E., P.Eng, RRC, LEED AP - Gordon Shepperd is an experienced engineering consultant and business leader with more than 25 years of experience performing forensic investigations, engineering design, construction consulting, expert witness testimony, industry leadership, and team development.
Noah Doukas | Senior Associate, Secretariat
Noah Doukas, P.E., LEED Green Associate - Noah Doukas, is an engineer and building enclosure consultant with experience in construction defect analysis, forensic investigations, and existing building renovation & restoration design. Noah specializes in diagnosing and resolving complex construction issues, providing building enclosure consultation services, and leveraging his expertise to deliver effective project solutions.
Sarah B. Rentfro | Senior Project Manager, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Sarah B. Rentfro, P.E. is a registered professional engineer and Senior Project Manager with Simpson Gumpertz & Heger, a firm that provides multidisciplinary engineering services for new and existing buildings and infrastructure. In her more than ten years of experience, she has contributed to a variety of building enclosure design, investigation, and construction projects in the eastern United States. Her work includes new design consulting, construction administration, heat flow and condensation modeling, and investigation and rehabilitation of existing building enclosures, including projects related to fenestration, roofing and waterproofing, and exterior wall systems.
Eric K. Olson | Principal, Simpson Gumpertz & Heger
Eric K. Olson, P.E. is a registered professional engineer specializing in evaluating and investigating building enclosure systems, including windows and curtain walls, cladding and veneer systems, roofing, and terrace and below-grade waterproofing. His 30-year career at SGH encompasses forensic investigation of design and construction defect claims, surety claims, litigation, and dispute resolution related to building enclosure systems, enclosure system condition assessments for due diligence or to establish maintenance and replacement needs, and investigation of hurricane-and storm-related damage claims. Eric leverages his expertise in investigation and forensic analysis to lead repair/rehabilitation design projects for failed enclosure systems and to provide design consulting for enclosure systems in new and existing buildings. Eric frequently speaks about and publishes articles related to enclosure system issues and practices.
Juste Tresor Gatari | Research in Digital Fabrication, ETH
Juste Tresor Gatari is an architect and structural engineer specializing in façade systems and performance. His work investigates the interface conditions between structural and façade assemblies, with a focus on constraint interactions with fabrication and serviceability. He is engaged in advanced research in digital fabrication at ETH Zurich
Amir Sabziparvar | Postdoctoral Researcher, National Research Council (NRC) Canada
Amir Sabziparvar is a Part-Time Professor at the University of Ottawa and a Postdoctoral Researcher at the National Research Council (NRC) Canada. His research focuses on the hygrothermal durability of building envelope materials and mass timber systems, with emphasis on moisture transport, freeze–thaw effects, and mould growth. He applies advanced techniques such as single-sided nuclear magnetic resonance (SS-NMR) to study moisture behaviour and support the development of more resilient building systems in cold climates.
Camilla Vertua | PhD Candidate, Politecnico di Milano
Camilla Vertua is an Italian architect and researcher, with an MSCA PhD Fellowship on bio-based and circular energy retrofitting solutions of facades. Her work delves into resource availability, biomaterials fabrication, architectural application and environmental assessment, bridging research and practice through a multi-scalar approach.
After her professional experience in the Netherlands with Superworld and Bright.coop, focusing on circular construction, she studied biomaterials, specifically mycelium-based composites, through the collaboration between the BioFab & Construction Lab at KULeuven and the TextileHUB at Politecnico di Milano.
She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher within the TextileHUB research group, exploring biomaterials and textiles in architecture.
After her professional experience in the Netherlands with Superworld and Bright.coop, focusing on circular construction, she studied biomaterials, specifically mycelium-based composites, through the collaboration between the BioFab & Construction Lab at KULeuven and the TextileHUB at Politecnico di Milano.
She is currently a Postdoctoral Researcher within the TextileHUB research group, exploring biomaterials and textiles in architecture.
PBFD 2026 Co-chairs
For PBFD 2026, the technical leadership of the program is structured through two dedicated track co-chairs: Mikkel K. Kragh serves as Co-Chair of the Seminar on Durable Façades, and is also a member of the Editorial Board of the first Performance-Based Façade Design book Performance-Based Façade Design: Façade Challenges, Reflections, and Sustainability, published by Springer Nature, and presented at PBFD 2026.
Daniel J. Lemieux serves as Co-Chair of the Workshop on Façade Serviceability: Failures and Lessons Learned and is a member of the Editorial Board of the ASTM Selected Technical Papers (STP) publication associated with the PBFD 2026 workshop publication.
Mikkel K. Kragh | Associate Director, Arup
Mikkel K. Kragh is an Associate Director at Arup, where he leads the Building Design and Advisory Practice and the Technical Specialist Services Team in Denmark. With extensive experience spanning consultancy, academia, and specialist façade engineering, he plays a key role in advancing high-performance building envelope solutions.
Prior to returning to Arup, Mikkel served as Head of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University, where he led the department following its establishment in 2021 as part of a major institutional restructuring. He previously held the role of Head of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark and was appointed Full Professor in 2017.
Mikkel has worked internationally as a façade specialist on numerous high-profile projects with organizations including Arup, Dow Corning, and the Permasteelisa Group, leading collaborative R&D initiatives focused on advanced façade performance and building physics.
Prior to returning to Arup, Mikkel served as Head of the Department of Civil and Architectural Engineering at Aarhus University, where he led the department following its establishment in 2021 as part of a major institutional restructuring. He previously held the role of Head of Civil and Architectural Engineering at the University of Southern Denmark and was appointed Full Professor in 2017.
Mikkel has worked internationally as a façade specialist on numerous high-profile projects with organizations including Arup, Dow Corning, and the Permasteelisa Group, leading collaborative R&D initiatives focused on advanced façade performance and building physics.
Daniel J. Lemieux | Director and Principal, Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc.
Daniel J. Lemieux, FAIA, is Principal and Director of International Development at Wiss, Janney, Elstner Associates, Inc., and Managing Director of its UK subsidiary. With over 30 years of global experience in building enclosure investigation, repair, and performance testing, he has led award-winning projects and contributed significantly to building science education. He chairs ASTM Committee E06 on Performance of Buildings and previously led the development of key BECx standards (ASTM E2813, E2947). In 2021, he was elevated to the AIA College of Fellows, and in 2024 to the ASTM International Fellows, recognizing his leadership in performance-based standards. He teaches graduate courses on “Failures & Forensics” at Georgia Tech and Purdue, and serves on advisory boards at Georgia Tech and Virginia Tech. He is licensed, listed, and/or chartered in 10 U.S. states, Canada, the UK, and Australia.
Immerse yourself in the cutting-edge world of façade technology at this exclusive initiative.
This is not just an event; it's a catalyst for the transformation of the industry.
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