Lunch & Learns

Thursday, November 12, Noon – 1pm

Torrey’s Peak, Shavano Peak, and Red Cloud Peak breakout rooms

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Lessons from Hollywood: Applying Cinematic Lighting Principles to Architecture (AE DESIGN: 1 LU|HSW)

Considerations for the Design of Engineered Polymer Ceilings and Wall Systems (RULON INTERNATIONAL: 1 LU|HSW)

The Architecture of Snow: Reducing Winter Risks Through Better Building Design (RWDI: 1 LU|HSW)

Lighting in film is intentionally crafted to influence perception, guide attention, create emotional responses, and communicate information. Many of the same principles can be applied within architectural environments to improve occupant comfort, safety, wayfinding, and overall user experience. Through a series of iconic film examples, this presentation explores how cinematic lighting techniques translate into real-world architectural lighting design strategies. Attendees will gain practical insight into creating healthier, safer, and more engaging environments through the thoughtful use of light.

AE DESIGN: 1 LU|HSW

Brian Johnson is a Senior Lighting Designer with AE Design whose work focuses on creating thoughtful, people-centered lighting environments. His experience spans higher education, recreation, civic, cultural, hospitality, and outdoor environments, where he collaborates closely with architects and owners to develop lighting solutions that balance aesthetics, functionality, and user experience. Brian has a particular interest in how light influences perception, storytelling, and emotional connection within a space. Drawing inspiration from both architecture and cinematography, he explores how the visual techniques used in film can inform meaningful lighting design strategies in the built environment.

Melina Saunders has always been passionate about the creative and the technical, illustrated by her love of painting and strategic video games. Studying Architectural Engineering allowed her an opportunity to apply both passions in her work. Melina’s personality is as colorful as her hair! She loves working with our clients to help develop innovative systems and solve complex problems. Teamwork and collaboration is important to Melina, and she works hard to understand project parameters and to consider the end user’s experience. Melina strives to celebrate personal relationships and milestones with our partners and is involved in industry sports leagues and volunteering.

Rulon International’s Endure product lines are suspended ceiling, wall, and canopy systems designed to deliver the warm aesthetic of natural wood in demanding environments. Manufactured from durable, extruded engineered polymers with woodgrain or solid finishes, these Class A fire-rated systems resist moisture, wind, chemicals, UV exposure, and warping. They serve as a low-maintenance alternative to real wood or linear metal in high-humidity indoor spaces like swimming pools, exterior canopies exposed to harsh weather, and heavy-traffic commercial interiors.

RULON INTERNATIONAL: 1 LU|HSW

Meg Whitaker works as the Territory Sales Representative for the Mountain Region (CO, UT, WY, MT, ID, NM, WA). With a background in selling and sales management and interior design, Meg facilitates a seamless working relationship between architects, general contractors and sub-contractors.

Rulon International has been the leading manufacturer of wood ceiling and acoustical wood wall panels for over 30 years.

The interaction between snow, ice, wind, and the built environment can have important implications for public safety, building performance, and operational strategies. This presentation examines three key aspects of cold-climate design: roof snow loading, ground snow drifting, and hazards associated with falling or sliding snow and ice. The session will demonstrate how specialized snow studies are conducted and how they can be used to evaluate potential risks, inform design decisions, and support the development of effective mitigation measures. Attendees will gain practical insight into creating safer buildings and pedestrian environments while improving resilience to winter conditions.

RWDI: 1 LU|HSW

Mike Gibbons, M.E.Sc., A.M.ASCE., Team Leader, Technical Director, Principal

Mike leads the Applied Climatology team at RWDI.  He is also a technical director who has supported the success of our clients’ projects on all seven continents. His unique set of skills and experience enable him to work across multiple technical sectors, from forensic investigation to renewable energy. Mike has particular expertise in the statistical analysis of meteorological data and the determination of code compliant design values. Among many other contributions, Mike creates wind, snow and temperature climate models that support the high quality of our wind, pedestrian and thermal comfort studies.