The Estopinal College of Architecture and Planning Executive Advisory Board annually recognizes alumni who demonstrate outstanding professional success or achievement in their field of endeavor. We are pleased to announce this year’s winners.
DISTINGUISHED ALUMNI AWARD WINNERS
Marsh Davis, President at Indiana Landmarks
Marsh Davis is a prominent and influential national figure in preservation today. As a visionary and effective leader of one of the country’s largest nonprofit organizations dedicated to the preservation of architectural heritage, Marsh Davis has advanced the value of quality design statewide. As President of Indiana Landmarks since 2006, the organization has leveraged millions of dollars towards its mission of revitalizing communities, reconnecting people to their heritage and saving meaningful places.
Gregory Keffer, AIA, LEED AP, Partner and Studio Leader at Rockwell Group
At Rockwell Group, Greg leads multiple design studios and manages the firm’s Madrid office. As the second partner in the firm’s history, Greg has taken the lead in developing a firmwide structure and culture that better supports the firm’s designers in doing their best and most creative work. His global project portfolio centers on unique lifestyle driven design solutions including hotels, restaurants, retail spaces, performing arts facilities, and residential developments. Greg as served as a speaker at numerous conferences and panels and on various committees and advisory boards.
OUTSTANDING AWARD WINNERS
Ehren Bingaman, TransPro Consulting, Managing Principal
Ehren is focused on growth and development of others with a diverse background in planning, transit, economic development, policy, advocacy, communications, and leadership. Formerly a 15 year public and non-profit employee, Ehren joined TransPro in 2019. Ehren aims to make the world better than how he found it.
Catherine Clark, FASLA, PLA, Taylor Siefker Williams Design Group, Senior Project Manager, Senior Landscape Architect
Through her pro-bono service, Catherine Clark has changed the face of Indiana ASLA and impacted thousands of landscape architects across the country. Through her full-time professional career, she is currently changing the landscape of East Central Indiana, through thoughtful strategic planning, resilient and sustainable design and the ongoing process of securing and administering federal and state funding programs.
Damon Hewlin, Principal at METICULOUS Design + Architecture
Damon leads global teams and projects designed for humanity. With 25 years of International and USA design, construction, and management, he has worked on cutting-edge large-scale and high-profile projects, where he has significantly contributed to award-winning designs. As a founding partner and CEO of METICULOUS, his talents and abilities help shape the firm’s culture, pursuit of excellence, and presence on the international design stage. His key strengths are helping clients and communities to dream bigger and make their visions a reality.
Eric Knott, IIDA, RID, Principal at CSO Architects
Eric leads CSO’s interior design initiatives across several market sectors. With nearly 20 years of experience, his leadership has energized the firm’s focus on developing interior design solutions based on extensive user research. Driven to develop unique and innovative design solutions, Eric has perfected a collaborative strategic visioning process. Through this process, he is able to establish tailored solutions reflective of the client’s goals for culture, work process, business strategies, environment and technology.
Kevin J. Singh, AIA, Leed AP BD+C, NCARB, Louisiana Tech University Architecture Program Chair
Kevin Singh is Architecture Program Chair and Professor in the School of Design at Louisiana Tech University. He is Director of the Community Design Activism Center (CDAC) and has served in this role since joining the faculty in 2006. He currently teaches courses in community design, 4th year studios, and professional practice. He earned initial licensure in 2003, and is currently a registered architect in the State of Louisiana.
Ben Thomas, National Manager, Sustainablility Integration, The GPT Group
Ben believes that by working systematically and collaboratively on complex problems, we can create a better, more sustainable industry and world. His strong analytical, engagement and collaboration skills, underpinned by his experience in reporting, strategy and project management enable Ben to bring together a group of stakeholders to focus on a uniting vision as well as create and execute a plan for achieving that vision.
G.O.L.D AWARD WINNERS (Graduate of the Last Decade)
Ali Herman, IIDA, NCIDQ, RID, WELL AP, owner AJ Studios, LLC
Ali is excited by great design that influences how people experience a space. She is a firm believer in future flexibility and dual function of each and every part of a design. She believes designers should provide users with both sustainable and healthy environments. Ali held previous positions at several design firms prior to establishing AJ Studios LLC. She has received various awards and honors and has served in elected and appointed positions on local, state and national levels as a board member, statewide liaison, and panel discussion member.
Abby Wiles, AICP, Executive Director of the St. Joseph County Area Plan Commission
Abby has not only achieved an impressive position for a relatively young graduate, but she has served as president of the Indiana APA for two years (and as president elect for one year prior). Abby served as the project manager for the City of Goshen’s 10-year Comprehensive Plan update. She was responsible for conducting all research and data analysis, planning and conducting all public outreach, drafting the plan content, and the final presentations for adoption. She also prepared the successful application for the City of Goshen to be a pilot community with the American Planning Association’s Comprehensive Plan Standards for Sustaining Places pilot program.
Check out previous winners of the Alumni Awards here.