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Workplace Design for the Next Generation
In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, young workers are having an increasingly large influence on workplace design and how it fosters collaboration, innovation, and productivity for new workstyles; and the future of remote work versus time spent in the office. Our expert panelists will discuss key strategies for creating an intentional workplace, concepts for office buildings designed for long-term adaptation, and how the next generation entering the workforce is already shaping workplace design. Our panelists from PDR, McCoy, Kirksey, HOK and Gensler will also share workplace projects that put these ideas into practice.
Laura Beth Mertz
Design Director
PDR
Laura Beth Mertz is a passionate leader who sees the potential for the extraordinary in every project she touches. Her approach to design stays true to her core belief that spaces should be designed based on human needs. This “inside out” approach allows her to encapsulate what a project needs and how its individual parts work together to support a space’s mission.
Brian Malarkey, FAIA, LEEP AP
Partner, Director of Interior Architecture
Kirksey
Brian began his career at Kirksey in 1991 and founded the EcoServices department, establishing the firm's regional leadership in sustainable design. Now leading the Interior Architechture department, his unique expertise in workplace trends, branding, and change management has positioned Kirksey as a leader in corporate office design.
Vince Flickinger, LEED AP
Principal, Design Director
Gensler
Vince Flickinger is Gensler's Global Energy Practice Area Leader and a pioneer of the firm's charge toward carbon neutrality. As a champion of this initiative, he assists Gensler's Research Institute with studies related to the topic, and with his learnings, Vince develops impactful and forward-thinking ESG strategies.
As a Design Director, Vince utilizes his more than 25 years of experience to create elegant, thoughtful, and inclusive spaces that delight end-users. A respected practitioner with an eye for detail, Vince applies his vast knowledge of the energy industry to push the envelope for his clients in the science, healthcare, professional services, retail, and product development fields - an asset that companies like Apache, Technip Energies, Chevron and Johnson & Johnson Innovation - JLABS have expressed an appreciation for.
An active member in AEC organizations, Vince dedicates his time to the Texas Association for Interior Design (TAID) and the International Interior Design Association (IIDA).
Kim Bishop
Vice President of Business Development
McCoy Rockford
For over 36 years, Kim has been a noteworthy leader in the commercial interiors space. As VP of Strategic Accounts for McCoy Rockford, she is known for her expertise in consulting for efficient and cohesive workspaces and is an authority on workplace trends and hybrid work solutions. Kim specializes in interiors for the energy, technology, and corporate industries, particularly focused on furniture and architectural solutions.
Kim holds a Bachelor of Science in Organizational Communications from the University of Texas. She has garnered several prestigious awards such as the IFMA Associate of the Year and been selected for client’s Most Valued Vendor title while an annual Top Performer and member of the President’s Club at McCoy Rockford. Her commitment to her work is further demonstrated by her previous participation on the IFMA Houston Board of Directors as well as various other CoreNet and IFMA committees throughout her career.
Outside of her professional life, Kim is a loyal Houstonian who enjoys travel, photography, and exploring new restaurants with family and friends.
Sofia Fonseca de Nino
Managing Director
Cushman Wakefield
Sofia Fonseca de Nino recently joined Cushman Wakefield as Managing Director leading the Texas Triangle’s Total Workplace Offering. She is a long-term advisor to Real Estate teams in the energy and tech fields. She has created business cases for the global and local transformation of portfolios of clients like bp, HP, Spotify, and Marathon Oil. She enjoys the bridge between academia and WorkPlace to imagine the future, combining her real project expertise in workplace strategy, strategic planning, programming, change management, portfolio optimization and campus plan transformations with teaching. Sofia has a Master of Architecture from Harvard GSD, and a certification for Artificial Intelligence for Business Strategy from MIT Sloan’s School. As an Adjunct professor, she has lectured for many years on Programming and Methods of Research courses at the University of Houston Hines College. Outside of her love for learning and strategizing, spending time with her husband and four children, cooking paella and dancing flamenco are some of her favorite things.
Stephanie Carraway
Interior Designer
HOK
Stephanie Carraway is an interior designer with over a decade of expertise in transforming commercial spaces, workplace environments, and amenity-rich experience centers. Using innovative design approaches and technical acumen, Stephanie consistently delivers high-end, meticulously crafted interiors.
Throughout her career, Stephanie has demonstrated a remarkable ability to balance creativity with functionality, ensuring that each project exceeds client expectations. Her extensive portfolio of work showcases a diverse range of projects, from sophisticated office environments to dynamic and inclusive spaces that address holistic wellness, all reflecting her commitment to excellence and attention to detail.
Clients frequently commend Stephanie for her ability to blend aesthetic appeal with practical solutions that inspire productivity. Her collaborative nature and pursuit of the best outcome underscores her dedication to advancing the standards of interior design, making her an influential voice in shaping the future of workplace environments.