Grace Kim, Schemata Workshop
Task Force Co-Chair
Grace has practiced architecture in Chicago and Seattle for nearly 30 years. She is a co-founding principal of Schemata Workshop, a Seattle-based architectural firm with a keen focus on community and social equity. Her clients include public housing authorities, non-profit housing developers, and social service providers. Grace has been a long-time champion of modular construction as one solution to quickly produce high-quality multifamily housing. In 2014, she completed the first affordable, multifamily, volumetric modular-construction project in Western Washington. She serves on the Board of Directors for the HDC as Vice President as well as the Puget Sound Regional Council’s TOD Task Force.
Rick Mohler, UW College of Built Environments,
Task Force Co-chair
Rick Mohler, FAIA, NCARB is a licensed architect and Associate Professor of Architecture at the University of Washington where he leverages synergies between his teaching, research, practice, and advocacy to promote just, policy-driven cities, shaped by principled design, addressing all scales of urban experience while building connections between the academy, profession, government, and community. His students have been recognized twenty times in regional, national and international student design competitions and awards programs. As co-chair of the Seattle Planning Commission, which advises the Mayor and City Council on issues of land use, housing and transportation, Rick is leading the commission’s efforts to revise Seattle’s inequitable growth strategy in the current major update to the city’s Comprehensive Plan.
Justin Stewart, Synergy, Inc.
Task Force Co-Chair
Justin leads Synergy Inc. as CEO with a commitment to operational excellence and developing innovative solutions to industry problems. Under Justin’s direction, the company launched Synergy Modular, Inc. to solve the cost and trade shortage issue prevalent industry wide. By partnering with offsite suppliers to provide full modular construction services, they are able to offer a single source contract for turn-key buildings with a fixed cost in 40-50% less time. Justin’s extensive knowledge and expertise of the construction trades come from both growing up in the family business and the depth of experience gained over the last 25 years in the industry.
Heather Bunn, Rafn Company
Heather’s construction management career began in 1984 working primarily on the construction of affordable housing projects for non-profit clients. Heather joined the general contractor, Rafn Company, in 1990 and has remained there since. She is now a partner at Rafn and responsible for client relations and overall direction. She is an advocate of sustainable goals, high-quality standards, and collaborative cost reduction strategies. She continues to serve the non-profit community as co-chair of HDC’s Practical Development Solutions Affinity Group, which oversees the Offsite Task Force, Exemplary Building Task Force, and Cost Control Group.
Bob Murphy, Deacon Construction
With over 40 years of experience in the construction industry in the greater Seattle area, Bob has worn the hat of business development manager, project manager, superintendent and estimator. Bob is currently the Business Development Manager at Deacon Construction and is focused on growing our presence in the Seattle market. Bob is a proud graduate and supporter of the University of Washington. Bob is passionate about affordable housing and projects that encourage efficient construction and sustainability.
Jeff Speert, 4EA Building Science
Jeff AIA LEED AP is a principal and director with 4EA Building Science. His passion for building durability and fascination with tectonics and construction methods led him to a building science career. Jeff’s education and career include a BA in Sociology, work as a carpenter in the construction industry, a Master’s Degree in Architecture, professional practice with several small- and mid-sized Seattle architecture firms, and residential design/build projects. Jeff’s work is driven to have a positive impact on the planet and people through durable and efficient enclosures and by consulting on projects that make welcoming communities.
Loren Tierney, Housing Development Consortium of Seattle-King County
As Member Services Director, Loren provides overall direction for the HDC’s member services program, implementing a comprehensive member and business development agendas, and creating programming for HDC’s wide array of membership, including support of the Offsite Construction Task Force, the Exemplary Building Program and the Practical Development Solutions Affinity Group. Prior to joining HDC staff, she worked as Director of the Municipal League of King County and the Municipal League Foundation, and concurrently worked at the philanthropic, member-based Washington Women’s Foundation.