Responsible for the Record Interiors issue, quarterly lighting sections, and such special issue sections as Schools of the 21st Century, Linda Lentz joined RECORD in 2008. The Brooklyn native previously worked as a freelance writer and editor covering design, materials, and products for design and shelter publications including RECORD, Interior Design, Metropolitan Home, and This Old House. This followed 10 years as Home Magazine’s Articles Editor. Lentz holds an M.A. from NYU and a B.F.A. from Pratt Institute.

The relationship between educational facilities and their physical context is of particular interest to Boris Srdar, resulting in a philosophical basis for his work. His design approach focuses on the connection between learning outcomes and students’ perception of the built environment, helping even large-scale buildings provide an invigorating, human-scale experience. Srdar holds a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Zagreb in Croatia, and a Master of Design Studies from the Harvard Graduate School of Design.

Steven Turckes, FAIA, ALEP, LEED AP firmly believes in the power of education and educational environments to change lives. For more than thirty years he has shaped educational facilities in the Midwest, across the nation, and all over the world. Turckes’ body of work reflects his focus on connecting the knowledge and experience of educators with the energy and enthusiasm of students and communities to support innovative educational missions and spaces. His process is infused with the principles of observation, collaboration, and knowledge sharing, and he has led teams creating future-ready environments that stand the test of time. A true client advocate, Turckes finds it highly gratifying to attend a building dedication and see the community’s excitement about the possibilities of a new school.

With more than twenty years of varied architectural and planning experience, Julia McFadden accelerates client collaboration and project goals through experience, deep technical knowledge, and holistic problem-solving practices. She has developed a particular expertise in facilitating and leading user and community programming workshops, which is especially valuable in her role as K-12 Education Sector Leader for Svigals + Partners. Artfully steering the workshop process and analysis toward well-defined construction priorities, McFadden simultaneously identifies design opportunities for unique and inspired expressions of client mission and goals. Most recently she lent her expertise and leadership to the design and management of the new Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn., and the Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS) in West Haven, Conn.

Since joining Svigals + Partners in 1987, Jay Brotman has designed and managed acclaimed and award-winning commercial and institutional projects in the K-12, higher education, research science, residential, healthcare, and mixed-use sectors. Notable academic projects include the Columbus Family Academy in New Haven, Conn., the new Sandy Hook School in Newtown, Conn., and the Engineering and Science University Magnet School (ESUMS) in West Haven, Conn. In his role as managing partner for the firm, Brotman works to ensure that Svigals + Partners constantly renews itself as a state-of-the-art environment for the development of world-class architecture and design, dedicating his efforts to balancing strategic and creative endeavors, cultivating client relationships, and mentoring a highly productive team. Working closely in recent months with AIA leadership on the "Blueprint for Better” campaign, Brotman has emerged as an ambassador and civic leader at the local, state and national levels, sharing a message that safety for schools need not come at the expense of an inspiring and nurturing learning environment.

James Wharton represents Technical Glass Products (TGP) in New York, New Jersey, and all of New England. Wharton has been with TGP for 13 years and has successfully worked with numerous architects, building owners, and subcontractors from development of schematic design through installation.

Urmilla Jokhu-Sowell has eighteen years of experience in the fenestration industry. She is the Technical and Advocacy Director for the National Glass Association with duties that include managing all technical activities within NGA’s four Committees, as well as specific roles in ASTM International, ASHRAE, and ISO. Sowell earned both her Bachelor and Master of Science degrees in Civil Engineering from Texas Tech University and is a licensed Professional Engineer.

Ellen Watts, FAIA, LEED AP is co-founder of Architerra, a Boston firm dedicated to climate action through design excellence. Architerra took top honors in the international Boston Living with Water Competition and has won more than 30 national and regional design awards for its innovative sustainable designs, including AIA/COTE Top 10 Green Buildings and zero net energy exemplars. More than a decade ago, Watts co-chaired the Massachusetts Governor’s Zero Net Energy Building Task Force. More recently, she helped launch Boston Climate Bridge learning exchanges with Germany and Denmark. Watts holds degrees from Smith, Harvard, and MIT, in government, architecture, and real estate development respectively.

Scott McCready, ALSA is a principal at SWA with more than 20 years of both regional and international experience. Through his work, McCready seeks to find innovative solutions to complex sites, synthesizing place-making and infrastructure needs to create environments that enrich, educate, and endure. He has engaged in a number of projects along Houston’s waterways, including Buffalo Bayou Park, Bagby to Sabine Promenade, Rosemont Bridge, and Brays Bayou. McCready’s work seeks to enhance the social and ecological infrastructure of the urban environment while broadening access and connectivity to open space within the city.

David Tepper, AIA is a principal at Ennead Architects and leads the firm’s healthcare practice. Tepper focuses on strategic planning, campus design, infrastructure, and implementation for complex healthcare environments, working with stakeholders to define priorities and build consensus. He has a special expertise in resilience for essential facilities and works with institutions to plan for continued climate change, retrofit existing buildings, and establish standards for mission-critical facilities. Tepper received a Bachelor of Arts degree from Columbia University and a Master of Architecture from Harvard University. He is a member of the American Institute of Architects and the Society for Campus and University Planning.

Tim Warren represents Technical Glass Products, Inc. (TGP) in the Midwest, including Illinois, Wisconsin, Minnesota, Iowa and Missouri. TGP is a supplier of fire-rated glass and framing systems, along with specialty architectural glazing products. Tim attended architecture school and joined TGP after experience in sales and architectural design.

Casey Cohorst, CSI, CDT, LEED GA has been writing architectural door hardware specifications for over 8 years with Allegion. He specializes in specifying hardware solutions for the education and healthcare markets as well as large projects like airports, and NFL and NBA stadiums. Casey has specified countless educational facilities in the Midwest and is accustomed to their unique needs. He is an expert in codes pertaining to FEMA/ICC 500 shelter doors and wind shelter hardware applications. He has participated in the development and improvement of multiple windstorm products at Allegion. His background in industrial design gives him a unique insight and understanding of door system assemblies and operation.