S+P Managing Partner, Jay Brotman, joined other experts as a panelist for the Stand Against School Violence through the Power of Design discussion at the 87th Conference of Mayors on June 29th. The panelists examined how architects can work effectively with communities and local officials to create cutting-edge learning environments that are nurturing, welcoming, and safe. Jay has emerged as an ambassador with a timely message: that keeping kids safe at school need not come at the expense of providing an environment that inspires and nurtures, with a design that is meaningful for the community it serves. 

Julia McFadden, Associate Principal, has been named to the newly formed Business Council for New Haven Promise. New Haven Promise assists New Haven students in  attending Connecticut colleges and returning back to New Haven to improve and generate the state’s economic development. The Business Council’s mission is to increase awareness of the New Haven Promise scholarship program to each Council member’s industry. Julia sees her role as devising ways to reach out to the AEC industry to raise their awareness of the program – and to involve them in support – such as hiring New Haven scholars for summer college internships and promoting business skills development workshops.

Svigals + Partners is proud to announce that Alana Konefal, Associate AIA, has been named to the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Building Congress. The CBC creates a forum for building professionals to connect, learn, and grow. Since 1952, CBC has been Connecticut's premier organization whose mission is to provide a collaborative environment that fosters relationships and contributes to the growth and success of the construction industry. Congratulations to Alana for this well-deserved appointment.

Katelyn Chapin, AIA, has been very busy. In September, she was selected as the 2020-2021 AIA National Community Director for the Young Architects Advisory Committee. This followed her activities at the AIA Conference on Architecture in Las Vegas (June 2019) where, as part of a team representing four prominent architecture firms from across the country, she designed and led a mini-MBA on Mastering the Business of Architecture for Emerging Professionals. Joined by the AIA Young Architects Forum and AIA Large Firm Round Table leaders, the engaging workshop served as a guide for the next generation of leaders on the business of building a profitable practice. Key principles for developing a road map to success were covered, including the basics of business planning, strategies for scaling an organization and nurturing a positive firm culture. This mini-MBA was a year in the making and all Katelyn's hard work really paid off.