Architecture at Zero 2024

Paul TORCELLINI, PHD PE
Paul Torcellini is a Principal Engineer for Commercial Buildings Research at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), a DOE laboratory. Paul is a key contributor in the development of the Advanced Energy Design Guides (ASHRAE/AIA/IES/USGBC) including chairing the technical committees that produce the zero energy AEDGs. Paul has been at NREL for 26 years and is a registered Professional Engineer holding a PhD from Purdue University. He is an ASHRAE Fellow and ASHRAE Distinguished Lecturer. Paul has authored or co-authored more than 50 papers and articles related to energy efficiency and zero-energy commercial buildings—both residential and commercial. Paul lives in a zero energy home that he designed.

Lance COLLINS, AIA
Mr. Collins is a licensed architect and a LEED Accredited Professional, and is currently a Director at Partner Energy, in charge of the Sustainability team providing design consulting, and project management for projects pursuing green certification such as LEED, GreenPoint Rated and others; Zero Net Energy, energy modeling, commissioning, and HERS verifications. He has over twenty years of experience in architecture, urban design, and sustainable design consulting, his experience includes design, construction administration, building energy / water benchmarking and analysis, resource conservation measures, and green certification project management. Mr. Collins is also a Certified Sustainable Building Advisor, a Green Globes Professional, a Green Globes Assessor, and an ARC Performance professional. He has provided design and consulting solution for various types of buildings including institutional, office, mixed-use, retail, schools, and multifamily residential properties. Mr. Collins has led the completion of more than 50 Green certified projects including LEED Platinum and Net-Zero projects for new buildings and existing construction for Partner Energy clients.

Allison GRACE WILLIAMS, FAIA
Allison Grace Williams, FAIA, an architect and urban designer, has amassed an international portfolio of large-scale civic, cultural and research facilities. In practice at SOM, Perkins+Will and AECOM, Williams’ inventive instincts and inspiring, interdisciplinary design leadership have generated authentic, relevant buildings that bridge between culture, technology and the environment and that convey the values and traditions of their audience and place.