EVENT:: BIM Forum Houston 2009: Challenges and Issues Facing Contractors

Chris Tisdel, AIA LEED AP
Director, Building Information Modeling, Texas Facilities Commission (TFC)

Chris is currently working with the State of Texas, in an executive position, to enhance the design and construction process, as viewed from the Owner’s perspective, through the use of Building Information Modeling (BIM). In his role, Chris is developing the standard practices and procedures for the adoption of BIM for all construction for the State of Texas. His work with the Texas Facilities Commission puts him in a role to oversee the collection of 24 million square feet of existing buildings, along with all new scheduled and funded construction, into BIM, networking that information across the State.
Chris holds a Master’s Degree in Architecture from Texas Tech University and has been working in his field prior to his role with the State for over a decade. His expertise lies in large, commercial projects where integration and collaboration were key to project success. In the creation of informed BIM processes, Chris has infused his knowledge of project delivery and workflow with practical production and management methods to develop a strong collection of BIM best practices.
Prior to his position with the State of Texas, Chris worked with many architectural firms in a consultation role to aid them in migrating to BIM. He also taught BIM courses at Texas State University, San Marcos for 5 years in the Engineering and Construction Department.
Chris is an Associate AIA member and LEED accredited professional. He resides with his wife, Misty, and his two children in Martindale, Texas.

Stephen E. Sandherr
Chief Executive Officer, Associated General Contractors of America

Stephen Sandherr joined the AGC of America staff in 1984 as Assistant Director of Collective Bargaining Services. From 1986 to 1989 he served as AGC’s Director of Congressional Relations. He practiced law with the firm of Thompson, Mann and Hutson in Washington, DC from 1989 to 1990, and served as Labor and Small Business Counsel for the National Association of Home Builders from 1990 to 1991. He rejoined AGC as Executive Director of Congressional Relations and was promoted to Chief Executive Officer in 1997. Currently, as Chief Executive Officer, Sandherr’s role is to maintain relations with AGC’s 96 chapters nationwide, coordinate government relations activities and enhance AGC’s involvement with business coalitions. In 2006, the American Society of Association Executives cited AGC as one of 9 “remarkable” associations in its landmark study “7 Measures of Success: What Remarkable Associations Do That Others Don’t.” Sandherr is a 1980 graduate of the University of Scranton with a B.S. in Political Science. He earned his law degree from the Catholic University of America in 1983, and is a member of the Bar of the District of Columbia. He is a trustee of the National Building Museum in Washington. He resides with his wife, Cynthia, in Alexandria, Virginia.

Jerry Nevlud
President/CEO, AGC Houston Chapter
Houston, Texas

Julian Kang, Ph.D.
Associate Professor & Graduate Program Coordinator
Harold L. Adams ‘61 Endowed Interdisciplinary Professor in Construction Science
Department of Construction Science
College of Architecture
Texas A&M University
College Station, Texas

Chair, Lean Construction Task Group, National AGC of America
Member, Board of Directors of the AGC Houston Chapter
Member, Dean’s Advisory Council, College of Architecture, Texas A&M University
Past Chairman, Industry Liaison Committee, National AGC of America
Past President, AGC Fort Worth Chapter

William E. Bailey, AIA, LEED AP
Senior Team Manager
Linbeck Group, LLC.
Houston, Texas

Mr. Jason Choyce, LEED AP, serves as Project Executive for DPR Construction’s Higher Education projects in Texas and has been with DPR for 14 years. He is responsible for the overall success of projects on campuses throughout the state and for building and maintaining the collaborative relationships necessary for successful outcomes. Jason currently serves on the USGBC LEED for Health Care Core Committee, which is developing LEED certification criteria for health care projects. He also spearheads DPR’s Innovation initiative, Building Information Modeling program and is currently developing DPR’s Project Management software, driving ever-forward change and improvement to service for clients. Choyce received a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from California Polytechnic State University in San Luis Obispo, California.

Frank Graham is BIM Director and Quality Assurance Director for the South Central Division of JE Dunn Construction, one of the largest construction firms in the nation and consistently ranked in the top 10, according to ENR Magazine. As an Autodesk Revit Certified Instructor and recognized authority on Building Information Modeling, Frank is frequently requested to speak at professional organizations around the country. He has been featured in the following publications: Architectural Design, Focus, and Arkansas. Frank graduated from University of Arkansas with a Bachelor of Architecture degree and is currently a member of American Institute of Architects, and Construction Specifications Institute.

Naresh Kalla, LEED A.P.
BIM Manager
Weston Solutions, Inc.
San Antonio, Texas

Brandon Meyers, LEED A.P.
Project Manager
SpawGlass Construction
Houston, Texas

Sam Sprouse, PE
BIM Manager / Pre-Construction Services
Satterfield & Pontikes Construction, Inc.
Houston, Texas

Mr. Sam Sprouse, P.E., serves as Corporate BIM Manager / Pre-Construction Services for Satterfield & Pontikes Construction in Houston, Texas. He has been an integral member of the Satterfield & Pontikes Pre-Construction team for two and half years and has helped implement the corporate-wide usage of the Building Information Modeling (BIM) process as well as Practical Project Delivery (PPD)™ during his tenure. A 2002 graduate of Florida State University with Bachelors and Masters of Science degrees in Civil (Structural) Engineering, he oversees the daily operations of the Building Information Modeling / Virtual Design & Construction department. Sam also manages the corporate estimating database management activities and initiatives. Sprouse holds professional engineering registration in Texas, Florida and Louisiana and is recognized as a Model Law Engineer by the National Council of Examiners for Engineering and Surveyors (NCEES).