Elizabeth (Liz) Hallas, AIA, LEED AP BD+C

Anderson Hallas Architects, PC | Golden, CO

Liz Hallas, AIA, principal at Anderson Hallas Architects, leads a team of talented designers and preservationists who impact legacy projects throughout the West. Fueled by a love of the outdoors and an adventurous spirit, Liz has played a key role in building Anderson Hallas’ national recognition through their work with the National Park Service – including the award-winning Sperry Chalet, many National Historic Landmarks, and hundreds of designated sites. Liz is a firm believer in giving back to the community. Currently, she is chair of the national AIA Historic Resources Committee, is a Colorado Historical Foundation trustee, and a member of the Grants Council with History Colorado. With a keen eye for design, she has served on several AIA chapter design juries including AIA Baltimore, as well as a past jury member of the AIA National’s Honor Awards. 

Nasra Nimaga (she/her), AIA NOMA

Senior Associate | Perkins Eastman

Born in Hong Kong and raised in Nairobi, Nasra Nimaga is an architect and Senior Associate at Perkins Eastman’s NY location where she works on primary and secondary education projects and civic work. Nasra is interested in the intersections of architecture, advocacy, and policy. These interests are shaped by her experiences as a third-culture transplant and the unswerving belief that architecture can and should improve the lives of people and all work should be approached with an openness to being self-critical and an awareness of its potential impacts. 

Nasra’s commitment to advocating for equity in the AEC industry and the built environment is exemplified by her various pursuits. Nasra is the acting chair of Nycoba | NOMA’s marketing committee, the New York Champion of A4LE’s Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Committee, and a volunteer with NCARBS’s Certification Alternatives Review Team (CART) and has been a juror for the AIA’s Honor and Awards program. She is also an alumni of AIANY’s Civic Leadership and AIA Next to Lead Programs and is currently an Urban Design Forum Forefront Fellow,  where she is doing a yearlong exploration that seeks to inspire centering youth in the built environment.  

d’Andre Willis

Assist. Vice Chancellor for Planning & Design | Campus Architect | University of Colorado Boulder

d’Andre Willis is the Campus Architect and Associate Vice Chancellor for Planning & Design at the University of Colorado Boulder. She is a licensed architect and LEED Accredited Professional (BD&C) with over 30 years of experience in architecture and planning. At CU she is responsible for ensuring the overall form, function, and appeal of the campus, leading the planning and design of all capital improvement projects at CU Boulder, and leading the units responsible for campus master planning, space optimization, and CAD/GIS. Prior to joining CU in 2021, her work as an owner’s rep and as a vice president at HGA Architects & Engineers provided her with leadership opportunities on projects including the Folger Shakespeare Library expansion, the Northern Virginia Science Center, the Contemplative Site and African American Burial Ground at Thomas Jefferson’s Monticello, and multiple campus buildings, including at the University of Virginia, University of Wisconsin, Cornell University, Washington College, Wheaton College and Marquette University. Her experience with sustainable design includes numerous LEED certified projects, including several at the Platinum level, as well as projects with net zero energy and low-embodied carbon goals. Willis holds a bachelor’s degree from Dartmouth College and a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Chicago. She is a Certified Facilitator with the National Charrette Institute who provides expertise and leadership in facilitating communication among diverse user groups, in gathering public input and buy-in, enabling collaboration, and in building community.