PROFESSIONAL PRACTICE COMMITTEE 2026
COMMITTEE CHAIR BIOS
Chair
Anne Algaze, AIA, CID, LEED AP, IIDA
I serve as Chief Operating Officer at SAA interiors + architecture, a national award-winning design firm dedicated to delivering integrated solutions to the commercial real estate industry with artistry and savvy. In my role, I oversee both the long-term strategy and day to day operations of the firm.
As an architect by training, I have always been passionate about the intersection of design and business. With over two decades of experience, specializing in design thinking, strategic leadership, business development, and operations management, my expertise spans a wide array of areas including financial analysis, P&L management, and process improvement. My goal? To drive business growth that delivers high-impact results and build cultures and create new leaders.
Vice Chair
Chris Sullivan, Assoc. AIA
At JKA, Chris oversees all architectural projects in the office. As of 2025, he is supervising multifamily housing projects comprising 1,400 units of affordable housing, 2 projects for transitional housing, and several mixed-used and commercial projects. Chris’s work focuses on delivering high quality design, drawings, and specifications on time and within budget. He has made it a priority to develop more rigorous quality assurance and quality control processes to ensure a productive and efficient workflow. Utilizing new tools and workflows, Chris has expanded design expertise at JKA. His emphasis on strong standards for construction administration has helped the office produce intentional design choices and provide client satisfaction.
His interest in the intersection of modularity, prefabrication, and generative design tools has helped to lead JKA towards implementing its first modular multi-family projects for missing-middle housing. Chris has nineteen years of experience working on a wide range of architectural types, including high-end residential, retail, brand, and hospitality projects. Prior to joining JKA, he was the regional architectural operations manager of a startup overseeing the launch of hundreds of commercial “ghost” kitchens across the US. For this project he developed standards for drawings and procedures for permitting to increase jurisdictional officials’ buy-in, and coordination of facilities’ launches.
With his wide range of experience, Chris has developed an expertise for managing fast-paced projects with demanding schedules, while maintaining a high level of quality and precision to keep each project on track.
With his wide range of experience, Chris has developed an expertise for managing fast-paced projects with demanding schedules, while maintaining a high level of quality and precision to keep each project on track.
Past Chair
Chun Liu, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP
Senior Associate, CO Architects
Chun Liu brings over 15 years of experience leading award-winning projects in healthcare, K-12, and higher education, focusing on creating sustainable, human-centered designs that enhance well-being. A passionate advocate for collaboration and mentorship to foster professional growth, Chun championed the establishment of CO FUNdamentals, a firm-wide knowledge-sharing platform, in 2023 at CO Architects.
TAP Chair
Melvin Williams, III, Assoc. AIA
Regional Practice Technology Leader, HKS
Melvin Williams III serves as the Regional Practice Technology Leader at HKS Inc., where he leverages over 20 years of architectural experience to guide teams in implementing cutting-edge design technology and fostering innovation across the American West Region. He champions digital best practices throughout all project stages, from pre- and post-commissioning to construction administration, integrating digital tools to enhance decision-making, streamline workflows, and optimize project outcomes. Dedicated to advancing interdisciplinary coordination, he implements the latest BIM, QA/QC management, VDC technologies, AI and data analytics to ensure seamless collaboration and efficiency across teams and disciplines.
Thesla Collier, Int’l Assoc. AIA
Design Technology Manager, HNTB
Thesla Collier is the Design Technology Manager at HNTB. Bachelor’s in architecture from the University of Honduras and has worked in the AEC Industry for over 25 years. Actively works with users to elevate their knowledge baseline to improve their skills on multiple software platforms. Seeking new avenues of technology to improve Design workflows possible to conceive, visualize, and adapt to a project’s specific needs.
TAP Past Chair
Nicole Buhles, ACM, CM-BIM, Assoc. AIA
Associate Principal Practice Technology Leader, HED
Nicole Buhles is an Associate Principal, Practice Technology Leader at HED. She combines 15 years of experience with emerging technologies, to expertly coach, implement and push the boundaries of what’s possible in architectural and engineering practice.
Market Sectors: Higher Ed, Pre K-12, Community
