Stuart Coppedge, FAIA, has had a distinguished career primarily in Colorado Springs, where he led significant projects at RTA Architects, including the Pikes Peak Summit Visitor Center. Now in Pittsburgh as a Senior Architect and Studio Leader at Desmone Architects, he manages various public and private projects and has expertise in environmental sustainability, including LEED and the Living Building Challenge. Coppedge holds a BS in Environmental Design and a Bachelor of Architecture from the University of Oklahoma and has been active in the American Institute of Architects and various educational and community organizations, providing him with valuable insights into design and operational challenges.
Catherine (Cat) Wick, AIA, is a New Hampshire native who made Pittsburgh her permanent home after graduating from Carnegie Mellon University with a BArch. As a Project Manager for IKM Architecture, she leads healthcare projects of varying sizes and complexities for health systems in Western PA and Ohio. Cat was promoted to Associate in 2024 in recognition of her leadership and contributions to the firm. Cat is serving a second term on the AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors, this year also taking on the role of Secretary. She has lead or actively participated in various committees and community organizations, and currently serves as the co-chair of the local chapter of the Committee on the Environment.
Ken Surhrier, FAIA, At the heart of Kent’s work is the goal of solving complex problems efficiently and simply. He advocates for clear, elegant design solutions that promote responsible, renewable, and resilient outcomes. Notable projects include ANSYS Hall at Carnegie Mellon University, which harmonizes with historic architecture, and the High Meadow Residences at Fallingwater, which connects to its surroundings without imitation. Kent is also dedicated to teaching architecture and mentoring aspiring designers.
Brenna Martin-Shaffer, AIA, who began her career abroad, shifted her focus to positively impacting the Pittsburgh community upon relocating in 2013. Known for her meticulous problem-solving, she delivers innovative results across various project types and scales. With a Master’s from the University of Pennsylvania and a Bachelor’s in Architecture and Dance from Penn State, she was selected for the AIA’s Next to Lead program in 2021. Currently, she serves on the AIA Pittsburgh Board as Second Vice President and co-chairs the Advocacy Committee, advocating for equity in architecture.
Christopher Pless, AIA, has been an architect in the Pittsburgh area since 2005 and became a partner at NEXT architecture in 2022. With nearly 20 years of experience, he has worked on various projects, including commercial, residential, and mixed-use developments. Chris advocates for interdisciplinary collaboration to create innovative solutions. He holds a Master of Architecture from Kent State University, where he also teaches and participates in design reviews. Currently, he serves on the AIA Pittsburgh Board of Directors.
