Kishore Varanasi is a globally recognized urban designer, educator, and strategic thinker whose work has reshaped urban landscapes and redefined the role of cities in fostering delightful, equitable, resilient, and human-centered futures. As Senior Principal and Director of Urban Design, he leads visionary projects that integrate design excellence with social and environmental purpose. His portfolio includes transformative master plans such as P&G Fort Point Waterfront, Cambridge Crossing, Boston University, and Suffolk Downs; mixed-use developments like 585 Kendall and Bulfinch Crossing in Greater Boston; and internationally acclaimed initiatives such as Masdar City, Hudayriat Island, Abu Dhabi Climate Initiatives, Plan Capital 2040 in Abu Dhabi, Lincoln Yards in Chicago, and the Durham Innovation District. Known for his ability to align community, civic, and private interests, Varanasi is a trusted advisor to city leaders, institutions, and developers—championing designs grounded in the highest standards of excellence, long-term value, and sustainability. His work has been recognized by organizations including the American Institute of Architects, Rethinking the Future, World Architecture News, and the Urban Land Institute, among others. A passionate educator and mentor, Varanasi has taught and served as a visiting critic at MIT, Harvard University, and the Boston Architectural College, where he is also a Trustee. He contributes actively to the civic realm through leadership roles at Boston Harbor Now and the Emerald Network, reinforcing his role as a convener of public dialogue on the future of cities. He has served on prestigious juries such as the Urban Land Institute Americas Awards for Excellence and the World Architecture News Awards, lending global perspective to the recognition of design innovation. His contributions have been widely celebrated, including receiving the Norman B. Leventhal Award for Urban Excellence for leadership in creating cities that foster community, equity, and resilience. Varanasi holds a Master of Science in Urbanism from MIT, a Master of Architecture from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, and a Bachelor of Architecture from Jawaharlal Nehru Technological University in Hyderabad. In his role at CBT, he continues to inspire, innovate, and lead—shaping the cities of tomorrow through visionary design, strategic leadership, and an unwavering commitment to the public good.

Ed Holder is Vice President of Real Estate Development at Mercy Housing California (MHC). Based in Los Angeles, he leads statewide development efforts, managing a pipeline of over 5,000 apartment homes and a team of 45. With more than 20 years in affordable housing and community development, Ed brings deep industry expertise. He recently served a six-year term on the Board of Directors for the Southern California Association of Nonprofit Housing. Prior to joining MHC, he held leadership roles at The Olson Company, overseeing workforce housing projects across Southern California.

Paulett Taggart founded her eponymous firm in 1986 with the premise that excellence in design enhances the public realm and enriches the lives of a building’s users. She and her team create outstanding community-serving architecture that is equitable, sustainable, and enduring. She is committed to advancing social equity through architecture with mission driven work that brings good design to all, especially those who often have less access to it. In all of the work, from large multi-family housing to small-scale community facilities, Paulett creates buildings that celebrate and enrich their surroundings and the people they serve.

Gary Switzer is the CEO of MOD Developments and is one of Toronto’s most awarded developers. While his portfolio of iconic buildings varies greatly, each showcases his devotion to design excellence and city-building. Gary began his career at WZMH Architects after graduating from the University of Toronto School of Architecture, followed by a tenure in the planning department at the City of Toronto. With extensive experience in urban planning and architecture, he went on to play an integral role in establishing the high-rise division of Great Gulf Homes before applying his learned principles and expertise in the co-founding of MOD in 2009. Gary is an active member within the development community as a founding member of the BILD (Building Industry and Land Development Association) Toronto Advisory Group and is a frequent lecturer at the University of Toronto, York University, and Toronto Metropolitan University.

Duncan Bates has a broad range of design experience and has made significant contributions as a design leader since joining the firm in 2005. As the design and project lead for the Waterworks mixed-use building, Duncan oversaw the construction of the heritage adaptive re-use that incorporates a YMCA, considerable European-influenced retail spaces and 290 residential units in downtown Toronto. Other significant projects include the design and construction oversight of the new Guelph Central Library, envelope of the Peter Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sickkids Hospital in Toronto and the PwC-YMCA Tower at Vaughan Metropolitan Centre.

Donald Schmitt is a Principal of Diamond Schmitt Architects. He is committed to the design of architecture that transcends convention and enriches everyday life. His designs include the transformation of the National Arts Centre and the Senate of Canada Building in Ottawa; the Gilgan Centre for Research and Learning at Sick Children’s Hospital; Emily Carr University of Art + Design in Vancouver; and York University, Markham. Donald Schmitt is a Member of the Order of Canada.