Steven Riojas is a seasoned architect, global practice leader, and founder of Studio Riojas LLC, an advisory firm serving the architecture and building engineering community. With more than 40 years of experience and a distinguished career leading HDR’s $120M+ Education & Science practice, Steven is known for his strategic insight, collaborative leadership, and commitment to creating purpose-driven environments that advance health, education, and innovation. Now through Studio Riojas, he continues to guide firms toward growth and impact, combining deep technical expertise with a passion for mentorship and mission-focused design.

Cyrus Nury is a Senior Planner with a strong background in real estate development, urban planning, and financial analysis, currently pursuing an MBA with a Real Estate Specialization at UCLA Anderson School of Management. With over eight years of professional experience, he has successfully led major construction and development projects at UCLA Capital Programs and Atlantic Pearl Investments, managing portfolios valued at over $140 million. Cyrus is skilled in financial modeling, project management, and stakeholder communication, consistently delivering results that align with both financial goals and organizational priorities. His leadership, strategic thinking, and expertise in the real estate sector position him as a valuable asset in shaping innovative, community-focused development projects.

I'm excited to share my journey in sustainable urban planning and ecological resilience. My career has centered on creating resilient, vibrant spaces that blend environmental stewardship with urban design, and I’m passionate about continuing to make a positive impact. Here is my biography.

Richard Heapes is a luminary in the field of urban mixed-use development, with a career that spans over four decades and a legacy of transformative projects across the United States. Known for his strategic vision and expertise in public consensus building, Richard has directed the planning and design of more than fifty award-winning "Main Streets." His leadership in major urban redevelopment projects, such as the $285 million Blue Back Square and the $2 billion revitalization of Downtown Detroit, underscores his unparalleled ability to create vibrant, community-centered spaces.