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AIA Philadelphia's Nominating Committee has selected candidates for the 2027 Board of Directors. You can now review the candidates' bios.
As an AIA member, you are entitled to nominate additional candidates for members of the board of directors and officers. These additional nominations require the following:
If you have any problems viewing the candidates or submitting a nomination, please contact Daphne Gsell, Engagement and Communications Manager at [email protected].
Andrew Ferrarelli, AIA LEED AP BD+C
President-Elect
A Principal at SITIO architecture + urbanism, Andrew offers extensive experience across cultural, institutional, and mixed-use projects of varying scales, working with both local and national organizations and institutions. His projects have been recognized with design awards including the AIA Philadelphia Silver Medal for design excellence for the 2500 League Island facility at the Philadelphia Navy Yard. Andrew was awarded the AIA Virginia Emerging Professional Award and was selected for the inaugural class of the VSAIA Emerging Leaders in Architecture Honors Academy. He earned his Bachelor of Architecture from Virginia Tech, where he developed a solid foundation in process and design exploration, honing his ability to shape meaningful spaces.
Andrew extends this passion for design through volunteer work and mentoring the next generation through participation in various organizations and self-directed opportunities. He has served on the Board of Directors for AIA Philadelphia as an At-Large Director for the last three years and is a member of the Executive Committee.
Richard Davies, Esq., Hon. AIA
Secretary
Rich Davies is the managing partner of the Pennsylvania office of Milber Makris where my practice focuses on the representation of architects, engineers, and other design professionals. He handles cases involving errors and omissions in façade, structural, mechanical, electrical, plumbing and fire protection systems; serious personal injury and death; schedule impact (delay, acceleration, and inefficiencies) and extra work claims; violations of state licensing laws and copyrights; and failures to comply with ADA, FHA, state and local accessibility requirements.
He is a Contributing Author to the Pennsylvania section of the State-By-State Guide to Design and Construction Contracts and Claims published by Wolters Kluwer.
He lectures on contracts and risk management for: Thomas Jefferson University’s College of Architecture and the Built Environment; Temple University's Tyler School of Art and Architecture; and Drexel University's Westphal College of Media Arts and Design.
He is a member of the Board of Advisors of the University of Pennsylvania’s Weitzman School of Design.
He serves on the Board of the Philadelphia Chapter of the American Institute of Architects ("AIA") as the organization's Secretary, and on the Board of the Community Design Collaborative. He is also counsel to the Carpenters’ Company of the City and County of Philadelphia (which cares for the site of the First Continental Congress in 1774) and is a member of the Legal Reform Task Force for the Government Affairs Committee of AIA’s Pennsylvania Chapter working on legislative changes to positively affect the design community. Finally, Rich is a member of the ACEC Legal Counsel Forum, an Associate member of a/e ProNet, a member of the Claims and Litigation Management Alliance, and a Charter Fellow of the Construction Lawyers Society of America ("CLSA").
Jeremy Brenn, MBA, CFP®
Treasurer
Senior Wealth Advisor, President, Shareholder
Jeremy Brenn manages the strategic direction for Sensenig Capital, as well as helping clients achieve their financial life goals. Jeremy earned his Bachelor of Arts degree from York College of Pennsylvania, as well as a Master of Business Administration in Finance from Hood College, Frederick, Maryland.
Jeremy is an active member of the AIA of Pennsylvania, the AIA of Philadelphia, the ICAA Philadelphia, and the ACEC Pennsylvania. Jeremy currently serves on the Board of Directors at Meadowood Senior Living and Methacton Audubon Recreation Association.
Jeremy likes to work out, hike and fish, and hang out by the fire pit with friends and family in his free time. Having grown up in New Jersey, Jeremy spent many summers at the beach, a tradition he now shares with his family. Jeremy and his wife live in Audubon, Pennsylvania, with their three boys.
Eric Leighton, AIA
Director of Equitable Communities
Eric Leighton, AIA, NCARB, is a partner with CBP Architects of Philadelphia. He began his career with the firm’s predecessor studio, Cecil Baker & Associates in 2000 and was named a partner in 2006. His approach emphasizes collaboration, respect for building occupants and project teammates, and a dedication to design that fosters community and inspires belonging. Eric’s award-winning project experience spans market-rate multi-family and custom single-family housing, city fire stations, health centers, art galleries, and adaptive reuse work. His strengths lie in zoning analyses, feasibility studies, and subtle solutions that impress developers, residents, and communities.
Eric earned a Bachelor of Architecture with a minor in historic preservation from Roger Williams University. He sits on the Preservation Alliance for Greater Philadelphia Easement Committee. A resident of Cheltenham Township, Eric serves as acting chair of the Zoning Hearing Board and previously served on the Planning Commission. He is registered in Pennsylvania and National Council of Architectural Registration Boards (NCARB) certified.
Katrina Connors, AIA
Director of Advocacy
As a Principal at FIFTEEN Architecture and Design with 15 years of experience, I bring a collaborative, community-focused approach to architecture and leadership, with a diverse portfolio spanning higher education, corporate workplace, nonprofit, and K–12 environments. I am committed to advancing the profession through advocacy and service, and currently serve as Chair of the AIA Philadelphia Advocacy Committee and on the Board of the Community Design Collaborative. Through my professional and civic work, I strive to strengthen the connection between architects, our communities, and the policies shaping Philadelphia’s built environment.
Raphaella Pereira, Assoc. AIA
Director of Philadelphia Emerging Architects
Raphaella is an architectural professional who uses her drive and enthusiasm to foster better connections between architecture and its users. She is an architectural designer at Wallace, Roberts, and Todd (WRT), where she focuses on affordable housing and education projects. She has experience in residential, commercial, and retail design throughout Philadelphia, and has a background in lighting design. Raphaella is also an adjunct professor at Drexel University, where she earned her Bachelor of Architecture in 2021 after completing her thesis that explored the use of biophilia and human-centered design to create a mental wellness center in São Paulo, Brazil. Since graduating, she continues to be active in the Drexel community serving as a juror for student reviews. Raphaella is passionate about building communities for students and professionals since being involved with her university’s AIAS Chapter. She continues her passion as a member of WRT’s EDI Committee, AIA Philadelphia’s Philadelphia Emerging Architects (PEA), and AIA Pennsylvania’s Emerging Professionals Committee (EPiC), pushing to provide more opportunities in mentorship and growth throughout the design community.
Peter Nagel, AIA, NCARB
Director of Philadelphia Emerging Architects
Peter Nagel is a Philly-born-and-raised registered architect, graphic designer, artist, and all-around maker. He has been working as a Designer and Architect at SFCS Architects in Blue Bell, PA since 2018. During his time at SFCS, Peter has focused his career on designing for older adults. While working alongside some of the senior living industry’s leading experts, Peter has developed a sense of purpose in designing for those with age-related physical and cognitive disabilities and to care for the generation that has cared for us.
Peter is a proud graduate of the Charter High School for Architecture and Design (CHAD) and has rounded off his architecture education at Philadelphia University (Thomas Jefferson East Falls) with a Bachelor of Architecture alongside a Minor in Graphic Design.
Peter strongly believes in the value of leadership through authentic human connection, empathy, and unquestioning trust in others. He is a staunch advocate for mentorship and deeply values the guidance of those that have “done it before”.
Outside of architecture, Peter enjoys drawing, reading, woodworking, and staying physically active through rock climbing, swimming, or hiking.
Tya Winn, NOMA, LEED Green Associate, SEED
Public Member
Tya Winn is the Director of Project Planning at Habitat for Humanity Philadelphia and Adjunct Professor at Temple University. She has served as the Public Member on the AIA Philadelphia Board of Directors since 2014, currently also as the Director of Equitable Development. Ms. Winn received her BARCH at Syracuse University and her MARCH at the University of Pennsylvania. Since then she has focused her career on real estate and community development; prioritizing affordable housing creation, economic development, creative place-making and urban revitalization. Since joining the AIA Board, she has been involved with various committees; PEA, WIA, AIA Housing Committee, and Architecture in Education. Tya served on the 2016 AIA Convention planning committee and chaired the Legacy Project. She also serves on the boards of Families Forward- a family shelter combating homelessness, PhilaNOMA- the Philadelphia Chapter of the National Organization of Minority Architects, the Hip Hop Architecture Camp, and StreeBoxPHL. From 2017- 2018 she traveled internationally observing the design of public housing as the Stewardson Keefe Lebrun Travel grant recipient, awarded by the Center for Architecture Foundation. In practice, Tya focuses on the revitalization of urban communities and how experience of the built environment shapes perceptions of place.
Eleanor Sharpe
Public Member
Eleanor Sharpe is an renowned professional in the field of urban planning who cares about cities, places, and people; while focused on bringing innovative approaches to urban development and community empowerment. With a distinguished career spanning over a decade with the City of Philadelphia, Sharpe's most recent position, prior to joining the Philadelphia City Council President's Technical Team was as the Interim Deputy Mayor/Director of the Department of Planning and Development. She currently brings her skills and experience to the members of City Council to help enact more informed policies on land use matters, as the Chief of Planning for City Council. In her previous role, Sharpe served for over six years as the Deputy Director of the Division of Planning and Zoning in the department of planning and development. In that role she led collaborative efforts with diverse stakeholders, including elected officials, developers, and communities to enhance, plan, preserve, and develop vibrant neighborhoods across the city. Under her dynamic leadership, the department implemented landmark initiatives across key divisions, including Housing and Community Development, Development Services, and Planning & Zoning, overseeing bodies such as the Philadelphia City Planning Commission (simultaneously served as the Executive Director of the Commission), the Philadelphia Historical Commission, the Philadelphia Art Commission, and the Zoning Board of Adjustment. Notably, in 2020, she initiated the groundbreaking "Planning and Equity: A Commitment to Change" initiative, aimed at addressing historical injustices within the planning profession, particularly within communities of color. Her pledge has gained widespread support from planning directors across the United States. Sharpe's academic background includes a Bachelor's of Architecture from Howard University and a Master's in City Planning from the University of Pennsylvania. In addition to her impactful work in the public sector, preceded by working in the private sector as a consultant, Sharpe has contributed to academia over the past two decades and continues to do so, as an adjunct professor in city planning and architecture at Temple University, Drexel University, and the University of Pennsylvania.
