USF AEC Experience - Open Online Session #4 - Structural Systems

Stephen Lafferty AIA

Director - Design and Construction

University of South Florida

https://www.linkedin.com/in/laffertyarch/

Steve is passionate about every Project undertaken, focusing on unique opportunities to create environments that facilitate impacts upon people’s lives.  He currently serves as the Director of Design and Construction for the University of South Florida. Licensed as an Architect (nationally certified & licensed in multiple states), Interior Designer, Project Management Professional, Accredited Professional for Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEEDap bd+c) and holds an MBA.  Steve has personally managed projects (many of them award-winning) ranging from $5,000 to well over $500 million in construction cost and spanning almost every type of Project delivery scenario.  This experience has resulted in a broad business sense, an acute sensibility towards design and the ability to create a powerful synergy when working with a terrific team. His successes have been through a deep internal commitment to excellence, sensitivity to relationships, and a design philosophy that is centered on the users of the Project rather than the Project itself.

James Maradei PE

Senior Associate Structural Engineer

W P Moore

https://www.linkedin.com/in/jim-maradei-p-e-313285203/

Jim Maradei is a senior associate and structural project manager for Walter P Moore with 13 years of experience in various aspects of structural engineering design.

Jim began his career as an intern in Tampa in the summer of 2007.  Throughout his career, Jim has worked as a project engineer, project design manager, and project manager on various project types, with special interest and expertise on sports and higher education facilities.  On USF’s campus alone, Jim as has worked on the Music Building, Yuengling Center Renovations, Basketball Training Facility, Baseball and Softball stadiums, and the Football Indoor Practice Facility.  Jim is passionate about elevating the next generation of diverse engineers, helping to create opportunities and pipelines to those who may not otherwise have an opportunity to embrace the profession.  

Jim graduated from the University of Illinois at Urbana Champaign in 2007 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering, and 2008 with a M.S. in Structural Engineering.  He lives in Seminole Heights with his wife Lauren and two children Maxton and Mel.

Mark Mendelson

Director of Preconstruction

Beck Group

Mark leads the preconstruction team in our Tampa office.  His work includes client, design team and subcontractor collaboration, the use of technology (BIM) during the preconstruction process, tracking market conditions, preparing and analyzing cost models, and being our internal liaison between our design and construction teams on integrated projects. 

Mark notes that early mentors taught him that great estimators are not just about quantifying materials and applying dollar figures, but serving as a resilient communicator and listener. This trait is critical for delivering successful projects through Beck’s integrated design and build approach, Mark lives out this philosophy daily.  When not in the office, you can find Mark on the nearest body of water casting a fly rod or engaging in a little “tractor therapy” at his family’s farm. 

In addition to spending valuable time with his wife and two sons, Mark, a proud Florida State alum, enjoys cheering on his Seminoles with family and friends.

Bryan Wilson AIA

Director of Operations

Beck Group

https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-wilson-467669171/

Bryan has a unique role at The Beck Group. While his “Operations Manager” title sounds straightforward, it is unique in that it requires a strategic understanding of architecture, construction, and the gap that exists between both of those worlds. It is unlike other roles in the industry.

With nearly 20 years of experience, Bryan oversees construction and integrated project operations, for instances when we serve as both architect and builder. At any given time, you’ll find him managing financials, helping win and implement new projects, or providing solutions to his team of construction managers and integrated project leaders.

Known for his commitment to the community, Bryan serves on the Board of Directors for the Tampa Downtown Partnership and Leadership Tampa Bay. He is committed to supporting local causes and higher education institutions like The University of Tampa and the University of South Florida.

Bryan studied architecture and earned his master’s degree at the University of South Florida, where he was the first person to write and build his thesis on the design-build delivery method. When he’s not thinking about operations or design and construction, you can find Bryan and his wife, Cheryl, traveling or enjoying time with their two dogs.

Anthony DeFurio PE

Senior Structural Engineer

W P Moore

https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthony-defurio/

Anthony De Furio is a senior structural engineer for Walter P Moore, with over 8 years of experience in the field of structural engineering. He joined Walter P Moore in February 2020.

Anthony graduated from the University of Florida in 2010 with a B.S. in Civil Engineering with a focus on Structural engineering, and from the University of Texas in 2012 with an M.S. in Architectural Engineering.

Anthony’s portfolio is wide-ranging, both in terms of construction material and building use. He has worked as lead project engineer on projects ranging from award-winning single-family residences to 9-gate airport expansions. Anthony has designed structures using steel, wood, masonry, and concrete. He is a registered Professional Engineer in the state of Texas.

Richard Temple PE

Regional Managing Director of Engineering

W P Moore

https://www.linkedin.com/in/richard-temple-1756ab15/

Richard Temple is the Regional Managing Director for Walter P. Moore’s Florida operations. He has been with Walter P Moore for over 40 years and was a member of the team that opened the firm’s Tampa office in 1985.

Richard graduated from the University of Nottingham in England with a degree in Civil Engineering. He is a registered Professional Engineer and a registered Special Threshold Inspector in the State of Florida and registered 11 other states. He has served on the boards of various professional organizations, including the Florida Engineering Society, and the Bay Area chapters of the American Concrete Institute and the Florida Structural Engineering Association.