Speakers

Rob Blackshaw, Executive Director, Michigan State Capitol Commission

Rob Blackshaw is the Executive Director of the Michigan State Capitol Commission.  He is responsible for the preservation, design, and construction of all building elements in Michigan's National Historic Landmark Capitol and Grounds. He is committed to preserving the fabric and character of the Capitol through preservation maintenance and keeping it looking as fresh and beautiful as it did when we first opened the building in 1879. 

Bradley Egen, Founder and Managing Partner, MotionPossible

Bradley M. Egen is an award-winning filmmaker whose passion for history, architecture, art, and social justice have fueled his life’s work. His filmmaking career began in 1998as a Director’s Assistant on “Antietam: A Documentary Drama Narrated by James Earl Jones” where his experiences living and working on the hallowed ground of Antietam National Battlefield ignited a lifelong passion for storytelling.

He holds a Master of Arts degree and is the founder and managing partner of MotionPossible. Bradley and company have produced dozens of films for the Michigan State Capitol Commission, USC Shoah Foundation, The Henry Ford® (Museum),Wisconsin Historical Society, and collaborative works for the National Park Service since 2000. Through a unique collaboration with the National Archives and The Henry Ford in 2011, MotionPossible was the sole production company granted behind-the-scenes access for the public viewing of the Emancipation Proclamation and was commissioned to produce “United in Freedom: the Emancipation Proclamation.” In 2015, MotionPossible was commissioned by Academy Award®-winning producer and co-founder of Steven Spielberg’s USC Shoah Foundation, June Beallor, to produce a series of testimony-based short films including “Stronger Than Hate: Parkland” and “I Witness: USC Shoah Foundation” which was featured on the “Schindler’s List 25th Anniversary Box Set Edition”.

Bradley’s alacrity for all-things-historical inspires his personal life as well. He is a member of the board of directors for the Michigan Civil War Association and enjoys living in, and restoring, an historic brick home (c. 1861) in rural Kalamazoo, Michigan. In his limited free time, Bradley enjoys restoring mid-nineteenth century furniture (especially American Empire), perusing house museums, traveling, and spending time with his awesome family.

Rob Fink, Director of Design Technology, Quinn Evans

Rob is breaking new ground in architectural design, preservation, and the stewardship of historic buildings through the application of advanced technology and building information modeling. He combines his knowledge of building assessments, conservation, and restoration with technology-based skills to evaluate design strategies, coordinate disciplines, and create high-performing buildings.

As Quinn Evans’ director of design technology, Rob provides leadership in leveraging innovative technologies to better inform design projects. His experience in Historic Building Information Modeling (HBIM) has also helped clients document critical assets, prioritize maintenance and rehabilitation measures, and enhance access to historical records and stories for interpretive purposes.

Kelly Haley, AIA, Quinn Evans

Kelly Haley, AIA is an architect that is passionate about telling compelling stories by saving historic buildings and giving them renewed purpose. Her work and industry expertise focus on existing building documentation, preservation and implementing advanced design technology to better understand the complexities of historic structures. Haley’s portfolio includes the award-winning restoration and renovation of the Daughters of the American Revolution Constitution Hall in Washington, DC, and the landmark approach to historic preservation for the Michigan State Capitol HBIM Digital Twin. 

Erica Morasset, APT-RP, Director, BCA

Erica Morasset directs the Detroit office of Building Conservation Associates, Inc. She obtained her Master of Science in Historic Preservation from Columbia University and has been a key member of BCA’s Architectural Conservation staff since 2008. Ms. Morasset’s responsibilities include conditions assessments, project management from design through construction, including treatment recommendations, and the creation of construction drawings and specifications, materials testing, finishes analysis, and report production. Erica is currently the president of the Eastern Great Lakes chapter of APT.

 Charles Thompson, Quinn Evans

Charles Thompson is deeply committed to advancing the fields of architectural design, preservation, and historic building stewardship through the thoughtful application of advanced technology and building information modeling. His unique blend of expertise in building assessments, conservation, and restoration, coupled with his proficiency in technology-driven approaches, allows him to carefully evaluate design strategies, coordinate disciplines, and develop tailored stewardship plans for diverse building challenges.

Throughout his career, Charles has had the privilege of contributing to significant projects, including the National Air and Space Museum, Arlington National Cemetery, Lincoln Memorial, Arlington Memorial Bridge, Michigan State Capitol, and George Washington’s Mount Vernon. His work reflects a sincere dedication to preserving our cultural heritage while embracing innovative solutions for sustainable architectural practices.

 Dave Thompson, Professional Photographer

Dave Thompson is a professional photographer with 30-plus years experience as both photographer and as the producer of multi-location photo shoots across North America.  His work has appeared in BMW's Roundel Magazine, Cosmopolitan Home magazine, House.com, the Greek Tourism Bureau, The Business of Design magazine, ExperienceGR, and many other media outlets.   

Dave shoots perspective controlled architectural photography.  This includes both new construction and major historical restoration projects.  He also works with large commercial builders and engineering firms, photographing in-progress industrial projects, as well as for a cadre of interior designers on select projects. 

Dave is a graduate of Michigan State University, and lives in Ada, Michigan where he maintains his studio.

Barb Thumudo, Assistant Facility Director, Michigan State Capitol

Barb Thumudo is the Assistant Facility Director at the Michigan State Capitol. Over the last twenty years she has shared the Capitol's rich history as an educator and as a hands-on supervisor. She manages daily operations and oversees the art, decorative surfaces, events, and the exterior landscape. She takes immense pride in ensuring this national treasure remains welcoming and accessible to all while preserving its historical integrity. Her keen eye for detail and commitment to quality ensure that every aspect of the Capitol, from the grand halls to the manicured grounds, reflects the grandeur and importance of this symbol of Michigan's democracy. 

Barb’s passion for historic preservation extends beyond the walls of the Capitol. She is also the owner and manager of Kelmscott Chapel, a former Catholic church built in 1909, now a venue for weddings, events, and extended stays. Her downtime is spent enjoying travel and historical research.

 Kevin Wohlgemuth, Associate Conservator, BCA

Kevin Wohlgemuth is an Associate Conservator in BCA’s Washington DC office. A graduate of the University of Pennsylvania’s Graduate Program in Historic Preservation, he has worked as an architectural conservator since 2012. Mr. Wohlgemuth’s responsibilities on projects at BCA include project management, archival research, site recording and conditions assessments, report production, laboratory analysis, treatment testing, development of treatment recommendations, creation of construction drawings and specifications, and construction phase services.

Register

 Back to Workshop Details