Nan Ellin is Professor of Urban Design in the College of Architecture and Planning at University of Colorado Denver. Her scholarship and practice have contributed to co-create vital and vibrant places that celebrate life by supporting health and well-being, places where buildings harmonize with nature and people, and where economies thrive along with communities, arts, and culture.

Nan has focused particularly on the revitalization of large swathes of urban fabric along waterways, rail corridors, and streets, spearheading Canalscape for the Phoenix region, the 9 Line in Salt Lake City, the Trinity Innovation District for North Texas, and eDEN and LUCI (Living Urban Campus Initiative) for Denver. She holds a PhD in Urban Design from Columbia University and her writings have been translated into 13 languages, including the books Good Urbanism, Post-modern Urbanism, Architecture of Fear, Integral Urbanism, and Phoenix: 21st-Century City.

Nan previously served as Dean of the College of Architecture and Planning at CU Denver; Founding Dean of the College of Architecture, Planning & Public Affairs at The University of Texas at Arlington; Chair of the Department of Planning at the University of Utah; Planning Program Director at ASU; Director of the Urban & Metropolitan Studies Program at ASU; and Director of the PhD Program in the College of Architecture and Environmental Design at ASU.

Don Ruggles is an architect, author, and speaker. As Principal of Ruggles Mabe, he has more than 50 years of experience as an architect, completing more than 1,000 projects in 16 states and 8 countries. Projects include luxury single family residential, commercial, multi-family residential, retail and hospitality.

Don is the author of Beauty, Neuroscience & Architecture: Timeless Patterns & Their Impact on Our Well-Being, which postulates that beauty can and does make a difference in our lives, including improving many aspects of our health. This book inspired the documentary “Built Beautiful” (available on amazon and other services) in which Don appears, and he has spoken on this topic around the world.

Meredith Banasiak works at the interface of research and practice as Director of Research for the research and innovation group of the design firm Boulder Associates. In this role, she conducts real-world research with clients and design teams to support data-driven, science-informed design for improving health, experience, access, and performance in built environments.

Meredith holds a Master of Architecture from ASU and serves on the Academy of Neuroscience for Architecture (ANFA) Board of Directors. She is featured in the 2020 documentary, Built Beautiful: An Architecture and Neuroscience Love Story, and has published in psychology, clinical, and design research journals and books. Her current passion project is producing Science + Design, a YouTube microlearning series.

Angela Harris is an interior designer, Chief Executive Officer, mother, and thought leader. At her renowned interior architecture firm, Trio, Angela has spent 25 years working directly with the nation’s most prominent builders, developers, architects, and product manufacturers. Her robust experience in market-driven design, coupled with a Masters in Sustainable Design, has led her to embark on a design journey inspired by philosophy, mindfulness, science, and technology. Angela is currently earning her PhD in Visual Arts, pursuing research in the field of Aesthetics, Design, and the Built Environment through IDSVA. Angela and her talented team collaborate on all aspects of master-planned communities, commercial design, model homes, clubhouses, sales centers, hospitality, and multifamily apartment communities.

Djuana Harvell is Director of Special and Innovative Projects at The Foundation for Sustainable Urban Communities, leading health promotion and advocacy programs in partnership with diverse stakeholders. Within the be well Health and Wellness Initiative, Djuana also leverages her background as a medical research scientist to think creatively, deliver project management, strategic planning, and implementation of key be well projects and programs, which include a focus on education and advocacy.

A recognized leader in the community, Djuana serves as the Immediate Past Chair of the Partnership of Academicians and Communities for Translation Council, on the Board of Directors of Girls, Inc. of Metro Denver, and Chairs the Physical and Mental Health Subcommittee as a member of the Denver Alumnae Chapter of Delta Sigma Theta Sorority, a public service organization. Djuana is a graduate of the Urban Leadership Foundation of Colorado and the Regional Institute for Health and Environmental Leadership's Advanced Leadership Training Program, Healthy Community Design Program, and Coaching Academy. She holds a PhD in Pathology and Microbiology from the University of Nebraska as well as master’s and bachelor’s degrees in Chemistry from Clark Atlanta University.

Sydney Ledden is a multidisciplinary designer and researcher whose work lies at the intersection of neuroscience, design, and immersive technology. With a background in premedical biology and tech, Sydney transitioned into the design field with a focus on neurodesign—applying cognitive science and behavioral insights to create environments that support human well-being, clarity, and connection.

As the founder of Sentio Design Studio, Sydney works hands-on with communities, nonprofits, and businesses to shape both physical and digital spaces that enhance user experience. Her projects span from interior installations and spatial redesigns to UX design for digital platforms and brands. Sydney’s approach draws from evidence-based design, human-centered research, and emerging technology. Her work is rooted in the belief that optimal design doesn’t just solve problems—it transforms how people feel, focus, heal, and connect in space. In addition to leading Sentio’s cross-sector work, Sydney is a collaborator with community organizations and academic initiatives advancing inclusive, science-informed design practices.

Dr. Casey Lindberg is dedicated to translating scientific, human-centered insights to design through the education of emerging designers as a Teaching Professor in CU Boulder’s Environmental Design Program. With over 20 years of experience, Dr. Lindberg has committed the last decade to the scientific intersection of design and health. He holds a PhD in Psychology, a Master of Education, and a Master of Architecture. His expertise spans research methods, including physiological and environmental sensing techniques.

Through his work for the international architecture firm, HKS, Inc., he contributes design research and strategy to workplace, retail, and campus space typologies. He has published academically in several fields, including medicine, design, psychology, and environmental conditions, and his work has been covered by several international media outlets. He currently serves as research advisor to the International WELL Building Institute.

Bill Mahar, MLA, MUD, AICP is dedicated to collaboration, consensus-building, and authentic community placemaking, with a focus on sustainability and public health. He keeps these cornerstones firmly in view in his public and private planning and design work, leveraging over two decades of experience in urban planning, entitlements, landscape architecture, and community engagement. With extensive expertise leading multidisciplinary teams, he guides communities toward visionary yet practical solutions.

Bill has spearheaded citywide initiatives to create walkable neighborhoods and connected, accessible parks, trails, and open spaces. His leadership in comprehensive planning addresses housing, transportation, economic development, and placemaking—ensuring solutions are tailored to each community’s unique needs. With a keen ability to move seamlessly from big-picture strategy to technical details, at Norris Design, Bill balances visionary thinking with practical execution. Bill serves as a National Health Leader for the Urban Land Institute (ULI), a member of ULI’s Public Development and Infrastructure Product Council, and co-chair of ULI Colorado’s Urban Plan program. Additionally, he is also a Board Member for Denver Urban Gardens and a frequent speaker at conferences across Colorado and the nation, where he shares his expertise and inspires communities to pursue actionable, impactful goals.