Reopening the Workplace

Alfred’s voice and vision have become a defining force in the design of Technology and Creative workplaces. He balances research and analytics with user experience and emotional connection to deliver unique value for his clients. Alfred advises companies on design strategy with the goal of creating work settings that promote innovation, foster collaboration, and drive organizational change. He is able to bridge the realms of storytelling, human behavior, and perception through thoughtful design, and serves as a trusted expert in corporate campus and creative workplace design, from startup tech companies to flagship HQ campuses.

I have a 16 year tenure in Commercial Real Estate having experience in integrated facilities management, commercial high rise property management, and management of people and teams. My primary skill sets lie in overseeing a broad portfolio including all financial and operational life cycle planning, establishing reliable and repeatable processes from the ground up, and building relationships with key stakeholders that drive action and decisions.

Colleen Arria is a Principal and Interior Designer with Stantec. She co-leads the workplace design practice in the Boston office and brings 20 years of experience across workplace, commercial mixed-use, institutional, multi-family and student housing design. She believes and strives to make design an inclusive and holistic process, enabling clients to discover how their goals and culture can be supported and transformed through collaborative placemaking.

Over a career spanning architecture and project management, Jonathan has worked with a wide range of companies like Google, Verizon, Bank of America, Takeda Pharmaceuticals, and State Street Bank to become a leader in workplace strategy, client engagement, and client experience. In his current role as Leader of the Corporate & Commercial Studio at SMMA, he focuses on growing and building long-term, client relationships. Working closely with a variety of clients provides Jonathan with unique perspectives and insights on the connection between the physical environment and workplace experiences. Outside of his professional life, Jonathan spends his time with his wife, two children, and as a baseball coach

Kimberly Bombery Smith, Senior Director of Workplace Strategy focuses her energy on engaging with customers to define, create, and prioritize workplace goals. Ms. Smith’s early foundation in Corporate Real Estate builds upon her formal training in design and years working with top architecture and design firms globally. This unique backdrop sets the stage for Kimberly to assist the diverse client mix of today in reaching culturally relevant workplace solutions. Kimberly led A+D engagement in Philadelphia for eight years, and prior to joining Knoll she was a Project Manager in Corporate Real Estate at Merrill Lynch. Kimberly has a Bachelor of Science degree in Interior Design from Philadelphia University where she serves on the Advancement Council for the College of Architecture and the Built Environment, and holds a degree in Construction Management. She is a LEED Accredited Professional and has a passion for sustainable design. An active member of Green Building United, she was Co-Chair of the tours and education committee at Greenbuild Expo and has served as Secretary for IIDA in NJ. Kimberly is also a Prosci Change Management certified professional. Kimberly is the proud mother of two and the captain of a Dragonboat team in New Hope. PA.

Julie Whelan is the Global Head of Occupier Research at CBRE. Julie’s goal is to create research that helps occupier clients challenge their real estate norms as the pace of change, largely due to technology, increases. Julie has more than fifteen years of experience in real estate market analysis and consulting. She has built her career on creating data driven insights that influence the c-suite on matters related to real estate in large institutions. Based in Boston Julie has influence over a global platform of researchers at CBRE. She works closely with the best minds in the industry across all real estate property types, industries and disciplines bringing an unrivalled breadth and depth of knowledge to her thought leadership. Julie holds a Bachelor’s degree from Providence College and a Masters in Business Administration from Suffolk University. Julie also completed her Commercial Real Estate studies at Boston University and is a regular speaker at industry events.