Chicago Deep Dish: The Impact Of Public Schools On CRE

Robin Randall, AIA, ALEP, LEED AP BD+C leads clients in a customized design process that transforms their mission and purpose into meaningful, budget-conscious, forward-thinking learning environments. She builds exceptional collaborative teams around projects including master plans, facilities assessments, renovations, and new educational facilities. For over 30 years, Robin has designed and planned award-winning educational facilities ranging from early learning centers to high schools, as well as specialty learning environments. Her designs push the boundaries of sustainability by emphasizing student and building performance. She is one of eight Accredited Learning Environment Planners (ALEP) in the state of Illinois. Robin earned a Fulbright Scholarship to Denmark in 1990 and continues her academic pursuits today as a guest juror at Ball State and Judson Universities, as well as a presenter at regional, national, and international conferences. She regularly applies her research to her Legat practice with think tanks, competitions, workshops, and evidence-based design projects. Robin holds Bachelor of Environmental Design and Bachelor of Architecture degrees from Ball State University.

In his position as chief of facilities, Clarence Carson is responsible for providing all CPS students with clean, safe learning environments. Clarence has a wealth of successful experience in operations, capital improvements, pre-construction, budgeting, contracting, and project management across the commercial, government, residential and education sectors. As a resourceful and well-rounded construction and real estate development professional, Clarence has formed productive, collaborative relationships with stakeholders and has built strong, motivated school and departmental teams. Clarence holds a bachelor’s degree and a master’s degree in construction management with an emphasis in urban and regional planning and facilities management from Michigan State University. He is also a certified construction professional and certified construction auditor.

Dustin, is currently an Associate Principal and Mechanical Team Leader at Elara Engineering. In this role, he leads a team of approximately 5 mechanical engineers and support staff and serves as engineer-in-charge and primary contact for new construction, renovation and energy retrofit projects involving a wide variety of system types and complexities across various markets. Prior to his role as Mechanical Team Leader, Mr. Langille served as Elara’s Energy Team Manager where he led a team of engineers completing numerous energy audits, master plans, and schematic designs for a variety of customers. With expertise in energy modeling and renewable energy systems, including; geothermal, photovoltaic, and solar thermal design, he led the firm’s energy modeling program including the adoption of cutting-edge modeling software, LEED certifications, and daylighting analyses for complex new and existing facilities. He has led the design of high performance projects for high-rise residential, education and campus facilities. Dustin is currently spearheading Elara’s response to the COVID-19 pandemic which includes guiding clients on the strategies they can employ to mitigate the risk of airborne transmission and coordinating indoor air quality (IAQ) design efforts. With increased focus on returning to school Dustin’s efforts have largely been focused on working with K-12 and higher education clients.