Leadership | American Institute of Building Design (AIBD)

As the principal owner of BBKern DESIGNS, Bernie Kern has developed code approved working drawings for new custom and model residential homes, multi-residential, additions, remodels, and light commercial projects for nearly 30 years. He assists clients in all stages of building design, including planning, design fees, budget, education, specifications, special services, and consultation. Over the span of 30 years he has collected his best residential plans. As a professional member of AIBD, Bernie founded the AIBD, Central Colorado Chapter.

Ben Tabolt has spoke on multiple occasions at AIBD conferences, as well as being an instructor the BIM-R Certification class. Through his experience as a presenter and instructor, as well as working with multiple AIBD members, he has witnessed a significant technology gap that the organization has been pushing to overcome. He was involved in the organization and implementation of the AIBD BIM-R Certification program, and he sees that as an excellent step in the direction of both educating AIBD members in new design technology, as well as helping AIBD pioneer a new residentially minded approach to the technology. As a Director, Ben would like help AIBD to reach out more effectively to a younger design generation to help them feel included and valued within the organization.

Lisa Schaffer is currently the Director of Human Resources, Fin Pan, Inc./ TClear Corp. Her extensive education includes a BS in Art from Miami University – Art & Education double major, Minor in Geology and German, and an MA in Administration from Xavier University. She holds an Ohio Bookkeeping Certificate, as well as two building Material Patents and six building product developments. Lisa has eleven years experience in Education as an Art and Music Teacher and as a principal, as well as thirty one years in manufacturing, holding positions in Production, Quality Control, Product Development, Marketing, Administration and HR. She has been married to Doug Schaffer for 35 years and has two children, Ryan and Christopher, who are both involved in Fin Pan/TClear Corporation.

Michael Battaglia began his career in residential design in 1975. He is a graduate of ITT Tech of Dayton with an Associate’s degree in Architectural Engineering. Michael spent many years of working in architectural firms and as a staff designer for various home builders and throughout those experiences; it became clear that the profession of home design was the path he needed to follow. In 1990 Michael opened Michael J. Battaglia Residential Design providing home design service to private clients and builders. While Michael has mainly designed homes and projects for clients in Ohio, his work can be found in additional states including Arkansas, Arizona, California, Kentucky, Michigan, North Carolina, South Carolina, Florida and Virginia. Michael’s passion for residential design has been enhanced with interest in the development of the Science of Building. Michael believes Historic Design Styles and the Science of Building can coexist without having to compromise.

Felicia Barron Foster celebrates 30 years in the design and construction industry this year. What started as a contract drafting job in high school has turned into a career of helping clients (both builder and custom) design and build homes that fit their budget and lifestyle. Felicia is a third-generation Austinite and a fifth-generation Texan. It was only fitting that she would attend The University of Texas following the family legacy started by her football star grandfather. Designing in central Texas is not only a career, but it’s also a calling. After many years working with an Architect, Felicia left to work for a builder to get experience on both sides of the fence. In 2003 she started her business on a referral only basis. What she found was as long as you treated people right and stood behind your word then your business would continue to grow. Today Felicia has a successful business and a steady stream of referrals. Her company is continuing to grow in areas that compliment design- from development to building. Felicia’s company is also growing across state lines and into many other parts of the country.

Michael Payne was just recently voted Chair of the High-Performance Homes Team of AIBD for 2020/2021. Michael, an Architectural Technologist, is the principal owner of Empire Drafting and Design, LLC. He earned his CPBD designation in February 2018. Michael started his business in 2008 after 30 years in a voluntary ministry. During that time he was involved in several building projects. The interest in Drafting and Design continued to grow through the years. Michael received his degree from Arapahoe Community College and has several CAD and Drafting Certificates. Michael is Past President of the Denver Chapter of AIBD.

Dinesh D. Shah, a current AIBD Board Member, CPBD, and NCBDC, has been engaged in planning, designing, and building of commercial and residential projects for over 45 years in Sugar Land (Houston), Texas. He has gained diversified experience in Pre-Cast Concrete, Steel, and from a single story to over 50 stories Aluminum-Glass curtain walls. In addition to an MBA degree, he is a Licensed Professional Engineer (PE) in Civil/Structural, also Approved as PE to Practice Architecture Design and Windstorm Design/Inspection. He holds other licenses and provides services as a Registered Accessibility Specialist (RAS/ADA), Senior Property Tax Consultant, Technical Inspection, ComCheck Calculations, Building Code Compliance, and Real Estate related, under the name of his firm Commercial Property Tax and Technical Services, LLC (CPTTS, LLC). He is active in commercial and residential projects, though he can devote his time and talent for community development. Because of his knowledge, skills, and qualifications, he has received several awards and honors. His hobbies include speaking and poetry writing.

Kimberly Mockert, CPBD, AIBD, TIBD is the President and principal designer at KM Designs, Inc in Spring Branch, Texas. Kimberly specializes in custom home designs and custom remodels. She Started in the residential design industry in 1996 and started KM Designs, Inc in 2003. Kimberly attended the University of Wisconsin, studying Mechanical Engineering before moving to and making her home in Texas.

Kimberly has served the NCBDC council since 2017 as an examiner, Secretary, Vice President and is the current sitting President. Kimberly has designed multiple homes for the GSABA Parade of Homes, for which she has received multiple best design awards. She has also received multiple design awards through the GSABA Summit Awards and NAHB on the local and national level.

Steve Mickley is the Executive Director of AIBD, a licensed General Contractor, a Certified Professional Building Designer, and a certified Great Game of Business Coach. Steve focuses on helping AEC industry professionals, manufacturers, and suppliers connect and succeed. Before his current position, he most recently was the Managing Director of SGA Architecture in Palm Beach, FL, and spent 10 years as owner of a residential design firm. Steve holds numerous American Residential Design Awards, as well as AIBD’s President’s Award, AIBD’s Designer of the Year, and is a member of the AIBD College of Fellows. Steve’s many interests include competitive BBQ, racing in triathlons, and skydiving, where he broke a world record by successfully completing 52 skydives from an airplane within 11 hours and 15 minutes, each time packing his own parachute.

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