Klai Juba Wald is equally proud of its namesake lecture series, founded in 1997 for the UNLV School of Architecture, bridging professional practice, academia and the community, always expanding awareness and understanding the value of design in our world. Klai Juba Wald is grateful to and celebrates the longevity of its many loyal, committed employees and remains “proud of every endeavor – our work, reputation and the company we keep.”

Friday, February 24th - 4:00 p.m.

Liora Haymann, Managing Director, OBMI International. As joint head of the OBMI Destination Creation studio, Liora oversees the professional staff in Miami and coordinates with the firm’s worldwide offices. Her vast international expertise in urban design and planning stems from a keen interest in the cities, cultures, and environments affected by architecture. Liora began her career in Chile, where she ran her own practice and directed landmark projects for public and private clients. In Miami, Liora launched a strategic business development consultancy for design, urban planning, and tourism that bridged Latin American and U.S. markets.

Wednesday, March 29th - 5:00 p.m.

Julia Calabrese, Global Interior Design Manager, Ford Motor Company. Julia is the Global Interior Design Manager within Ford Motor Company’s built environment studio. Her role couples crafting immersive brand experiences with the physical and psychological experiences of humans to deliver well crafted, highly functioning interior design and architecture. With a focus on employee and customer experience, her mission is to enable and inspire employees to drive Ford into the future of mobility.

Wednesday, April 19th - 5:00 p.m.

Steven Handel, Distinguished Professor of Ecology & Evolution, Rutgers University and Visiting Professor at Harvard University. Steven is a restoration ecologist studying botany and biodiversity. In this project he will supply botanical resources, taxonomy, and perspective to the research on culturally important plants. Handel serves as Editor of the journal Ecological Restoration. Honors include being President of the Torrey Botanical Society, Fellow of the Ecological Society of America, and Honorary Membership to the American Society of Landscape Architects for “nationally or internationally significant achievements.” Restoration for “pioneering work in the restoration of urban areas.”