Build Better: Solutions for Sustainable & Resilient Construction in California | Los Angeles, CA
Join BuildBlock on May 8, 2025 in the La Kretz Garden Pavilion at UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden in Los Angeles, California for a professional symposium directed to educate architects, engineers, and builders on the benefits of building with insulated concrete forms (ICF) which are more energy efficient, resilient against natural disasters, and faster to construct than other standard building practices.
Bring a commercial or residential project for a design assistance report, if the project transforms into an ICF build, you’ll receive a full refund on the attendance fee.
Who should attend?
This symposium will discuss topics for architects, engineers, developers, contractors, builders, and anyone involved in the California rebuilding efforts for building with resiliency.
What is included in this event?
This event will feature educational presentations from industry experts, with five AIA continuing education credits (LU) available. Breakfast, lunch, and refreshments will be included in the registration cost.
Schedule: Breakfast will begin at 8:00 AM and courses will start promptly at 9:00 AM.
Light Breakfast & Refreshments
The Affordability, Resiliency, & Sustainability of Concrete Solutions (1LU) – Chris Dagosta, BuildBlock
Investigating ICF Wall Construction Meeting the Requirements of NFPA 285 (1LU) – Shamim Rashid-Sumar, PE, NRMCA
Beyond the Blueprint: How ICF Construction Enhances Health, Safety, & Welfare (1LU) – Frank Gordon, Assoc. AIA, BuildBlock
LUNCH
Building Better in LA: An ICF Contractor’s Perspective (1LU) – JJ Penna, Penna Construction Inc.
FORTIFIED Futures: How Wildfire-Prepared Homes Drive Insurance Risk Reduction (1LU) – Smart Home America
Cost: Take Advantage of Early Bird Pricing!
Early Bird Special Rate (March 20-April 8, 2025): $100
Standard Rate: (April 9-May 5, 2025): $150
Limited seating available! Early Bird pricing through April 8!
La Kretz Garden Pavilion at the UCLA Mathias Botanical Garden
Speakers:
BuildBlock is thrilled to unite local business professionals with a mix of industry experts to share insights on creating more resilient and sustainable building solutions.
Frank Gordon, Assoc. AIA
Vice President of Strategic Development, BuildBlock Building Systems.
Frank has over 36 years of experience as a design architect and large-project construction manager. His career journey includes significant contributions at esteemed institutions such as the Tennessee Valley Authority (DOE) and Oak Ridge National Laboratory (DOE), as well as various architecture, engineering, and construction firms. Notably, Frank collaborated with the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers on diverse projects, ranging from severe weather cleanup efforts to comprehensive renovation initiatives and new construction projects for multiple branches of the armed forces. Over nearly 16 years, he successfully managed approximately $30 million in construction contracts across the Midwest and eastern seaboard regions of the United States.
Shamim Rashid-Sumar, P.E., FSFPE
Senior Vice President, Sustainability and Codes, NRMCA
Ms. Shamim Rashid-Sumar is Senior Vice President, Codes and Standards at the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association, based in New York. She advocates for resilience and sustainability through non-combustible construction and provides technical support on codes, standards, and regulations. Ms. Rashid-Sumar holds a BS in Fire Protection Engineering from the University of Maryland and is a Fellow of the Society of Fire Protection Engineers (SFPE). She serves as President-Elect of the SFPE Board of Directors and is a principal member of several NFPA and ACI committees. Additionally, she is President of the Alliance for Concrete Codes and Standards.
Chris Dagosta
West Regional Sales Executive, BuildBlock Building Systems
Chris brings over 20 years of experience in construction and 18 years of experience specifically in the concrete industry. Before coming to BuildBlock, Chris worked as Senior Director of Building Innovations for the National Ready Mixed Concrete Association and previously owned a distributorship for Insulating Concrete Forms, bringing the energy efficient product to clients across the southwest and western states including Hawaii. He has been an advocate for concrete building, successfully converting many projects to ICF, including multi-family, commercial, municipal, and military owned developments.
JJ Penna
Principal Owner, Penna Construction Inc.
With over a decade of experience in concrete, ICF installation, and masonry, JJ Penna works as a next generation leader building the industry in more efficient and innovative ways. As a Principal Owner, JJ runs some of the most experienced crews for installing insulated concrete forms (ICF) and specialized concrete projects, including hillside foundation and pour in place, for Southern California.
Smart Home America
Mobile, AL
A nonprofit organization dedicated to disaster resilience, insurance education, and promoting stronger building practices to reduce lossses and enhance community safety. SHA's session will be led by three of their knowledgeable employees, who are experts in disaster resilience, insurance strategies, and building science. The presentation will explore the benefits of wildfire-prepared homes, focusing on how the FORTIFIED standards not only enhance safety but also create opportunities for innovation within the insurance industry. Attendees will gain valuable insights into strategies for mitigating risks, reducing insurance costs, and fostering a culture of resilience in wildfire-prone areas.