Emerging Design Professionals
The Emerging Design Professionals are a subcommittee of the Jacksonville AIA. We are comprised of young architects, engineers and interior designers within 10 years of getting licensed, although most have not yet achieved that goal. Membership is free and is open to any type of designer. Our goal is to promote good design in the community through our volunteer efforts and also to help young designers receive the recognition they deserve.
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Stacy Folkers, AIA, LEED Green Associate - Chair
Stacy is Vice President of R. Dean Scott, Architect, Inc. (RDSA), a boutique architecture firm in downtown Jacksonville. RDSA serves public and private clients on a variety of project types including educational facilities (K-12), early learning centers and places of worship. Over the past ten years, Stacy has had the privilege of contributing to projects in northeast Florida through all stages of design and construction.
Stacy earned a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the Georgia Institute of Technology and a Master of Architecture from Clemson University. She served as a teacher with the Peace Corps in Liberia, West Africa an experience which continues to shape her perspective on community and both the built and unbuilt world.
Licensed in 2019 and serving on the EDP Committee since 2023, Stacy seeks to support the design community by supporting Emerging Design Professionals on their path to licensure, their efforts to serve the community and the profession as a whole.
Outside of the office, Stacy enjoys traveling, volunteering and making memories with friends and family. She is a Florida native and loves the multitude of experiences the state offers.
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Ethan Trapold, Associate AIA, LEED Green Associate, NCARB – Committee Member (Media Coordinator)
Ethan is an Architectural Designer at Hoefer Welker, an Architecture/MEP firm of just over 200 employees, and a recent college graduate. His early experience has mostly been in the healthcare and commercial sector, where he's had the chance to learn and work under experienced healthcare design professionals and talented interior planners. He is actively accruing and logging hours under NCARB's Architectural Experience Program (AXP) and is on-track towards licensure. Ethan was also the recipient of AIA Jacksonville's Associate Member of the Year Award for 2024.
Ethan holds a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida, where he graduated Summa Cum Laude, along with a minor in Sustainability and the Built Environment. He was also actively involved in UF's AIAS chapter, serving as a board member for over half of his collegiate career. He currently lives in Jacksonville Beach and plans on continuing to gain professional experience and advocating for sustainable and innovative design before returning to graduate school to pursue a Master of Architecture.
Joe Ventrone – Committee Member (Treasurer)
Joe Ventrone has been a Technology Consultant here in Jacksonville, Florida for over 18 years, specializing in Low Voltage Technology solutions for commercial clients. His project experience includes cabling, security, DAS, Digital Signage, Sound Masking, AV solutions, & Video Walls. Joe’s professional background spans roles in sales, design, & project/construction management. He holds a business degree in Information Management & Analysis from Shippensburg University in Pennsylvania.
Outside of work, Joe enjoys spending time with his family and exploring the great outdoors - whether walking and enjoying nature or on the water enjoying boating activities. In his free time Joe loves kayaking, boating, watching movies, and spending time with his family.
Jerry Lee – Committee Member
Jerry is an architectural associate at Group 4 Design, where he has a role in design, project management, and construction administration. Detail oriented, Jerry is passionate about constructability and the legibility of architectural details.
Having graduated Summa Cum Laude with a Bachelor of Design in Architecture from the University of Florida in 2021, he is currently pursuing his Master of Architecture at the Universityof Florida in tandem with his professional career. Jerry has published research on sustainable architectural strategies (green infrastructure) and is passionate about opportunities to educate and implement sustainability strategies.
Born in New York City and raised by Chinese immigrants, Jerry is grateful for a perspective that is shaped by a multicultural identity- outside of work, Jerry is a dog parent to a Chihuahua and a Dachshund and enjoys the occasional opportunity to play video games.
Russell Minns – Committee Member
With over 15 years of experience in technology consulting and system design, Russell Minns is the founder ofArchTech Innovations, specializing in integrating advanced building technologies into architectural projects. His expertise spans security system design, access control, building automation, structured cabling, and smart lighting—ensuring that modern buildings are both functional and future-ready.
Russell’s career began in the field as a technician, evolving into leadership roles in commercial technology solutions, where he collaborated closely with architects, engineers, and contractors. His hands-on experience gives him a unique ability to bridge the gap between architectural vision and cutting-edge technology, streamlining the integration of intelligent systems into the built environment.
As aGold-Level Sponsor of AIA Jacksonvilleand an active member ofBICSI, Russell is passionate about educating design professionals on the impact of emerging technologies in shaping healthier, safer, and more connected spaces.
Based in Jacksonville, Russell is committed to fostering collaboration between architects and technology consultants to drive innovation in the industry.
Contact Info: Shaunda Henning, Executive Director, shaundahenning@aia-jax.org, (904) 210-3851 or (904) 389-8421
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