Architecture Lecture Series
The Architecture Lecture Series welcomes architectural and experiential design leaders from around the country to the University of Kansas to illuminate new ideas and inspire purpose-driven design practice. Lecturers bring a wide range of expertise in areas such as sustainable building, digital environments, public interest design, historic preservation, health and wellness design, and more.
Spring 2026 Schedule
Monday, February 23rd
2:00 p.m. – 3:30 p.m.
Adams Alumni Center, 1266 Oread Avenue
live webcast via Zoom TBA
KU Health & Wellness Symposium
Darin Daguanno is a healthcare design leader with over three decades of experience spanning healthcare, higher education, and campus planning. His design philosophy is informed by personal experience, including a hearing impairment, reinforcing his belief that impactful design must engage all the senses. Known for creating environments that are both technically rigorous and emotionally uplifting, Darin draws on history, culture, and context to shape inspiring spaces while translating complex interdisciplinary programs into cohesive, forward-looking facilities. He holds degrees in architecture and structural engineering from the University of Michigan and is a recipient of the AIA Michigan Young Architect of the Year Award.
Dr. Deborah Wingler is Partner and Global Practice Director for Applied Research at HKS, where she leads a practice-embedded research model that drives innovation across the firm’s global work. Her research has contributed to the design and experience strategy of more than 20 million square feet of healthcare infrastructure and has supported collaborations with leading healthcare organizations, manufacturers, and Fortune 500 companies. Deborah also serves as Executive Director of the Center for Advanced Research and Evaluation (CADRE) and as Adjunct Faculty at Clemson University. A passionate patient and family advocate, researcher, and published author, she holds a Ph.D. in Healthcare Architecture from Clemson University and a Master of Science in Healthcare Innovation from Arizona State University, and was named Healthcare Design Magazine’s HCD 10 Researcher of the Year in 2022.
Christopher Ruder is Senior Vice President and Chief Operating Officer for the Kansas City Division of The University of Kansas Health System, where he supports leaders and teams across clinical and operational functions serving patients and families. With more than 30 years of experience at the Health System, his career reflects deep expertise in clinical leadership and hospital operations. Christopher holds bachelor’s degrees in biology and nursing, a master’s degree in administration from the University of Kansas, and an advanced professional certification in nursing administration. He also serves on numerous health-related and community boards and has a long record of engagement and volunteerism focused on advancing health and community wellness.
Dani Kolker Mai is a healthcare planner and architect at Stantec with a strong passion for advancing healthcare design through thoughtful, client-centered work. She collaborates closely with clients in early project phases to develop clear visions, programs, and design strategies that enhance the experience of patients, families, and care teams, particularly in projects with complex and specialized programs. Dani earned a Master of Architecture and a Certificate in Health and Wellness Design from the University of Kansas and joined Page, now Stantec, as the 2021 Tradewell Fellow, where she conducted research in neuroarchitecture and pediatric behavioral health. She currently serves as Chair of the AIA AAH Next Generation Committee, supporting and mentoring emerging professionals in healthcare design.
Friday, March 6
4:30 p.m.
Marvin Hall, John C. Gaunt Forum
Doug Wignall is President of HDR’s Global Architecture Practice. He has dedicated his career to HDR, beginning as an intern architect and rising to firm-wide leadership. A passionate advocate for the continued relevance of the architecture profession, Doug emphasizes the vital role architects play in addressing today’s social, environmental, and economic challenges at both national and global scales. He is also a strong champion of architectural education, deeply invested in the student journey and the preparation of future architects, encouraging dialogue, collaboration, risk-taking, and innovation as foundations for cultivating the next generation of design leaders.
Friday, March 27
4:30 p.m.
Marvin Hall, John C. Gaunt Forum
Darryl Condon is Managing Principal at hcma, where he leads a transdisciplinary practice committed to people-first, compassionate design. With more than 30 years of experience, Darryl is re-envisioning architectural practice to prioritize social impact, environmental performance, and the catalytic potential of community-centered public spaces. Influenced by his upbringing in Saskatchewan and later shaped by British Columbia’s legacy of social activism and environmentalism, his work assigns equal value to social and environmental outcomes. Darryl’s contributions span practice, education, advocacy, and professional leadership, and his work has been recognized internationally with more than 80 awards, including four World Architecture Festival Awards. A frequent international lecturer and recognized thought leader, he focuses on accessibility, inclusion, community recreation, and transformative architectural practice.