MNSEA Monthly Meeting - Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Strategies for Architects & Structural Engineers (12/9/2025)

Description

Presentation - Bridging the Gap: Collaborative Strategies for Architects & Structural Engineers

Format: Panel Discussion (60 mins) + Q&A (15 mins)

Who Should Attend: Architects, Structural Engineers, and any other AE design professional.

Discover how collaboration can transform design outcomes.

Join us for a dynamic 60-minute panel discussion that brings together leading architects and structural engineers of the Twin Cities to explore the art and science of seamless project collaboration. In an era where design complexity and delivery expectations are higher than ever, effective communication and shared vision are key to successful projects.

This conversation will dive into real-world strategies to:

• Align design intent and structural requirements early in the process
• Build trust and communication between disciplines
• Enhance project quality through smarter coordination tools and workflows
• Balance flexibility and structure when navigating project changes and unknowns

This session will feature candid insights from seasoned professionals who have mastered the balance between creativity and constructability. The discussion will be followed by an interactive Q&A session where you will be able to bring your own questions and experiences.

 
Presenters:
Irene Trofimova-Peterson, PE, Principal, Healthcare Leader,
Meyer Borgman Johnson

Throughout her career of more than 25 years, Irene has worked in a broad spectrum of sectors including commercial, education and aviation. For the past 15 years Irene has been focusing on healthcare and leads MBJ’s Twin Cities healthcare practice.

Dedicated to advancing best practices in healthcare design, Irene is actively engaged in professional industry organizations. She currently serves as Membership Co-Chair on the Board of the Upper Midwest Chapter of the Association of Medical Facility Professionals (AMFP) and is a member of the American Society of Healthcare Engineers (ASHE) and Minnesota Healthcare Engineering Association, Twin Cities Chapter.

Irene is a Past President of the Minnesota Structural Engineering Association (MNSEA), where she has contributed to several committees. Irene received her Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Washington University in St. Louis, Mo.


Corey Mollet, Senior Project Architect
RSP Architects

As a Senior Project Architect on RSP’s Healthcare and Life Sciences team, Corey Mollet brings more than 25 years of experience, designing and delivering highly technical projects in the housing, education, healthcare, and laboratory research environments. Corey holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee and a Master of Architecture with a Graduate Certificate in Building Science from University of Southern California in Los Angeles. 

His work has spanned across multiple sectors such as acute care hospitals, specialty clinics, and cutting-edge research facilities, where precision, safety, and user well-being intersect. Known for being meticulous in his work and curious in his nature, Corey understands that every detail must be considered an opportunity to express beauty through its resolution.

Corey thrives in collaborative multidisciplinary settings, building trust with engineers, clients, and contractors, enabling a culture of design and craft at all phases of the project. A lifelong learner and leader/teacher, Corey strives to gain insight from and provide mentorship to his entire team of engineers, client representatives, and architects, sharing in their collective insight and experience.


Chris Hartnett, PE, Owner and Principal Engineer
Chris Hartnett & Associates Preservation Engineers

Chris Hartnett holds a Bachelor of Civil Engineering from the University of Minnesota (with honors) and a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of California, Irvine. He also earned a Meteorology Certificate from the U.S. Air Force Institute of Technology and a Teaching Certificate from California State University.

As Owner and Principal Engineer of Chris Hartnett & Associates Preservation Engineers, Chris specializes in the preservation, restoration, and adaptive reuse of historic and existing buildings. With over 25 years of experience, he combines deep technical knowledge of iron, early steel, early concrete, masonry, and timber systems with a passion for maintaining historic integrity. His experience encompasses working on projects like the Minnesota State Capitol Repair and Façade Restoration, the Pillsbury A-Mill Restoration and Reuse, amongst other very challenging and interesting projects.

Chris is a Past President of the Structural Engineers Association of Minnesota, serves on the International Existing Building Code Committee, APT, ASCE, and is a Commissioner on the Minneapolis Heritage Preservation Commission.


Jim Horwath, R.A., Senior Architect and Project Manager
RML Architects 

Jim Horwath is a senior architect and project manager at RML Architects in Minneapolis where he leads projects and guides processes among all phases.  He studied architecture at Dakota County Technical College and the University of Minnesota receiving A.A.S and B.A. degrees, respectively. Jim is a licensed architect in three states.

His 30 years of experience has included involvement with a broad range of project types, with a focus on document quality helping to ensure clear communication of details and technical information. 

Away from the office, Jim enjoys playing tennis with his wife, visiting Mexico and discovering both new and old architecture in that country.