At the AIA Grand Rapids Annual Business meeting on Tuesday, November 4, 2025, our Open Nominations Period was closed, per our Bylaws, with Nominations from the floor. Our Election Period is now open. We urge all AIAGR Members to Vote in the upcoming Election. Please take a moment to review the candidates and vote upon receiving your member Election Ballot notification via email.
Thank you for voting!
AIA Grand Rapids Board of Directors
2026 Candidate Slate
Executive Committee Positions eligible for Election:
Vice President/President-Elect (Year 1 – 2026) | President (Year 2 – 2027) | Past President (Year 3 – 2028)
John Den Boer AIA, NCARB, LEED AP BD+C, LFA — TowerPinkster
John grew up in Surrey, BC, with time spent in Iowa and Alberta. He holds a Bachelor of Arts in Fine Arts and a Master of Architecture from Iowa State University. He began his career in Norfolk, Virginia, focusing on community- and education-driven design.
With over 20 years of experience in higher education, K-12, commercial, and government projects, John enjoys collaborating with clients to solve complex design challenges. As a Principal and K-12 Leader at TowerPinkster, he works closely with school districts on master planning, bond applications, and related communication efforts.
John is committed to community service, volunteering with organizations focused on learning and improvement. He has coached a LEGO League Team, mentored through the AIA Grand Rapids THRIVE program, and participated in overseas trips providing design services for non-profits.
Treasurer: Two-Year Term (January 2026-December 2027)
Joseph Harmon, AIA, CDT, NCARB — Fishbeck
With over eight years of experience in the field of architecture, Joe brings a diverse and comprehensive background encompassing governmental, educational, retail, hospitality, medical, transportation, and industrial projects. His professional experience spans all phases of design and project delivery, and He strives to elevate each project through thoughtful design and collaboration, ensuring that architectural solutions serve both the client and the broader community. As an active design professional, Joe values mentorship, professional growth, and interdisciplinary collaboration. He seeks to bring that same spirit of engagement to his role on the AIA Grand Rapids Board — advocating for design excellence, fostering emerging professional development, and strengthening the architectural community through leadership, outreach, and education. Joe currently is finishing his term of service as an AIAGR Chapter Director and he looks forward to stepping into his new role as Treasurer.
Chapter Director Positions eligible for Election:
The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Grand Rapids is seeking three dynamic and visionary leaders for the position of Chapter Director. This pivotal role will be responsible for overseeing and advancing the organization’s mission to promote excellence in architecture, and advocate for the architectural profession through the leadership of an AIA Grand Rapids Steering Council. Individuals will serve as a resource for architects and the broader community in the Grand Rapids chapter region. Chapter Directors are voting board members within AIA Grand Rapids providing accountability and leadership to the chapter.
Chapter Director (Three Open Positions): Two-Year Term (January 2026-December 2027)
Christian Antonini, Executive Vice President — Builders Exchange of Michigan
Christian currently holds the position of Executive Vice President at the Builders Exchange of Michigan, where he plays a vital role in supporting and advancing the construction industry across the state. Originally from Grand Rapids, Christian is committed to contributing to the growth and development of West Michigan as a whole. His passion lies in driving positive change within the construction sector, and he is dedicated to fostering innovation and collaboration among industry professionals. Christian brings strong skills in networking and relationship building, which enable him to create valuable connections that benefit both individuals and organizations. Through these efforts, he aims to help build a stronger, more vibrant community and construction industry in the region. Outside of work, Christian enjoys nature activities such as hunting, fishing, and hiking, as well as spending time with friends / family and playing golf!
Geoff McDaniel, Senior Business Development Leader — Fishbeck
Geoff is a passionate connector, strategist, and advocate for building stronger communities through design, collaboration, and opportunity. As a senior business development leader with Fishbeck, one of the Midwest’s premier architecture, engineering, and environmental consulting firms, Geoff drives partnerships that bring people and ideas together to shape thriving, inclusive environments.
A dedicated champion for equity in the built environment, Geoff serves as Board Chair for Construction Allies in Action, where he focuses on empowering underrepresented businesses and strengthening pathways to ownership and wealth creation. His leadership philosophy centers on enthusiasm, authenticity, and impact—values that have guided his work with the Grand Rapids Chamber, Leadership Grand Rapids, and numerous community initiatives.
Geoff believes that great architecture is more than buildings—it’s about connection, culture, and creating places where people and possibility meet.
Michael Van Schelven, Design Build Manager — Wolverine Building Group
Michael has practiced architecture, in all its many forms, in western Michigan, since graduating from the University of Michigan in 1989. His architectural career followed a very traditional path until 2016 when he took a job with CWD Real Estate Investment as their Senior Construction Manager. Following numerous changes to our profession post-pandemic, Michael joined Wolverine Building Group and now leads all of their Design-Build Planning, Design, and Construction efforts.
These professional experiences have allowed him to sit in every position around a building project’s planning table; architect, owner’s representative, and now contractor. Michael is able to share the benefits of this unique perspective with new and existing clients every day.