Codes & Standards: Multi-Family Half Day Seminar

Marcela Abadi Rhoads, FAIA is the Owner and Principal of Abadi Accessibility. She received her Bachelor of Architecture in
1991 from the University of Texas in Austin. She is a registered architect in Texas and is one of only 500 Registered
Accessibility Specialists in the country and is considered an expert in the field. Marcela is sought after by owners and
architects across the country who look to her for guidance to understand the accessibility standards throughout the design and
construction process. She assists the building industry, in part, by producing a monthly newsletter to educate on the best way
to apply the standards to their architectural projects. She is also the author of two books: “The ADA Companion Guide:
Understanding the ADA and ABA” and “Applying the ADA” both published by John Wiley and Sons.

Andrew Meckfessel is an emerging leader in architecture who focuses on multifamily residential design, from urban infill and mixed-use developments to the revitalization of historic buildings for residential use. He approaches each multifamily project as an opportunity to create livable, well-designed homes that strengthen the surrounding urban fabric, blending modern functionality with existing neighborhoods. Andrew’s experience spans conceptual studies, master planning, and code analysis through construction documentation and construction administration. That range gives him a practical understanding of how building code requirements shape multifamily design at every phase. He values collaborative relationships with clients, consultants, and design teams, and he keeps the process clear and communicative from start to finish. Andrew delivers cost-effective, sustainable solutions that put the resident experience first while maintaining technical excellence and code compliance.

Andrew is actively involved in the professional and planning communities as a member of the American Institute of Architects (AIA), the Texas Society of Architects (TxA), the U.S. Green Building Council (USGBC), the Congress for the New Urbanism (CNU), and the Greater Dallas Planning Council (GDPC). Through these organizations, he advocates for walkable, sustainable, and resident-centered communities and stays engaged with evolving best practices in design, planning, and building performance.

Jarod Fancher is a registered architect, interior designer and residential contractor. He has worked for wide range of clients and building types, and specializes in building codes and Revit software management, including the implementation of standards, training and troubleshooting. Aside from architecture, JAROD LLC focuses on residential remodels and Revit consulting with other architecture companies who are either implementing Revit or have the need to improve their current workflows and processes. Jarod serves on the AIA Codes & Standards committee, the North Texas Council of Governments, the Board of Appeals at the City of Dallas.

Prior to his departure from Merriman Anderson Architects in January 2024, Jarod held the title of senior associate and served as a principal and Revit manager for the firm. Projects ranged from high-rise hospitality to single story warehouses, including large-scale developments like Grandscape in The Colony, industrial complexes for Encore Wire & Peterbilt Motors, as well as small office and tenant renovations. Prior to his 9 years at Merriman Anderson Architects, Jarod worked with Architecture Demarest for three years in Dallas doing wood-framed multifamily and concrete parking garages. He also worked with Wilson Architectural Group in Houston on a renovation to the Astrodome, as well as medical office buildings and healthcare surgery suites.

Tom W. Taylor, AIA, is an experienced architect with a distinguished career spanning over four decades, marked by an expertise in navigating the intricate world of architectural codes and standards. Tom served on the 2024 ICC IECC Residential Envelope and Embodied Energy Subcommittee, the 2027 ICC Residential Code Development Consensus Committee, and is a current member of the Dallas AIA Chapter Codes and Standards Committee.

Tom has held various positions including Vice President, Director of Architecture, Director of Pre-Construction Services, and Owner’s Representative, each role further enriching his depth of knowledge and expertise in the field.

Tom’s contributions have garnered numerous accolades, including recognition on the Conde Nast Traveler Hot List while serving at Three Architecture, and the United Masonry Contractors Golden Trowel Award while principal of Tom Taylor and Associates. Additionally, he has been honored twice with the American Institute of Architects Merit Award.

A graduate of the University of Texas with a Bachelor of Architecture degree, Tom remains actively engaged in professional associations such as the International Institute of Building Enclosure Consultants and the Dallas AIA. His commitment to staying abreast of the latest industry developments underscores his passion for advancing the field of architecture and his dedication to delivering unparalleled results.