About Us

CADRE is a non-profit founded by a global design firm, HKS, to advance design research and evaluation on the societal impact of the built environment by providing a platform for shared thinking amongst community, industry, academia and design practice.

We initiate, coordinate and communicate collaborative research that is aligned with our mission.

Our Mission

CADRE aims to improve the health and wellbeing of communities through fostering innovation and excellence in design by conducting meaningful research and evaluation that is openly shared with the world.

We form diverse coalitions with organizations pursuing tangible impact on health, education and community.

We empower designers and the communities they serve with access to our ever-expanding research and evaluation knowledge base.

We are a trusted research partner in design endeavors that rely on a deep understanding of pressing social issues of our time.

We link the design of the physical environment to the health and wellbeing outcomes of the community.

Our Team

Board of Directors

**Ana Pinto-Alexander**, FIIDA, EDAC, RID
*President*

Margaret P. Calkins, Ph.D. Board Member — **Margaret P. Calkins**, Ph.D.
*Board Member*

**Jason Schroer**, AIA, ACHA
*Board Member*

Research Team & Staff

Dr. Deborah Wingler, Ph.D., MSD-HHE, EDAC — **Deborah Wingler**, Ph.D., MSD-HHE, EDAC, *Executive Director*

Aletta Vanderwalt — **Aletta Van der Walt**
MBA, MSc, PMP *Director of Operations*

Upali Nanda, Ph.D., ASSOC. AIA, EDAC Executive Director — **Upali Nanda**, Ph.D., ASSOC. AIA, EDAC
*Advisory, Brain Health*

Renae Mantooth, Ph.D. — **Renae Mantooth**, Ph.D., WELL AP

Research ScholarS, FellowS & Interns

CADRE welcomes rotating fellows and scholars to join us to focus on specific topics we are pursuing to gain experience and develop talent.

**Daniela Aguirre Alfaro,** *Design Researcher*