News & Insights

Keith Simon, FAIA, BECxP, CxA+BE, CPHC, LEED AP, CEI, VP of Design Phase Services at Salas O’Brien, will speak at TEDxUTAustin 2026: Polaris on Saturday, March 7, 2026, at the University of Texas at Austin’s Hogg Memorial Auditorium. The student-led conference brings together voices from across disciplines to share ideas that spark progress, creativity, and purpose.

Simon’s talk, “Architecture Out of Balance,” looks at how the building industry can rethink its priorities to design structures that endure for generations. Drawing on his leadership in building enclosure technology and performance-driven design, Simon will explore research showing how adapting and reusing existing buildings can dramatically reduce energy use, carbon emissions, and material waste compared to demolition and new construction.

Through real-world examples, Simon will also highlight why adaptively reused buildings often become richer, more meaningful places that carry history while supporting modern needs. His message is clear: extending the life of buildings is one of the most impactful sustainability strategies available today.

Guided by the Polaris theme, Simon’s perspective adds an architectural lens to a diverse lineup of speakers spanning music, medicine, history, entrepreneurship, and the arts, reinforcing how thoughtful design can help guide a more resilient and hopeful future.

See the event and registration details here.

About TEDxUT Austin

TEDxUTAustin is an independent, student-led TED event, founded in 2017 to spread new ideas and foster an intellectually curious community eager to grow their impact on the world. Based at UT Austin, a world-class campus in one of the leading entrepreneurial cities, TEDxUTAustin draws upon the unique students, professors, and community members of Austin to host a diverse, rich, and enlightening annual experience for all.

About Salas O’Brien

Salas O’Brien is an employee-owned engineering and technical services firm focused on advancing the human experience through the built environment. Our team is engineered for impact®, helping clients solve complex engineering challenges with a focus on efficiency, resiliency, and sustainability, while advancing our team members through growth and opportunity. We are a top firm as ranked by Engineering News-Record and Consulting-Specifying Engineer, and we have appeared for over a decade on the Inc. 5000 list of North America’s fastest-growing private companies.

For media inquiries on this article, reach out to [email protected].