Andy Cohen, FAIA

Designing the Future: Gensler’s Take on 2025 Trends for a Resilient Built Environment Gensler Co-CEOs Jordan Goldstein and Elizabeth Brink recently outlined five key trends shaping the future of our industry in an interview for Interiors + Sources. 1. Adaptive Reuse as Climate Action Repurposing existing buildings is more than preservation—it’s a critical step in reducing the industry’s carbon footprint. Adaptive reuse projects offer sustainable solutions to urban challenges like housing shortages while minimizing resource use. 2. Net-Zero Design Net-zero energy buildings are becoming a non-negotiable standard. By integrating renewable energy and low-carbon materials, the AEC sector can significantly reduce emissions and enhance building performance. 3. Mixed-Use Lifestyle Districts Compact, walkable districts blending work, living, and leisure reduce urban sprawl and carbon emissions. These hubs offer community connection while addressing climate challenges through green infrastructure and efficient design. 4. Sustainable Workplaces Workplaces are evolving into platforms for sustainability. Flexible designs with biophilic elements support hybrid work models and reduce energy use, creating healthier environments that prioritize well-being and efficiency. 5. Resilient, Attainable Housing Modular and prefabricated construction techniques are streamlining housing production, reducing waste, and promoting affordability—all while ensuring homes can withstand climate stresses. Design is a powerful tool for addressing the climate crisis. AEC must lead the way. https://loom.ly/qha0_KU #aeco #adaptivereuse #design #sustainability

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The innovative design of Intuit Dome has been featured in ARCHITECT Magazine’s article, “6 Ways AECOM Is Upping Its Game With Their Design of the New LA Clippers Arena.” The piece highlights the arena’s sustainable architecture, merging advanced technology and fan experience to create one of the most eco-friendly sports venues worldwide. The arena’s design incorporates 100% outdoor air for ventilation, a grid shell with ETFE, PTFE, and laminated PTFE panels and seismic isolation to absorb earthquake energy. Its glowing exterior, enhanced by color-changing LEDs, adds dynamic visual appeal while the shape, inspired by a basketball net, mirrors the fluid motion of the sport. These elements work together to reduce energy consumption, improve air quality, optimize airflow, shading and temperature regulation.   Our lead designer, ross wimer, emphasized the goal of blurring the lines between indoors and outdoors to create a more open, less confined space than traditional hermetic sports arenas. Read more: https://lnkd.in/g5hksu4x AECOM - Sports #Design #Architecture #Sustainability  

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The challenges faced in the field of architecture are undeniable. The pressure from competition, clients, economic setbacks, workplace culture, negativity, toxicity, and political situations worldwide can make the profession incredibly demanding. Many architects find themselves questioning their career choices as they experience a large exodus from the field. This reinforces the notion that architecture is becoming less rewarding than expected, echoing the French saying "L'Architecture est un métier ingrat". #Architecture #Challenges #CareerInsights The American Institute of Architects (AIA) LAU LAU LAU - Academy of Continuing Education (ACE) Order of Engineers and Architects of Beirut - Official Page

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New Spotlight Feature! 💡 James Brown, FAIA Meet James Brown, FAIA, an architect, developer, and advocate for community-driven design. From creating urban spaces for artists to envisioning bold new possibilities for the San Diego Tijuana region, James has spent his career redefining the role of architecture. In this episode, he shares his journey—from being inspired to pursue architecture as a young student to becoming a Loeb Fellow at Harvard Graduate School of Design, where he began exploring the concept of a binational city. For over a decade, James has been deeply involved in the effort to restore and revitalize Friendship Park, a profound symbol of cross-border unity where families from both sides of the U.S.-Mexico border have gathered to connect since 1971. This historic meeting place, once known as 'the most visited border park in the world,' represents the heart of our binational region's shared heritage and interconnected communities. Discover how James and his collaborators are using design to create spaces that foster trust, cooperation, and friendship in one of the most unique regions in the world. Bread & Salt San Diego SDSU Global Campus Isabel Dutra Don't miss the full Spotlight series at https://lnkd.in/gEFWcbgN ⚡ 🎥 Empírica Creative TEAM LEWIS The City of San Diego Ayuntamiento de Tijuana B.C. UC San Diego Design Forward Alliance Burnham Center for Community Advancement

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Laura Guido-Clark's insightful piece on Dezeen highlights how color can humanize buildings, making them more engaging and uplifting for those who inhabit them. While some may criticize Heatherwick’s "Humanise," it's undeniable that interesting color, shape, and form are essential to creating dynamic and inspiring spaces. We feel better, have more optimism and think more creatively in environments that stimulate our senses. Consider the stark contrast with Soviet-era buildings like the infamous stalinkas that rose under a repressive regime. They evoke a sense of gloom and repression rather than celebrating human potential. The thought seems to be that color has a place among children. But what are we saying if we drain the colors from adulthood? There is immense opportunity in recognizing and enhancing the human experience through thoughtful design. If brighter colors and innovative forms contribute to this, then let's embrace them wholeheartedly. https://loom.ly/LVvJyP4 #architecture #design #buildings

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This is a HUGE milestone in our HOK's commitment to decarbonization and shaping a more sustainable future for the built environment. While this marks an important step forward, we recognize that the journey to carbon neutral across scope 1, 2 & 3 is long and complex. But together, we are ready to face the challenges ahead, continuing to push the boundaries of climate action. #climateaction #decarbonizing #sustainabledesign #sustainability HOK

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What is one thing that architects don’t do well? Hear what I had to say on the latest episode of The Anti-Architect Podcast: https://lnkd.in/eYgZUmhe #TheAntiArchitect #AntiArchitect #Podcast #Architecture

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Richard Clarke, AIA's words of wisdom about architecture and life resonate across generations. What do you think? — This is "Blueprints & Banter," a vibrant exploration into the personal and professional lives of architecture professionals! Join us for an engaging series where we dive deep into the passions, inspirations, and experiences that shape the world's leading architects. Our dynamic lineup of questions promises to uncover the stories behind their favorite books, secret ingredients for success, apps they can't live without, and the choices that fueled their journeys. Page The American Institute of Architects (AIA) #AIA24 #americanarchitecture #conference #aiaconference #aia #conference2024

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Spotlight On: Reetika Vijay, AIA LEED ap, Managing Principal, IA Interior Architects 3 min read April 2024 — In an interview with #Invest:, Reetika Vijay, managing principal of IA Interior Architects, talked about the firm’s focus on #designing spaces with a strong emphasis on user experience, particularly in #workplace projects. With shifts in client priorities post-pandemic, IA has expanded into retail, #hospitality, and tough tech sectors, positioning themselves for growth into 2025. READ MORE: https://lnkd.in/e2UfcF6K

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In our latest episode of Buildings 2.0, Rutger Huiberts, AIA, Design Director at KPF, shares insights from his journey leading innovative projects around the world. He dives into the importance of designing cities with humans at the center, the challenges and rewards of working across different time zones and continents, and the future of sustainable and data-driven architecture. In this episode: ✅ How technology and parametric design tools can create smarter, more artistic buildings. ✅ How different local regulations impact architectural design, and the importance of working with local experts to navigate these frameworks. ✅ Trends in urban development, such as the integration of mixed-use spaces and the shift towards more livable, walkable cities. Tune in to Buildings 2.0 to learn more: 🔊 Listen on Apple: https://lnkd.in/eR_8WBbY 🎵 Tune in on Spotify: https://lnkd.in/eUwB6x8a https://lnkd.in/eB-naQx8 #architects #architecture #infrastructureinnovation #realestate #urbanplanning #urbandevelopment

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Marcos Santa Ana shares his insights on urban density in design with Architect Today, highlighting our Fairfax Multifamily Development as an example "We're about to break ground on a unique Brutalist project in Los Angeles, where we leverage creative design to maximize housing units while adhering to residential codes. This approach lowers construction costs, enabling the landlord to offer lower rents, addressing the housing crisis. The project features two separate duplexes with on-grade parking under each building. The design complies with local zoning and planning codes, using an understated architectural language to distinguish private bedroom zones from public kitchen, living, and dining areas." Read the full feature here: https://lnkd.in/gjsaF5Qh

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The American Institute of Architects (AIA) president, Kimberly Dowdell, calls for bold action to reshape architecture’s future; addressing the climate crisis, diversity within the profession, and reevaluating compensation structures and embracing technological advancements, like artificial intelligence. #learnglazing #AIA #architecture #climatecrisis #climatechange #paystructures #AI #artificialintelligence #buildingdesign #glassindustry #sustainability #education #diversity #buildingthefuture

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Got lunch plans??? Now you do... HAPPENING TODAY: Join Sandeep Ahuja, CEO of cove.tool, for an insightful conversation on leveraging AI to revolutionize sustainability in the AEC industry with the AIA California session "Emerging Trends in Architecture: Harnessing AI for Embodied Carbon Reductions", moderated by Ismar Enriquez, AIA, LFA, LEED AP. In this course, you'll explore how #AI can simplify embodied carbon benchmarking, helping you measure and reduce the carbon footprint of your designs while ensuring #compliance with Title 24's #carbon reporting requirements. Equip yourself with the tools to drive impactful climate action and optimize your project outcomes. Don't miss this opportunity to learn from a leader in #sustainable architecture! 🌿 Grab your seat! The session is starting soon! https://hubs.ly/Q02RRg1n0. #Sustainability #AIinArchitecture #EmbodiedCarbon #Architecture #AEC #ClimateAction #Title24 #carbonfootprint #continuingeducation #AIA #education

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🏡 Designing for Inclusion & Independence Philippe Saad, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Principal at Dimella Shaffer, led an enlightening discussion on placemaking and how thoughtful design can support independence and inclusion for the aging population. 🔗 Learn More Here: https://lnkd.in/giyJUvfW #Placemaking #InclusiveDesign #AgingPopulation #DesignLeadership #OPALGROUP #SUMMITS

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Sustainable design in building public spaces is what Vicky Chan, AIA is talking about in this episode as he shares more about his Work while in conversation with Nanjunda Palecanda P #architecture #sustainability #publicspace

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Architecture is more than creating structures , it's a powerful tool for environmental stewardship. At McD BERL , We design buildings that heal the planet , integrating sustainability into every blueprint. Join us in transforming architecture into activism. Discover how innovative design can repair our world. Read our latest article on sustainable building practices and be part of the change. #mcdberl #Architectureasactivism #Sustainabledesign #Greenbuilding #Netzero #Climatection #Environmentalstewardship #Innovativedesign #Buildingthefuture #Sustainabilityinarchitecture

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With the U.S. Election Day just a week away and many voters across the country casting their ballots early, The American Institute of Architects (AIA) is looking ahead to what it hopes to accomplish legislatively after the election’s outcomes are clear. Here are 7 Key issues on the ballot for architects:

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