by: AIA New York
Nadine Berger, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, was recently named Co-chair of the AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee. A member of the committee since 2022, she has been instrumental in organizing multiple public events engaging in topics of advocacy in architecture and forced labor in our supply chains, which was recently explored in a three-part series at the Center for Architecture. She is also a member of AIANY Committee on the Environment (COTE).
With a focus on environmental and social responsibility and having practiced architecture for well over two decades with renowned New York design firms, Berger is determined through her work to create and implement solutions towards a more inclusive, sustainable, healthy, and just built environment. She is passionate about driving progress through collaboration, knowledge sharing, and community engagement. Berger is an advocate for a circular economy, adaptive reuse, forced-labor free supply chains, and digital innovation to advance climate solutions. In her role as Sustainability Senior Manager and Global Associate at AECOM’s Innovation Laboratory (iLab) Berger focuses on developing and implementing scalable solutions for climate change. She spearheads global research and innovation initiatives, leading efforts to create digital tools and workflows for decarbonization in the design process. Additionally, she heads the Buildings+Places Global Technical Academy at AECOM, developing training curricula for decarbonization strategies and digital tools. Berger’s experience includes 14 years as Project Director and Associate Principal with SHoP Architects, where she led international projects, such as the award-winning Barclays Center in Brooklyn and the US Embassy in Bangkok, Thailand. She has served as a regular guest critic at various schools, such as Columbia University GSAPP, Yale University, University of Pennsylvania and others. Berger holds a Master of Architecture from Bauhaus-University in Weimar, Germany.
Q: What is influencing your work the most right now?
The discourse in Architecture has evolved in recent years, with a focus on environmental stewardship to counter the negative impacts our industry has been having on the environment globally. I have been influenced by the inspiring work of others in the design and sustainability space, which motivated me to adopt a climate solution-oriented focus in my work. At iLab, we focus on the fast prototyping of ideas to solve client challenges. These challenges focus on High Performance & Net Zero Carbon projects.
I am inspired by the passion and diverse backgrounds of iLab’s team and subject matter experts whose work enables successful outcomes. The extent of collaboration I have experienced has influenced my own thinking and expanded my understanding of the importance of innovation as a collective effort.
Q: What has been particularly challenging in your recent work?
Through my work with the AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee and in my work with iLab at AECOM, my goal has been to synthesize aspects of work in spaces relating to both environmental and social change. I believe strongly that planetary and human wellness are both interrelated. And I think our practice needs to take on the challenge of addressing both in all their complexity simultaneously, which is challenging. I like the term “Ethical Decarbonization” coined recently, which indicates that we should not only account for carbon, but also for human impacts in our projects. But I think the term still doesn’t quite capture accounting for all impacts on human health and wellness. Perhaps the concept of “Human-Centric Decarbonization” of the built environment captures best the necessity to look at all impacts. Regardless of the best term, it’s worth taking on the challenge to consider all planetary and human impacts in our work as planners and builders.
Q: What are some of your favorite recent projects that you’ve worked on?
Over the past year our team at iLAB developed a new workflow and digital platform for early stage retrofit and adaptive reuse projects, called AECOMzero.Retrofit. Using a dashboard and integrating rapid automation technology built on expert knowledge for high-confidence early-stage decisions, it’s a tool to drive down carbon, while considering cost and other client driven KPIs. The goal is for clients to be able to make better decisions earlier and faster. The prototype is complete, and it is currently being tested on projects.
Another project I love is preparing for this year’s Building+Places Global Technical Academy at AECOM. We are just finishing preparations for a new course to train program participants in decarbonization strategies and cutting-edge technologies offering continuing education based on AECOM’s key value to ‘Invest in our people’ and build new capabilities from within.
Q: How do you feel about the state of the industry right now?
Hopeful and energized. The architectural and construction sectors are pivotal in tackling environmental and social issues. A lot of design and construction firms are starting to commendably adopt strategies to reduce carbon emissions, increase awareness of social inequities within supply chains, and engage more actively in policymaking. To achieve tangible outcomes quickly, we must act as agents of change, fostering innovation and integrating more seemingly unconventional skills into our architectural practices. With rapid technological advancements, including AI, it’s essential to continually develop and invest in our workforce.
Turning Innovation opportunities into powerful tools, prompt adaptation in our design practices is necessary to be impactful. To change established habits and mindsets is the biggest challenge in our design and work routines, but critical, I think. Our success hinges on receptiveness to change and persistent and effective change management efforts to ensure new practices are adopted and their benefits recognized. Without a compelling narrative to bring people along, we will be less successful in our endeavor to make a difference.
Q: What are your greatest sources of inspiration?
Simply put, I find inspiration in people. This includes the brilliant individuals I have worked with throughout the years, as well as my family. I also draw inspiration from listening to speakers at conferences, conversing with people at events, and collaborating with our dedicated Social Science and Architecture Committee members. Volunteers who generously devote their personal time to the exchange of ideas and contribute to event planning also inspire me. Additionally, authors I read are a constant source of inspiration.
I am motivated by people’s courage to consistently show up; by people’s knowledge that ignites my desire to learn more, creative energy, empathy, and willingness to share so we can all grow and become better humans improving in all aspects of life, not just professionally. Ultimately, it all comes down to individual engagement with each other.