Dattner Architects

In celebration of Women’s History Month throughout the month of March, Dattner Architect’s Women+ ERG put on an interactive exhibition titled “Where Are You Going, Where Have You Been?”—inspired by an exhibition at the Chicago Architecture Center during the 2024 The American Institute of Architects (AIA) Women's Leadership Summit. Through a series of questions about professional interests and experiences, the exhibit invited individuals to map out and reflect on the diverse journeys of women in architecture—where they are in their careers, what inspires them, the challenges they’ve faced, and their aspirations for the future. We also asked participants to write what they are most proud of on post-it notes and add them to the exhibit. (Slide through the images to read some of these!) To close out the month, we were thrilled to host a panel discussion about the Power of Mentorship with guests Latoya Nelson Kamdang, AIA and Tzara Peterson, AIA, SARA, NOMA from our collaborator Ennead Architects, alongside our Dattner colleagues, Rachel Ehrlich, AIA and Rose Maalouf. Our W+ co-chairs, Jessica Soares and Rachel Padowicz, AIA moderated the discussion, and our panelists shared how mentorship has shaped their careers—both as mentees and mentors—and explored ways we uplift and support each other in our industry (and beyond). We also highlighted three incredible members of our firm in a W+ Spotlight interview series, where they shared insights about their work, interests beyond the office, and stories about the women who inspire them. It was an honor to celebrate just a few of the many talented individuals at Dattner Architects—thank you to Harriet Andronikides, AIA, Elnaz Rafati, and Gabriella Faria for sharing your stories! The month was an inspiring way to connect with colleagues, share experiences, reflect on the many paths we take while shaping our careers, and celebrate all that we have accomplished!

Dattner Architects was proud to participate in the Discover Architecture program for a second year. This career exploration program for NYC high school students is offered by the AIA New York | Center for Architecture. Applicants are selected by the Center for Architecture and placed with participating member firms. "We were thrilled to host two students this year through our 'Outreach to Build the Pipeline initiative', and important component of our commitment to EDI. Rose Maalouf Designer, and Soumya Rao, Project Designer, organized our programming this year. It included two project tours (Hudson Yards-34th Street Subway Station and Concern Logan supportive/affordable housing), building models, participating in project meetings for a large public project, joining our Sustainable Practice Committee meeting, and more. Because of this program's direct engagement with Architectural Professionals, we believe it has opened the door to building the pipeline by introducing youth to Architecture. Getting to share the importance of Dattner Architects'  Essential Architecture & Infrastructure in this city with those growing up here was so pivotal. The students were excited to get a unique lens into a variety of project typologies by participating in Site Visits and activities that introduced them to projects ranging from Affordable Housing, Transportation, and Education during their time with us!" -         Rose Maalouf and Souyma Rao

Thanks for illuminating our work on this project Phius ! “The Vital Brooklyn Complex not only addresses the critical need for affordable housing in Central Brooklyn but also serves as a model for sustainable development. Through its Phius Certification, solar energy utilization, and commitment to energy-efficient design, it demonstrates how affordable housing projects can align with environmental goals and promote the health and well-being of their communities. This development represents a significant step toward addressing historic disparities and creating a brighter, more sustainable future for Central Brooklyn residents.”

We are excited to announce that we are now one of NYSERDA's Early Design Support Partners, supporting both the State & Dattner Architects’ goals to provide resilient, efficient, and healthy homes through deep carbonization efforts and innovation in architectural design. We look forward to working with trusted clients to explore ways in which we can incorporate deep energy efficiency measures, carbon neutral design, and healthy material choices into our impactful and beautifully designed projects. If you are wondering how this can be applied to our work together, please reach out to our Director of Sustainability, Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD C, ENV SP, Fitwel Amb. 

Thanks for sharing these, Breaking Ground (NYC Permanent Supportive Housing)-- we are so proud of our work together on 1760 Third Avenue. These 433 beautiful affordable and supportive apartments, and the services you are providing, will change lives in truly meaningful way.

Yesterday construction formally began on the transformation of 1760 Third Avenue in Harlem. Originally built in 1974 as the Florence Nightingale Nursing Home, it was designed in the Brutalist style by William N. Breger Associates. The AIA Guide to New York City (Fifth Edition) described it as “a flamboyant massing of brick.” The building was repurposed to serve as a college dorm – and 15 years later it was purchased by our clients, Breaking Ground (NYC Permanent Supportive Housing). The current rehab will create 434 supportive and affordable apartments, including 261 units reserved for formerly homeless individuals living with serious mental illness, with services provided by Breaking Ground. “Transforming underutilizing buildings like 1760 Third Avenue into much-needed affordable and supportive housing is an unparalleled opportunity – not only for the individuals who will soon call it home but also for the future of adaptive reuse development in our city. We are grateful that our public and private sector partners share our vision to create hundreds of safe, stable homes while preserving and revitalizing existing infrastructure. As we begin renovations, we mark an exciting milestone in our commitment to expanding services in Harlem and ensuring more New Yorkers have access to the housing and support they need."--Breaking Ground President and CEO Brenda Rosen.

Gia Mainiero AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, WEDG is a featured panelist at an event next week co-sponsored by AIA New York | Center for Architecture and DBIA NYC Metropolitan Chapter entitled ‘Harnessing the Power of Alternative Delivery: A Conversation on Quality Design’. A champion for design equity, innovation, and sustainability in Public Architecture, Gia is a DBIA certified professional, and currently serves as Vice Chair of the DBIA National Design Professionals Committee. In her previous term on the committee, she chaired the Design Excellence Subcommittee and spearheaded the update of DBIA’s Design Excellence Position Statement. Gia also serves as Secretary of the Board of Directors for Professional Women in Construction NY. She has been leading Dattner Architects’ largest Design-Build project, the Ground Transportation Center at JFK Airport. Panelists were chosen to reflect three key perspectives: Designer, Owner, and Builder. Panelist include: Bria Donohue, Director of Government Affairs, AIA New York; Gia Mainiero, AIA LEED AP B+C, Assoc. DBIA, Partner, Dattner Architects; Eve Michel, Member, AIANY Transportation and Infrastructure Committee; Russell Kriegel, AIA, LEED AP, Assoc. DBIA, Chief Architect, Port Authority of New York and New Jersey; Daphne Lasky, Deputy Director of Cultural Institutions, NYC Department of Design and Construction; Michael Plottel, FAIA, Co-Chair, AIANY Public Architecture Committee; Jennifer Steacy, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President of Capital Program, @NYC Econ NYC Economic Development Corporation; Linda Tonn, AIA, Chief Architect, MTA Construction and Development; Patrick Askew, Executive Vice President, McKissack; Ravi Bhatia, PE, MBA, PMP, Business Development Manager, Skanska; Craig Covil PE, DBIA, FASCE, President, DBIA NYC Metro Region; Andy Gale, Vice President, Tishman; Sam Hodgkinson, Senior Project Design Manager, Consigli Construction Co., Inc.; and James Winters, AIA, Design-Build Manager, Skanska. Join us on March 4th at the Center for Architecture for this important discussion on prioritizing quality design in alternative delivery. https://lnkd.in/eKQaAgYM

AIA New York | Center for Architecture's magazine, Oculus, recently ran a provocative and inspiring Op-Ed by Ruth Ro, Partner. The Winter 2025 issue is themed around Architecture and Communication, and Ruth’s op-ed is titled 'The Power of Language.' Ruth‘s thoughtful take on the power of language is based on her personal experiences leading teams and projects – and her commitment to fostering environments where equity, justice, and inclusion are foundational. She believes that how we communicate is as significant as what we communicate, especially in engaging diverse communities. “Architecture is a discipline of translation: of human needs into physical spaces, aspirations into design solutions, and abstract ideas into built realities. But before we can design, we need to bridge gaps in understanding, reconcile differing priorities, and find a shared language, one that prioritizes winning hearts over winning arguments. The most successful projects are those in which all stakeholders see themselves in the final design. This success requires more than technical expertise or creative vision—it demands the courage to listen, learn, and build connections through meaningful conversations.” -Ruth Ro AIA, NOMA, LEED AP BD+C, Partner https://lnkd.in/eijkBJgQ

An important milestone for the SPARC Campus and our city! Dattner Architects is proud to be designing this with Ennead Architects -- and an incredible team of consultants. Ennead+Dattner!

Dattner Architects' Principals Richard Dattner and Gia Mainiero AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, WEDG, along with Associate Principals Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD C, ENV SP, Fitwel Amb., Patrick McAffrey, Rachel Ehrlich, AIA, and Senior Associate Heather McKinstry will join fellow thought leaders and industry peers at this year’s New York Build Expo on March 12-13 at the Javits Center. Learn more at our website: https://shorturl.at/vFv45