New York Build 2025 Expo

Nadine Berger, AIA, LEED AP, WELL AP, Sustainability Director, iLAB

March 12 at 10:00 a.m. – PANEL: A Circular Feature: Redefining Sustainability in the AEC Industry

Nadine is a Sustainability Director in AECOM’s Innovation Laboratory (iLAB) where she focuses on global research development and innovation initiatives to deliver high performance and net zero carbon projects. In this capacity, she leads efforts to develop digital decarbonization tools that accelerate climate solutions in the design process as well as training to implement those tools. With an emphasis on the intersection of environmental and social responsibility, her work supports a more inclusive, sustainable, healthy, and just built environment. Nadine co-chairs the AIA New York’s Social Science and Architecture Committee and is a member of the AIA’s Committee on the Environment (COTE). She has served as a guest critic at numerous institutions such as Columbia University GSAPP, Yale University, and the University of Pennsylvania, among others. Her notable speaking engagements include Notre Dame University, Greenbuild International Conference, World of Facades, New York Build Expo, Global Design Alliance, and the Center for Architecture. Nadine earned a Master of Architecture from Bauhaus-University in Weimar, Germany and is a Registered Architect licensed in New York and a LEED and WELL Accredited Professional.

Max Driscoll, AIA, LEED AP, Vice President of Sustainability

March 12 at 11:00 a.m. – PANEL: Embodied Carbon in Construction: Challenges & Solutions

Max is the Vice President of Sustainability for AECOM’s Construction Management group where he leads AECOM Tishman, AECOM Hunt, and Leeding Builders Group toward decarbonizing construction. In his role as AECOM Construction Management’s sustainability subject matter expert, Max had led innovative projects like the first zero carbon granite-based concrete pour in the US, expanded use of electrified construction equipment, the largest Passive House renovation project in the world, and many others. Prior to joining AECOM, Max was the regional leader of HOK’s Northeast sustainability team based in New York. With 20+ years of experience on projects ranging from the World Trade Center to a Sustainability Strategic Plan for Purdue University to the LEED Platinum NRDC headquarters renovation, Max is adept at using sustainability as a tool for innovation and uncovering new value for clients.

Rushita Vora, ENV SP, LEED Green Associate, Embodied Carbon Specialist, New York Metro

March 12 at 11:00 a.m. – PANEL: Embodied Carbon in Construction: Challenges & Solutions

Rushita is an Embodied Carbon Specialist in the Buildings + Places group in the New York Metro at AECOM. As part of the High Performance Buildings team, she focuses on developing strategies and pathways to achieve net-zero carbon targets and goals for multinational clients; material and market research for low embodied carbon solutions and materials; and embodied carbon and lifecycle assessment modelling for green building certifications. Rushita has also developed embodied carbon modeling training that has been implemented companywide. She is an active member of the Carbon Leadership Forum and the US Green Buildings Council. Rushita holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Navrachana University in India and a Master of Building Science from the University of Southern California where she also earned Certificate in Sustainable Design.

George Guillaume, Senior Aviation Director

March 12 at 11:00 a.m. – PANEL: Transportation Projects Shaping the Future of the Big Apple

With more than 20 years of experience in the aviation industry, George recently joined AECOM as Senior Aviation Director for the New York Metro. Previously, he served as Program Director for Delta Air Lines’ $1.5B expansion of JFK’s Terminal 4, where he led design, construction, and project management teams. George also served as Deputy Program Director for Delta’s $4B terminal construction at LaGuardia Airport and as Assistant Resident Engineer at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. George excels at leading multidisciplinary teams and facilitating stakeholder communication and community engagement to promote timely decision-making. Recognized for his contributions, he was named Community Impact Leader by the Greater Jamaica Development Corporation in 2022—and joined its Board of Directors in 2023—and featured in City & State’s Responsible 100 in 2023. As a native of Southeast Queens, George is passionate about leading projects that enhance New York City.

Mark Tayy, Program Controls Director

March 12 at 11:00 a.m. – PANEL: Technology Adoption in International Construction: Driving Innovation & Efficiency

Mark is a Program Controls Director in the Program Management group in the East Region at AECOM. With more than 20 years of experience in project management, he specializes in scope development, quality assurance, project controls, including cost, schedule, and risk management as well as commercial contract drafting and auditing, change management, scope validation, merit determination, estimates evaluation, and counter estimating. Working across multiple sectors, Mark’s projects range from transportation (transit and tunnelling signal communication, roads and bridges, commuter light rail) to water (wastewater treatment plants) and energy (electrical generation power plants, transmission lines, distribution and underground substations) to commercial. Key clients include Amtrak, the Metropolitan Transportation Authority, NJ Transit, and the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. He holds a Master of Science in Construction Engineering and Management from the Stevens Institute of Technology.

Sean Casey, CEM, LEED AP, Decarbonization Technical Lead

March 12 at 1:00 p.m. – PANEL: Digital Technologies Pioneering Sustainability

As the Decarbonization Technical Lead in the Building + Places group at AECOM, Sean has expertise in corporate sustainability, decarbonization (operational and embodied), and strategic energy planning. His clients include New York City real estate, technology, manufacturing, and entertainment companies, transportation agencies, and various Federal agencies, including the Department of Defense. Prior to joining AECOM, Sean was a Research Engineer at the National Renewable Energy Laboratory where, as a Principal Investigator for net-zero energy building research, he published several works that supported the US Department of Energy’s sustainability goals. Sean is a Certified Energy Manager by the Association of Energy Engineers and a LEED Accredited Professional by the United States Green Building Council. He earned a Bachelor of Science in Physics from Dickinson College and a Master of Science in Building Systems Engineering from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Jennifer Gottlieb, AIA, ENV SP, NCARB, Senior Associate & Design Captain, New York Metro

March 12 at 1:00 p.m. – PANEL: How Will AI Change the Future of Architecture & Design?

As a Senior Associate in the Building + Places group in the New York Metro at AECOM, Jennifer works directly with the Design Principal and other senior leadership to enhance overall design quality. Projects in which she has played a critical role include Middlesex College’s Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center in New Jersey and the Philadelphia Net-Zero Mixed-Income Residential Transit-Oriented Development study, which has won numerous design awards. In addition, Jennifer is spearheading the effort to incorporate artificial intelligence into the design practice, and recently represented AECOM at the AIA Large Firm Roundtable where she collaborated with other industry leaders. She earned a Bachelor of Science in graphic design and mathematics from Touro University and a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute.

Adam Paul Susaneck, Project Manager, Transformative Infrastructure, New York Metro

March 12 at 1:00 p.m. – PANEL: Prioritizing People: Designing Spaces that Put People First

Adam is a Project Manager in the New York Metro at AECOM where he focuses on bringing transformational change to urban infrastructure, with a particular emphasis on creating more equitable and sustainable outcomes for existing and future transportation projects. In this capacity, he has worked to leverage local and international best practices to reduce the potential negative impacts of transportation projects on surrounding communities, including the Sheridan Expressway-to-Sheridan Boulevard conversion and the ongoing study to mitigate the divisions caused by the Cross Bronx Expressway. Adam has written for The New York Times advocating for an updated approach to transportation policy and pedestrian safety, and his work has been featured in The Guardian, Fast Company, The Architect’s Newspaper, and other notable publications. He earned his Master of Architecture from Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation and is currently pursuing a PhD in architecture and the built environment at the Delft University of Technology in the Netherlands focused on developing solutions to reconnect communities divided by highway infrastructure.

Doreen Taveras, Associate Vice President & Director of Business Diversity Programs, East Region

March 12 at 1:00 p.m. – PANEL: Social Value’s Impact on the Future of Real Estate

Known for her commitment to increasing diversity in the professional services industries, Doreen currently oversees outreach and compliance for the East Region at AECOM. Throughout her career, she has successfully directed diversity programs in both the public and private sectors, working closely with the M/W/DBE business community. Prior to joining AECOM, Doreen served as Assistant Deputy Chief Diversity Officer for the Department of Diversity and Civil Rights at MTA Headquarters where she provided oversight of the M/W/DBE Contract Compliance Unit. Previous roles include Director of Development and Special Projects at Crescent Consulting, a boutique M/W/DBE consulting firm, and Business Development Coordinator at the New York City School Construction Authority (SCA). Doreen has been recognized with numerous achievement awards for her work as a champion of M/W/DBE businesses and was named a Notable Hispanic Leader by Crain’s New York Business in 2022.

Heidy Bosques-Mendez, Design Technology Specialist, Digital Solutions

March 12 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: WIB Mentoring Success: Empower, Inspire and Elevate Your Voice

Heidy is a Design Technology Specialist in Digital Solutions, part of the Buildings + Places Digital East group at AECOM. Skilled in the implementation and management of BIM processes across project lifecycles, she excels at coordinating multidisciplinary teams, ensuring seamless data integration, and optimizing workflows. Heidy leads BIM standards, project setup, clash detection, and delivers high-quality BIM models that support efficient construction and operation. With expertise in BIM services and technology applications, she has served as BIM Manager for a range of mid- and large-scale projects, including Tunnel Mont Royal in Canada, where she co-authored a published paper on the project’s use of BIM. Heidy has also managed BIM for significant infrastructure projects, such as Middlesex College’s Multipurpose Community Venue and Student Center in New Jersey, and the Mineta San Jose International Airport Air Traffic Control Tower and Base Building. She holds a Bachelor of Architecture from Polytechnic University of Puerto Rico and a Master of Science in Architecture from Pratt Institute, with a focus on research, digital fabrication, and design.

Amna Husnic, Vice President & NYCSCA Construction Management Mentor Program Lead, New York Metro

March 12 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: Breaking Barriers: Celebrating & Creating Women Leaders in Construction

A Mechanical Engineer with more than 25 years of experience in the construction industry, Amna oversees the New York City School Construction Authority (NYCSCA) Construction Management Mentor Program, which is designed to help small contractors develop the skills necessary to take on larger projects. She is the first female program manager to lead a CM firm in the NYCSCA Mentor Program since its inception almost 25 years ago. Amna’s 25-person team mentors 88 general contractors and their sub-contractors and manages 300 projects in all different phases (scope, design, construction, and closeout) with a value of more than $100 million. Projects range from auditorium renovations, gym upgrades, room conversions, playgrounds, ADA compliance, electrical upgrades, and fire alarms. The CM that she leads also mentors the emerging MWLBE contractors to make sure they improve their technical, administrative, and business development skills and acquire the “know how” to be able to pursue, capture, and execute larger, more complex projects. Prior to managing the NYCSCA Mentor Program, Amna served as program manager for high-rise buildings, bridges, and school construction in New Jersey valued at $72 million. She was honored by the Women Builders Council in 2018 as an Outstanding Woman in Construction and named as a Construction Idol at New York Build 2023.

Roland Nader, CCM, Vice President & Program Manager, New York Metro

March 12 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: The Evolution of New York’s Skyline: Tall Buildings Coming to NYC, Co-Moderator

Rolands brings more than 25 years of experience managing complex infrastructure and high-rise projects across New York and New Jersey to his role as Vice President and Program Manager in the Program and Project Management group in the New York Metro at AECOM. Dedicated to impactful, quality-driven project outcomes, he currently leads the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s multi-billion-dollar Borough-Based Jails (BBJ), the agency’s first major design-build program. BBJ will replace the Rikers Island jail complex with four, state-of-the-art facilities in Manhattan, Brooklyn, Queens, and the Bronx. A recognized leader in real estate development, Roland oversaw the development of 99 Hudson, New Jersey’s tallest residential building, and the construction management of 10 Hudson Yards in Manhattan prior to joining AECOM. He holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Civil Engineering from the American University of Beirut and a Master of Engineering in Engineering Management from Cornell University.

Nick Novelli, Ph.D., ENV SP, High Performance Building Specialist, New York Metro

March 12 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: Transforming Tomorrow: Retrofitting for a Sustainable Future

March 13 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: Revitalizing New York’s Historic Buildings: Retrofitting Strategies in NYC

As a High Performance Building Specialist in the Building + Places group in the New York Metro at AECOM, Nick provides sustainability and decarbonization strategy, analysis, and workflow innovation for projects across stages, scales, and sectors. With iLAB, AECOM’s innovation accelerator, he develops digitally enabled processes and tools to expedite climate-responsive designs, project delivery, and strategy. Certified by the Institute for Asset Management, Nick also works with the Asset Advisory team to craft sustainability regulations and operational strategy. Prior to joining AECOM, Nick led product development for next-generation dynamic envelope technologies at HeliOptix, a joint venture between SHoP Architects and Arzon Solar. He also served as Director of Research Engineering at Yale’s Center for Ecosystems in Architecture, leading projects. including MEP and monitoring systems for the “Ecological Living Module,” an award-winning prototype housing unit designed for and demonstrating near self-sufficiency in energy and water with low-carbon, biogenic materials. Nick has authored several works on building-integrated energy systems, monitoring platforms for indoor air quality and environmental controls, and life cycle analysis in journals such as Renewable Energy, Sustainability and Journal of Industrial Ecology. He earned a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Tufts University and a PhD in Architectural Sciences from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute.

Beverly Prior, FAIA, LEED AP, Vice President and Justice Lead

March 12 at 2:00 p.m. – PANEL: Design-Build for NYC’s Public Works, Moderator

As the Justice Lead for AECOM, Beverly manages the New York City Department of Design and Construction’s (NYC DDC) $8+ billion Borough-Based Jails (BBJ), the agency’s first major design-build program. Previously, she led the scoping for Los Angeles County’s $2+ billion design-build Mental Health Treatment Center, San Francisco’s high-rise Rehabilitation Detention Facility, and Santa Clara County’s high-rise New Main Jail South. Drawing on her vast experience with high-rise, design-build, urban jails that are focused on more humane, health-oriented, and community-connected solutions, Beverly has successfully driven the BBJ Program team toward the paradigm shift required for the NYC DDC and its partner agencies to implement design-build. In addition to co-founding the AIA Academy of Architecture for Justice’s Sustainable Justice Committee, she is a frequent presenter at national conferences on topics such as wellness as a new frontier for sustainability in justice. Beverly was interviewed on PBS NewsHour Weekend for the report, “Architects designing for prisons confront ethical questions,” and is a regular contributor to Correctional News. In 2022, she was recognized as one of the Women Builders Council’s Outstanding Women in Construction.

Allison Lane, RA, AIA, ASID, NCARB, NCIDQ, LEED AP, WELL AP, Senior Associate, Asset Advisory + Architecture, and Multi-family/NYCHA Studio Lead

March 12 at 2:30 p.m. – PANEL: Hear From the Leaders Driving Diversity & Inclusion

Allison is an architect and program manager in the Buildings + Places group in the New York Metro at AECOM. With nearly 15 years of experience in architecture, interior design, and real estate development, her work ranges from luxury residential to mixed-used commercial to educational, medical, and other institutional facilities. Allison currently serves as the Client Account Manager for the New York City Housing Authority (NYCHA) where she is responsible for the growth and innovation of the architecture, asset advisory, and consulting businesses. She also leads the Multi-Family/NYCHA Studio, managing projects for both private developers and public agencies across local and regional markets. Recent NYCHA projects include the Sedgwick Bronx Point Cloud, Scan, Modeling, and Assessment for which Allison serves as Project Executive; Comprehensive Modernization Updates at multiple locations; and a Physical Needs Assessment of the Authority’s capital needs across its entire portfolio. Allison currently serves as the President of the New York Chapter of the National Association of Minority Architects. She is also an active member of the American institute of Architects, New York Building Congress’ Young Professionals Committee, and Professional Women in Construction (PWC). In 2021, she was selected by the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation to participate in its Emerging Leaders program, and the following year she was honored by the Women Builders Council as a Next Generation of Women Builders, and then last year, by PWC as one of its 20 Under 40 Women in Construction. Allison earned a Bachelor of Arts in Architecture from the University of Pennsylvania and a Master of Architecture from Pratt Institute.

Julia Weigel, CEM, LEED Green Associate, Senior Technical Advisor, Energy Advisory

March 12 at 3:00 p.m. – PANEL: Getting to Net Zero with Urban Development & Design

Julia is a Senior Technical Advisor on the Energy Advisory Services team in the Energy group at AECOM. In this capacity, she works with clients, including national laboratories, global nonprofits, municipalities, and aviation, to chart paths to achieve net zero that address technical, regulatory, and financial issues. Julia believes that achieving net zero nationally will require creative solutions and a holistic, empathetic approach to the large problems that must be overcome. Based in Seattle, she has supported many organizations subject to building performance standards and other associated legislation and is particularly knowledgeable about navigating new energy policy while ultimately working to be net zero. Julia earned a Bachelor of Science in Civil Engineering from Lehigh University and a Master of Public Administration in Environmental Science and Policy from Columbia University School of International and Public Affairs.

Dimitra Karachaliou, PMP, PMI ACP, Associate Vice President, Digital Transformation Advisory, Metro New York

March 12 at 4:00 p.m. – WORKSHOP: From theory to practice: A Digital Transformation methodology for effective Project Management

Dimitra Karachaliou is an Associate Vice President with AECOM, where she is providing advisory services for clients in the New York Metro Area. With over 12 years of experience, she specializes in Project Controls and Digital Transformation Program Management. She excels in developing and executing transformation strategies and implementation roadmaps that empower clients to increase operational efficiency, improve decision-making, and successfully navigate the complexities of digital evolution. She holds a Structural Engineering diploma (master’s equivalent) from the National Technical University of Athens, a master’s in construction management from Columbia University, and a senior executive certificate in Digital Transformation from Wharton, University of Pennsylvania. Dimitra is a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) and a certified Agile Practitioner (PMI ACP). In addition, she has extensive teaching and mentorship experience, including Columbia University’s Industry Field Studies Course and Center of Buildings Infrastructure and Public Spaces, Professional Women in Construction and ACE Mentorship New York.

Garima Kaushal, RA, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, ENV SP, WELL AP, Fitwel Ambassador, Senior Sustainability Manager, New York Metro

March 12 at 4:00 p.m. – PANEL: Updates on the Biggest Infrastructure Megaprojects across the U.S.

Garima is a Senior Sustainability Manager on the New York Metro’s High Performance Buildings team in the Buildings + Places group at AECOM. In this capacity, she leads efforts to develop and implement transformative sustainability solutions for infrastructure, transportation, building, and land-use projects. With nearly 15 years of experience, Garima manages projects that require multiple, third-party sustainability certifications, including evaluating national and international green building certification systems and developing guidelines that define sustainability best practices for asset management and organizational structures, such as LEED coordination and documentation, credit calculations, whole building life-cycle assessment, carbon modeling, Envision infrastructure verification and documentation, Fitwel strategy planning and documentation, WELL coordination, and sustainability construction submittal review. Garima is actively engaged in the US Green Building Council, where she serves as a Pro Reviewer and was a judge for the New Jersey Local Leadership Awards in 2024; the Green Business Certification Inc. as a Subject Matter Expert, reviewing test questions to develop LEED AP BD+C exams; and the Greenbuild International Conference & Expo, at which she regularly participates as a Session Reviewer. Garima earned a Bachelor of Architecture from Guru Gobind Singh Indraprastha University in India and a Master of Architecture from the New Jersey Institute of Technology.

Mohammed Haque, Project Manager

March 13 at 10:00 a.m. – PANEL: Unleashing America’s Digital Construction Revolution

Mohammed (Mo) is a Project Manager for AECOM’s People + Places Advisory (PPA) practice. Mo brings a broad range of experience managing complex projects including construction and strategic consultancy projects in diverse settings such as high-rise buildings, interior office fit-outs, retail centers, airports, and hospitals. His core strengths include managing project budgets, developing project plans, communicating with stakeholders, and resolving project risks and issues. He strives to deliver projects on time, within budget, and to the highest standards. His work in managing project budgets and leading project teams delivers measurable results that help clients achieve their financial objectives.

Rebecca Dobner, PMP, Associate Vice President & Global Director, Global Program Management

March 13 at 12:00 p.m. – PANEL: Upskilling Today’s Workforce for Tomorrow’s Challenges

As a Global Director of the Global Program Management group at AECOM, Rebecca leads programs and project delivery from initiation to close out for clients in the Unites States and throughout the world. From a nationwide gas development in Ghana, to urban housing and city infrastructure in Libya, to a resiliency program in New York City, she is the “connector,” bringing her 26 years of experience in program and change management to empower her clients to reach their goals. Rebecca is a guest lecturer at Columbia University’s Global Leaders in Construction Management and an active member of the Project Management Institute and Professional Women in Construction. She earned a Bachelor of Business from the University of Southern Queensland and a Master of Arts in Global Diplomacy from the University of London.

Fior Mazara, Digital Programs Leader

March 13 at 1:00 p.m. – PANEL: Smart Buildings. Smart Decisions: Unleashing the Potential of Building Data

Fior is a Digital Programs Leader in the US East + LATAM Region at AECOM. With more than 20 years of experience, she oversees technology implementations on multi-billion-dollar capital infrastructure programs across multiple market sectors, including transportation, water, energy, and aerospace. Fior’s diverse technical background—with expertise in solutions architecture, process engineering, and database design—enables her to provide innovative solutions for her clients, which range from Siemens Energy and Shell Oil to FEMA and NASA as well as multiple state departments of transportation and airport authorities. She holds a Bachelor of Arts in business administration and is currently pursuing a Master of Business Administration at the Keller Graduate School of Management.