2023 Women in Construction: Kasia Zielonka, FCA

In the past year, what project or accomplishment are you most proud of? In the past year we have completed a 378,000 s/f ground up building for a large health insurance company. The new headquarters was created to provide the employees with a work environment that will enhance collaboration and foster innovation. The building concept is split into two wings each facing east and west, with a central welcoming plaza that leads into a transparent two- story lobby. Extremely proud of the process we went through with the team and the client to provide an elegant solution. The execution of this project was a true dedication and passion to the architectural expression and delivery by the team. 

What is your favorite building in New York? There are many buildings in New York city that appeal to me architecturally but one that is true to my professional growth is the Brooklyn Health Center which I designed with my team. Located one block from the Brooklyn Academy of Music, on Fulton St. between St. Felix St. and Ashland Place, the center is a distinct element within the building’s teardrop-like glazed form: the play of light throughout the day lets the eyes of passersby shift from the frits and fins of the glass curtain wall to the bright red, curving form of the health center bustling within.