2026 Ones to Watch - Industry Leaders: Nandini Sengupta, Assoc. AIA, NOMA, LEED AP, Urbahn Architects

“Nandini is a leading designer of transit facilities, particularly modernizing commuter and urban transit stations to be accessible and welcoming. She recognizes the benefit to the community as the main civic responsibility of architectural professionals. Her work on upgrading dozens of New York City subway stations has benefitted millions of New Yorkers and visitors.” 

What recent project, transaction, or accomplishment are you most proud of?

It is very rewarding to be part of the MTA’s initiative to make New York City’s subway system accessible. This massive project includes retrofits of multiple stations located in the Bronx, Brooklyn, Queens and Manhattan. I manage Urbahn Architects’ team creating ADA accessibility paths from the street level to platforms as well as designing renovations and upgrades to numerous stations. My latest projects included ADA upgrades to the Penn Station and Church Avenue stations.

What advice would you share with emerging professionals striving to become future leaders in commercial real estate?

My advice to young professionals is to join design firms that work on projects that align with their interests and passions. An organization should offer a culture that fosters professional growth and career opportunities, and mentor and promote emerging professionals to leadership roles. The culture should be inclusive, collaborative, engaging and equitable.

What daily habit or routine helps you stay focused or motivated as a leader?

I make daily to-do lists, which rank the tasks in terms of priority, deadlines and my team’s needs.

What book, podcast, or app has most influenced your approach to leadership?

Malcom Gladwell’s books on success stories formulated my hands-on approach to leadership.

Who has had the greatest impact on your career or leadership journey?

My mentor, Urbahn Architect’s principal Natale Barranco.