Ones To Watch: Innovators In Commercial Real Estate: Rachel Birnboim, Perkins Eastman

Innovation Highlight:
I’m excited by how the firm is helping hospitals rethink what a modern facility can do for its community. At SUNY Downstate, we’re leading design of a new annex with an ambulatory surgery center that expands cardiology and oncology services, allowing best-in-class access to care in Brooklyn. During COVID, we worked with NYC Health + Hospitals/Gotham Health on three emergency response primary care facilities in underserved communities, and we’re finishing a fourth in Far Rockaway. Together, these projects show what we’re working toward: modernized public healthcare spaces and equitable access.

Industry Outlook:
Expectations around sustainable building continue to rise, and we’re encouraged to see more projects moving toward electrification. We designed a new residential building at Archer Towers that is all-electric and offers 100% affordable housing. The project shows that sustainability and affordability can go hand in hand. There is immense potential to advance sustainable building. The key is to tailor it to clients on their terms; it’s not one size fits all and can’t be effective if the client is not on board. Sustainability, like all design decisions, needs to be a partnership and dialogue.