PWC hosts annual Architects & Engineers event at Cooper Union

Shown (from left) are: Nicole Hunter, HNTB; Katie Segal, HNTB; Jennifer Gottlieb, HNTB; Michael Evans, Moynihan Station Development, Juhee Lee-Hartford, River Architects; Beth Greenberg, Dattner Architects; Michael Sweeney, HNTB; John Sullivan, Skanska; Amy Beckman, HOK; Susanne Milne, 1100 Architects; and Chelsea LeMar, PWC.

New York, NY Professional Women in Construction (PWC) hosted their annual Architects & Engineers event at Cooper Union. The event started with networking, followed by three presentations ranging from bridge projects to architectural futures and the new Moynihan Station.

Michael Sweeney, PE, HNTB northeast division president opened the evening by highlighting their unique time in the industry with the focus on transportation and infrastructure.  He noted the 7 train extension, the Fulton St. Transit Center and the 2^nd Ave. Subway as examples. “We have a game-changing opportunity to positively impact the landscape of the tristate area because of this new focus on infrastructure along with increased desire to bring architectural and artistic flare to these projects,” he said.

Shown (from left) are: Jennifer Murphy, STV; Amy Beckman, HOK; Susanne Milne, 1100 Architects; Beth Greenberg, Dattner Architects; and Juhee Lee-Hartford, River Architects.

Following Sweeney’s keynote, HNTB’s Katie Segal, project engineer and Jennifer Gottlieb, architectural designer, noted client trends in minimum service life requires in their presentation of a number of transportation projects including PANYNJ’s first P3 project, Goethals Bridge and Boston South St. Station. A discussion followed, moderated by event chair, PWC board member and HNTB project manager, Nicole Hunter.

The second session was the Principals’ Roundtable moderated by Jennifer Murphy from STV.  Roundtable participants were Amy Beckman, HOK; Beth Greenberg, Dattner Architects; Juhee Lee-Hartford, River Architects; and Susanne Milne, 1100 Architects. Topics discussed included trends and new design features, how geography and typology influence design, delivery methods, what’s coming up next and how organizations like PWC can benefit women. All principals touched on how technology is driving dynamic and complex building forms, how social and environmental issues are being incorporated in design and how the new generation of architects will affect tomorrow’s renderings.

The final presentation discussed the new Moynihan Station. John Sullivan, Skanska introduced Michael Evans, president of Moynihan Station Development Cooperation who then provided insight into the current state of the project and what lies ahead. Phase I of the project is nearing completion and Phase II is soon to start with an estimated completion date of 2020. The project is both an historic renovation and economic development project.

Overall, the event was an opportunity to hear the perspective of current trends from architects and engineers, as well as look at major projects. PWC prides itself on promoting women and providing networking opportunities. “PWC provides a format to give recognition to established leaders and introduce up-and-coming professionals within the industry,” said Hunter.

The event’s sponsors were HNTB (gold), Skanska (silver) and Crystal Window & Door Systems, STV, Lizardos and NYC Department of Housing Preservation and Development, bronze sponsors.