Dattner Architects

Dattner Architects’ Director of Sustainability, Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD C, ENV SP, Fitwel Amb., recently joined the Marketing Passivehaus podcast with James E. Turner to discuss the intersection of sustainability and affordability in the design of urban architecture. Shefali shares how her work across Dattner Architects’ studios allows her to apply lessons from Passive House affordable housing projects to other typologies, debunking the myth that affordability means compromising on quality. She also highlights how the shift to electrification is making Passive House strategies more accessible and achievable.   In her role as Associate Principal and Director of Sustainability, Shefali champions socially, environmentally, and financially sustainable design, driving climate-forward goals across the firm’s civic, residential, and urban projects. Listen to the full episode to hear her insights on sustainable architecture in action! https://shorturl.at/0Su6j

John Woelfling, Partner at Dattner Architects, recently joined the Architecture Committee of the The Arts & Letters Club of Toronto for a panel discussion titled “The Missing Middle: Strategies for Mid-Rise, Affordable Housing.” John shared reflections on the continued urbanization of North America—an evolution that brings both opportunities and growing pains. While the shift toward living and working in cities offers clear social and sustainability benefits, many urban areas are struggling to keep pace with housing demand. The reasons behind this shortfall are complex and vary widely. The panel explored these challenges through a comparative lens, looking at housing conditions in both Toronto and New York City. It was an insightful conversation about the shared obstacles each city faces, as well as the innovative strategies they are adopting to address affordability and mid-rise development. A big thank you to the Arts and Letters Club of Toronto for hosting such a thoughtful and timely dialogue.

Dattner Architects is proud to see Annabelle Swain’s BIM expertise recognized by Autodesk through her return to Inside the Factory. Her insights are helping to shape the future of Revit and advance the AEC industry, and we are proud to have her representing our firm on this global stage.

The Shefa School has earned a 2025 SARA National Award! Dattner Architects transformed a century-old Manhattan office building into a 12-story vertical campus designed for K–8 students with learning differences. The design features adaptable classrooms, collaborative spaces, maker labs, a gym, and rooftop play areas, all integrated within the building’s historic terracotta façade and copper cornice. By combining historic preservation with innovative, student-centered design, Shefa School empowers students, fosters creativity, and strengthens the local community, exemplifying how architecture can support education and inspire growth. The award was bestowed last week at a reception at the National Building Museum. Join us in congratulating all the honorees.

Dattner Architects is featured in ‘Dual Cities – Social Housing in London + New York’ – a new RIBA book supported by AIA New York | Center for Architecture that examines how two global cities navigate shared challenges in public, social, and affordable housing.    Associate Principal Keith Engel AIA speaks on the affordability crisis affecting both cities, the urgent need to reinvest in public housing, and the lasting impacts of decades of government divestment. Keith’s leadership in Dattner Architects’ affordable, supportive, and homeless shelter housing uniquely positions him to address these systemic challenges and the importance of designing equitable, sustainable communities for those most in need. Read more from Keith at https://lnkd.in/d7WMZ9-w.   As Keith notes, New York is at a turning point—with new policy proposals, significant rezonings, and growing calls for sustainable housing production—Dual Cities offers a valuable framework for envisioning a more equitable, resilient future.    Three of our projects—Via Verde, 175 Delancey Street, and Caesura—are featured, exemplifying our mission-driven approach to housing.    Congratulations to RIBA and AIA New York | Center for Architecture on this important publication and thank you to Karakusevic Carson Architects for bringing this project to life.

Director of Sustainability, Shefali Sanghvi, AIA, LEED AP BD C, ENV SP, Fitwel Amb., and Managing Partner, Kirsten Sibilia, reflect on the latest installment of our Sustainability in Architecture series, featuring the Brooklyn 3 District Garage. They discuss the value of learning the stories behind the project from the team and the project’s role as an equitable and sustainable community investment. Watch Sustainability in Architecture: Brooklyn 3 District Garage here: https://lnkd.in/dieF5exy

Kristy Phillips AIA, Senior Associate and Studio Director at Dattner Architects, has been recognized by Professional Women in Construction, New York as one of this year’s “20 Under 40: Women in Construction”! Kristy is a visionary leader who focuses on the environmental and social impact of her work, creating spaces that educate, inspire, and celebrate human-centered design. Her projects span schools, community centers, office buildings, and mixed-use residential developments, all reflecting her commitment to thoughtful materials and craftsmanship. This recognition is a testament to the innovation, leadership, and meaningful contributions she brings to every project. Congratulations, Kristy! 

Heather McKinstry, Senior Associate and Studio Director at Dattner Architects, is a featured panelist at AIA Brooklyn's Housing Committee event Future-Proofing Housing: East vs. West Coast on November 18 at the Van Alen Institute. The panel will explore how architects are advancing high-performance housing that endures and thrives in the face of climate, health, and affordability challenges. Heather will join Michael Eliason and Sophie Nahrmann to discuss prefabrication, Passive House innovation, and the creation of resilient, community-driven housing. Moderated by Julie Torres Moskovitz, AIA, LEED and WELL AP, CPHC, the panelists will explore how government policy and design innovation intersect across coasts to shape the future of housing. https://lnkd.in/dZgZeSbf #AIA #AIABrooklyn #SocialHousing #PassiveHouse #Sustainability #AffordableHousing #Architecture #DattnerArchitects

Dattner Architects participated in the 2025 CANSTRUCTION New York competition— uniting design, creativity, and compassion to fight hunger across our city. Our team’s sculpture honored the humble MetroCard, an everyday icon that has connected millions of New Yorkers for over 30 years. Built entirely from cans, our design symbolized connection, access, and movement — and each of those cans was donated to City Harvest to help feed New Yorkers in need. This year’s CANstruction NYC brought together architects, engineers, and contractors in a friendly competition for a vital cause. We’re grateful to the SDA National (Society for Design Administration), our supporters, and everyone who helped us reach our fundraising goal and bring this vision to life. Swing by Brookfield Place before November 10th to see all the amazing CANstruction designs!

Partner Gia Mainiero AIA, DBIA, LEED AP, WEDG will represent Dattner Architects at the 2025 Design-Build Conference & Expo, hosted by the Design-Build Institute of America (DBIA). Join Gia on Friday, November 7 (10:30–11:30 AM PDT) for “Alternative Technical Concepts – Roadways to Success in Innovative Solutions at New York’s JFK Airport.” As part of Track 2: Design-Build: The Innovation Engine, the panel — featuring leaders from Skanska Halmar International JV, Parsons Corporation, and the The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey — will share insights from the $1.24B Design-Build transformation of JFK’s Central Terminal Area. Gia will highlight Dattner Architects’ design leadership in developing Alternative Technical Concepts (ATCs) that redefined project criteria, improved coordination, and enhanced passenger experience — demonstrating how design-build collaboration fuels innovation and excellence. We’re proud to see Gia representing Dattner’s commitment to integrated design, sustainable infrastructure, and transformative public projects. Learn more about the conference program: https://shorturl.at/uWjPg