AIA New Jersey Women in Architecture (AIANJ WIA) was prominently featured at the New York Build 2025 Expo, held on March 12-13 at the Jacob Javits Center in New York City. Thousands of professionals from across the construction, real estate, and architecture industries attended the two-day event, which showcased a wide range of panel discussions, workshops, and sessions addressing key topics in the built environment. AIANJ WIA actively participated in the Expo, advocating for inclusion and highlighting their expertise on various industry panels.

 

 

 

 

 

   

 

Erin Sharp-Newton, M.Arch, Chair of AIANJ WIA and Director of the Centre for Urban Design and Mental Health, was invited to speak at the event’s Architecture Hub kickoff. She also spoke on the panel Forecasting the Future of Architecture: Trends, Challenges, & Opportunities, where she addressed the rapid evolution of the field and the critical importance of designing for mental health. Drawing from her extensive experience in social design, health, psychiatric, and addiction environments, Sharp-Newton emphasized the need to integrate neuroscience advancements into architectural practice. She highlighted the shift from industrialized efficiency to human-centered design, advocating for environments that support mental well-being in an era of technological acceleration.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, AIA, CID, LEED AP, Chair of the AIA Equity in Architecture Committee, Past President of AIA New Jersey and the Architects League of Northern New Jersey and Principal of her firm, Stacey Ruhle Kliesch, Architect, LLC, participated in the Back to Life: Adaptive Re-Use Regenerating Communities panel. The discussion explored the issues and potential of repurposing existing structures to enhance sustainability and support vulnerable communities. Stacey explained opportunities for stakeholders to advance equity in adaptive reuse projects by engaging the community members in the planning process, providing transparency about plans and construction and seeking ways to protect, preserve or enhance the neighborhood without displacing anyone. This can be done by preserving historical and cultural fabric, revitalizing neglected areas, and promoting sustainable development when repurposing existing buildings rather than demolishing them.  

 

 

 

Meanwhile, Elina Shchervinsky, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, moderated a panel on The Critical Role of Architects in Fire Protection & Life Safety, as part of the Fire Safety & Security track. The discussion examined regulatory challenges, best practices, and innovative technologies in fire safety, featuring insights from engineers and physics experts on structural integrity and tunnel dynamics.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

New York Build 2025, the largest construction and design event in the Tri-State area, provided a significant platform for industry leaders to engage in meaningful discussions. The event also hosted the USA’s largest networking gathering for Women in Construction, reinforcing the importance of diversity and inclusion in the industry. AIANJ WIA’s participation helps in advocating for gender equity and advancing the expertise of women in architecture, ensuring their voices remain integral to shaping the built and lived environments.