Architecture in Action: Visionary Leaders on Sustainability and Innovation
Sara Kolata
I am here to propel our industry to be one of the most innovative, daring and profitable in the world.
In this edition of our newsletter, we explore three overarching themes that weave their way through four insightful interviews: sustainability as a business imperative, innovation to bring us closer to nature and communities, and leadership with integrity.?
Our featured articles delve into the visionary approaches of Patrick Bellew, Alex Bachrach, Sofia Rosemberg and Camila Rock De Luigi. Each narrative underscores the importance of integrating sustainable practices and innovative design principles to create resilient communities and impactful media. From Patrick's gentle disruption in green building design to Sofia's strategic leadership in transit architecture, and De Luigi's nature-inspired projects, these stories highlight how thoughtful interventions can drive significant change. Meanwhile, Alex Bachrach's insights into balancing print and digital media illustrate the evolving landscape of architectural journalism. Together, these articles offer a comprehensive look at how leaders are shaping the future of architecture and media through sustainability, innovation, and strategic collaboration.
Plus we share details of our upcoming Disrupting Norms Event in London, Thursday 17th October.
Disrupting Norms - Panel Event - London
We are thrilled to invite you to a very special event. Three incredible architects and practice leaders share their journey to becoming positive disrupters within the built environment industry, in an intimate panel event on Thursday 17th October, 6 - 9 pm.
These amazing leaders are in conversation with our Editorial Director, Tania Ihlenfeld, exploring what it takes to lead change and make a meaningful impact in architecture. It promises to be inspiring, insightful and fun!
“There isn’t anything like this!” is the brilliant feedback we received at the last Disrupting Norms Panel Event.
The event is brought to you by Disrupt MAG in collaboration with XAL, Ede Enablers, Curio Careers and Auricle Studio. Get your tickets here:?
Patrick Bellew
Few names resonate as profoundly in sustainability and innovation as Patrick Bellew . The Chief Sustainability Officer of Surbana Jurong and founder of Atelier Ten, Patrick has been at the forefront of integrating environmental consciousness with architectural excellence. His career, spanning over four decades, offers a compelling blueprint for how sustainability can be woven into the fabric of business strategy, not just as a compliance measure but as a driver of innovation and reputation enhancement.
In our exclusive interview, he reflects on his journey from a mechanical engineer at Buro Happold to a leader in green building design. He shares candid insights into the challenges and triumphs of promoting sustainability. "Innovation often starts as a silent challenge," he notes, emphasising the need for a visual narrative to make new ideas compelling. Patrick recounts a client's words: “I want you to be innovative... but I want you to show me where it's been done before.” This sentiment underscores the delicate balance between leading-edge innovation and practical application.
Patrick's philosophy is clear: minimising embodied carbon is crucial. While many feel overwhelmed by the scale of this challenge, he believes that "change begins with individual action." As a self-described "gentle disruptor," his steady, thoughtful interventions have significantly influenced larger systems over time. His approach embodies the concept of a "Trim Tab"—small, strategic moves that lead to substantial shifts in broader systems.
Join us as we delve deeper into Patrick Bellew's visionary approach to sustainable design and discover how his pioneering work continues to shape the future of our industry.
领英推荐
Sofia Rosemberg stands as a beacon of transformative leadership in architecture, seamlessly blending strategic insight, business acumen, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability. With a career that has seen her collaborate with renowned architects and lead major transit architecture projects, Sofia is reshaping the field with her innovative vision. Her dedication to sustainability, diversity, and mentorship has not only shaped communities but also inspired the next generation of professionals in architecture and transportation engineering.
Reflecting on her nearly decade-long immersion in transit architecture, Sofia emphasises the importance of clear communication and collaboration. "Open dialogue from the project's inception fosters collaboration and enables better understanding of each party's needs," she asserts, highlighting her approach to ensuring alignment among all stakeholders, including clients and agencies. This philosophy has been a cornerstone of her success, allowing her to drive sustainable shareholder value while fostering a healthier future through reshaping urban and architectural paradigms.
Life's twists led Sofia to Mexico, where she established a thriving studio that integrates sustainable design with a retail concept focused on children's furniture. This venture allowed her to merge her passion for design with her role as a parent, creating spaces that cater to both children and their environment. As she recounts her journey from directing operations at Parsons to her current leadership role at DIALOG , Sofia's story is one of enthusiasm, determination, and an enduring commitment to innovation and excellence in architecture.
Explore Sofia Rosemberg's inspiring journey and discover how her leadership approach continues to pave the way for sustainable design and community empowerment.
Peel back the curtain on the dynamic world of architectural media with Alex Bachrach, publisher of Architectural Record , as he navigates the evolving landscape with a blend of tradition and innovation. In this comprehensive interview, Alex shares his journey and strategic insights into balancing print and digital platforms while maintaining the legacy of one of architecture's most respected publications.
With extensive experience in media management, including print, digital, live events, and custom content, Alex has positioned Architectural Record as a leader in architectural journalism. "As content moves increasingly online, we must maintain a clear focus on sustainability," he notes, emphasising the importance of presenting narratives that resonate with industry leaders. His dedication to editorial integrity while balancing business objectives highlights his ability to build strong relationships within the industry.
Alex's approach involves fostering strategic partnerships and listening to emerging professionals. "Students want to know about sustainability, equity, and the architectural process," he says, inspiring new initiatives like the Record Forum column. Despite the uncertain future of print, Alex is determined to keep it alive through innovative strategies such as group sales and site licenses for large firms. "Print still has its place," he asserts, noting how refreshing it is for emerging professionals to engage with a magazine.
Delve into Alex Bachrach's unique strategies for architectural publishing and understand how he continues to shape the future of media in architecture.
Camila Rock De Luigi
Camila Rock De Luigi is redefining the boundaries of architecture with her passionate approach to sustainable and regenerative design. As an Associate Principal Architect at Grimshaw , Camila seamlessly blends biomimicry and biophilia, drawing inspiration from her early experiences in Chile and advanced studies at the Architectural Association. Her unique methodology integrates high-tech solutions with nature-inspired design principles, crafting innovative, holistic, and community-focused projects like the Eden Project Morecambe and the Shenzhen East Transport Hub.
Camila's journey began in the rich soils of Chile's Central Valley, where her fascination with architecture was sparked by the interplay of texture and light in rural warehouses. This early exposure laid the foundation for her profound interest in the relationship between natural surroundings, material properties, and architectural form. "The problem is that we have become disconnected from Nature," she observes, emphasising the need to design with and for nature to create a virtuous circle of sustainability.
Her work at Grimshaw extends beyond design; it involves collaboration with diverse experts to make meaningful changes in how we live. "Working to help the Eden Project Trust expand its portfolio has been one of the most insightful experiences," Camila shares, highlighting her commitment to fostering thriving communities and resilient ecosystems. Through her leadership, she champions knowledge transfer and collaboration between academia and professional practice, paving the way for a future where architecture harmonises with nature.