Architecture Groups New York
Join New York's vibrant architecture community
Ayse Polat VDC Director at Turner
Thu, Jul 16, 10:00 PMAyse Polat VDC director Turner Construction returns to enlighten us about the latest developments in the BIM and VDC in the construction industry. More detail to follow
Meet & Greet: Coffee + Quant AI Research Talk ☕📊
Sun, Jun 28, 6:00 PMFirst one's simple. No presentations, no slides. Just coffee, conversation, and meeting the people in NYC who are passionate about AI and quantitative research. Come hang out, swap notes on what you're studying or building, and help shape what this community becomes. Whether you're researching RL architectures for sequential decision-making, applying NLP to financial text, studying time series forecasting with deep learning, working through a quant finance curriculum, or just curious about where AI and quantitative methods intersect — you're welcome here. **What to expect:** * Casual intros and open conversation * A chance to share what you're researching or learning * Discussions about papers, tools, methods, and ideas * Input on topics, formats, and speakers for future events * Good coffee ☕ **Who should come:** Data scientists, ML engineers, researchers, financial engineers, students, academics, and anyone curious about AI applied to quantitative problems in finance. All experience levels welcome. **Please note:** This is an educational and research-focused meetup. We do not provide financial advice or make recommendations about investments, trades, or financial products of any kind.
People and Buildings Under Stress: Neuro-Inclusive Design and Emergency Planning
Mon, Jun 29, 10:00 PMDealing with an emergency in the built environment—such as an evacuation or a sheltering in place—is stressful for almost everyone. But these situations, which are often accompanied by sudden, intense sensory input and other unexpected changes, can be completely debilitating for neurodivergent occupants. “People in Buildings Under Stress: Neuroinclusive Design and Emergency Planning” brings together design psychology, architecture, and lived experience to explore how emergency systems can better serve everyone. Through short provocations and case studies, speakers will unpack four critical dimensions of emergency response in the built environment: notification, evacuation, sheltering, and operations/first response. These dimensions highlight where current systems may inadvertently exclude or endanger some users. This participatory session, hosted at the Center for Architecture, will move quickly from ideas to action. After an analytical look at the Center for Architecture itself as a test case, participants will brainstorm in small groups to identify pain points and generate design responses. Guided by moderators from the [AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee](https://www.aiany.org/committees/social-science-architecture-committee/), attendees will leave with strategies and questions they can bring back to their own projects—from rethinking alarms and wayfinding to designing calmer shelter spaces and more informed emergency protocols. This program is intended for architects, designers, planners, and allied professionals interested in making emergency planning more inclusive, evidence-based, and responsive to real human experience. Register: https://calendar.aiany.org/2026/05/24/people-and-buildings-under-stress-neuro-inclusive-design-and-emergency-planning/ **Speakers:** **Capria Berry,** Director of Disability Inclusive Culture, NYU **Jennifer Carpenter,** Principal, Verona Carpenter Architects **Melissa Marsh,** Founder and Executive Director, Plastarc **Alex Norman,** Founder and CEO, Access Built **About the Speakers:** **Capria Berry** is a student affairs educator whose work is rooted in the principles of disability justice. Throughout their career in student affairs, Berry has focused on building community and fostering inclusive environments where disabled students and staff can thrive. They are particularly interested in the complex work of driving institutional change within higher education, across silos and roles. Berry recently completed a four-year term on the disability leadership team for ACPA – College Student Educators International. As the annual convention’s Access Advisor for 2026, they were responsible for curating a low-sensory space, enhancing the accessibility-related guidance for session presenters, and coordinating accommodations for an event with over 1,000 attendees. An alum of the University of Illinois at Chicago (BA) and New York University (MA), their most recent writing highlights the intersections of identity across disability, race, and sexuality. Their engagement in disability inclusion is deeply personal and is informed by their research interests and student affairs praxis. **Jennifer Carpenter** is a founding principal of Verona Carpenter Architects. Through built work, research, and teaching, the firm centers neurodivergence and disability to design for the widest range of bodies and minds. Carpenter is a New York City Mentor for minority and women-owned businesses, a registered architect, and a LEED Accredited Professional. She is a co-author of the book *Inclusive Design for Structural Engineers* from the UK Institution of Structural Engineers. She earned her BA from Yale and her M.Arch. from Columbia GSAPP. **Melissa Marsh** is Founder and Executive Director of PLASTARC, a social research, workplace innovation, and real estate strategy consultancy. Her work leverages the tools of social science and business strategy to help organizations make more data-driven and people-centric real estate decisions. Marsh combines quantitative and qualitative social science research with architectural expertise and is dedicated to shifting the metrics associated with workplace from “square feet and inches” to “occupant satisfaction and performance.” This holistic approach enables PLASTARC to recommend evidence-based interventions that make the built environment more people-centric and responsive, promoting both individual wellness and business success. **Alex Norman** is Founder and CEO of Access Built, a human-centered inclusive design and technology firm helping organizations identify and remove hidden friction points in the built environment that limit participation for people of all abilities. His work brings together lived experience, universal design, accessibility strategy, and data-driven insights to help clients move beyond compliance toward environments that are more usable, equitable, and future-ready. Norman is the author of *Boundless: Real Stories and Practical Strategies for Inclusive Living* and the creator of Access Built’s Friction Point™ Method. Through Access Built, he is also developing emerging technology tools that help organizations better understand accessibility, sensory, and operational barriers across civic, nonprofit, residential, hospitality, and venue environments. Organized by AIANY Social Science and Architecture Committee
Exclusive Tour Inside the Woolworth Building: NYC’s Cathedral of Commerce
Sat, Jun 27, 5:00 PMTickets: $45.25 ( incl. $5.25 fees ) (advance registration required) Click the link below to officially register for this experience: [https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1990511693057](https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1990511693057) In the early 20th century, the Woolworth Building in downtown Manhattan not only dominated the NYC skyline, but also held the title of "tallest building in the world" for over 17 years. What secrets lie behind its towering limestone and terracotta façade? Now’s your chance to step inside one of New York’s most breathtaking interiors — a hidden architectural marvel that's been off-limits to the public since 2020 (until now). Join [New York Adventure Club](http://www.nyadventureclub.com "http://www.nyadventureclub.com") for an **exclusive behind-the-scenes tour of the Woolworth Building** — commissioned by retail magnate Frank Woolworth in 1910 to house his company’s corporate headquarters, this neo-Gothic style skyscraper designed by architect Cass Gilbert laid claim to the world’s tallest building from its opening in 1913 until 1930. Led by licensed NYC tour guides and Woolworth Building experts Bob Gelber or Ed Welter, this official experience — **and the only way inside this private building** — will include: * **The story behind the “Cathedral of Commerce,”** from its creation by retail magnate F.W. Woolworth to its groundbreaking design by Cass Gilbert * **A look at the exterior’s intricate terracotta façade**, rich with neo-Gothic ornamentation and symbolic details * **A private tour of the soaring lobby**, with its marble-clad walls, vaulted ceilings, and hidden symbols embedded in the architecture * **A visit to the subterranean vault**, where the building’s original safe deposit boxes are tucked beneath its towering frame * **A special trip to the mezzanine balcony**, offering a close-up view of the vaulted mosaic ceiling, richly inspired by the opulence and patterns of the Byzantine Empire See you there! \*There are no public restrooms on the tour, so please plan accordingly \*\*This tour is limited to the lobby and first sub-level \*\*\*Please refrain from wandering around the lobby before, during, or after the tour **About Bob** After retiring from the New York State Court System, Bob Gelber became a licensed New York City tour guide to share his deep knowledge and passion for his hometown. Over the past twelve years, he has led visitors through neighborhoods many tourists overlook, while also serving as a docent at the Woolworth Building and volunteering at both the Metropolitan Museum of Art and Open House New York. A longtime member of the Guides Association of New York City, Bob has served on its Board of Directors and several key committees. From Central Park to the Lower East Side — and even chocolate-themed walks through SoHo — Bob brings history to life with every step. **About Ed** With over four decades of experience in construction and nearly 15 years in the tourism world, Ed Welter brings a unique perspective to New York City's built environment. After starting his guiding career at the Cathedral of St. John the Divine in 2010, Ed went on to become a senior docent and trainer at the 9/11 Memorial & Museum, where he has been sharing the site’s powerful story since its earliest days. A licensed NYC tour guide since 2012, Ed also led Woolworth Building tours from 2014 until their pause in 2020 — and is excited to return as the tour program resumes with New York Adventure Club. His deep knowledge and passion have guided countless tours across Lower Manhattan, from the Brooklyn Bridge to City Hall Park, including topics like the Five Points, the African Burial Grounds, and the history of terrorism in New York. **Testimonials** "The tour of the lobby was full of secrets and mysteries and astonishing design. The lobby tour guide was kind, passionate, and extremely knowledgeable." -Simon "Very informational. Knowledgeable lobby tour guide." -Jacqueline "The guide was very knowledgeable and history interesting. My first with adventure club, not the last. I enjoyed it very much." -Judy "...The guide was great… provided just enough information and stories, answered questions… and best of all really enjoyed seeing this iconic building up close! Wonderful event. Just the right amount of time." -Aimee "A fascinating combination of history, architecture and biography in a magnificent building. The guide was exceptional." -Beth "Informative on architecture, history, and history of Woolworth himself. Also notable comments on the strains between Woolworth and his architect, Cass Gilbert. Excellent speaker, humorous, personal, and interested in all facets of the building." -Margaret "The history and love that went into building this magnificent building" -Jojo "The information about Woolworth himself and the history of the 5 and 10 business was particularly good. Makes me want to learn more. Of course, just getting access was a treat. It's kind of a hidden treasure." -Leandro "It was highly informative and the guide was engaging." -E "Didn’t realize that this beautiful building was not open to the public so it was very special. Also the building was awesome. Guide was terrific." -Murray "The guide was so knowledgeable, explained everything in an interesting way, was patient with questions and managed the group well. It was outstanding!!" -Betsy "Tour guide's knowledge of the subject." -Lucien Disclaimer By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our [terms of service](https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms "https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms"). Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
Law, Real Estate & Construction Networking Event @ Hudson Yards
Sat, Jun 27, 11:00 PM[ [Ticket ](https://www.eventbrite.com/o/76065455893).) Meet top lawyers, real estate developers, brokers, architects, and construction professionals Forge valuable partnerships and grow your network Exchange insights on market trends, deal flow, and regulatory updates Discover potential clients, collaborators, or investment opportunitie
Secrets of the East River: NYC's Hidden Infrastructure by Ferry
Sun, Jun 28, 2:50 PMTickets: $55.80 ( incl. $5.80 fees ) (advance registration required) Click the link below to officially register for this experience: [https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1990513236674](https://www.nyadventureclub.com/event/1990513236674) New York runs on systems most of us never stop to think about — the barges hauling our trash, the tunnels moving wastewater, and the plants keeping it all flowing. With many of these sites clustered along the East River, what kinds of structures are hiding in plain sight along its banks? Step aboard an NYC ferry and get ready to explore the essential infrastructure that keeps the city clean, running, and (mostly) rat-free. Join [New York Adventure Club](http://www.nyadventureclub.com "http://www.nyadventureclub.com") as we embark on a one-of-a-kind ferry trip along the East River to explore the vital water and waste systems that keep New York City running. Led by licensed guide and urban planner Rayn Riel — who has worked on real-world infrastructure projects across sanitation, wastewater, and beyond — our unique experience from Lower Manhattan to the Bronx and back will include: * **A look at the journey of your trash and recyclables**, spotting the barges that ferry them toward landfills, incinerators, or recycling facilities * **A glimpse of NYC’s 14 wastewater treatment plants** and the century‑old sewer and utility tunnels beneath the river — some predating the subway * **A view of the Hell Gate Bridge’s three‑in‑one structure**, explained so you’ll see what most miss * **A ride past hidden sites** like North Brother Island, once home to NYC’s deadliest disaster * **A float past the Bronx River mouth**, NYC’s only true freshwater river * **Unexpected sights along the way**, including a decommissioned prison barge, the evolving Fulton Fish Market, and Roosevelt Island’s forgotten elevator (along with the site of its once-infamous sewage fountain) * **An earpiece for each guest** to hear the guide over the sounds of the ferry **This experience is limited to only six guests.** See you there! \*This ticket includes roundtrip NYC Ferry service between Wall Street / Pier 11 & Soundview. \*\*Guests are free to disembark earlier on the return voyage at the East 34th Street or Stuyvesant Cove ferry landing as the tour content will be finished by then. \*\*\*Each NYC Ferry has food and snacks available for purchase, as well as a restroom. \*\*\*\*This experience will take place indoors on the trip up to Soundview, and outdoors on the return trip to Manhattan (weather permitting). **Tour Schedule** * (0m) Gather at Meeting Location * (30m) Depart Pier 11 on Soundview Ferry * (1hr 30m) Turnaround at Throgs Neck / Ferry Point Park * (2hr - 2hr 30m) Disembark at Preferred Ferry Landing - East 34th Street, Stuyvesant Cove, or Pier 11 **About Rayn Riel** Rayn is an urban planner and tour guide based in New York City. He’s worked on infrastructure projects across the five boroughs and is passionate about exploring how cities function. Disclaimer Event takes place rain or shine. By attending a New York Adventure Club experience, you accept our [terms of service](https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms "https://about.nyadventureclub.com/terms"). Categories: In-Person, Neighborhood Tours
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