This event is inspired by the current 2026 AIA New York president, Mark Gardener. His presidential theme, “Repair: Democracy and Urban Space,” is a call to action to celebrate spaces we revive and refresh with design that does more. Whether it’s integrating sustainability into our everyday practices or transforming spaces for communal purposes, our discussion underscores the significance of thoughtful repair in shaping resilient cities.

We’ll explore how to breathe new life into the community around us — whether large or small, focused or multifaceted — and how to be fully responsive to user needs and experiences. Our panelists, spanning product design, interiors, architecture and landscape, will showcase diverse approaches to revitalization, revealing how design can address social and culture needs, and foster inclusion, sustainability and vibrant community engagement.

By emphasizing collaboration across disciplines, the event encourages attendees to consider both technical and human aspects in their design approach, inspiring innovative solutions that respond to the unique challenges and opportunities in New York City and beyond.

Speakers:

• Dan Sheen, Vice President, CannonDesign

• Taewook Cha, Principal, Supermass Studio

• Faraz Shah, Brand Director, Turf

• Andrea Steele, Principal, Andrea Steele Architecture

Moderator:

• Delia Nevola, Principal, CannonDesign