Social Research, Architecture and Design Meetup

Join the AIA NY Social Science & Architecture Committee on Earth Day Eve (April 21, 2026):

From reducing urban heat islands and managing stormwater to fostering biodiversity and improving mental well-being, green roofs offer a compelling case for rethinking what our rooftops can do. Our panelists, representing landscape architecture, building engineering, and design research, will examine both the broader social and environmental benefits of green roofs and the practical, technical considerations involved in bringing these systems to life.
All participants must register with the AIA NY. The event registration link will be available soon!

Join us and learn more about:

• The benefits of green roofs on environmental, community, and individual well-being
• The policy and incentive landscape for green roofs in NYC
• How green roofs have been implemented, and the benefits and limitations of current implementations
• Technical considerations for designing and implementing green roofs

Panelists include:
Amy Falder
Amy is a co-founder of New York Green Roofs, an award-winning firm focused on the design, construction, and maintenance of green roofs in New York City and the surrounding region. A veteran of urban landscaping for more than 25 years, she holds a master’s degree in Environmental and Plant Biology and brings a strong foundation in plant sciences to her work. Amy began her career as a Botanist at the New York Botanical Garden before moving into hands-on roles as a Seasonal Display Coordinator and Division Manager at a leading NYC landscaping firm, experiences that continue to inform her practical, systems-based approach. Today, she and her colleagues collaborate with owners, architects, landscape architects, engineers, and institutions to deliver green roof projects ranging from expansive commercial infrastructure to complex, high-elevation residential amenity spaces across the five boroughs, the East End of Long Island, Connecticut, and the Hudson Valley. Amy and her team are known for creating and sustaining thoughtful, resilient rooftop landscapes that enhance comfort, performance, and everyday urban life.

Erik Olsen, PE
Erik is a managing partner at Transsolar KlimaEngineering, an international climate engineering firm that creates exceptional indoor, middoor, and outdoor spaces with a positive environmental impact. He leads the New York team in collaborating with architects, engineers, and building owners worldwide to develop and validate low-energy, architecturally integrated climate and energy concepts. Erik is recognized for his unique blend of simple, clear communication, technical rigor, and passion for creating delightful, human-centric environments that contribute to our low-carbon future. Educated as a mechanical engineer, he is most excited when sketching and applying first physical principles to explore new ideas.

Sarah Kenney
Based in New York, Sarah Kenney is a designer working at the intersection of architecture and landscape. Currently with RAMSA (Robert A.M. Stern Architect), Sarah’s work is informed by a deep interest in how built structures interact with their natural environments. A graduate of the University of Tennessee’s dual M.Arch and MLA program, she has served as a Graduate Research and Teaching Assistant and a Digital Fabrication Assistant. In 2022, she was awarded the Aydelott Foundation Fellowship, during which she traveled to Italy, France, Vietnam, and Iceland to investigate amphibious housing and hydraulic infrastructure. This unique blend of technical fabrication skills and global research allows her to approach design with both innovation and historical context.