Bio:

The great architect, Wendi Shafran has extensive expertise in the design of multi-family residential and mixed-use projects. With a focus on resolving complex design, technical, and programmatic issues, her specialty is in the creation of inspirational yet socially conscious spaces which address community needs for housing and services and respond to the local context. Wendi is

a Principal at FXCollaborative, a registered architect in New York, and is active in numerous industry organizations.

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How did you first learn about architecture and when did you decide that built environment profession was an area of interest for you?

When I was four, my family visited the construction site of what would become my childhood home. I was fascinated by all the activity, and after a day of crayon sketches and hammering away with my plastic toolset, I knew architecture was my calling.

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What do you do?

As a Principal at FXCollaborative, I provide leadership to residential and mixed-use projects and mentor emerging leaders. I am also active in several industry organizations with a focus on affordable housing policy, advocacy, and mentorship.

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What excites you in the work you do?

I get excited by the potential and possibilities of each new project—the energy, the team, the design, the program, the dialogue—and all the ensuring challenges and complexities.

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Who or what inspires you professionally?

My passion is creating inspirational spaces that address community, context, and identity. I am inspired by the opportunity to make an impact, and design’s potential to reshape our cities as more sustainable, diverse, and equitable places.

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What is your proudest professional accomplishment or achievement?

Early in my career, I was given the opportunity to lead a project after stepping up to resolve a complex issue. I became one of the few women in the firm overseeing a large building project, and was proud to successfully see it through to completion.

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Featured Project Name: 

Los Jardines

 

Featured Project Location: 

New York, NY

 

Featured Project Completion Date: 

(unbuilt)

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Role in Featured Project: 

Project Architect

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Featured Project Description:

The three-building Los Jardines was designed as a sustainable mixed-use development featuring affordable housing, community gardens, and dynamic retail and community spaces. Designed to achieve Passive House certification, it creates a series of terraced gardens around a courtyard, with buildings that step from low to high. Its massing is a thoughtful response to the neighborhood’s urban design, with ideal solar orientation for energy efficiency and to enhance access to air, light, and views.

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Photography Credit:

Courtesy of FXCollaborative

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