Nootan Bharani, AIA, Recognized as Dubin Family Young Architect
11.13.2014
Nootan Bharani, AIA, the Lead Design Manager for Place Lab, a project of the Arts and Public Life Initiative at The University of Chicago, has been recognized as AIA Chicago’s Dubin Family Young Architect of the Year.
The award, made possible by an endowment from the late M. David Dubin, FAIA, and administered by the AIA Chicago Foundation, recognizes excellence in ability and exceptional contributions by a Chicago-area architect between the ages of 25 and 39.
"I’m thrilled to receive the Dubin Family Young Architect award," Bharani said upon learning of her honor.
A graduate of Carnegie Mellon University with a degree in architecture, Bharani was previously Managing Director for CB&I Sustainable Design Solutions of Illinois. Her consulting work focused on sustainability and energy efficiency, and included architectural design projects, retro-commissioning of existing buildings, utility program implementation, energy code review and analysis, and development of best practice environmental guidelines and sustainability plans for communities. While at CB&I, Bharani served as the deputy project manager for the Sustainable Chicago 2015 Action Agenda.
Additionally, Bharani is a co-founder of the Community Interface Committee at the AIA Chicago. She acted as co-chair for the group from its founding in 2009 through 2013, and received the 2012 AIA Chicago President’s Recognition acknowledging her work and leadership in the Chicago community. Bharani has spoken extensively at regional and national conferences on community and sustainability topics, and is a vocal design activist in her community.
"My career hasn’t followed the traditional trajectory, and in acknowledging my work, the 2014 award is recognizing the expanding role of architects," Bharani said. "And that’s really great for the profession."
Come celebrate Bharani's award at AIA Chicago’s joint holiday party with SMPS, on Monday, December 8, 5pm, at Studio Paris, 59 W. Hubbard St.
