Kavitha Mathew

AIA, NOMA, LEED AP

 

The founder and president of Equity Co:LAB, Kavitha partners with organizations to research, identify and implement strategies that will foster a more equitable and diverse workplace. She has a wide range of experience both as an architect and advocate for equity in the profession. With over twenty years of experience in the field, she was previously Director of Corporate Architectural Services for Ralph Lauren and has also worked as project architect/ manager/ director at firms including Ted Moudis Associates, Spacesmith, and KPF, as well as her own practice. This varied background allows her to view the practice from different perspectives, as a practicing architect, as a consultant, as a client, and as someone hearing directly from architects and design professionals about the change they would like to see in the workplace and the profession.

 

As Global Diversity Officer at KPF from 2021-2025, she implemented her expertise to guide internal and external initiatives for increased diversity, equity and inclusion and enhanced social responsibility. She created the DEI Leadership Network in 2021, a group of professionals at AEC firms working towards common goals who meet monthly to share knowledge, address challenges, and provide mutual support to each other. 

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As former Special Projects Director of the American Institute of Architects New York Chapter (AIANY) from 2018-2022, Kavitha has overseen programs intended to provide opportunities for members to move beyond their daily work lives to interface with diverse communities, engage in the civic realm, and connect with students who may not be familiar with architecture as a career. Some of these include the award-winning annual Day of Service, the Civic Leadership Program, and Discover Architecture high school program. In addition, she liaised with chapter leadership and local officials on advocacy efforts involving issues related to design professionals and the built environment. This position was created for her after she approached the organization and expressed concern with the lack of equity and representation in the profession. She sought to implement programs that went beyond the traditional focus of professional organizations to elevate the social conscience and expand the mission of architects.

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She holds a Bachelor of Science in Architecture from the University of Virginia as well as a Master of Architecture degree from Columbia University. Currently serving on the executive board of nycoba|NOMA as Strategic Partnership Officer, she works to build connections and increase sponsorship opportunities for the organization. From 2019-2022, she served as a committee chair of her local community board, CB6 and strove to understand and fulfill the needs of residents to enhance their quality of life. Kavitha lives in Manhattan with her husband, daughter, and rescue pup.

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