Archtober's Festival Itineraries offer a curated selection of festival events, hand picked by a thought leader, editor, or creative mind that we admire in New York City. Our next itinerary is from Claudia Cusumano, AIA, NCARB, LEED AP, Director, Kohn Pedersen Fox (KPF). Since joining KPF, Cusumano has honed her focus on program-driven developments in the United States and has been involved in a number of projects from conceptual planning and design through construction. Throughout over 25 years of experience, she has positioned herself as a strategic leader in the firm across civic, cultural, institutional, interiors, and commercial office projects. She is well-versed in New York’s real-estate landscape, working at a range of scales—from repositioning projects to large-scale developments—throughout the city. She is passionate about mentorship in architecture and participates in various programs including WAIA’s mentorship program and the Architectural League. She leads KPF’s formal mentorship program, which has global, firm-wide participation at all levels.

Take a look at what Cusumano is looking forward to at the 2023 festival, and plan your own itinerary!

1. Biophilic Design Walking Tour, Connecting Architecture and the Natural World on October 24. Cusumano says:

I love a good walking tour. I’m also a huge believer in the importance of biophilia in design to facilitate wellness, and I incorporate it in my work as much as possible. This is sure to be inspiring! Go to the Biophilic Design Walking Tour event page.

2. Building of the Day: One Madison Avenue on October 25. Cusumano says:

Shameless excitement for a tour of a KPF project led by my talented colleagues Andrew Werner and Annie Savage. This building has so much rich history, and it is fascinating to hear from them on how they approached this adaptive reuse project from a design and technical perspective. Plus, the views from the new roof gardens are spectacular. Go to the One Madison Avenue event page.

3. Architectural Record Innovation Conference on October 26. Cusumano says:

By far the best way to get your CEUs while learning a ton from your peers! It’s a can’t miss event for architects at all stages of their careers, but in particular those just starting out. It’s always inspiring to hear from others in the field, and a great way to make new connections. Go to the Architectural Record Innovation Conference event page.

4. Designing the Future for Kids on October 29. Cusumano says:

This one will be fun for both of my kids, who are very imaginative and love to create. In fact, it will actually be great for the whole family as my husband is an architect as well! Go to the Designing the Future for Kids event page.

5. How the Streets Got Their Names: From Colonial Executions to American Presidents on October 30. Cusumano says:

I’m a huge fan of NYC history, so this event will be a super interesting dive into the history of the streets we use to this day. What’s great about events like these is that they open your eyes to something you interact with on a daily basis. Go to the How the Streets Got Their Names event page.