Nelya Sachakova

RKTB Architects
Associate

10 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

My desire to make a meaningful impact on the physical and social landscape of my city led me to study and pursue a career in architecture. Early on, I was fortunate to have the opportunity to join RKTB Architects, a firm that shares my commitments to architecture with a social purpose and to making New York City a better place for all its citizens. I continue to work with them today, primarily focused on PreK-12 public school facilities.

What inspires you to design? Do you incorporate any unique perspectives or values into your designs, and how do you think your experiences as a woman influence your work?

The need for equitable spaces is a key motivator in my design work. The potential to create healthy, inclusive environments that consider the diverse needs of all people, reflect their unique contexts, and incorporate local resources, presents both a challenge and an ongoing source of inspiration. As a woman in the architecture industry, I am acutely aware of the underrepresentation of women in the field. Public spaces in particular should reflect the experiences of all members of society, but many are designed primarily through a male-centric lens, often overlooking the perspectives and needs of others.

Who have your role models been? Have you had any mentors throughout your career, and how have they shaped your journey in architecture?

My role models are the peers with whom I began my architecture journey in graduate school. Watching the unique paths they've carved within the industry has been truly inspiring. Each of them has stayed true to their original goal of giving back to the communities they come from, whether through designing inclusive public spaces, creating sustainable buildings, or advocating for public health. From founding firms focused on Passive House design, to working in government agencies, academia, and non-profits, they have all shown me the many diverse avenues for creating lasting change in our communities.

How do you think architecture can help address social issues, and how have you seen women lead the way in creating inclusive, equitable spaces?

Architecture can have a very direct impact on social issues, whether it's designing much needed affordable housing, advocating for inclusive urban policies, or uplifting a disadvantaged population. Many women I know in the AEC industry put a focus on community engagement when designing public spaces. This not only provides a more thorough understanding of the needs of a community, but also fosters a sense of place and connectivity among residents.

How do you see the conversation on sustainability going in our industry?

The conversation is going in a positive direction, in that people are starting to understand the critical importance of reducing of fossil fuel use, minimizing waste and energy consumption, and making indoor environments healthier for the occupant. The real time impacts of climate change are now are coming into the foreground of conversation around how to make our buildings more resilient while having a positive environmental impact.

What has been the most fulfilling moment of your career so far, and how did it shape your professional journey?

The most rewarding moment of my career occurred during a meeting with a school principal to discuss ongoing construction at the school. She introduced a 5th-grade student who had a keen interest in architecture and design. In that moment, I found myself directly connected with one of the end-users of the spaces we design — it was a powerful reminder of the purpose behind our work, and equally inspiring to witness a young mind so engaged and curious about the design process.

Tell us about some of your favorite projects you’ve worked on.

One of my favorites is RKTB’s conversion of a defunct gym facility in Jamaica, Queens, into a much-needed 27,000-square-foot early childhood education center known officially as 3K Q376. The project added 180 seats for Universal PreK and elementary students in a diverse immigrant neighborhood that historically lacked access to free, high-quality educational opportunities. I love re-purposing existing spaces for new use, especially when it has this potent level of positive impact on a community.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

Find your community within our multi-faceted industry. There are so many groups that focus on specific areas of AEC, whether it’s a professional organization, a network, or just a group of people who get together to discuss topics important to them. Surrounding yourself with people who have similar interests and goals is a valuable form of support, and it can lead to finding a mentor who can help navigate the challenges of the profession.