Nandar Godoy-Dinneen, LEED GA

PJCArchitecture
Senior Associate

20 Years
in the Industry

How did you get started in the AEC Industry?

Growing up, my mother was a builder who designed homes for our family in Ecuador while my father was a doctor. Their contrasting careers led to me explore both architecture and medicine in my first year of college. Although I was drawn to both fields, I quickly realized that my true passion lay in design. I reveled in spending hours on my models but found myself dozing off while trying to read medical textbooks.

I got licensed in Ecuador, and went to New York for what was supposed to be a sabbatical year. I quickly fell in love, which unexpectedly put me on my current path.  Being surrounded by the city's architecture, where I could walk past the very buildings I had studied, deepened my love for design.

I eventually pursued a degree in interior design at NYU, where I developed a strong interest in materials, what they were made from, and where they came from. Looking back, I realize what initially drew me to medicine was not the practice itself but a more holistic approach to well-being—one that focuses on prevention and a healthier lifestyle rather than just treatment.

These curiosities led me to explore how sustainability and the built environment impact our health and the planet to ultimately enroll in the Sustainable Interior Environments Masters program at NYSID. It’s been an incredible journey since!

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?

While we all bring different and valid perspectives to a project, I believe I have a particular ability to approach design with the client at the heart of the process, focusing on how their lives connect to the spaces within their homes. As someone who specializes in the high-end residential field, I love exploring the dynamics of modern families and translating this into highly functional, beautiful spaces.

I joke that part of my job is being a psychologist. Homes are deeply personal, requiring us to genuinely connect with homeowners to understand their priorities and deeper aspirations. I’m not sure if this approach is inherently feminine, but I like to believe that I draw on my feminine instincts when making creative decisions.

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

My mother was a natural creative. Outside of her career as a builder, she was also a painter. I was constantly surrounded by different creative mediums and encouraged to explore my artistic side. My uncle and godfather was also an architect, and his hand-drawn plans felt like works of art that I deeply admired.

As a professional, I am incredibly fortunate to have our firm’s principal, Philip Consalvo, as a mentor. His patience, dedication, and passion for teaching have been invaluable in helping me navigate every aspect of the profession, from building strong client relationships to mastering the technical aspects of the craft. Beyond his expertise, his values and principles towards life and the profession inspire me daily, making me a better architect and person. His guidance continues to shape my growth, encouraging me to uphold integrity, creativity, and excellence in all I do.

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

The built environment is the foundation of community, shaping how we connect, work, and live. We were reminded of just how important our private and public spaces are at the height of COVID, seeing how they influence everything from our mood and thoughts to our physical well-being. With that realization came a renewed sense of responsibility for us as designers, architects, and builders. Through thoughtful, intentional design, we don’t just create spaces—we enhance lives, strengthen communities, and support overall well-being.

In my experience, I am often the only woman in project meetings. While things are slowly changing as trailblazers like Zaha Hadid inspire more women to enter the field, building and construction sites remain male-dominated. It’s important to acknowledge this reality and be prepared for it, but also to recognize the power of our presence. When we bring confidence to the table and assert the value of our perspectives, we help pave the way for more women to step into these roles. The more diverse these spaces become, the better we can design for the collective good.

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

It’s reassuring to see more homeowners and clients showing interest in sustainable practices, but at the end of the day, unfortunately, it all comes down to cost. Our approach is to integrate sustainability in the most practical and cost-effective ways, prioritizing passive design strategies and working within the local vernacular. By focusing on energy-efficient building and sourcing materials locally, we reduce environmental impact while simultaneously cutting costs, making sustainable choices more appealing to homeowners.

At the same time, as technology continues to advance we can expect eco-friendly products and materials to become more affordable and accessible. While the shift will be steady, I am excited to see how innovations will evolve as more clients tune into the greater conversation around environmental responsibility.

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

One of the most rewarding experiences of my career was designing a tiny home in Quito, Ecuador. The project came to us when I was pregnant in 2019, and then the world turned upside down with COVID-19. I came back to the project after the birth of my son, when I was dealing with postpartum depression during a time of isolation from family and friends.

In many ways, the project became my second baby. It gave me another sense of purpose and a creative outlet when I truly needed one. While adjusting to motherhood, I poured my energy into bringing the home to life. The process was both healing and fulfilling, reminding me why I fell in love with design in the first place.

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

The tiny home in Ecuador was meaningful in part because it came to me at such a pivotal time, but beyond that, because it is a simple, beautiful, and unpretentious design. We followed the motto that “less is more,” and went back to basics with locally sourced brick, steel, concrete, and glass.

My favorite projects tend to be those where we build a close bond with the homeowners. We are lucky to work with clients who trust our creative vision, allowing us to bring their dream homes to life in a meaningful way. One particularly special project was a lake house in the Adirondacks that allowed us to explore a modern interpretation of the vernacular architecture in the region.

Another that holds a special place in my heart is an apartment we designed on Park Avenue in Manhattan. With a long project timeline, we developed a great connection with the client, who trusted and championed our vision. Her commitment to seeing the design through to its fullest potential made the process incredibly rewarding.

What advice would you give women just entering the industry?

I would be remiss if I didn’t remind young women that architecture is a challenging field. You have to be committed, resilient, and confident as a woman in a male-dominated field, but it’s also a balancing act.

As a woman in the industry, you bring a valuable perspective—but due to lingering biases, you may be overlooked. You’ll likely find, as I have, that technical questions are directed to the man in the room, while aesthetic details like paint colors are left to you. It’s natural to feel frustrated by this, but they do not define your capabilities.

The key to shifting this dynamic is to assert yourself with confidence. Step in and answer those technical questions, engage in problem-solving discussions, and make it clear through your expertise why you are in the room. You don’t need to conform to outdated perceptions or prove yourself by adopting someone else’s approach.

Instead, embrace your knowledge, curiosity, and adaptability—continuing to learn and refine your craft while demonstrating your authority through the quality of your work. Every time you assert yourself, you help break down barriers and open doors for the next generation of women in the field. Your presence alone is powerful, but your voice, expertise, and contributions are what will truly transform the industry.