DIG Architecture (DIG) has announced that Suzette Bather has joined the firm as managing principal in charge of its Queens office. Her appointment marks an important milestone for DIG as the firm continues expanding its presence throughout the Greater New York City Metro area following the full integration of Graf & Lewent Architects LLC into the DIG brand and platform. 

In her new leadership role, Bather will oversee the strategic growth and direction of the Queens office while helping to strengthen DIG’s position across New York City and the surrounding metropolitan region. She will focus on cultivating strategic partnerships, expanding business opportunities and building upon the established expertise within the New York team across existing and new studio sectors. These include transportation, education, healthcare and civic development.

“This is an exciting moment for DIG and the Queens, NY office,” said Bather. “There is already a tremendous foundation of talent and expertise here, and my vision is to continue building upon that momentum while positioning DIG for even greater growth throughout the New York City market. I see enormous opportunity to strengthen strategic relationships, pursue transformative projects and elevate DIG’s visibility as both a collaborative partner and a leader in architecture, interior and environmental graphic design.”

Bather added that she is particularly focused on helping the firm establish new partnerships throughout the aviation and transportation sectors while also creating opportunities for workforce development and community engagement.

“I’m passionate about creating pathways for young architects and designers to gain exposure to this industry,” she said. “There’s an opportunity to build relationships with schools, developers, construction management firms and community organizations to help cultivate the next generation of talent while also giving back to the communities we serve.”

Bather said her passion for architecture and development grew through her own experience redeveloping real estate and collaborating closely with architects and construction professionals.

“I’ve always been inspired by the process of taking an idea from the ‘drawing board’ to reality,” she said. “New York is one of the most inspiring places in the world for architecture and design. The skyline, the culture, the diversity and the constant evolution of the city create endless opportunities for creativity and innovation.”

Bather brings more than two decades of experience spanning business development, supplier diversity, real estate development, aviation and public-sector leadership. Most recently, she served as program director for business diversity at the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey, where she helped advance diversity and inclusion initiatives across major airport redevelopment projects, including the $19 billion transformation of John F. Kennedy International Airport.  

During her tenure with the Port Authority, she also created the Institute of Concessions, an innovative aviation-industry program designed to help small businesses develop the tools, knowledge and connections needed to grow, succeed and be awarded airport in-terminal concessions opportunities. 

Prior to joining the Port Authority, Bather held leadership roles with the NYC Mayor’s Office of Minority- and Women-Owned Business Enterprises and the New York Governor’s Office of Storm Recovery, where she developed programs that significantly expanded opportunities for minority-, women- and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses. 

“Suzette’s leadership, vision and ability to create meaningful partnerships make her an exceptional fit for this role and for DIG’s further expansion in New York,” said Jeff Venezia, DIG CEO. “Suzette will play a vital role in integrating the specialized talent of our New York team with the firm’s broader regional resources, driving strategic growth and deepening our industry roots of our Queens office.”

In addition to her professional work, Bather is actively involved in several nonprofit and community-focused initiatives, including the ACE Health Foundation's ACE Global Leaders of Excellence Network, the Lincoln Terrace Tennis Association and the Caribbean Health and Wellness Foundation.

She holds an MBA in finance and strategy from Pace University, an executive certificate from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College and a bachelor’s degree in psychology from Binghamton University. She is also a licensed real estate broker and developer.

DIG continues to expand its presence throughout the Northeast through strategic leadership additions and project work in New York, New Jersey, Philadelphia and the Lehigh Valley.