Leading New York City architect Ronnette Riley presents a talk at the Essex Town Hall on Friday, Jan. 31, from 7 to 8 p.m. as part of the Centerbrook Architects Lecture Series. Riley will discuss her work in the Far Rockaways of Queens, where the firm that she founded is involved in designing buildings that can better withstand the next Superstorm Sandy.
Her illustrated presentation, “Resilient Design or Designing for Mother Nature’s Worst Moments,” addresses how architecture can adapt to changing conditions and help build structures that can maintain, or regain functionality in the face of stress or disturbance. Call the library at 860-767-1560 to register for this free event.
Riley’s work and that of her firm, Ronnette Riley Architect, have been featured in numerous publications and won over 60 design awards. The firm’s portfolio encompasses an impressive range of institutional, corporate, hospitality, retail and residential projects. Recently recognized projects include the redesign of 120,000 square feet for the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey.
Before founding her firm in 1987, Riley spent eight years in the architectural practice of Philip Johnson and John Burgee. She served as Project Architect for the “Lipstick Building” at 53rd and Third in Manhattan, and was responsible for design through final construction. She is past chair of the American Institute of Architects Committee on Design and is currently Co-Chair of the New York Chapter of the AIA, Design Awards Committee, and is currently teaching as an adjunct professor at the School of Visual Arts.
Sponsored by Centerbrook Architects, this lecture series is in its sixth season.