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Arup’s Americas Chair Fiona Cousins honored by Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation

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Ozgur Gungor Ozgur Gungor Americas Press Office,New York
28 September 2022

The Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation (BWAF) will recognize Arup’s Americas Chair Fiona Cousins as an honoree at their 2022 BEVY Leadership Awards Gala on October 19. Acknowledging her widespread impact as a leader championing the advancement of women in engineering and sustainability, Cousins' work is focused on delivering solutions that prepare cities and communities to withstand the impacts of climate change while ushering in a net zero future. 

The annual gala brings together leaders from around the nation to honor exceptional women at the forefront of architecture, engineering, construction, and allied fields. With a focus on the mission of Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation to bring attention to the work of contemporary women in the fields of architecture, landscape architecture, engineering, development, and construction, the 2022 honorees include one of North America’s most influential engineers, the dean of a top architecture school, a prominent executive in real estate development, and the managing partner of a celebrated international architecture firm.

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It is an honor to be recognized by the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation, a vital voice promoting gender equity and recognition across the built environment. As we rise to meet the challenges of climate change, it is clear that working together is going to make us better and take us farther. Realizing a more sustainable and resilient world will require leadership that values diversity, stewardship, and bold action – all traits exemplified by this year’s honorees. ” Fiona Cousins Fiona Cousins Director

During the gala, each honoree will be cited for beneficial impact in a specialized area and in fields where women are increasingly visible and impactful. The categories of recognition include innovation, mentorship, academic leadership, media engagement, organizational excellence, and emerging leadership — all linked to Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation’s core mission of changing the industry of design and construction, for women, through education and research.

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Since 2014, we have raised awareness of women showing great progress in fields historically dominated by men through this highly respected awards program, and by celebrating their achievements at our annual gala. ” Cynthia Phifer Kracauer AIA, Executive Director of the Beverly Wills Architecture Foundation

In addition to her role as Americas Chair, Cousins is also an Arup Fellow working to accelerate the  firm’s digital transformation and delivering innovative solutions for a more equitable built environment. Among other key responsibilities, she advises on Arup’s climate services initiatives to ensure sustainable outcomes are credible and compelling to clients. Throughout her tenure, she has contributed her expertise to a wide range of iconic projects around the world, including the U.S. Embassy in London and the Fulton Street Station in New York City. As a valued advisor, she has provided counsel on critical climate legislation, including New York City’s recent Local Law 97.

Along with Fiona Cousins, the 2022 honorees include architect Elaine Molinar, managing partner of the U.S. practice for Snøhetta; J. Meejin Yoon, dean of Cornell University’s College of Architecture, Art, and Planning; Judy Kessler, a real estate development executive; Adrienne Hepler, founder of owner’s representative and project management firm Envoie Projects; and Brennan Gilbane Koch of Gilbane Building Company.

Founded in 2002, the Beverly Willis Architecture Foundation is leading a cultural revolution in the building industry to increase the acknowledgement, cultivation, and value of women’s contributions and achievements—past, present, and future.