With over 11 years of experience in the energy sector, Laura Ducamp has developed a diverse range of sustainability skills, focusing on social impact. Currently, she coordinates our ESG scope of services in France, specializing in ESG performance and ratings, sustainability strategies, renewable energy technologies, environmental, social and human rights auditing, environmental and social international standards, and sustainable procurement. 

Laura’s experience covers a wide range of projects and programs at different scales and geographies, including Papua New Guinea, China, India and Mexico. Throughout her career, she has been involved in international projects, on environmental, social and economic development aspects.  

What inspired you to join the industry? 

I have always been deeply convinced of the need to adapt our societies to better preserve our environment and have always wanted to work towards this goal. Having always worked in large, well-structured companies in the field of sustainability (Total, EDF Renewables and EDF Group), I have observed the growing prominence of ESG issues and requirements for many years. The increasing complexity of this regulatory framework, coupled with the proliferation of stakeholders and ESG approaches, poses a real challenge for all companies, regardless of their size.  

I have experience working with sustainability teams at major energy companies. Joining ArchTam was a natural step for me, aligning with my desire to engage more closely with business issues in an international environment, to support both global and local companies in their sustainable transition, as well as continuing to develop sustainable practices internally. The advantage of consultancy work is that we acquire a tremendous amount of knowledge each day, the tasks are always varied, and we are able to stay thoroughly informed about societal developments. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?  

As a sustainability expert, it is hugely satisfying to see the current shift in corporate reporting to integrate environmental and societal impacts of their operations. Helping organizations on this journey is very rewarding.  

Supporting clients in decarbonizing their projects and assets — from field audits to net zero roadmaps, including energy consumption calculations and practical recommendations — is the most fulfilling work for me as it contributes in a very pragmatic and measured way to the necessary climate transition. To cite just one example, for one client we recommended an innovative energy-saving method, involving the application of a bio-based white paint on their building’s roof. This reduced the cooling needs and made it possible to install bifacial photovoltaic panels, significantly increasing solar energy production through sunlight reflection on the white surface. This solution also offered the advantage of causing less wear on air conditioning systems installed on the roofs, thanks to lower air exchange temperatures, and extended the lifespan of the roof coating by ten years compared to traditional solutions. 

I’ve also recently led an ESG monitoring project as part of a client’s data center development initiative. At the very beginning of the project, and with a multidisciplinary team, it was highly informative and constructive to analyze the key challenges of this rapidly growing sector. We were able to provide practical environmental and societal analysis, and recommendations that guided the client in their decision-making before the conceptual stages of the project progressed, and where most of the impacts can be mitigated. For example, we recommended recovering the fatal heat that otherwise is dispersed in its environment, combating electricity waste (Power Usage Effectiveness), supply from renewable energies, and even provided a guideline to lead stakeholder engagement. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

A significant part of our activities is related to the environmental, building and construction sectors. Together, these sectors contribute to nearly 40 percent of global CO2 emissions and represent one of the priority sectors for necessary decarbonization. It is therefore crucial for our employees to be aware of the climate issues and to collectively explore concrete ways to reduce our impact. My team and I have been involved in raising awareness through the Climate Fresk NGO, which was established in France and runs climate related education workshops. 

This powerful network now has a global community of 1.6 million ‘Freskers’ raising awareness on the challenges of climate transition. Educating and empowering people to act, both at professional and personal levels, is key. Across ArchTam’s France and Benelux teams, we aim to train more than 200 employees in two to three years, alongside our annual training on Sustainable Legacies, our global ESG strategy. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

With determination, nothing is impossible (especially in the field of sustainability). It may take time, but when one is convinced of the value of an action, both for the environment and for our clients, interests often align. The key is to explain it clearly for it to come to fruition, and the art lies as much in the substance as in the form! We are currently at the tipping point where the notion of ESG is considered alongside the financial aspects of a company’s performance. To provide our clients with the best possible support, it’s now necessary to discuss ESG performance on all types of projects, and to incorporate these concepts at all levels. For example, we were able to strongly encourage certain clients to engage in a voluntary consultation process or to conduct a decarbonisation study on a building’s structure, which had not initially been considered. Our clients were very satisfied as these actions proved successful, reducing the project’s reputational risks and even significantly lowering its cost. 

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The United Kingdom’s journey to net zero is not just a matter of technology and policy; it’s about creating a future that works for everyone.

As we move through this once-in-a-lifetime energy transition, it’s essential that the benefits extend across all sectors of society, ensuring that no one is left behind.

This transition offers a multi-generational opportunity to deliver benefits for everyone and must be approached with a focus on people, places, politics and portfolio. Let’s break down what a people-centric strategy looks like in this context.

Think of communities as partners

One of the core elements of a just transition is ensuring that local communities are not only consulted but empowered to shape their energy future. The energy transition is not about imposing top-down solutions but about working with communities to unlock their potential and deliver local benefits. Communities should be made partners in the process of developing new infrastructure.

This includes building trust and communicating transparently about how renewable energy projects, like wind or solar farms, can bring direct economic and environmental benefits to the people living nearby.

For example, community energy schemes, where residents benefit from lower energy bills as a result of local renewable energy production, have seen growing demand. When these models are clearly communicated, local support for such projects tends to skyrocket. This approach fosters not only public support but ensures long-term sustainability by rooting projects in community interests.

Support workers and future-proof careers

 Another key aspect of a people-centric transition is addressing the workforce needs created by this shift. Traditional industries, such as fossil fuels, are declining, but the growth of renewable energy presents vast new opportunities. We must ensure the benefits of the transition are shared across generations, particularly by creating sustainable, long-term employment.

However, to fully realise this potential, a strong focus on reskilling is required. Programmes that provide training in green technologies, such as offshore wind, nuclear, hydrogen, and battery storage, will be critical to ensuring workers from declining sectors can transition smoothly into new roles. This is not just about job creation — it’s about creating meaningful, future-proof careers in industries that align with the UK’s net zero ambitions.

Make energy affordable and accessible

As the energy landscape evolves, it is crucial to ensure that no one is left behind, particularly when it comes to energy affordability. The transition offers the chance to make energy more accessible and affordable for all. The UK government’s energy policies must reflect this by investing in energy efficiency programs and affordable renewable technologies for low-income households.

Without targeted support, there’s a risk that wealthier households will adopt new technologies like heat pumps and solar panels, while others are left paying higher bills for fossil fuel-based energy.

The Great British Energy policy has emphasised the need to lower costs, but local initiatives, such as grants and subsidies for energy-efficient home upgrades, will also be essential in making this transition equitable.

We must build social license

 Gaining public support — referred to as a “social license to operate” — is essential for the success of renewable energy projects. The energy transition’s success depends on working with local stakeholders, including policymakers and the public. This means ensuring that the political framework around energy is aligned with the needs and expectations of the public.

For instance, the removal of barriers to onshore wind development, where local communities have a say in projects, can help accelerate deployment. By involving local governments and communities in the planning process, the UK can avoid delays, reduce opposition, and ensure smoother execution of projects.

Thinking beyond the immediate

Finally, the energy transition offers the opportunity to create lasting, intergenerational benefits. This demands the need for a balanced approach that delivers benefits across people, places, politics and portfolio.

This means thinking long-term and ensuring that policies enacted today will provide sustainable benefits for decades to come. It’s about not just achieving net zero but doing so in a way that improves quality of life, creates stable jobs, and protects the environment for future generations.

The post Realizing the multi-generational opportunities of the energy transition appeared first on Blog.

Tell us about your career journey and current role at ArchTam.

Throughout my 30-year career, I’ve served as a principal or project director for major infrastructure projects in the transportation and energy sectors. My passion for transit kickstarted with my aspirations to improve communities by providing people mobility choices to get to school, work, access to better healthcare and to live a more sustainable life.

In my new role as acting Transit Market Lead for the Americas, I’ve leveraged my transit and rail program and project experience into a long-earned reputation for having a keen sense of industry trends in the transit and rail fields. My ability to identify and prioritize strategies that help agencies succeed and communities thrive also helps ArchTam maintain its role as an industry leader.

What major trends across industries will impact the transit sector?

The rapid development and adoption of new technologies and the green economy are changing the way transit agencies address everyday tasks and how the largest transit infrastructure projects and programs are being designed and constructed.

There are shifts toward modernization such as the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI), zero-emission vehicle technologies, continued rise of automation and the re-emergence of modular construction, which support the transit industries goals of improving service and driving costs of capital projects and transit operations down. The continued adoption and application of these techniques and technologies are paving the way for the transit industry’s future.  For instance:

• The transit industry has started to adopt the use of building information modeling (BIM) and digital twin in major capital projects. AI will provide an opportunity for further increase in automation of BIM design by employing a process of “designing to cost”.  A significant increase in the capital cost of infrastructure projects and a diminishing availability of operations funds increases the opportunity for the industry to put these new techniques and technologies to good use.
• Another trend is the re-emergence of modular design and construction or design for manufacture and assembly (DFMA). By using a manufacturing approach to infrastructure projects, this trend can drive capital and operating costs down while increasing sustainability and reducing the carbon footprint of a project.
• Last, energy transition and renewables will continue to trend with new advancements and innovations in everything from energy storage to management solutions to new renewable profiles coming to market. In my role, I’ve witnessed transit agencies in the U.S. take advantage of funding available through the bipartisan infrastructure bill for low/zero-emission vehicles to refresh their bus fleets.

Highlight your biggest achievements at ArchTam and in the global transportation industry.

My passion for the everchanging industry is illuminated in my work at ArchTam on transit and rail projects which led to the honor of being named as one of the Top 50 Women Leaders of California for 2024.

I’ve worked on every rail line currently operating for Dallas Area Rapid Transit (DART) and helped to develop the early vision for light rail in Austin. I also helped develop the 2018 California State Rail Plan that re-oriented the plan to focus on customer outcomes first. On Valley Link, I’m helping to develop a rail service that will connect Central Valley communities to jobs in the Bay Area of California with zero-emission, green hydrogen trains.

In addition to those projects, I’ve served in operational and business development roles, supporting the executive leadership team at ArchTam by driving transformation through strategy, growth, leveraging trends and future-forward thought leadership in transit and rail and the ESG space.

I’ve witnessed and felt the positive impact our projects can have on individuals, communities and the world. The tangible, positive outcomes have strengthened my ability to place myself in my clients’ shoes to assist them in reaching their goals.  At ArchTam, I see myself continuing to support exponential growth while mentoring the next generation of diverse leaders so they can not only succeed at ArchTam but also drive technology and modern approaches to delivering transit infrastructure globally.

My best advice to aspiring leaders is to lean in, trust and bet on yourself and your ideas. Most especially in a dynamic, future-oriented industry like transit, be bold in bringing your ideas to the forefront.  It takes diverse voices to truly make a meaningful and sustainable impact in any industry.

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We’re proud to share the numerous accolades our teams received at the 2024 Awards. Read more about each of their achievements below.

Boston Logan International Airport’s Terminal E, Transportation Project of the Year

Won by: ArchTam and Massport

Massport and ArchTam collaborated closely to deliver Boston Logan International Airport’s new, Terminal E. As prime consultant and lead master architect, we helped realize a striking final structure while incorporating sustainability at every turn.

 The terminal’s many low-carbon design features include recycled materials, solar energy, electrification stations, electrochromic and photovoltaic glass, and advanced interior and exterior building systems to minimize the structure’s carbon footprint. Thanks to these solutions, Terminal E has set a new standard for sustainability, charting a path to net zero and LEED Gold status from the U.S. Green Building Council.

Learn more about this innovative new terminal.

Bob Beinstein, Sustainability Leader of the Year

Bob is a true mentor.  As our Global ESG Implementation Lead, he is committed to building sustainability expertise among our teams and key clients across the globe. He engages in client projects and pursuits across seven regions and five business lines to deepen sustainability impacts and scale what works. At the heart of his approach is helping clients understand the “why” and the “how” of integrating more holistic and systemic components into infrastructure planning, design, and delivery — considering lifecycle ESG impacts and benefits, along with inherent tradeoffs.

Prior to joining ArchTam, he was a founding member of the Sustainable Infrastructure Advisory Board at the Harvard Zofnass Program for Sustainable Infrastructure. There, he helped pioneer the Envision sustainable infrastructure rating system, a framework that supports infrastructure stakeholders in implementing more sustainable, resilient, and equitable projects. A member of the Envision Review Board for the Institute for Sustainable Infrastructure, he also has taught more Envision credentialling classes in more nationalities than any other instructor. 

Connect with Bob on LinkedIn and stay up to date on the latest in sustainability.

Playbook for Nature-Positive Infrastructure Development, Nature Positive Award

Won by: ArchTam, FIDIC and WWF

ArchTam, the International Federation of Consulting Engineers (FIDIC) and World Wildlife Fund (WWF) have partnered to publish the Playbook for Nature-Positive Infrastructure Development, an industry-leading guidance on the integration of nature-based solutions into infrastructure development.

The Playbook directly supports the transition towards a nature-positive mindset in the engineering community by showcasing solutions applied across a range of infrastructure sectors and landscapes, including transport, water and wastewater, energy, buildings and public spaces, and coastal infrastructure.

Learn more about the Playbook here.

Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Utilities, Water Company of the Year

Won by: Salt Lake City’s Department of Public Utilities (SLCDPU) and ArchTam

To upgrade aging infrastructure across their system, SLCDPU is in the midst of a major capital investments exceeding $1 billion. As part of these critical upgrades, the department is focused on enhancing sustainability, resilience, and community engagement to ensure a positive, lasting benefit for the community.  

Through federal grants, SLCDPU has been able to disperse the costs to ratepayers, prioritizing the engagement and support of environmental justice communities. ArchTam is proud to support SLCDPU in its ongoing efforts to manage and protect our most precious resource, most notably as Engineer for the New Water Reclamation Facility project. 

Learn more about this important project.

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Meegan Worcester joined ArchTam in 2023 as a graduate sustainability consultant. Prior to joining, she completed her undergraduate degree in Sustainability and Environmental Management at the University of Leeds, and then pursued a master’s degree in Sustainability and Consultancy. Since joining us, Meegan has worked on a range of projects across the practice service areas such as carbon management, sustainable infrastructure and climate resilience. 

What inspired you to join the industry? 

My interest in the environment stems from being born and raised in Saudi Arabia. I remember, as a teenager, being in a private car on a large motorway going to and from school every week just thinking about how this affected the environment and our health. Public transport was not the norm, so seeing the over-reliance of cars and limited public walking spaces, made me more concerned about the environment.  

When I moved to the UK in 2015 and started my A Level Geography course, I became heavily interested in climate resilience and adaptation, because after studying each topic, there would always be a discussion about sustainability and what challenges needed to be addressed in the future. In the classroom, we would explore challenges associated with the physical landscape such as more frequent extreme weather events increasing erosion along the UK east coast. We would also discuss challenges linked to economic and political pressures, such as resource exploitation of global commons, like oceans and forests.  

Prior to joining ArchTam, I studied sustainability for five years at university. I was incredibly interested in the complexity of the field and how the issues we face due to climate change cannot be solved with a one-size-fits-all approach. I wanted to be part of the industry actively and collaboratively solving these challenges and be able to put all the knowledge I had learnt into practice. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?  

One of my favourite projects by far has been assisting a global FTSE 250 company with setting science-based targets for nature (SBTNs). The Science Based Targets Network (SBTN) builds on the momentum of the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). It provides a structure and approach for organisations to assess environmental impacts and set targets to reduce potential negative impacts and amplify potential positive impacts for nature and society.  

The first release of the SBTN target setting method in May 2023 includes integrated guidance for companies to assess and prioritize their material impacts on the environment. This includes freshwater quality and quantity, as well as inter-related land targets to protect and restore terrestrial ecosystems, alongside climate through the Science Based Targets Initiative (SBTi). To ensure our client fully understood the five-step methodology and what would be required to set science-based targets for nature, we conducted a high-level review comprised of the latest information, resources and tools available from SBTN.   

This was my first project where I could listen to what the client thought of our deliverable and how it could be adapted to their wider business plan. During this process, I learnt that many of the sustainability frameworks, standards and methodologies out there can overlap with one another, which can be overly confusing and complicated for the client if they manage many of these at once already. It is important that we communicate this understanding to the client and identify where they have already gathered appropriate information that can be used elsewhere, as this will help prevent duplicating work, and help to build on any gaps they have to meet the new criteria, such as SBTN. Overall, it was interesting to see the interface of sustainability and business up close, which was one of my favourite modules that I studied during my undergraduate degree.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

As part of the work for the client I mentioned above, I have contributed to writing their deforestation policy. This has involved a desk-top review of key policy, legislation, guidance and frameworks. The review encompassed a global remit, including the latest European Union (EU) regulations such as EU Deforestation Regulation (EUDR), EU Corporate Sustainability Due Diligence (CSDDD) and EU Corporate Sustainability Reporting Directive (CSRD), as well as relevant guidance and frameworks such as the Accountability Framework Initiative (AFi), High Conservation Approach (HCA), and High Carbon Stock Approach (HCSA).  

The purpose of this desk-top review was to ensure the client develops a deforestation policy that aligns with current and forthcoming requirements and best practices. This will hopefully have a long-term positive impact on the client’s farmers and suppliers, as well as the local communities who depend on global forests and their ecosystems services. The policy will hopefully encourage farmers to adopt environment-friendly practices, enable suppliers to identify and address risks related to their supply chains to ensure long-term viability, and protect local livelihoods by preserving forests and ecosystems. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

If, like me, you are a recent graduate and you don’t know where to start, say “yes” to everything – even if the task sounds daunting and out of your comfort zone. As a graduate, you aren’t expected to be perfect, but you are expected to show interest in the work your team does and enthusiasm to get involved where you can. Also, be kind to yourself. You won’t know everything, and you will go through a steep learning curve to get where you want to be. Not every opportunity will come to you right away and sometimes you will need to be proactive and identify where you want to improve and how this can be done to align with your interests and career ambitions.  

Another tip is to think about what you want to build over the next however many months or years in this new role. One thing that has helped me visualise where I want to be in five years from now is looking at my team and identifying those with interests that aligns with mine and the types of projects they have worked on. It is only natural to look at others who lead by example – this has helped me recognise where I can develop my skills over the long-term. I also make note of how they conduct themselves on client calls or how they approach project management, and then identify where I can improve. 

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Christopher Williams joined ArchTam in 2023 as a sustainability consultant based in our Bristol office. His work covers a range of climate change and circular economy related aspects for infrastructure projects and clients in various industry sectors. He works on projects including environmental impact assessments, carbon lifecycle assessments and climate change risk assessments. His interest in the interconnectedness between climate change and biodiversity makes him a key part of the carbon team for ArchTam’s Natural Capital Laboratory. 

What inspired you to join the industry? 

I’ve always been passionate about the natural world, and for as long as I can remember, I’ve known that I wanted to work in the environmental sector. I also wanted a career where I could use my analytical skills, so I studied chemical engineering with the aim of getting into the broader environmental engineering field. My final year project at university focused on greenhouse gas calculations. This prepared me for a career in sustainability consulting, which I soon discovered was a fitting path for me to embark on.  

I am interested in the relationship between the natural environment and the built environment, so this role at ArchTam is a great fit for me. Here, I’m able to contribute towards sustainable development in the built environment, sometimes even on nationally significant infrastructure projects. I enjoy being in an industry where my day-to-day work can have a positive influence on the planet and its people. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

One of my favourite ArchTam projects that I’ve worked on so far was a review of circular economy best practices in key industry sectors across the UK. This review was for a public sector client, with the aim of recommending how the client could promote circular economy in these industries. I had the opportunity to speak with stakeholders across industry and academia and hear first-hand their circular economy innovations, including the use of waste from the steel sector as a feedstock in the cement sector. This project was an exciting opportunity to share recommendations for how the client could further enable circular economy in these sectors, for example by regulatory changes. Circular economy is a key piece of the sustainability puzzle and has an important role to play in transitioning to a more sustainable society. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

Working in sustainability in the built environment, I believe my work has a positive impact on the natural environment and the communities that are linked to these projects. One project I worked on was a climate change hazard assessment for a dairy company based in Northern Ireland. This company has members and suppliers across the region. The assessment looked at climate change hazards including changing temperature, changing precipitation, and droughts. The assessment has been one of the first steps in helping the farmers and value chain members understand the specific climate change risks facing their business, for example livestock heat stress. This informs how they can adapt to climate change and protect their business and livelihood, such as adapting livestock housing to be more resilient to changing temperatures. Although climate change is a global phenomenon, its impacts can be seen on the community level. This project was an opportunity to communicate this in a way which was relevant to the stakeholders, empowering them to take positive action. 

Share a piece of career advice. 

My educational background helped equip me with problem solving skills which are key to the work that I do, but it was not a traditional environmental or sustainability degree. I have learned a lot of the technical skills I use in my day-to-day work on the job. Don’t be afraid to jump into opportunities that interest you, even if they are outside your comfort zone. The best way to learn new things is to get involved. 

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Zuliana Mawani has over 20 years of consulting experience in the Canadian water sector. She began her career at ArchTam as a process engineer in the wastewater treatment group, building a solid technical foundation and proficiency over a decade of work. She is mainly focused on municipal wastewater treatment honing her skills in process evaluation, optimization, and plant modeling, as well as process and mechanical design. Recognized for her collaborative management approach and problem-solving skills, she has consistently delivered outstanding solutions to clients on major water projects across the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and Ontario.

In 2023, Zuliana returned to ArchTam to take her current position as vice president and operations manager for the Water business in the GTA. Today, she provides day-to-day business leadership and direction, including staff management, project oversight, and client relations management to achieve quality and safety while meeting client goals. She is passionate about the culture of the Water group and strives to create an atmosphere where people enjoy the work they’re doing while simultaneously growing the business.

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry.

I always knew I wanted to be in a business that would have a lasting community impact. I enjoy the problem-solving aspect of engineering and had an affinity for math and physics, so it was a natural fit for me. I was drawn to the water sector because of its impact on people’s lives. Access to clean drinking water and sanitation can be a differentiator in the success of a community. I like the idea of solving problems and contributing to this fundamental service that we all need.

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

When I was a younger engineer, one of the first projects I worked on was the Clarkson Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion in Canada. It was my first step into municipal engineering and the first project where I was given an opportunity to be heavily involved with the design development process.  I had a chance to put a solid mark on this massive showpiece project, and begin to hone in my wastewater process engineering skills by working alongside our in-house experts. It’s now come full circle as we have recently started working with the plant for their next expansion. I was able to work with the team to win the project and now we are delivering its next phase.

This project has been very symbolic – from first being on the front lines delivering the project, to being part of the team that is now establishing a legacy for Clarkson and for ArchTam.

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

We have recently been working on the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant, a landmark project for the city of Hamilton. The city and the province initiated the project with the goal of improving the condition and general health of Hamilton Harbour’s aquatic ecosystem and transforming the beach into a space that the community can utilize. This project has been going on a very long time with several partners in the industry, and it has been very challenging as it’s the largest plant using disk filter technology and requires some of the highest levels of contaminant removals of any plant in the province.  

ArchTam is a key player in this project, and through years of work and efforts, we have put in higher treatment levels which will produce cleaner water than normally required for a sewage treatment plant. This level of water treatment has never been seen before at this scale in the province and probably across the country. We’re seeing positive tangible impact on the health of the Hamilton Harbour, making the water cleaner for swimming and aquatic habitat.

The project has also been made into a place of learning, as we have incorporated a trail system behind the facility. The trails and walkways feature many interactive components and learning stations where the community can come and understand what each facility contributes to the water and wastewater plant and how it’s used and managed within the city. This project will be completed soon and will have a lasting impact on the city and people of Hamilton.

Share a piece of career advice.

I have always been ambitious, accepting several opportunities that came my way. I have heard people say, “No, you’re not ready for this,” “This is not your time,” “You’re not good enough for this,” and “This is not your thing.”  – and sometimes, they were right! – But that wasn’t a reason to stop. I went back to regroup and think about what I needed to do.  And then, I moved forward.

My advice is to keep going. Don’t let someone else determine where things stop for you.

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Lucy Latham joined ArchTam in 2023 as a qualified sustainability professional with nearly 15 years’ experience leading international sustainability programs and delivering environmental consultancy services. Lucy delivers ESG projects for our private sector clients, as well as a variety of projects focused on urban development and sustainability, including with the World Bank and European Bank for Reconstruction and Development.  

What inspired you to join the industry? 

My love for nature sparked my early interest in studying environmental science, which I was lucky to have the opportunity to study at school. This interest further developed while I was pursuing my degree in the field, as I learned more about how interrelated environmental and social issues are — as well as the challenges and opportunities around connecting human development with the protection of our natural environment. 

My first role was in a small consultancy in Newcastle, supporting an electric vehicle accelerator project and, following this, I was offered a post to support Newcastle University understand its scope 3 transport emissions. This role broadened my experience by covering a wider variety of environmental projects and was my first opportunity to develop skills in operational environmental sustainability. When applying to ArchTam, I was attracted to the consultancy environment as I knew it would give me exposure to lots of different and new areas and give me the opportunity to build my technical knowledge. 

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?  

I am currently working with an industrial client to identify and procure a new Environment, Health & Safety (EHS) digital solution to support them in managing and reporting their EHS performance across numerous international sites. To select this solution, we developed technical and business needs specifications, following a series of stakeholder consultation workshops and assessed, shortlisted and interviewed several vendors in partnership with the client.  

The project has involved lots of stakeholder dialogue, which I really enjoy, to ensure that the selected software solution is fit for purpose and meets the needs of the business and users on the ground. We also dove deep into the software platforms, met the vendors and heard them pitch their products and technical capabilities. The client required a solution that was accessible and intuitive for its floor workers, including providing mobile phone access, but had the necessary analytical functionality for its EHS managers to conduct their reporting and improve performance. The client hosted in-person workshops in two of its main geographic hubs with the final-stage vendors to trial the software and evaluate the user experience; engaging with colleagues across different business units, job levels and geographies helped demonstrate the software’s global application. Getting under the surface of these different software solutions and having a critical eye to draw out any gaps between their offer and the client’s requirements has been an interesting challenge and learning opportunity.  

Digital EHS was a new area for me as well as my first opportunity to manage an ArchTam project. It has been a very rewarding learning experience and a great opportunity to collaborate with colleagues across ArchTam’s global business. Working across multiple time zones and ensuring everyone is abreast of activities and developments has been particularly challenging – attention to detail when organizing meetings is a must! 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community. 

Very soon after joining ArchTam, I got the opportunity to support colleagues who were developing a suite of materials — including training slides, practical tools, and a guidance report — for C40 Cities (a global network of nearly 100 mayors of the world’s leading cities that are united in action to address the climate crisis) to help the network better understand the importance of equity and inclusion in infrastructure and embed actions within their sustainable infrastructure projects. The vision for the project was to equip planners and city officials with the tools to address these issues head on, enabling sustainable development whilst improving access and quality of life outcomes for all. 

Working with the C40 Cities Finance Facility (a project set up to facilitate access to finance for climate mitigation and resilience projects in cities), our project team developed a guidance document which examined the various entry points for embedding equity and inclusion across the project preparation cycle. We also developed interactive trainings on equity and inclusion considerations across four key sustainable infrastructure sectors: nature-based solutions, net zero buildings, solid waste management and mass transit.  

I was excited to engage with something I care deeply about that could potentially drive meaningful positive change in cities and communities globally.  

It was also a great first lesson in ArchTam’s Sustainable Legacies strategy and our commitments towards embedding sustainable development and resilience and improving social outcomes. We hope these brilliant resources will support other projects across ArchTam and identify more opportunities for integrating equity and inclusion into our service offering.

Share a piece of career advice. 

Be open to trying different things – you never know which project, person or conversation is going to lead to an interesting new opportunity. 

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In the Intuit Dome blog series, we are taking a deep dive into each element of Intuit Dome with the leaders who made this project a reality. Throughout these pieces, we discuss features like community engagement, sustainability and visionary design/innovation to learn more about what makes Intuit Dome a game-changer in sports and entertainment.

A game-changer in sustainable arena design and community impact, Intuit Dome topples all categories in innovative sports architecture. Design features like a unique gridshell enclosure, a 38,375-square-foot halo-shaped LED board, five full-size courts, a commitment to carbon neutrality and much more make Intuit Dome an iconic sports and entertainment venue.

Although an extraordinary level of innovation and attention to detail has informed the design of the internal aspects of the Intuit Dome program, its connection to the surrounding neighborhood was also critical, both socially and sustainably. The LA Clippers worked with the City of Inglewood on a far-reaching benefits package— funding for schools, housing, infrastructure and jobs have all been part of the commitment to develop an arena with positive community impact. Intuit Dome naming rights partner Intuit is committed to making the arena a hub for programs that power economic prosperity and benefit the community.

As a native Angeleno born and raised in Inglewood, I understand the need for empowerment and investment for the long-term development of this community. ArchTam was given the opportunity to not only develop and design Intuit Dome, but the responsibility of ensuring that this project brought about positive social impact and economic inclusion. As Intuit Dome’s VP for Diversity, Equity and Inclusion (DEI), my job was to lead the charge for community engagement to effect that ambitious goal.

The positive impact is already in motion. Local Inglewood businesses are getting their first opportunity to take part in a massive global project in their own backyard. Workforce development programs have given second chances to union workers with good pay and benefits. With these commitments also comes looking toward the future of infrastructure in Inglewood. Our team firmly believes in “leaving it better than how we found it.” We are interested in not just building the future of physical infrastructure but human infrastructure as well. For this project, that entails a dedication to the youth and prioritization of sustainable legacies.

You can design and build one of the most notable arenas in the world and create a vast impact and ensure there is a legacy to leave behind at the very same time.

For Intuit Dome, we have focused on four key pillars as they relate to community engagement and ArchTam’s commitment to the client and arena. The first is business inclusion, honing in on requirements, goals, and efforts so that minority and local businesses participate in the project’s success through subcontracting. The next pillar is workforce development, which involves setting goals to ensure that ArchTam prioritizes local community members in relation to the building trades. The third pillar is community and stakeholder engagement. For this pillar, I manage the relationships outside of the project, ranging from the mayor to city council to community organizations, nearby residents, and local businesses. Creating a foundation with these elements helps ArchTam to lean into the community and support local organizations and local community members and set up a good neighbor program.

The last pillar is youth education. We are deeply committed to including the local youth in the region— who are a large part of the overall success of the project. The team has programming ranging from student tours to youth career fairs. As part of the youth education pillar, ArchTam has built a strong partnership with the ACE (Architecture, Construction, Engineering) Mentor Program, which provides exposure to science, technology, engineering, and math (STEM) understanding, engagement and opportunities for students at a local high school, City Honors High School, as part of Inglewood Unified School District. The impact that ArchTam has on the community is one of the most impressive parts of the arena and this program showcases that. ArchTam also brought the first-ever pre-apprenticeship program to Inglewood Unified School District, ensuring that with the legacy left behind, there will be a more sufficient pipeline from high school to post-high school into the building trades.

The overall vital commitment to the community is also tangibly illustrated through Inglewood’s drop in unemployment rates. Prior to the construction of Intuit Dome and SoFi Stadium just to the north, the unemployment rate in Inglewood was around 17 percent. Now, as job creation in the area has increased, the unemployment rate has declined to around 4 percent.

We have the talent in our own backyards. Our investment in them is how we ensure that we tap into those resources and talents and bring them into the company to help move communities forward, in Los Angeles and beyond.

Learn more about Intuit Dome and how we are delivering a better world in Los Angeles and beyond. Get inside Intuit Dome.

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Kunal Olimattel is a resident engineer focused on water and wastewater treatment, with an emphasis on the removal of Per- and Polyfluorinated Substances (PFAS). She joined ArchTam in 2021, after completing her doctoral degree program in Environmental Engineering from the University of Central Florida. She recently completed work on the Toho Parkway Water Reclamation Facility Water Quality Evaluation and will soon be starting work on a PFAS treatment study for Seminole County in Florida.  

Tell us about what inspired you to join the industry. 

As a child, I was told my grandfather — a civil engineer — built the apartment building we lived in. I now know he was part of the team that helped build it, because it takes a team to do something like that. But I remember going out and seeing the buildings my grandfather and his team built, thinking about the people who benefited from their work. That started me on the path to being a civil engineer.  

After I completed my bachelor’s degree and started my first job, I quickly realized the importance of reliable water infrastructure for communities. Fresh out of engineering school, I was tasked with stage testing a river and studying infiltration rate for a subsurface cooling water intake project for a large power plant in Chhattisgarh, India. The intake system comprised of a network of large diameter perforated pipes under the riverbed and extended across the riverbanks. The water seeped into the pipes and was conveyed to an intake well where it was pumped into the plant.  

During the study, I met local farmers from the protected Korwa tribe. I was inspired by their ingenious way of manually digging shallow wells using a pulley system made of bamboo. The farmers shared how they come to the riverbanks every year to grow produce which would be harvested before the arrival of the monsoon floods. These manually dug, shallow wells tapped into the equally shallow water table which was used to water the plants. Between the submersion of the area from a future dam, and the impacts of the power plant, the farmers had a lot of questions about how they would sustain themselves during those months.  

This experience was an impactful one. It shaped my understanding of water’s value as a resource and how people’s livelihoods depend on it.  

What is your favorite ArchTam project that you’ve worked on and why?

I’m always learning. And that means there’s a favorite part of every project I work on. An example is one of my current projects, which involves helping communities in Florida affected by hurricanes. My team and I are tasked with reviewing engineering applications for flood protection projects and putting together a cost-benefit analysis by comparing the storm damages before and after the mitigation project.  

It’s really interesting work. Not only have I learned about different ways of estimating storm damages and how flood mitigation projects are designed, but I also got to understand the workings of public grants from the side of the funding agency. The success of this project will grant funding to municipal groups, providing the resources they need to prepare and reduce the effects of future flooding events. 

Tell us a story of how your work positively impacted the community.

We are currently working with the Toho Water Authority in Central Florida. They’re servicing the Kissimmee, St. Cloud and Poinciana areas, which have seen steep population growth in the past decade. That growth has resulted in new service areas being added and booming customer numbers in existing service areas. ArchTam was tasked with evaluating nine water plants to improve the quality of their tap water and meet the growing water needs. 

During this evaluation, I conducted bench and pilot scale studies to evaluate two treatment options – effectiveness of force draft aeration and pH adjustments followed by chlorine oxidation for sulfide treatment for some of the plants. Results from pilot testing, like the optimal pH and CO2 doses, formed the basis of design for the full-scale treatment. So far, one project is under construction and another will begin construction shortly, while the remaining are in the design phase. 

I come from a background of research and experimentation, and I spend a portion of my time doing field experiments and practical research to study the effects of a proposed treatment. We begin by testing at bench scale in stepwise increments to optimize process parameters like chemical doses, contact times and feed quality. These parameters are further optimized by longer and more rigorous pilot scale studies. Based on this research, you get the design of the final system, which then gets put into place. And for me, as an engineer, there is nothing more gratifying than seeing projects come to fruition — as something that I tested on a bench goes out in the plant, which then serves thousands of people.

Share a piece of career advice. 

Do work that interests you and surround yourself with good people. As someone who is curious by nature, I want to know what’s going on with the water during treatment. At ArchTam, I get to find the answers to these questions regularly. I also have the privilege to work with, interact and learn from industry experts who have done pioneering work in their field.  I researched PFAS treatment during my doctoral studies and recently the EPA announced new PFAS regulations for drinking water. I see this as the ideal opportunity to leverage my doctoral research experience to help develop solutions that will ultimately benefit people and the industry.  

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