KG+D Architects, PC

My greatest struggle and my greatest triumph may be two sides of the same coin. In my experience, there are so many working moms who feel guilt (over everything!), who feel like they’re failing at work or at parenting at one time or another, and who suffer from terrible imposter syndrome. (This last one may just be women in general.) I certainly have checked all those boxes. What I have learned over the years is just to roll with it. Things are going to fall through the crack...s occasionally. I’m never going to be 100% on as a mom and as a professional woman all the time. There have been times when I have gone into situations as an expert when the whole time I question my abilities. What do I do then? I just keep going and trust myself that I will figure it out; that I will find balance; that yes, I really do have information that I can share that may be beneficial. Things fall into place and, when they do, I can learn to be proud of those moments and to cut myself some slack when they don’t. Sarah Weissman Dirsa, AIA LEED AP SEED NOMA Principal #womenshistorymonth #women #female #history #womenshistory #womeninbiz #womeninbusiness #womenofwestchester #womenpoweringwomen #womeninarchitecture #womenempowerment #inspiration #goals #architecture #architect #designer #design #newyork #lohud #hudsonvalley #mtkisco #westchester #kgdarch

I am of a generation that has reaped the benefits of the women who came before me. Thankfully, there was no barrier to me studying architecture, working at a firm, or taking my licensing exams. For me it’s not about breaking down obvious barriers so much as embodying the role of architect to the point where I am not he or she, I am simply the architect. I had an experience with a foreman on a jobsite. We had been working together all summer and had developed a good rapport.... His first language is Polish and we were discussing a detail. A quickfire back forth ensued. He’s a very respectful man and would answer with yes or no. As we got to one of the last questions he responded, yes, sir without thinking. He immediately apologized, realizing his blunder. But I was happy because in that moment I knew the discussion was between an architect and a foreman and that his gut instinct was to address me as the he would any architect. -Terasa May, AIA - Associate #womenshistorymonth #women #female #history #womenshistory #womeninbiz #womeninbusiness #womenofwestchester #womenpoweringwomen #womeninarchitecture #womenempowerment #inspiration #goals #architecture #design #architecf #designer #newyork #lohud #hudsonvalley #mtkisco #westchester #kgdarch

It may be a cliché but it rings with truth find the joy in what you do. Like a quote I once read, People with joyful hearts are enthusiastic, inspired, creative, innovative, responsible and excited in short, they are the type of people you want working with you and for you. Like any job there will be difficult days, but if you truly enjoy what you do it will always be worth it and it will bring you success. Lauren Irons Architectural Designer #womenshistorymonth #women #female #history #womenshistory #womeninbiz #womeninbusiness #womenofwestchester #womenpoweringwomen #womeninarchitecture #womenempowerment #inspiration #goals #architecture #architect #designer #design #newyork #lohud #hudsonvalley #mtkisco #westchester #kgdarch

Congratulations to the Putnam Valley Central School District on the opening of their new Health and Wellness Center at Putnam Valley High School. KG+D is proud to be a part of the team that actualized the 14,000sf flexible learning space that includes (6) collaborative work stations and an indoor turf field. The facility will be used be used by the athletic and academic departments support the District’s goal of providing programs that balance all aspect of learning. #putnamvalley #putnamvalleyhighschool #wellness #health #athleticfacility #turffield #indoorfield #indoorturf #architecture #architect #design #designer #highschool #ribboncutting #kgdarch

In honor of #womenshistorymonth KG+D is showcasing the talented women that are a integral part of our team. We asked them questions about a woman’s unique perspective in their field, about the challenges or successes they’ve encountered, about the advice they’d offer the next generation of women and about the women who have supported and inspired them along the way. Stay tuned for their insights throughout the month!... Pictured here is @Yale Carol Roberts Field House the first of its kind on campus: A facility for women, named for a woman, led in funding by a woman. #womenshistorymonth #kgdarch

I’m breaking barriers as the only female minority and the youngest in the firm. In architecture school I was one of 3 Latinos in our graduating class of about 60 students. I had wondered why there were so few Latinos in the field of architecture. I saw more Latinos in different engineering fields, but not many in architecture. Culturally and historically, many Latino women have had the roles of nurturers and caregivers, something I also can relate to. In my own family, the w...omen were/are teachers, nurses, and social workers and essential workers. Latinos also face the obstacle of having the money and privilege to receive the education and the self-discipline to meet the needs of such a demanding field. For example, on one side of my family I was the first and only grandchild of 8 to graduate from college and on the other side of my family I was the 3rdgrandchild of 16. The ability to go to or even finish college is a large obstacle in itself. For many it can be discouraging to try to make it in a field where you don’t see many like yourself, but if you are willing to put in the work and sacrifice, and if you can find the right support, it can be possible. I was curious and bold enough to take a step outside of the expected norm and be different. I had many strong Latina role models in my family that inspired my drive and motivation to break such a barrier in my own family and to continue to do so in my field. Marissa Alicea Architectural Designer #womenshistorymonth #women #female #history #womenshistory #womeninbiz #womeninbusiness #womenofwestchester #womenpoweringwomen #womeninarchitecture #womenempowerment #inspiration #goals #architecture #design #architect #designer #newyork #lohud #hudsonvalley #mtkisco #westchester #kgdarch

Congratulations to Greenwich Public Schools for breaking ground yesterday on the new bleacher system for Cardinal Stadium. Board of Education member Joe Kelly described the existing bleachers as an 'old friend' and spoke with excitement about a 'new friend' on the horizon. KG+D is proud to be a part of bringing the Greenwich community a ‘new friend’ for many years to come.

Why Opening Windows is a Key to Reopening Schools: This New York Times article highlights the importance of ventilation in classrooms, even if its as simple as an open window! https://conta.cc/302AeR1

I think as young girls we can absorb the idea that we need to make ourselves smaller and quieter to be liked, valued, or respected. My 3-year-old daughter is my biggest reminder to challenge that default mode. She is loud, fiery, her opinion will be heard, and she suffers no fools. I think the biggest advantage we can give the next generation of women is to shield them from the notion that they ever need to ‘right size’ themselves to the world.... Ashley Higgins Marketing Coordinator #womenshistorymonth #women #female #history #womenshistory #womeninbiz #womeninbusiness #womenofwestchester #womenpoweringwomen #womeninarchitecture #womenempowerment #inspiration #goals #architecture #design #newyork #lohud #hudsonvalley #mtkisco #westchester #kgdarch

Happy Engineers Week! During a week that celebrates the contributions that engineers make to the world, pictured here is the @JacobBurnsFilmCenter Media Arts Lab's geothermal pumps completed in collaboration with one of our engineering partners OLA Consulting Engineers. #engineersweek #LEEDGold #LEED #Sustainable #Geothermal #westchester #pleasantville #kgdarch

New Year, New View! Congratulations to the @OssiningChildrensCenter on your new home. The KG+D team is proud to have been a part of realizing your vision for a new facility. We hope that 32 State Street will house your excellent programming for the next 125 years! #architecture #design #schooldesign #ossining #westchester

KG+D is proud to announce the elevation of Sarah Weissman Dirsa, AIA LEED AP, BD+C, SEED, Brian Mangan, AIA and Travis Schnell, AIA to Principals of the firm. Join us in congratulating Sarah, Brian and Travis!

This year has challenged us all to reimagine the spaces in which we live, learn, work and play. Thank you for your partnership as we have faced these obstacles together. We look forward to continuing to collaborate with you in 2021 and wish you a happy and safe holiday season. Happy Holidays!

http://ow.ly/fj3j50BuK2V Tour the construction of the NEW Ossining Children's Center and learn more about the facility opening this fall! #kgdarch #architecture #design #education #ossining #westchester

Amid challenging times, construction begins on Putnam Valley High School's new Wellness Center. The facility was designed to support and enable active learning opportunities as well as meet the needs of student-athletes and community programs. #architect #construction #educationalfacility