In this episode, I talk with Dena Prastos, AIA, founder and CEO of Indigo River, about her journey in the AEC field and her specialization in waterfront architecture. She discusses the challenges she faced as a woman in a male-dominated industry and the impact of growing up in Alaska on her career choices. Dena also talks about the opportunities and challenges in the Middle East and the future of waterfront architecture in the face of climate change.
***The video version of this episode can be viewed here.***
Engineering Quotes:
Here Are Some of the Questions I Ask Dena:
- How did growing up in Alaska shape your decisions regarding waterfront development, given its environmental influence?
- What challenges have you faced as a woman in founding and growing your business, and what advice would you offer to other women aiming to advance in their careers?
- Can you discuss the opportunities you’ve encountered in waterfront projects in the Middle East, and how you became involved in them?
- Can you enhance your communication skills by working in challenging or unfamiliar environments, such as different locations and atmospheres?
- What advice do you have for architects and engineers looking to start or grow their businesses, based on your experience as a founder?
- What upcoming trends or technologies should individuals interested in waterfront architecture consider for the industry’s future?
- What communication tips have proven effective for managing waterfront projects involving multiple parties like agencies, clients, and consultants?
- How does diversity within your team contribute to the success and innovation of dynamic waterfront projects?
- How does encountering individuals with diverse backgrounds and perspectives enhance excitement, interest, and open-mindedness for all involved?
Here Are Some Key Points Discussed in This Episode About How Emerging Tech Is Revolutionizing Waterfront Architecture:
- Growing up in Alaska, especially in Dena’s environment, shaped her approach to waterfront development. Experiencing the rugged landscape firsthand taught her to prioritize sustainability and resilience while integrating advanced engineering and indigenous knowledge.
- In navigating business as a woman, you will inevitably encounter biases and limited opportunities. To overcome these challenges and thrive, it’s crucial to maintain confidence, actively seek out mentors for guidance, and assert yourself in various professional settings. Do not hesitate to challenge existing norms, stay true to your authentic self, and embrace diverse perspectives as valuable assets on your path to success.
- Exploring Middle East waterfront projects provides valuable insights into engineering and culture. It starts with a desire to work abroad, leading to overseas assignments. Being involved with the Army Corps of Engineers offers regulatory insights beneficial for stateside waterfront projects, highlighting the value of diverse growth opportunities.
- Working in diverse environments enhances communication skills. In architecture, clarity is vital, and such experiences emphasize the importance of being concise. Dealing with cultural differences encourages empathy and adaptability in communication. Using tools like sketches or body language becomes crucial for effective communication. Exposure to different environments sharpens communication skills for conveying ideas effectively.
- For architects and engineers looking to start or grow their businesses, valuing relationships is crucial. Cultivating meaningful partnerships and mentorships provides valuable support and opportunities. Prioritize nurturing existing connections, ensuring alignment with the company’s mission and values. Investing in team members is essential, as they shape the company’s identity and success. Stay agile and adaptable to navigate business challenges effectively, relying on solid connections for support and guidance.
- Keep an eye on emerging trends and technologies in waterfront architecture. With climate change driving the need for resilient design, focus on sustainable materials and construction techniques. Advancements in coastal engineering and digital tools like BIM and GIS are crucial. Smart technologies for monitoring and managing waterfront infrastructure are becoming increasingly important. Stay informed and adaptable for success in this dynamic field.
- Clear communication is key for managing waterfront projects with multiple parties like agencies, clients, and consultants. Tailor messages to each group’s needs for efficient decision-making. Draw from diverse experiences to address different concerns effectively. Regular updates and transparent channels maintain alignment. Active listening and empathy help resolve conflicts, ensuring successful project outcomes.
- Team diversity drives success and innovation in waterfront projects. By partnering with minority and veteran-owned businesses and ensuring representation from diverse backgrounds, creativity flourishes, leading to comprehensive outcomes. Open communication and community engagement amplify diverse voices, enriching the project development process. This commitment to diversity promotes holistic approaches that drive success and innovation.
- Meeting people from diverse backgrounds and perspectives sparks excitement, interest, and open-mindedness for all involved. Including varied voices in the design process helps architects better understand community needs, leading to more engaging and inclusive designs. Exposure to different perspectives encourages creativity and collaboration, enriching waterfront projects.
More Details in This Episode…
About Dena Prastos, AIA
As founder and CEO of Indigo River, Dena Prastos, AIA, is the first “waterfront architect,” trailblazing a new category in the industry. Indigo River is a women-owned, transdisciplinary design firm focused on progressive waterfront architecture, resiliency, and climate adaptation. A leading authority in New York Harbor and beyond, the firm specializes in climate adaptation through waterfront solutions that seamlessly transcend boundaries, guiding and executing projects from ideation through final construction and operations.
Waterfront architect, civil engineer, futurist, climate adaptation expert, entrepreneur, and creative original, Dena is driven to transform the built world at the water’s edge. With transdisciplinary and progressive views, she is fueled by the overlapping of design, technology, and nature.
Dena is a licensed architect with a graduate degree in civil engineering. Born and raised in Anchorage, Alaska, she deeply appreciates nature and humankind’s ability to design, build, and create infrastructure in some of the world’s harshest conditions. Dena is an experienced leader of innovative projects around the world, directing infrastructure construction, marine engineering, and the design of waterfront architecture. This experience has given her the tools to navigate the firm’s diverse client work with her unique vision and competency in construction, engineering, and waterfront architecture.
As a one-stop shop for solutions at the water’s edge, Indigo River works on notable projects around New York Harbor, including East Side Coastal Resiliency in Manhattan, Robert De Niro’s Wildflower Studios in Astoria, River Ring in Williamsburg, and the Harlem River Greenway in East Harlem.
Books Mentioned in This Episode:
Sources/References:
Indigo River
Circle Line Ferry
Army Corps of Engineers
New York City Waterfront Code
Connect with Dena Prastos, AIA, on LinkedIn
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