Katie Symonds, AIA, LEED BD+C, WELL AP, Fitwel Amb

Even though her parents were geologists, and earth sciences came easily, Katie knew that she didn’t want to study rocks. When her mom, a professor at the State University of New York in Plattsburgh, took her to campus, Katie immersed herself in art books. Inspired by artistic expression, and forever reorganizing her bedroom, Katie realized that architecture was her calling.

In high school, Katie took a class in 3D modeling that sealed the deal. She also became an avid runner and nurtured a passion for the natural world that she shared with her mom. Success on the track, and a desire to combine design creativity with technical rigor, led Katie to Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute. While there she ran like the wind, earning All American status for a sixth place finish at the Division III Indoor Track Nationals, and ran the mile in 5:10, and the 5k in 17:42. Katie slowed down just enough to graduate with Bachelor of Architecture and Bachelor of Science degrees.

Katie cut her architectural teeth on high profile international projects at EYP, where she served on design teams for U.S. embassies in Panama City, Juarez, Rome, and Prague. She particularly enjoyed working in Rome with its vibrant mix of history and modernity. She grew impassioned about the tension between the built and natural environment, realizing that, like the ancient Roman ruins, beauty endures and is, thus, inherently sustainable.

Katie has an abiding desire to conserve natural resources and to improve the health and well-being of building occupants. Perhaps no surprise given her upbringing, she focuses on the science of sustainability. At EYP, Katie was also a group leader of their sustainability practice group and a LEED consultant

Katie’s resolve to educate clients and elevate her peers’ commitment to sustainability has only increased. She has presented at national and regional conferences, co-authored articles, and served on the Board of Directors of the Connecticut Chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council as Chair of Outreach and Engagement. Katie advances health-based project standards as a WELL and Fitwel accredited professional, and teaches sustainable design at the University of Hartford.

At Centerbrook, Katie’s projects have included Ohio’s Temple-Tifereth Israel and University School, a STEAM Center for Virginia’s Madeira School, the School of Nursing and Health Sciences at Quinnipiac University, and a reimagined corporate office building in Cincinnati.