AIA|LA ARCHITECTS IN ACTION:

Questions for Amy Chang, AIA, LEED AP – Principal, Architecture/ U.S. Buildings West (Federal), Stantec

Design Philosophy and Civic Engagement:

1. How does your experience in the architectural engineering field inform your design philosophy and approach to community projects?

The spaces where people spend most of their time are not iconic or eye-catching buildings. Whether or not they are their homes, offices, schools, etc. they want a functional and ‘comfortable’ space. This cannot be achieved only by the architects but by a team of engineers to make it happen. Design is teamwork, which includes user participation. It is crucial that the users be ‘heard’ – this is most important for community projects. We cannot meet everyone’s needs, but we are working together to reach a consensus that results in a facility that we can be proud of and enjoy within and/or around it.

2. Can you share a specific example of how you’ve integrated sustainability and energy conservation into a project, and what were the outcomes?

Whether or not a project is officially pursuing certification and/or energy rebates/incentives, selecting sustainable and resilient building materials and systems will result in long-term benefits and savings that most owners, especially pubic sector clients, are looking for. What they care about most is the ongoing maintenance costs of their facilities. If the building systems reduce energy consumption, their electrical bills will be low starting day one of the occupancy.

3. What motivated you to join the board of the Asian American Architects and Engineers (AAa/e) Association and their foundation? How has this involvement shaped your perspective on community engagement and professional development?

We need to invest in our own future. Nothing is more important than supporting young professionals and supporting the next generation of leaders. AAa/e provided me a platform to network, mentor, be mentored, and fundraise scholarships. The organization encompasses AEC professionals, not just a single trade.

Vision for Los Angeles:

4. Given your experience with rail and transit projects, how do you envision the role of transportation infrastructure in shaping the future of Los Angeles?

Los Angeles is the second-most populous city in the United States only behind New York City. And Los Angeles County is the most populous county in the United States. People will want to take public transportation if it is clean and safe. If we cannot make public transit clean and safe, it does not matter how well the transit network is planned and implemented. People will not want to take them.

Amy Chang, AIA, LEED AP – Principal, Architecture/ U.S. Buildings West (Federal), Stantec

Amy is a licensed architect with three decades of architectural engineering experience. She uses her strategic expertise to streamline execution and delivery as she manages projects and works to develop a new market sector for US Federal facilities. She has also ushered multiple rail and transit projects into her Southern California neighborhood including LA Metro’s Willowbrook and Rosa Parks Station and East San Fernando Valley Light Rail Maintenance Facility.

Approaching projects holistically, Amy keeps the community, user satisfaction, and client success at the top of mind. She specializes in design management and sees her role as a project manager as a mediator between clients, constituents, consultants, and her own team. She also strives to integrate sustainability and energy conservation into projects, monitoring LEED elements for certifications and energy management savings to apply for state and federal incentives.

When she isn’t managing projects, Amy serves as a board member for the Asian American Architects and Engineers (AAa/e) Association and its foundation. Through this, she regularly engages in community outreach initiatives and professional development programs to support the young professionals in the AEC industry.