Oct 17, 2025 WHEN
The New School, 63 5th Ave,
New York, NY 10003
WHERE
Working Together
for a Better Built Environment
Join us for the first METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab + Conference, the premier gathering of decision makers shaping the future of the built environment.
This year’s theme, SYNERGY, brings together designers, clients, and decision-makers to harness collective power and drive sustainable change. Throughout the day, leaders in workplace, healthcare, and education will share how they navigate design, economic, and business challenges—and the opportunities that emerge—to deliver groundbreaking sustainable projects.
You’ll also take part in interactive workshops designed for peer-to-peer exchange, explore a curated showcase of innovative products at our first-ever NYC Sustainability Lab, and experience an insider-led Crawl with METROPOLIS’s Editor in Chief.
The METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab + Conference is presented in partnership with the School of Constructed Environments, Parsons School of Design.
GET TICKETS
AGENDA
9:30 AM
Avinash Rajagopal editor in chief, METROPOLIS
KEYNOTE
Jared Della Valle
CEO, Alloy Development
Jared Della Valle is Chair of the Downtown Brooklyn partnership, sits on the Board of the the Architecture League of New York, and is a member of the U.S. Green Building Council. He has previously taught at Columbia University, Syracuse University, Washington University, Parsons School of Constructed Environments, and Lehigh University. Jared has widely lectured at major universities and institutions and his work has been the subject of more than 200 articles and publications including a monograph entitled “Think/Make” published by Princeton Architecture Press.
WORKSHOP
Building Better Places to Work
How can commercial real estate and corporate buildings contribute to healthier communities, resilient places, and regenerating ecosystems? Join a group of leaders in sustainable buildings, consulting, and real estate to uncover opportunities for advancing a better built environment through business decisionmaking.
CRAWL
Sustainability Lab
Led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal, this small-group tour offers a curated walkthrough of the Sustainability Lab, showcasing top sustainable products currently on the market. If you’d like to participate, please email Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com. Spots are limited, and all crawl attendees will receive a special gift from METROPOLIS.
LUNCH + PANEL
Make an Impact with FF&E
Furniture and finishes today offer incredible opportunities in supporting human wellbeing and minimizing embodied carbon emissions. Join a discussion with three manufacturers at the forefront of circularity, materials, and new material technologies to understand how interior design choices can make a huge positive impact in the world.
WORKSHOP
Lessons from Sustainable Educational Facilities
Campuses and schools can be the vanguard for a better built environment, both as proving grounds for new strategies and as incubators for the next generation of responsible citizens. Join decision makers in higher education and schools to share insights gleaned from creating some of the most sustainable educational facilities in North America today.
CRAWL
Sustainability Lab
Led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal, this small-group tour offers a curated walkthrough of the Sustainability Lab, showcasing top sustainable products currently on the market. If you’d like to participate, please email Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com. Spots are limited, and all crawl attendees will receive a special gift from METROPOLIS.
WORKSHOP
Designing for Health,Designing with Care
Healthcare providers are expanding their responsibility for care to examining the impact of their facilities and properties on their patients, staff, and communities. Join visionary leaders in healthcare to discuss how we can broaden the horizons of health and wellness through the design of health facilities.
NETWORKING RECEPTION
Summary by Avinash Rajagopal, Editor in Chief, METROPOLIS
Presentations by Product Sustainability Leaders
PREMIER SPONSORS
LAB SPONSORS
FAQ
What is the format of the conference?
Where at The New School will the conference be hosted?
Is the conference really free to attend?
Who is eligible to attend?
Do I need to register for specific sessions?
Will there be networking opportunities?
Will food and beverages be provided?
Do I need to register for specific sessions?
AGENDA
FAQ
Will I receive a confirmation or ticket after registering?
REGISTER FOR FREE NOW!
Jared Della Valle has been a real estate professional and architect for more than 25 years and has managed the acquisition and predevelopment of more than 2 million sf in New York City along the Highline, in Hudson Yards, in DUMBO, and in Downtown Brooklyn. Last year, Alloy Development completed both the first all-electric skyscraper in New York City and the first Passive House certified public schools in the city.
9:45 AM
10:30 AM -
11:30 AM
11:30 AM -
12:30 PM
12:30 PM -
1:15 PM
1:30 PM -
2:30 PM
2:30 PM -
3:30 PM
3:30 PM -
4:30 PM
4:30 PM
WELCOME
Friday, Oct 17, 2025
Kenneth D. Potts, AIA Senior Project Manager, Department of Facilities Project Services at Mayo Clinic
Absolutely! Be among the first 100 guests to check in and score a Strand Books gift card, your ticket to treasures from NYC’s legendary bookstore. Plus, enjoy extra goodies, including GOB Earplugs, the world’s first plant-based, plastic-free earplugs, crafted from fully compostable, lab-grown mycelium, and more!
The conference includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and a curated exhibition experience inside the METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab. As panelists are confirmed, we will be announcing them—so check back soon to see the exciting lineup. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussions throughout the day—this is a forum for meaningful exchange and collaboration.
The conference will take place at The New School’s Starr Foundation Hall and Event Café, located inside the University Center at 63 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Exact check-in instructions will be provided via email prior to the event.
Yes, complimentary refreshments and lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. After the final panel of the day, we’ll also host a cocktail hour—an ideal time to unwind, network, and continue the conversation.
Yes! The day is designed to foster connection, with dedicated networking breaks, a lunch reception, and time to explore the Sustainability Lab and engage with peers and industry leaders.
Yes, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all event details, including check-in instructions. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder, just in case). More logistical information, including the full agenda, will be sent closer to the event date.
No, all workshops are open seating and available on a first-come, first-served basis. We expect guests to move fluidly throughout the day—between sessions, workshops, and the Sustainability Lab showcase—so we encourage you to arrive early to secure your seat for the sessions you’re most excited about. The Sustainability Lab will remain open all day for exploration.
This event is designed for professionals working in architecture, interior design, real estate, construction, facilities, and related fields. We also welcome sustainability and wellness officers, students, and educators focused on the built environment. Please note: Only partnering product manufacturers are able to attend at this time.
Yes! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, METROPOLIS’s Sustainability Conference + Lab is free for qualified professionals in the architecture, design, and real estate industries.
Who do I reach out to if I have questions?
A single registration gives you access to the entire conference. All sessions are open seating and first-come, first-served—so we recommend arriving early for the sessions you’re most excited about. However, the Sustainability Lab Crawls—led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal—require separate registration. These small-group tours offer a curated walkthrough of the Sustainability Lab, showcasing top sustainable products currently on the market. If you’d like to participate, please email Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com. Spots are limited, and all crawl attendees will receive a special gift from METROPOLIS.
WELCOME
9:30 AM
Avinash Rajagopal editor in chief, METROPOLIS
WELCOME
9:30 AM
WORKSHOP
Building Better Places to Work
10:30 AM - 11:30 AM
CRAWL
Sustainability Lab
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
LUNCH + PANEL
Make an Impact with FF&E
12:30 PM - 1:15 PM
Led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal, this small-group tour offers a curated walkthrough of the Sustainability Lab, showcasing top sustainable products currently on the market. If you’d like to participate, please email Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com. Spots are limited, and all crawl attendees will receive a special gift from METROPOLIS.
CRAWL
Sustainability Lab
11:30 AM - 12:30 PM
WORKSHOP
Lessons from Sustainable Educational Facilities
1:30 PM - 2:30 PM
WORKSHOP
Designing for Health,Designing with Care
3:30 PM -2:30 PM
The METROPOLIS team is here to help! If you have any questions about the event or would like to get involved, please contact Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com.
A single registration gives you access to the entire conference. All sessions are open seating and first-come, first-served—so we recommend arriving early for the sessions you’re most excited about. However, the Sustainability Lab Crawls—led by METROPOLIS Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal—require separate registration. These small-group tours offer a curated walkthrough of the Sustainability Lab, showcasing top sustainable products currently on the market. If you’d like to participate, please email Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com. Spots are limited, and all crawl attendees will receive a special gift from METROPOLIS.
Yes, complimentary refreshments and lunch will be provided for all registered attendees. After the final panel of the day, we’ll also host a cocktail hour—an ideal time to unwind, network, and continue the conversation.
Yes! The day is designed to foster connection, with dedicated networking breaks, a lunch reception, and time to explore the Sustainability Lab and engage with peers and industry leaders.
Yes, you’ll receive a confirmation email with all event details, including check-in instructions. Please keep an eye on your inbox (and your spam folder, just in case). More logistical information, including the full agenda, will be sent closer to the event date.
Yes, space is limited and registration will close once we reach capacity. We recommend registering as early as possible to secure your spot. Additional event details will be shared via email as the date approaches.
This event is designed for professionals working in architecture, interior design, real estate, construction, facilities, and related fields. We also welcome sustainability and wellness officers, students, and educators focused on the built environment. Please note: Only partnering product manufacturers are able to attend at this time.
Yes! Thanks to the generous support of our sponsors and partners, METROPOLIS’s Sustainability Conference + Lab is free for qualified professionals in the architecture, design, and real estate industries.
The conference will take place at The New School’s Starr Foundation Hall and Event Café, located inside the University Center at 63 Fifth Avenue, New York, NY. Exact check-in instructions will be provided via email prior to the event.
The conference includes keynote presentations, panel discussions, interactive workshops, and a curated exhibition experience inside the METROPOLIS Sustainability Lab. As panelists are confirmed, we will be announcing them—so check back soon to see the exciting lineup. Attendees are encouraged to ask questions and actively participate in discussions throughout the day—this is a forum for meaningful exchange and collaboration.
Who do I reach out to if I have questions?
Do I need to register for specific sessions?
Will food and beverages be provided?
Will there be networking opportunities?
Will I receive a confirmation or ticket after registering?
Is there a deadline to register?
Who is eligible to attend?
Is the conference really free to attend?
Where at The New School will the conference be hosted?
What is the format of the conference?
The METROPOLIS team is here to help! If you have any questions about the event or would like to get involved, please contact Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com.
Who do I reach out to if I have questions?
Will there be swag?
The METROPOLIS team is here to help! If you have any questions about the event or would like to get involved, please contact Kelly Allen, METROPOLIS Programs Director, at kallen@sandowdesign.com.
Suzen L. Heeley, IIDA, LEED AP, CDF AIA Executive Director, Design+Construction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Kenneth D. Potts, A1A Senior Project Manager, Department of Facilities Project Services
Suzen L. Heeley, IIDA, LEED AP, CDF A1A Executive Director, Design+Construction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Joel Towers
President, The New School
Victoria Kocian, AIA, LEEP AP Project Manager, Energy & Sustainability, Real Estate Development and Facilities at NYU Langone Health
Kenneth D. Potts, AIA Senior Project Manager, Department of Facilities Project Services at Mayo Clinic
Suzen L. Heeley, IIDA, LEED AP, CDF AIA Executive Director, Design+Construction at Memorial Sloan Kettering Cancer Center
Kristen Dotson Principal, Worldwide Sustainability, Sustainable Buildings, Amazon
Kristen Dotson
Principal, Worldwide Sustainability, Sustainable Buildings, Amazon
Melissa Berardi Senior Director, CBRE Americas Sustainability Consulting
Vasso Mathes Senior Campus Planner, MIT Office of Campus Planning
Cotter Christian Dean, School of Constructed Environments, The New School
Gordon Boggis
CEO, Carnegie
Andrea Mulloni Head of Sustainability, Arper
Mark L. Donohue Undergraduate Architecture Program,
Associate Professor of Architecture, CCA
Whitney Ray Senior Manager, Design & Delivery NAM, adidas
Joel Towers
President, The New School
Vasso Mathes Senior Campus Planner, MIT Office of Campus Planning
Vasso Mathes Senior Campus Planner, MIT Office of Campus Planning
Melissa Berardi
Senior Director, CBRE Americas Sustainability Consulting
What if I can’t attend the conference—can I still come to the networking reception?
Will there be standing room if the workshops fill up?
Can I come and go throughout the day?
When will the venue open for check-in?
Yes! You’re welcome to join us for the networking reception event if you can’t attend the full day. Editor in Chief Avinash Rajagopal will share a brief recap of the day’s highlights, and it’s a great opportunity to connect with fellow attendees and speakers.
Yes, standing room will be available once seats are filled for the workshops.
Absolutely. The conference and Sustainability Lab are designed for flexible participation. You can explore the exhibits, attend select workshops, or stay for the full day—it’s up to you!
Doors will open at 9:00 AM. We recommend arriving early to secure your seat and get settled before each workshop begins and seats fill up. Plus, the first 100 attendees to check in will receive exclusive swag!
Absolutely! Be among the first 100 guests to check in and score a Strand Books gift card, your ticket to treasures from NYC’s legendary bookstore. Plus, enjoy extra goodies, including GOB Earplugs, the world’s first plant-based, plastic-free earplugs, crafted from fully compostable, lab-grown mycelium, and more!
Will there be swag?
Doors will open at 9:00 AM. We recommend arriving early to secure your seat and get settled before each workshop begins and seats fill up. Plus, the first 100 attendees to check in will receive exclusive swag!
When will the venue open for check-in?
Absolutely. The conference and Sustainability Lab are designed for flexible participation. You can explore the exhibits, attend select workshops, or stay for the full day—it’s up to you!
Can I come and go throughout the day?
Yes, standing room will be available once seats are filled for the workshops.
Will there be standing room if the workshops fill up?