In September, Karen was one of four keynote speakers at the 2022 AIA Iowa National Convention Des Moines. The very generous hosts showed off the stellar modern architecture in the city – one highlight was the 1968 addition to the Des Moines Art Center by I. M. Pei.
Karen is highlighted in the recently published book, “The Women Who Changed Architecture” by Princeton Architectural Press. The book includes profiles of over 100 women, spanning from the nineteenth century to today, sharing stories, successes, and legacies of women who made and continue to make fundamental contributions to the field of architecture.
Karen is featured in the section titled “Raising the Roof,” with an introduction written by Julia Gamolina, Founder of Madame Architect. The spread highlights several of Karen’s achievements at Marble Fairbanks including Glen Oaks Library, Greenpoint Library and Environmental Education Center, and “Reenvisioning Branch Libraries.” The piece also discusses her pivotal role at Barnard College. The feature celebrates Karen’s accomplishments and underscores them as means of making architecture more equitable and inclusive.
Read more about the book here.
Karen recently spoke at the College of Architecture + Design, Lawrence Technological University, as part of a three-part lecture series titled “The Future of University Libraries.” Karen’s talk, “Re-envisioning Libraries,” addressed the evolution of both public and academic libraries and their roles as critical social infrastructure. As a bonus, she got to stay in LTU’s Frank Lloyd Wright house – the Affleck House in Bloomfield Hills, Michigan, built in 1941 and recently restored.
The series continues through April, offering students the opportunity to reflect on important questions around the future of library design and consider how spaces will be designed to accommodate the growing and changing needs of society.
To learn more about the lecture series and to watch Karen’s lecture visit the event page linked here.
Center for an Urban Future released “Re: New York City,” describing 250 ideas provided by New Yorkers from a variety of backgrounds and across various disciplines, on how to “revive NYC’s economy, spark good jobs, and build a more equitable city.” Karen’s contribution highlights the community-based organizations can support NYC youth, bring them into the broader conversation, and spark change. Read Karen’s full quote and view the full report here.
Karen was recently elevated to a Fellow of the American Institute of Architects (FAIA) and honored by AIANY’s Women in Architecture Committee (WIA) in recognition of this achievement. The AIA College of Fellows is the organization’s highest membership honor, recognizing excellence in design, preservation, education, literature, and service, that contribute to architecture and society. The College of Fellows noted that “[Karen] shapes vibrant and equitable built environments through her designs for civic, educational and community-based organizations and her leadership in the transformative education of future architects and activists. Congratulations to all of the fellows in the class of 2021!
Read the full AIA College of Fellows June 2021 Newsletter here.