Heidi Kippenhan  |
AIA, Leed BD+C

Senior Associate

Heidi is inspired by architecture’s ability to offer a sense of place for users through a unified and artistic expression. The daily activities and logical design process of architecture brought her from Pelli Clarke Pelli in New York City to, eventually, Duda|Paine. Within the firm, she engages in its collaborative studio culture and common sense of purpose to form well-designed buildings and spaces. Heidi’s background in Biology and Arts, with a Master of Architecture, infuses her work with thoughtful qualities of light, materials, texture and community.

From studying biology in the mountains surrounding the University of Colorado, Boulder, to living in a dense city, Heidi’s motivation to become an architect came from a desire to improve the relationship between the built and biological environment. She is a proud LEED Accredited Professional as part of her call to design responsibly with artistry and holistic thinking.

Heidi was previously on the AIA Board of Directors and served as a co-chair of the Cultural Facilities Committee programming events for the AIA NY Center for Architecture. She also mentored for the National Mentoring Program and worked with a low-income high school student in the Bronx for four years. Mentoring grew her perspective on the socio-economic variables that affect individuals and shape our cities and towns. She gained a vital understanding of the role institutional spaces and leaders have on the success of young residents.