Nermine Zahran

Nermine Zahran is a Senior Associate and Sustainability Manager at Koichi Takada Architects. She has worked on a range of architectural typologies internationally, from multi-residential developments, commercial offices, retail, government and educational projects.

Zahran joined Koichi Takada Architects in 2020, when the practice achieved its carbon neutrality certification. Her passion to sustainability aligns with the practice’s vision and mission to create a carbon positive future, proactively addressing the damage we humans have caused. Acknowledging that our industry is responsible for around 40% of greenhouse gas emissions in the world, it’s imperative that we take action now. “As a first step, we need to stop negatively impacting the environment and depleting the planet’s resources. Secondly, we must look at ways of reversing the picture. I believe this can be achieved by regenerative architecture, carbon positive buildings, reusing materials, adapting existing buildings and harnessing the latest technology,” says Zahran. Zahran believes it is vital to continually educate oneself and others about ways to counteract the impact of the built environment on the planet. Zahran’s expertise has seen her regularly appointed to judging panels for industry awards as well as invitations to present at summits with an ESG (Environmental, Social and Corporate Governance) focus. She also provides mentorship through the Australian Institute of Architects, to share her knowledge and passion. Beyond Zahran’s aim to positively influence material selection, construction methods, and energy-efficient operations strategies, she also ensures that the buildings and spaces she is involved in creating take a human-centric approach - to improve human health and wellbeing. She believes that every project, no matter how large or small, is an opportunity to affect positive change within our communities, and ultimately our world.