Introduction

In cities like Manhattan, where urban development and water bodies converge, floodproofing of structures is not just a regulatory requirement but a crucial aspect of building design. The coastal geography of New York City is considered highly vulnerable to flooding from extreme weather conditions. As we witness climate change and sea level rise, we anticipate flood risks to increase.

In a recent AIA NY presentation on flood and hurricane mitigation, a panel of experts, including building envelope consultants, a structural engineer, and an architect, shared their insights on addressing the challenges posed by extreme weather events in New York City. The discussion covered Flood Zone and Wind-Borne Debris Region designations, relevant building codes, and real-world applications, highlighting critical construction details from ongoing projects.

In this article, we will focus on Daniel Kinsley’s portion of the presentation, where he shared his expertise on flood mitigation for building envelopes. A future article will summarize Jessica Mandrick’s structural engineering perspective. GMS has completed several projects that showcase innovative floodproofing strategies to enhance building resilience and safety.

Our firm is honored to receive this year’s Outstanding Public Service Award, which recognizes an outstanding company who has contributed significantly to New York and its communities.

Gilsanz Murray Steficek, a structural engineering company based in NYC, has formed a Quality Assurance Group that offers inspection and testing services for clients with new construction or restoration projects.

According to Engineering Business Institute (EBI), 88 percent of the firms Best Structural Engineering Firm to Work have a formal mentoring program for new engineers. Gilsanz Murray Steficek is one of those firms, and GMS offers a unique program that aims to promote personal growth of its members.

Gilsanz Murray Steficek opened new offices in Essex County, NJ and Los Angeles, CA in 2003. Prior to that, the New York office established a building envelope design consulting in 1999 as Joseph Blanchfield, an architect with over 25 years of experience, joined the firm. Ramon Gilsanz, one of the founding partners, foresees a growth in construction market, and plans to grow with the market through expansion, for exposure to new people means new ways of doing things.