Elizabeth Cohn-Martin is an architect, educator, and sustainability specialist with experience in research and development of alternative materials and sustainable systems for diverse projects. She has global work experience in New York City, the San Francisco Bay Area, Mexico, Guatemala, and Saudi Arabia and is a registered Associate Architect with the AIA, a LEED BD&C credentialed professional with the USGBC, and holds a certificate in Healthy Materials and Sustainable Building offered by the New School Parsons Healthy Materials Lab.

Elizabeth completed a Master of Architecture (MArch) and Master of Science in Urban Planning (MSUP) focused on Sustainable Urbanization from Columbia University GSAPP. Her research and development work focuses on biomaterials, biophilic systems, sustainability and building performance. She holds a keen fascination for the worlds of computational design and digital fabrication and believes that there is great potential in the future of technology and innovation within the realm of the built environment to address some of our most pressing global issues. Elizabeth is currently faculty at the Academy of Art in San Francisco, a position that she held concurrently while previously working as the Research and Development Manager and Sustainability Lead at Roth Architecture in Tulum, Mexico.

At Roth Architecture, Elizabeth led the curation of the R&D and FabLab departments. As the R&D manager, she spearheaded advanced material and fabrication initiatives geared towards exemplary innovative design strategies included within each project. She coordinated in-house and consultant development efforts, facilitating communication between the integrated team and enabling the provision of applied material & technical solutions. Analysis of raw material provision, processing, fabrication, and installation of developed material options for interior and exterior application all fell within her scope of deliverables. The intended goal of the R&D department at Roth Architecture was to enable high performing, sustainable, and creative use of material within the built environment. Elizabeth supported in all phases of project delivery, from early conceptual analysis of possibility to defined technical development, fabrication procurement, and construction administration.

Elizabeth’s prior work experience includes David Baker Architects in San Francisco, Terrapin Bright Green, Latent Productions, and RePlace Urban Studio in New York City. In addition to her current faculty position at the Academy of Art, past teaching experience has included positions held within Columbia University’s School of Architecture, Planning and Preservation (GSAPP), the School of Professional Studies, and the Earth Institute as well as The New School’s Continuing and Professional Education program. Current and past faculty and instructor positions have focused on sustainability in the built environment, building performance analysis, and technical advising for advanced studio courses.

Elizabeth is well versed in a suite of design tools, digital software, and evaluation frameworks, many of which are utilized to analyze climate, building performance, and sustainability factors. Specific performance related tools include Climate Consultant, ClimateStudio, Sefaira, COMFEN, and Ladybug Tools among others. Knowledge frameworks and performance standards within her wheelhouse include LCA analysis, operational and construction-related carbon impact of the built environment as it informs low-carbon design, and LEED, Sites, WELL, LBC, and EDGE certifications.