Senior Associate, BR+A Consulting Engineers; MS, Organizational Change Management, The New School

With nearly a decade of experience designing high-performance, sustainable building systems, Khatera Dehzad brings a thoughtful, multidisciplinary approach to engineering challenges that span complex infrastructure, academic, research and commercial projects. She began her career in fire protection, serving as the lead designer for fire protection systems at Newark Liberty International Airport Terminal 1, one of the region’s most significant infrastructure developments. At BR+A, Dehzad expanded her expertise into mechanical engineering, advancing into heating, ventilation and air conditioning design and taking on key leadership roles. She served as lead mechanical designer for the Princeton University Cancer and Imaging Center and contributed to major research environments including the Regeneron campus. Her work on the Watchtower Headquarters Project Ramapo supported the creation of an exceptionally sustainable, fossil-fuel-free campus, reflecting her commitment to decarbonization and forward-thinking design. A former Fulbright Scholar, Dehzad brings a global perspective that strengthens collaboration across diverse teams. Her leadership and technical contributions have been recognized with an Appreciation Award for Valuable Work from the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers. She has also demonstrated a strong commitment to mentorship and advocacy, cofounding the Society of Afghan Women in Engineering and Construction to connect students from Kabul University with professional opportunities. Beyond her work life, Dehzad volunteers with a New York City nonprofit supporting blood cancer research and patient care. Fluent in four languages, she enjoys traveling and has visited more than 20 countries including Egypt, where she was especially inspired by the ancient architecture.