Kara will discuss community-centered approaches to climate adaptation, drawing from her work leading Union's coastal resilience initiatives. Her presentation explores how local engagement, collaborative networks, and thoughtful context-driven design are essential for addressing climate challenges in historic contexts. Through her involvement in studies leading up to Newport’s 2016 Keeping History Above Water® Conference and the recently released Climate Adaptation Plan for the historic campus of the House of the Seven Gables in Salem, she demonstrates how meaningful climate action connects architecture, preservation, and community values on Aquidneck Island and beyond.
Aquidneck Island Land Trust thanks the William H. Donner Foundation for sponsoring this public lecture.
Kara earned her Bachelor of Science in Architecture and Master of Architecture from Roger Williams University School of Architecture, Art and Historic Preservation, where she now regularly returns as a guest critic. As one of Union's longest-tenured employees, she has established herself as a leader on complex architectural projects including adaptive re-use, public libraries, and climate action planning in threatened historic communities. Her role as project architect on several award-winning designs—most notably Hammetts Wharf in Newport, RI—demonstrates her commitment to excellence in the local community.
Her involvement in climate action planning began with studies in partnership with the Newport Restoration Foundation, addressing coastal resilience for Newport's historic Point neighborhood which was followed by the inaugural Keeping History Above Water® conference in 2016. This foundation has led to her current work directing Union's climate adaptation initiatives beyond Aquidneck Island in Salem, MA and for the City of Charleston, SC. Currently, Kara is also managing the rehabilitation and expansion of the historic Boys and Girls Club of Newport County on Church Street in downtown Newport.
As Associate Principal, Kara champions the intersection of resilient communities, humanitarian values, and thoughtful design while building upon the trust she has earned amongst the firm's most enduring clients. Her commitment to mentorship extends from Union's young professionals and interns to her board service with the Rhode Island Chapter of the ACE Mentor Program. A proud Aquidneck Island resident, she enjoys exploring the island on foot and spending quality time with her family when not in the office.
Kara firmly believes architects have the privilege and responsibility of influencing the fabric of spaces and places for everyone. This conviction drives her dedication to meeting community needs and helping overcome local challenges through thoughtful, responsive design.
