Safeguarding Future Cities: A Conversation with a Climate Resiliency Expert
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Climate change is driving a global crisis. Simply acknowledging it would not solve the problem. According to the World Meteorological Organization (WMO), 2024 was the warmest year recorded in the past 175 years, while the global mean sea level also reached a record high of 113mm.
Climate change poses significant risks to urban environments, threatening existing infrastructure and ordinary city life. Resilience is an important factor in mitigating the impacts and potential damage associated with climate change.
We spoke with resilience hero Kit Wong, Principal and Senior Vice President of GFT, to gain his perspective on resilience and how the next generation of AEC professionals can begin making meaningful change.
About Kit Wong:
Kit Wong, PhD, RA, LEED AP, Principal and Senior Vice President at GFT, is a nationally recognized climate resiliency expert with more than 35 years of experience supporting federal agencies, including the U.S. Air Force, Army, Marine Corps, and Department of Homeland Security. He manages multiple large-scale design contracts and has led award-winning resiliency and sustainability projects across the U.S. and abroad. Dr. Wong holds advanced degrees in architecture and structural engineering from UC Berkeley and has contributed to FEMA guidance and earthquake risk research.
Can you share a particularly impactful moment from your journey in the industry that helped shape your perspective or career path?
“When we were commissioned to plan the reconstruction of the U.S. Coast Guard Base at Borinquen, Puerto Rico, after Hurricanes Michael and Irma, I realized that awareness is the greatest hurdle to resiliency. Relatively small actions can result in a significant increase in resiliency. The base is situated on a bluff over the coast. However, the site is shaped like a bowl, and an intense rain would flood a good portion of the base. The solution was to create a channel to drain the water. But designing for a storm that had never happened before and beyond code requirements was something our client had not considered before. Talking about resilience is the most important thing we can do!”
At New York Build 2026, you’re speaking on “Ensuring Climate Resilience Through Innovative Design.” Why is climate resilience such an important topic to you personally and professionally?
“I think the issue of climate change is the biggest challenge of our time. At my age, many of my colleagues are enjoying a more leisurely lifestyle, but I am continuing to enjoy contributing to safeguarding society’s assets for future generations.”
Is there a recent or ongoing project that you consider especially influential, and what makes it meaningful in the context of resilient design?
“I am fortunate to be leading the Military Installation Resiliency Component Plan for the Pentagon Reservation. In this project, we are creating a new risk framework that produces risk ratings consistent across the entire enterprise worldwide. When we can quantitatively talk about risk in that way, it enables us to achieve a lot more.”
What advice would you give to emerging architects and designers who want to contribute meaningfully to climate-resilient design?
“Just do it! Learn about hazards, vulnerability, and exposure, and start the conversation with the organizations you support. You may just find that your client is eager to learn the subject with you!”
In addition to New York Build, you’ve also participated in Chicago Build. What was your favorite aspect of speaking at or attending the Chicago Build Expo 2025?
“I loved the enthusiasm of the audience. So much energy and curiosity! We need many people to come together to solve societal problems such as climate change. We can’t do it if we all stay home. Building a community that cares about the world is so rewarding.”
The stories and experiences shared by Dr. Kit Wong illustrate the transformative power of awareness in the fight against climate change. The smallest actions can have the biggest impact, and increased awareness is essential to increased resilience. We cannot afford to treat climate adaptation as an afterthought; by integrating it into the design and decision-making processes earlier, we stand a better chance of halting disaster in its tracks before it strikes.
At Chicago Build & New York Build, our panel discussions explore the most pressing issues facing the AEC industry. Join Kit at New York Build for “Ensuring Climate Resilience Through Innovative Design” at 10:00AM EST on March 19th.
We extend our sincere gratitude to Dr. Kit Wong for sharing his insights and for his continued work safeguarding our future.
The society needs your help in the face of climate change. If you are passionate about driving change in sustainability and resiliency, sign up for our Sustainability in Construction Changemakers Ambassador Program, and start meaningful conversations with like-minded individuals.
About New York Build
New York Build Expo is the largest construction and design show in New York City, hosted every year at the Javits Center. Recognized as the leading NYC construction trade show, the event connects thousands of contractors, architects, engineers, real estate developers, owners, government representatives, and building professionals from across the Tri-State area, featuring expert-led conference sessions, interactive networking events, and a world-class exhibition. The event attracts 40,000+ attendees, 450+ exhibitors, and 550+ top-level speakers. This year, New York Build will be co-hosted with the newly launched InstallerSHOW New York.
Dates: March 18 - 19, 2026
Venue: Hall 3B, Level 3, Jacob K. Javits Convention Center, 429 11th Avenue, New York, NY, 10001, USA
Get involved: https://www.newyorkbuildexpo.com/
About Chicago Build
Chicago Build Expo is the largest construction & design show in the Midwest, bringing together contractors, architects, developers, engineers, housebuilders, government representatives, and industry professionals for two days of networking, knowledge sharing, and business opportunities. The event features 30,000+ attendees, 350+ exhibitors and 450+ top-level speakers. This year, we're taking on a brand-new hall and launching 3 new zones including an AI & Digital Zone, Fire Safety & Security Zone, and a HVACR Zone powered by InstallerSHOW.
Dates: October 28 – 29, 2026
Venue: Hall F2, West Building, Level 3, McCormick Place, 2301 S Lake Shore Dr, Chicago, IL, 60616, USA
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