Kovid Saxena, AICP, LEED AP, ENV SP named National Director, Environmental Planning

Sam Schwartz is pleased to announce that Principal Kovid Saxena, AICP, LEED AP, ENV SP has been named National Director, Environmental Planning.

As head of Sam Schwartz’s environmental practice, Kovid has led review for critical infrastructure and development projects across multiple sectors, including transportation, affordable housing, water, technology, and renewable energy. Recent projects have included the Central Business District Tolling Program EA, NYC’s first-in-the-nation congestion pricing program; 495 11th Avenue/Hudson Yards Subarea G EIS, which will deliver, as part of a million square feet mixed-use development, 350 affordable units to the last remaining large developable parcel in Manhattan’s Hudson Yards neighborhood; Zero Irving/Union Square Tech Hub EA, slated to play a key role in fostering the city’s growing technology sector; and battery storage facilities crucial to deployment of renewable energy at the grid level.

An active thought leader in the profession, Kovid is a member of the Board of Directors of the National Association of Environmental Professionals (NAEP), the League of Conservation Voters New York City Chapter Board, and the Urban Land Institute New York Infrastructure Council.

“I’m excited to be taking on this role,” said Kovid. “As we confront significant nationwide housing and infrastructure demand, along with climate change, the need has never been greater for our work advancing development that balances environmental considerations, public health, and equity.”

“Under Kovid’s leadership, our environmental practice has played a pivotal role in significant residential, commercial, and institutional projects across the NYC region and beyond,” said Michael A. Shamma, PE, President and CEO. “I look forward to him working with our stellar team of engineers and planners as we expand our suite of services from coast to coast.”