by Center for Architecture
Julie C. Geden is a Senior Principal with Zubatkin Owner Representation (ZOR), A Cumming Group Company. A lifelong design advocate, Geden has collaborated with multi-disciplinary teams to successfully deliver visionary and technically complex construction projects on behalf of not-for-profit institutions and private development clients. Over her 20-year career, she has served as a trusted advisor to the Park Avenue Armory, Saint Patrick’s Cathedral, American Museum of Natural History, Brooklyn Museum, Sarah Lawrence College, Rockefeller University, Horace Mann School, Saint David’s School, Success Academy, Jamestown, LP, and Goldman Sachs.
In conjunction with her role as Chair heading up the 2024 Dinner Circle for Common Bond: The Center for Architecture Gala, we asked Geden a few questions about her career trajectory and roots in design advocacy.
Q: You have spent much of your career overseeing and coordinating projects for arts, cultural, and educational institutions—what inspired you to pursue this field? What excites you about your work?
I started my career in the construction management industry and was tasked with executing planning and designs that didn’t quite work, and frankly, could have been better—that’s when I decided that I needed to be involved at the “inception of idea” phase of the project.
Q: Can you share a particular project or achievement that has significantly shaped your career or approach to your role?
Helping to lead the renovation of the Northwest Coast and Gems and Mineral Halls at the Museum of Natural History—both were iconic and had multigenerational impact on one of New York’s City’s storied institutions and without the focus of several A-teams from both the design and construction sides would not have been successful. The teaming of wHY Design, Tishman Construction, ZOR as well the AMNH leadership—namely, Ann Siegel, Laurie Halderman and Melissa Posen.
Q: Are there any industry leaders or mentors who have had a profound impact on your professional journey?
Too many to name but some of the most significant are John Tooze of The Rockefeller University, Rebecca Robertson of The Park Avenue Armory, Patricia Hauserman, formerly of Tishman Construction, and Marty Zubatkin of ZOR.
Q: What emerging trends in project management, design, and construction do you find most promising for the future of the industry?
I think a lot of folks would say technology—especially the prominence of AI, and although the technology in some ways has helped the project management, design and construction worlds be faster and eliminate some human error, we have also started to lose some of the human touch that is ultimately necessary to lead successful projects. For the last decade at ZOR, we have focused much of our time on developing our people both personal and professionally.
Q: As a lifelong design advocate, who or what are your greatest sources of inspiration?
Walking around the built environment—simply walking around NYC and walking project sites, whether they are ZOR projects or not—there is always something to learn and always something to gain just by “looking.”