How Can Architects Help in Disaster Relief?

Using post-Sandy New York as a case study, C.J. Hughes looks at the extent to which architects can be helpful in the immediate aftermath of a natural disaster.

2 minute read

November 21, 2012, 6:00 AM PST

By Jessica Hsu


Thousands of homes in the New York region were destroyed by Hurricane Sandy, but "architects eager to help rebuild have little to do, at least when it comes to anything requiring their professional skills." Even though structural damage assessments will be needed later, the priority in the weeks following Sandy have been clearing debris, delivering food, and helping people. "There is a real need for people on the ground right now, and there will be for months," said John Cary, a design consultant who co-founded the nonprofit Public Architecture and runs the site Public Interest Design. Eric Moed, a Brooklyn designer, and his group People's Relief have been delivering care packages to elderly residents in Coney Island. "I would tell any architect out there to put on some boots, grab a broom, come here, and be ready to walk upstairs," he said. "We should table the golden-ratio discussions for another three to four months."

Before the rebuilding process begins, suggests Thomas Thomas, a founder of the relief group Staten Island Strong, architects can register with the Federal Emergency Management Agency for proper identification. Relief efforts towards long-term rebuilding are being coordinated by organizations like AIA New York, which is offering safety assessments by architects, and Architecture for Humanity, which is collecting donations, offering design help, and training architects for disaster relief. "One potential hitch: Architects aren't legally allowed to perform damage assessments as volunteers," says Hughes. "New York doesn't currently have any "good Samaritan" laws to protect them against any future lawsuits, like many states do." However, Cary hopes that architects and designers will still help with the effort and said, "I would hate to think architects are sitting around because of lack of Good Sam laws."

Friday, November 16, 2012 in Architizer

portrait of professional woman

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching. Mary G., Urban Planner

I love the variety of courses, many practical, and all richly illustrated. They have inspired many ideas that I've applied in practice, and in my own teaching.

Mary G., Urban Planner

Cover CM Credits, Earn Certificates, Push Your Career Forward

Logo for Planetizen Federal Action Tracker with black and white image of U.S. Capitol with water ripple overlay.

Planetizen Federal Action Tracker

A weekly monitor of how Trump’s orders and actions are impacting planners and planning in America.

July 16, 2025 - Diana Ionescu

Green vintage Chicago streetcar from the 1940s parked at the Illinois Railroad Museum in 1988.

Chicago’s Ghost Rails

Just beneath the surface of the modern city lie the remnants of its expansive early 20th-century streetcar system.

July 13, 2025 - WTTV

Blue and silver Amtrak train with vibrant green and yellow foliage in background.

Amtrak Cutting Jobs, Funding to High-Speed Rail

The agency plans to cut 10 percent of its workforce and has confirmed it will not fund new high-speed rail projects.

July 14, 2025 - Smart Cities Dive

Worker in yellow safety vest and hard hat looks up at servers in data center.

Ohio Forces Data Centers to Prepay for Power

Utilities are calling on states to hold data center operators responsible for new energy demands to prevent leaving consumers on the hook for their bills.

July 18 - Inside Climate News

Former MARTA CEO Collie Greenwood standing in front of MARTA HQ with blurred MARTA sign visible in background.

MARTA CEO Steps Down Amid Citizenship Concerns

MARTA’s board announced Thursday that its chief, who is from Canada, is resigning due to questions about his immigration status.

July 18 - WABE

Rendering of proposed protected bikeway in Santa Clara, California.

Silicon Valley ‘Bike Superhighway’ Awarded $14M State Grant

A Caltrans grant brings the 10-mile Central Bikeway project connecting Santa Clara and East San Jose closer to fruition.

July 17 - San José Spotlight