Arcadis has welcomed Elina Cardet as Principal for the firm’s Miami Office. With an illustrious global career spanning over three decades as an architect and designer, Cardet specializes in creating innovative and sustainable designs for various project types, including workplace, retail, hospitality, residential, education, cultural, and civic spaces. Cardet’s work highlights her dedication to create socially conscious and environmentally responsible spaces and her integrated approach to design delivers imaginative solutions that are functional and emotionally impactful.
Cardet is an integrative architect and designer with unparalleled talent and comprehensive international knowledge. Her portfolio is a kaleidoscope of functional, humane, and sustainable designs—skills she has mastered in her 26 years as a New Yorker and the last eight years living in Miami. In her new role, she will collaborate closely with team members to create exceptional solutions and unique functional spaces for the clients and the occupants.
Emphasizing the role of emotion is crucial before initiating any project or design for Cardet. The power of feelings is of utmost importance in the design process. Cardet strives to instill a sense of curiosity, optimism, and excitement to maximize the project’s potential, “Ultimately, I try to find and establish an emotional connection with the place, the client’s intention, vision, or aspects of their culture. I also try to anticipate people’s subjective experiences and reactions to the work as a priority.”
Cardet continues, “What drew me to Arcadis was the desire to collaborate with a team that shares my passion for innovative and ethical-conscious design. Arcadis has a globally recognized network of resources and a reputation for thought-provoking, engaging, and experiential design, which aligns perfectly with my desire to build better, smarter, and more resilient cities and communities of the future.”
Confidently Cardet asserts the need to redefine design principles to attract top talent and rebuild the corporate culture in the modern workplace. A holistic design philosophy is vital for creating environments that remain functional and relevant over time. Her approach involves designing experiential and sensory environments that effectively promote positive behavior change and well-being. Cardet intensely supports finding zero-carbon solutions, using innovative materials, and creating a healthy environment in the construction industry. Additionally, Cardet’s commitment to eliminating chemical toxicity from all aspects of the industry is a high priority.
“With Cardet’s confidence, fearlessness, and unwavering commitment to creativity and integrity, we are ecstatic to have Elina Cardet as part of our Arcadis team and lead our Workplace sector and others into the future,” comments Dan Freed, AIA, LEED AP BD+C, Business Unit Director, US East.
Cardet and her team at Arcadis will respond to Miami’s dynamic and vibrant cultural diversity far beyond the South Florida region. Cardet ensures all clients receive top priority, unparalleled, and groundbreaking design solutions and are committed to contributing to Arcadis’ global expansion and success. She earned a master’s degree in Architecture from Columbia University, a bachelor’s degree in Design of the Environment from the University of Pennsylvania.