Sara Bayer, AIA, CPHC, LEED AP
Associate Principal & Director of Sustainability

Ms. Bayer has managed several of the firm’s significant senior and specialized housing projects. She has been involved in all phases of new construction projects and renovations and was the Project Manager for Crotona Park Seniors, a new 84-unit affordable senior housing development with an LGBTQ senior center in the Bronx. She is also managing the design and construction of a multi-building, affordable Passive Housing project in Brooklyn and a 93-unit senior building designed to Passive House standards also in Brooklyn. 

Ms. Bayer also led the firm’s RetrofitNY project, funded through NYSERDA, in which she and a development team explored options for achieving net zero energy use through sustainable renovations to an existing pair of buildings. 

Before joining Magnusson Architecture and Planning, Sara's work spanned affordable housing, private residences, museum design, transportation facilities and education design; and it included projects for the New York City Department of Design and Construction, the renovation of the Federal Trade Commission offices in Washington, DC. and the design of an addition to a Tibetan Cultural Hall. 

Ms. Bayer earned Passive House Certification in 2016 and as MAP’s Director of Sustainability, she offers expertise and leadership as the firm continues its focus on sustainable development work. She has led MAP to 9 NYSERDA Buildings of Excellence Awards and is a frequent presenter at conferences and panels focused on sustainable design. In 2020 Ms. Bayer served as co-Chair for the North American Sustainable Energy Association (NESEA) Building NYC conference and serves on the board of New York Passive House. 

Select Project Experience 

  • HELP Crotona Senior Housing, Bronx, NY 

  • Dekalb Commons, Brooklyn, NY 

  • Rheingold Seniors, Brooklyn, NY 

  • 6309 Fourth Avenue, Brooklyn, NY 

  • Selis Manor - New York, NY 

  • NYSERDA RetrofitNY 

Education 

University of Buffalo School of Architecture and Planning, Master of Architecture 

Connecticut College, Bachelor of Architectural Studies 

Affiliations 

Registered Architect: State of New York 

LEED Accredited Professional 

Certified Passive House Consultant 

New York Passive House Board of Directors - Member