Kim Vierheilig doesn’t just lead teams—she builds communities. As president of STV’s national buildings group, she oversees 400 architects and engineers, guiding them through projects that shape the physical and social landscapes of cities across North America. This year, her influence and commitment were recognized with the New York Chapter of Professional Women in Construction (PWC NY) "Salute to Women of Achievement" award, an honor that underscores both her impact in the industry and her dedication to mentoring the next generation of design professionals.
Vierheilig’s days are seldom routine. “What I really like about my job is that my days are very varied. I get to be involved with the strategic direction at a corporate level—how buildings play a part in the overall vision of STV, which is about making communities better,” she says.
Her team’s work focuses on what they call “social infrastructure”—schools, justice centers, behavioral health facilities, and transit buildings—spaces that drive opportunity and well-being.
Her path to leadership, however, was defined by risk-taking and adaptability. One pivotal moment came when she left a firm that had “almost become part of my identity” to dive into a bigger role with greater reach. “It was a leap into a larger scale of work, a larger corporation, broader geography, and a different organizational culture,” Vierheilig reflects.
She didn’t simply import her leadership style; instead, she “listened, learned, and adapted to a new environment,” focusing on building a team that reflected her values by “hearing the team’s voice” and building on their strengths rather than imposing a new philosophy.
Mentorship is woven deeply into Vierheilig’s career, from serving on AIA boards and leading women’s networks to sitting on the national board of the ACE Mentor Program, which introduces high school students to careers in architecture, engineering, and construction. “It’s so important and incumbent on all of us to teach the next generation,” she emphasizes, underscoring the importance of giving back both within and beyond her own organization.
Professionally, Vierheilig keeps a close eye on trends shaping construction and development, especially transit-oriented development (TOD) in New York. She points to projects like Grand Central Madison as prime examples of how new transportation corridors can “unlock economic potential along the corridor and spur adjacent development.”
She sees initiatives like the upcoming Interborough Express (IDX) as powerful ways to connect underserved neighborhoods to jobs and housing, aligning infrastructure with equity and community vitality.
The industry, she says, is in flux, particularly when it comes to post-pandemic office space and sustainability. “Clients are looking at space more through the lens of flexibility, wellness, purpose, adaptivity,” Vierheilig explains, pointing out that energy performance and digital integration are now “integral from day one.” She believes that “sustainability is embedded in our culture now as a society”—the motivation to do better for future generations comes from within clients and communities themselves, not just external incentives.
As for her advice to those starting out in the field, Vierheilig is unequivocal: “First, believe that you belong. The AEC industry is evolving, and leadership needs diverse voices, perspectives, and experiences. Don’t wait to be invited—step forward, speak up, own your expertise. Second, build your network intentionally. Relationships are everything. And third, stay curious—the most effective leaders are lifelong learners.”
Looking ahead, she sees continued opportunity in digital infrastructure, driven by AI and the growth of cloud computing, along with ongoing private-public investment in transportation and utilities even amid economic headwinds. But she also warns that “funding now more than ever, is the biggest challenge,” pointing to public-private partnerships as a promising mechanism for unlocking investments in critical infrastructure.
Ultimately, it is her background in architecture that shapes her big-picture vision for STV and its clients. “I believe really strongly in the power of design, both architecture and sustainability. Each building is not just a structure, but a legacy—something that should elevate the human experience, serve communities, respect the environment, and inspire future generations.” In a sector often led by engineers, Vierheilig’s architectural training brings an interdisciplinary lens that sees projects as more than just physical assets—they are touchstones for collective progress, built to last well beyond the present.
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