Sustainability at the core: Samer Samarani’s innovative strategies for green architecture in commercial projects

Environmental consciousness is more vital than ever. And for the architecture and real estate development industries, influencing change in this arena relies on innovation through long-term impact.

Samer Samarani, an architecture and real estate development expert, is leading this movement with his fresh approach to integrating sustainability and resiliency into commercial projects.

Samarani has built a reputation for transforming commercial spaces into sustainable and resilient environments, setting new benchmarks for green architecture. In his view, sustainability is not a trend or a checkbox to be ticked—it is the foundation of all modern development.

“These concepts go beyond constructing buildings—they involve designing structures that stand the test of time and address modern-day issues like climate change,” Samarani explains.

As project manager at Tishman Speyer Properties in Boston, MA, Samarani works with architects, contractors, stakeholders, and project team members to ensure the smooth execution of projects while maintaining cost efficiency and high sustainability standards.

These projects include the Enterprise Research Campus on Harvard University-owned land and renovating iconic buildings in Boston. He aims to reduce vacancy rates, improve amenities, and attract new leasing deals.

Samrani is well-respected in his field not only for his sustainable approach to architecture, but his ability to easily connect with others ensuring everyone’s needs are met throughout the lifespan of a project.

John Pelletier, senior project manager in design and construction at Tishman Speyer, cites Samarani’s expertise in maintaining relationships with vendors as a valuable skill: “Because he manages these relationships well, he can get the whole team on the same page and complete projects successfully.”

Samarani’s projects are designed from a holistic perspective, ensuring minimal environmental impact while maximizing operational efficiency and user experience.

“Commercial buildings are often seen as energy guzzlers,” Samarani notes. “But with the right design strategies, they can be transformed into models of sustainability, driving both environmental benefits and cost savings for businesses.”

Originally from the city of Byblos, Lebanon, he recalls: “Seeing those ancient structures really inspired me to become an architect,” Samarani recalls. “I wanted to understand how civilizations from so long ago could create such impressive buildings that have lasted millennia.”

With this inspiration he pursued his bachelor of science in architectural studies at Holy Spirit University of Kaslik (USEK) and graduated in 2012.

Alphonse Kai, an architect and Samarani’s former university instructor at USEK and now a consultant with Al Jazera Consultants International, says Samarani’s best skill as a student was his “quick adaptation to tasks.”

Samarani later started working for Kai in 2012. In 2013, Samarani won several awards, including Best Architectural Single Residence Arabia for the Amchit Beach House in Lebanon and Best Office Architecture Kuwait for the West Kuwait Mega Complex. His outstanding contributions to these projects demonstrated his ability to deliver innovative solutions that meet rigorous architectural standards.

“Samer became a leader in the conceptual department, particularly focusing on architectural competitions in the Arab world,” Kai notes.”

By 2014, Samarani completed his master’s in architecture at USEK while continuing work as an architect for Al Jazera Consultants International (AJC).

During his time at AJC, Samarani was highly regarded for his work on the Fatqa Residential Project, where he demonstrated his leadership on a large scale. The 100,000-square-meter project involved managing a multidisciplinary team and navigating logistical and regulatory challenges. Samarani also completed the concept drawings and 3D modeling for the project.

In 2021, he completed his master’s in real estate development at Boston Architectural College and joined Tishman Speyer where he is today. To further his studies, he is currently completing his master’s in landscape architecture this year at the same institution.

Justin Miller is an asset manager who has worked with Samerani for three years. Citing his colleagues exemplary performance he shares: “Samer is thoughtful about design, even in the context of seemingly mundane projects. His skills are incredibly valuable when it comes to understanding good design is crucial in delivering a quality product within a reasonable budget.”

Samarani has also shared his expertise by judging several architectural competitions. He has judged architecture thesis students at USEK and was a jury member for the Inspireli Awards international competition and the Meeting of Design Students (MEDS) workshop.

His focus on sustainability led to his LEED Green Associate Certification from the U.S. Green Building Council. According to the USGBC site the certification “measures general knowledge of green building practices and how to support others working on LEED projects.” The certification solidifies his expertise and commitment to environmentally responsible architecture.

Samarani is also a member of the Rose Kennedy Greenway Business Improvement District (BID). The initiative is the result of a collaboration with the Commonwealth of Massachusetts, City of Boston, Greenway Conservancy, and Abutter properties. It secured the long-term funding needed to maintain the Greenway, a 17-acre urban park and a staple in the Boston community.

A standout feature of Samarani’s work is his ability to integrate cutting-edge technologies into his designs. He believes the future of green architecture lies in the fusion of technology and nature, and he is continually exploring new ways to improve the environmental performance of commercial buildings.

Samarani is a pioneer in using recycled and low-impact materials that reduce the environmental burden of construction. These materials not only lower the building process’s carbon footprint but also contribute to better indoor air quality and a healthier working environment for occupants.

While sustainability and resiliency are often viewed as environmental imperatives, Samarani argues they also make strong business sense. In his experience, businesses that operate in green buildings benefit from lower operational costs, improved employee satisfaction, and a stronger corporate image.

“Energy-efficient buildings reduce utility bills, and the use of sustainable materials can lead to lower maintenance costs in the long run,” explains Samarani. “Employees tend to be more productive and happier in environments that prioritize their health and well-being, such as those with better air quality and access to natural light.”

Samarani’s focus is on creating sustainable structures, but he also understands the weight of what these buildings mean to the people who use them.

“Architecture for me is also about engaging with communities, listening to their needs, and responding to the environment responsibly,” he says. “Architecture has the power to improve the lives of the people living within the spaces we create.”