Maria Aiolova, LEED AP

Sustainability Director & Global Principal of ILAB at AECOM I Innovator I Architect I Leader in Environmental Design, Research & Development

Maria Aiolova is a multifaceted professional with a diverse background in architecture, urban design, sustainability, and innovation. She currently serves as the Sustainability Director and Global Principal of ILAB, Research Development & Innovation at AECOM, a position she has held since August 2021.1

Professional Background

Maria is an innovator, architect, urban designer, educator, entrepreneur, and community builder based in New York City.1 Her work primarily focuses on:

Sustainability
Climate change adaptation
Environmental design
Social justice for cities

Current Role at AECOM

In her role at AECOM, Maria leads the Integrated Research Development and Innovation Initiative (ILAB), which aims to pioneer the future of Net Zero Carbon within the Buildings sector.1 Her responsibilities include:

Leading research and innovation initiatives across market sectors and practices
Executing strategic initiatives
Increasing learning, knowledge sharing, research, and venture activities

Previous Experience

Before joining AECOM, Maria held several notable positions:

Arup University Leader in the Americas: She managed day-to-day operations to enhance learning, knowledge sharing, research, and venture activities.1
Terreform ONE: She chairs the ONE Lab educational program, training the next generation of sustainability and design leaders.1
Academic Director at CIEE: Created programs in Architecture, Design, Sustainability, and Environment, launching them in various international locations.1

Awards and Recognition

Maria has received recognition for her work in the field:

Awarded "Woman of the Decade in Science and Design Leadership" at the Women Economic Forum in Cairo, Egypt in 2020.1
Named 2024 WOMAN OF THE YEAR by Wentworth Institute of Technology, one of her alma maters.5 6

Education

Maria holds a degree from Harvard University.1

Recent Activities

Served as a delegate at the Global Summit of Women in Madrid, representing AECOM and the AEC Industry.2
Visited Hong Kong for the first time, noting its architectural significance.3
Participated in AECOM's High Performance Design Academy.4

Maria Aiolova's career demonstrates a strong commitment to sustainability, innovation, and education in the fields of architecture and urban design.