Location: JFK International Airport, Queens, NY 11430
Year:
The HVAC design for The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is led by Michelle DeCarlo, Associate Partner at JB&B and Engineer of Record on the project. Phase A, encompassing 1.8 million sq.ft. and 14 international gates, is scheduled to open in 2026 and aspires to position New Terminal One among the top airport terminals worldwide.
From project inception, Michelle has led the HVAC design, guiding a multidisciplinary team and setting new standards for innovation, energy performance, and collaboration. Her leadership has been integral in shaping one of the largest infrastructure projects in the country and reflects the growing influence of women advancing aviation design.
Michelle’s vision has been instrumental in enhancing energy efficiency, reducing the footprint of mechanical equipment rooms and minimizing rooftop equipment to preserve architectural intent. She optimized the design by integrating radiant heating and cooling systems throughout the high bay spaces—an elegant, efficient response to the terminal’s expansive glass facades and clearstories. This approach, paired with displacement air towers serving occupied zones, eliminates the need for overhead ductwork, allowing the architecture to breathe while improving passenger comfort.
Additionally, she implemented a dedicated outdoor air system terminal unit design for all supporting offices, providing point-of-use ventilation and further boosting energy efficiency. Addressing waterside infrastructure, she led the adoption of an air-cooled chiller system, advancing the terminal’s commitment to electrified, low-carbon operations. As Engineer of Record, she presented these technical innovations directly to both the client and the Port Authority, gaining buy-in for strategies that position the project as a benchmark for resilient, sustainable aviation design.
Beyond the technical achievements, this project exemplifies the impact of women engineers leading at scale, shaping not only a world-class passenger experience but also an expanded, inclusive community in aviation—one that reflects the diverse world it serves.
