DIG Architecture's Heena Shah Named a 2026 NYREJ 'One to Watch'

NEW YORK, N.Y. [July 15, 2026] – DIG Architecture Project Architect Heena Shah has been featured among the New York Real Estate Journal's (NYREJ) 2026 “Ones to Watch: Rising Stars.” This annual spotlight recognizes standout, emerging professionals who are driving meaningful impact, innovation and project excellence across the commercial real estate and design sectors. 

Shah, who is based in DIG's Queens office, was recently featured in a special digital edition of the publication, which provided a detailed look at her impressive career trajectory, specialized portfolio and client-centric design philosophies. 

Digging Beneath the Surface: High-Density & Airport Portfolio 
Shah has built a reputation as a highly skilled architect with a portfolio focused on complex public and private sector assignments. She has extensive experience in transportation/airports and higher education, specializing in managing large-scale, high-density environments where she pushes through traditional design limitations to create functional, uplifting spaces. 

Her exceptional ability to shape opportunity is best illustrated by her work on the Inline Baggage Handling Project for United Airlines at Newark Liberty International Airport. Shah served as a vital leader on this transformative, three-story, 70,000-square-foot facility, which centralized critical baggage handling and TSA screening operations for Terminal C. Navigating a high-security, live airport environment required intense logistical coordination, meticulous attention to detail and absolute structural precision. 

Whether navigating strict municipal or city building codes or coordinating multi-layered project teams, Shah has distinguished herself through a deeply collaborative approach that aligns with DIG's foundational roots. The firm, which recently marked its 20th anniversary, has a long-standing reputation as a champion of community impact and teamwork.  

“Heena embodies a rare combination of qualities that are incredibly hard to find because they are instinctive, not necessarily learned,” said Steve Lewent, DIG principal, who has worked with Shah for nearly 16 years. “She fundamentally understands the complex interaction between the client, design team, governing authorities and contractors on major projects, yet she retains an uncanny ability to zero in on the most critical details and works tirelessly to resolve design challenges.” 

Lewent also noted that Shah's acute understanding of building codes consistently yields innovative solutions that protect the client's bottom line while elevating the final design. 

“Backed by a big-picture view, her project management skills keep the entire team focused, on schedule and completely unflappable under tight deadline pressures,” added Lewent. “She is truly a star in our estimation.” 

Shah's recognition also underscores DIG's ongoing commitment to cultivating next-generation talent and empowering emerging leaders. Over the last two decades, DIG has expanded its New Jersey-based roots to include a geographic focus across New York City and State, New Jersey and Greater Philadelphia. DIG now has dedicated offices in Queens; New Brunswick, NJ; and Philadelphia. 

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