Komal Kotwal

Describe the work you do. What are some of your recent and current projects that excite you? What inspires you about the future of your chosen field?
’m a sustainability strategist, educator, and architect, and the Founder of EquiSustain, where I advise organizations on climate, sustainability, healthy buildings, and ESG strategy. I’m also the Co-Founder of Women in Sustainability Collective, a global community creating space for women working across sustainability, climate, design, and impact to connect, learn, and lead.

What excites me most is bringing sustainability out of the technical silo and into the heart of how organizations make decisions. I love connecting strategy, design, people, and impact—and helping turn ambitious ideas into meaningful action.

What are some recent milestones that excite you?

After nearly two decades working in sustainable design and strategy, I recently launched EquiSustain as an independent practice, bringing together strategic advisory, education, and mentorship. I’m also incredibly excited about the growth of Women in Sustainability Collective and the community we are building across cities and disciplines. Seeing women come together for honest conversations, peer connection, and leadership has been especially rewarding.

What inspires you about the future of your field?

I’m inspired by the shift from thinking about sustainability simply as reducing harm to thinking about how we create healthier, more equitable, and more resilient places and communities. The future of the field is increasingly interdisciplinary—and I believe the biggest opportunities will come from bringing together climate, design, technology, health, business, and human leadership. For me, sustainability has always been a team sport, and I’m excited about what becomes possible when more people have a seat at that table.

Why did you choose Taubman College for your education?
For its rankings and the fact that the M.Arch 2-year program offered a great balance of the design/theory and technical aspects of architecture.

How did Taubman College prepare you for your career? What experiences beyond the classroom (internships, research assistantships, teaching opportunities, or other external experiences) provided additional value?
Taubman allowed for a well-rounded academic experience; Taubman gives you the freedom to explore multiple avenues and thus does not narrow you down to a certain career path. It has been incredible to see how my fellow grads have had diverse career paths.

How has being part of the alumni community impacted you, personally and professionally?
It has allowed me to find U of M connections throughout the world!

What did you like best about attending Taubman College?
Being in Ann Arbor and in a community that brings together creative minds from all over the world – both, students and faculty!

What advice or important lesson would you share with someone considering Taubman College?
Look at Taubman College as an incredible platform to launch your career!