Verdacity Principal Huang Banh has been honored as part of the Albuquerque Business First's 40 Under 40 Class of 2025.
His journey into architecture has been driven by a deep passion for education, leadership, and the intersection of sustainability and human health, and one that we wanted to share in his nomination for this award.
After earning his degree and gaining valuable experience, he became a LEED Accredited Professional in 2019, specializing in Building Design & Construction, a Guiding Principles Compliance Professional (GPCP), and a Green Globes Professional (GGP). In January 2025, Huang earned his license as an Architect from the New Mexico Board of Examiners for Architects.
As Principal, Huang is dedicated to not only creating sustainable, high-performance buildings but also enhancing the health and well-being of the individuals who interact with these spaces. Since 2016, he has led over 50 projects, each meeting various sustainability criteria, including the first community college building in New Mexico to achieve LEED v4 Gold certification at Santa Fe Community College, the first LEED v4 Gold Schools project in New Mexico for Albuquerque Public Schools, and a LEED v3 Platinum building for Central New Mexico Community College. His leadership is characterized by a commitment to health-conscious design practices, technical expertise, and mentoring the next generation of architects to prioritize both sustainability and occupant wellness.
Huang’s passion for education and mentorship has been central to his career. From 2016 to 2021, he shared his expertise on building design and representation through studio courses and lectures at the University of New Mexico and Central New Mexico Community College. He also served as a Faculty Licensing Advisor at the University of New Mexico in 2018, guiding students through the licensure process and helping them launch their architectural careers. This dedication to leadership within the profession continues to shape his work today.
When the COVID-19 pandemic underscored the critical importance of health in the built environment, Huang leveraged his knowledge to assist organizations with viral mitigation strategies, including implementing return-to-work safety protocols and designing healthier, more resilient workspaces. This expertise has made him a trusted resource in creating environments that support both physical and mental well-being.
In addition to his work and his leadership in the architectural community, he is deeply committed to the environment. He has been involved with the American Institute of Architects (AIA) New Mexico since 2020, serving on the Committee on the Environment and becoming its Chair in 2024. After completing the AIA Christopher Kelley Leadership Development Program in 2022, he was appointed co-chair for the New Mexico program for 2023-2024. Huang has also volunteered as a guest lecturer and critic at both UNM and CNM since 2016, championing the integration of wellness and sustainability into architectural education. Outside of his professional work, he actively participates in environmental stewardship efforts, including trail clean-up initiatives with other local architecture offices, where he often brings his eldest daughter to help foster a sense of community and environmental responsibility.
In 2024, his leadership was recognized when he was named Associate Member of the Year by the AIA New Mexico Chapter. Today, Huang continues to drive forward education and leadership at Verdacity, a woman-owned small business and Certified B Corporation, where he is committed to creating sustainable, health-focused, and equitable solutions that prioritize the well-being of communities.
Congratulations, Huang!